Page 13 of Love in Excess (Beta Accepted #9)

I catch his deviant smile in the mirror when I look up, my body flushing with heat. My cock responds accordingly, thickening slightly as I grip the counter to keep from making a noise.

“That only brushes the tip of what I’d like to do to you.”

I huff out a nervous laugh, eager to leave and yet curious about what Hunter has in mind.

I don’t know what to do with their enthusiasm.

Becoming part of a pack was never an exciting experience.

I thought it was something I had to do or something that enriches my future.

Never once did it occur to me that I was going to enjoy it.

Or maybe I had lost that dream when my first few partners threw me out like trash.

I manage an awkward smile before heading back into the main part of their house, searching for my dog so we can leave. Discomfort swirls around in my chest as my cock presses against the seam of my pants, the dried sweat from my run slowly starting to remind me what state I’m in.

I find Celeste sprawled on the floor, playfully rubbing Jasmine’s belly.

My dog’s in heaven, her tail thumping against the rug, both of them giggling in their own way.

Celeste sits up, her rose scent blooming as she grins at me.

She looks absolutely adorable with her hair piled on her head, big round frames resting on her nose.

“Are you staying for dinner and movie night?” The slight terror on her face earlier is long gone, the bright expression staring back at me reminiscent of the one from lunch.

Well, if that isn’t a 180… “What?”

Hunter’s laugh rumbles behind me and I turn to see him leaning against the doorway, his arms crossed over his chest. “Baby girl, did you call Lincoln knowing what night it was?”

She shakes her head, her scent betraying the innocent look on her face.

“Alpha, I would never do that. I called him because you were being stupid and it just so happens that it’s Thursday.

” Celeste adds a nod to the end of her sentence.

“Since you’re here, Lincoln, you can help Hunter cook, and I’m gonna find something to watch. ”

Celeste doesn’t let me respond, scrambling over to the TV with the remote.

Jasmine follows her and then plops back down, immediately asking for belly rubs.

I don’t even know what to say or do in this situation.

A home cooked meal sounds fantastic but am I interrupting or slotting myself in somewhere I wasn’t invited?

Hunter steps around me, waiting until I meet his gaze. “Hey, this is about you too. Too fast?”

Is it? It should be. I should be leaving and letting this day rest before we start again tomorrow. I shouldn’t be so eager for more. I should…

Hunter clears his throat, drawing my attention back to him.

It’s a little unnerving to have to look down at an Alpha rather than up but he doesn’t seem phased in the slightest. “Let’s try something else.

A color system. Red for too fast. Yellow for slow down.

Green for keep going. What’s your color, Doc? ”

That makes things infinitely easier. I won’t have to explain what’s going on in my head. I can do colors. I think. “Yellow, I guess?” It’s more question than answer, but it’s honest. I’m not running, but I’m not ready to dive in headfirst either.

Hunter nods, no judgment in his gaze. “Do you want to stay for dinner?”

I glance at Jasmine, sprawled out near Celeste, her tail still wagging. “Is Jasmine invited?” I ask, half-joking, half-serious. Jasmine is rarely ever invited on the first few dates and hardly ever to my partners’ houses. It’s why I never left my loft all these years.

“Is that what this is about? Jasmine’s more than welcome in my house, okay? And I think your puppy found a new best friend.” He glances at Celeste, who’s now flipping through channels, muttering about movie options. “Do you have any allergies or dislikes?”

I shake my head, my nerves settling a bit. “No, not really.”

“Good, because I’m about to make sure you get a good home cooked meal. Wash your hands, and I’m putting you to work.”

Hunter disappears into the backroom as I head for the kitchen, washing my hands and waiting for him to return.

When he comes back, he’s fully dressed in a t-shirt and sweats, the disappointment in my expression flashing for only a second.

He catches it though, a smirk playing on his lips as he starts pulling things out of the fridge.

“Do you always cook?” I ask, gesturing to Celeste. I’ve only known super traditional packs. The Omegas took care of the home. Alphas provided. Betas helped support.

Hunter laughs as he fills the kitchen island with ingredients.

“Every chance I get. Celeste is hopeless in the kitchen so it’s on me to keep us fed.

” Celeste glances over and he throws her a kiss that she playfully chomps on.

“However, she’s perfect at everything else.

” The love in his tone is unmistakable and it stirs something in me—envy, maybe, or longing.

I want that, to be part of this, to have someone talk about me the way he talks about her.