Page 123 of Daisy

Even with everyone bursting through the door.

That's the first time I've heard one of my alphas bark. Gunner's voice had been raw, protective, commanding them to get out. I'd felt that bark in my bones the way I used to feel my uncle's—but this time it wasn't meant to hurt me. It was meant to protect me.

I had no idea that Gunner was bonded to Hawk. They'd never mentioned a pack bond. Poor Hawk, feeling Gunner's emotionsfrom miles away, and thinking something terrible had happened to me. If I'd known, I would have told them all what I was planning. I felt bad about that, but also... happy. Happy I was bonded to Gunner. Happy they cared enough to be scared for me when they smelled satisfaction instead of fear.

Eight years of keeping that bond shut down, and one morning with me blew through their walls. After the shock wore off, they were so sweet about it. Happy for us both, even if things happened that weren't planned. They left us alone all afternoon and night, and Gunner helped me through my pre-heat symptoms.

Which is still weird to think about. Me. Taking what I want. Six months ago I didn't even know what want felt like.

Gunner shifts beside me. Tightens his arms around me as he starts to wake up. His scent wraps around me like a security blanket. Sweet, earthy wild fig mingles with woody sandalwood.

"Morning," he mumbles against my hair. Voice rough with sleep.

"Morning." I turn in his arms to face him. Study his features in the soft morning light. The stubble on his jaw. The way his sandy hair sticks up at odd angles. "Sleep okay?"

"Best sleep of my life." His green eyes are soft as they search my face. "You? Any regrets?"

"None." I press a kiss to his jaw, right where his stubble is starting to come in. Taste salt and warmth and something that's purely him. "Absolutely none."

Relief floods through our bond. I realize he's actually worried about that. Like I might wake up and change my mind about him.

About us.

"Hey." I touch his face gently. "I meant what I said yesterday. I wanted this. I wanted you. That hasn't changed."

His smile could light up the whole cabin. "Good. Because I love you, Daisy. More than I ever thought possible."

"I love you too."

The words feel different now. Deeper. Like they mean more when there's a bond between us carrying all the feelings underneath.

We stay curled together for a few more minutes. Just enjoying the quiet. Through the walls, I can hear movement in the kitchen. Soft voices. The others letting us have this moment but still taking care of everything else.

Taking care of us.

"Should probably get up," Gunner says eventually. "Let them know we're alive."

"Probably." But I don't want to leave this bubble where it's just us and this bond humming between us.

"Come on." He presses a kiss to my forehead. Lingers there for a moment, breathing me in. "I smell coffee. And knowing August, he probably made you that tea you like."

Tea. My stomach rumbles at the mention of it. When did I last eat? Yesterday feels like a blur of emotions and intensity and the best sex of my life.

We get dressed slowly. Me in one of Gunner's flannels and my sleep shorts. Him in jeans and a fresh t-shirt.

Everything feels natural now. Easy.

Like we've been doing this for years instead of one day.

When we emerge from the bedroom hand in hand, the conversation in the kitchen stops for exactly two seconds. Then Hawk grins.

"Look who's finally up," he says. Not even trying to hide his amusement. "Sleep well?"

Heat creeps up my neck, but there's something else too. The moment I step into the kitchen, surrounded by all their scents, my body reacts. A flutter low in my belly. I breathe them indeeply. And when they catch my scent shift, their nostrils flare, their eyes go dark.

"Yes, thank you," I manage, suddenly very aware of how warm the room feels. How their eyes are tracking my every movement.

"Good," August says, but his voice sounds rougher than usual as he moves to pour hot water over a tea bag. "Because you've got perfect timing. Breakfast is almost ready."