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“That’s a lot of layers.” I grab a black pair of leggings and a fleece turtleneck and tuck them under my arm along with the thermal underwear.

“Well, I’ve gotta make sure you don’t catch hypothermia, unlike the last time you went outside.”

I wince at the memory of the numbing cold of the train car.

“Hey,” Chase says, taking a step closer to me and tucking me into his chest. His chin rests on the top of my head as he wraps his arms around me. “You don’t have to worry about being cold ever again. I promise.”

“Thank—thank you.”

The sentiment is so simple, but my chest still squeezes. I’ve spent so much of my life cold. It wasn’t just the freezing basement I was kept in during my heats, but the people in my life who were supposed to be warm.

I can’t help but think he’s talking about more than the actual temperature.

I hope he’s talking about the pack’s warm presence in my life.

“Of course, no need to thank me,” Chase says.

He grabs me a pair of thick wool socks and gloves, along with a pair of snow boots from the collection of shoes I have on one of the shelves.

“I’ll let you get dressed,” Chase says, laying out all the clothes he has in his arms at the foot of my bed. With a smile and a wink, he closes the door behind him as he leaves. “See you soon.”

I’m quick to slip on all the layers of clothes. I don’t think I’ve ever worn this much clothing in my entire life.

I stuff the gloves in my jacket pocket and carry my snow boots in my hand as I leave my room. Even though they’re completely brand new, I don’t want to get in the habit of wearing shoes on the stunning carpet of this room.

In the hallway, Chase and Madden are clad in their own all-black winter gear. Their faces light up when they see me.

“You look so cute all bundled up!” Chase says.

“You do look wonderful,” Madden says softly as I near him.

A blush covers my cheeks that has nothing to do with me slightly overheating in these clothes indoors.

“Thank you,” I say, shuffling from side to side.

“Here, let me carry those for you,” Madden says, reaching for my boots. “Are you ready?”

“Yeah!”

They lead me down to the garage where we sit down on the steps and lace up our boots. By the time both of them are done with theirs and standing, I’m still struggling with my first one.

“Here,” Madden says. “Let me help you.”

“I’m sorry,” I say, embarrassed as he kneels in front of me and easily starts lacing them up.

“No need to apologize, Angel.”

“I—I’ve never had shoes like this before.”

“Ah, yeah, new boots can be hard to break in.”

He pats my leg and stands, extending a hand to me once he’s done.

“Thank you,” I say, as he pulls me up to my feet.

“Do they feel okay? Not too tight?”

“No, not at all.”