Page 21 of Pack Me Up

Instead, I text the number Fox gave me.

Thanks for tonight. I’m not sure I’m ready for a pack, but you made it less scary.

The reply comes fast.

You don’t have to be ready. You just have to let us show you how good it will be.

I look out the window again. The twins have traded places. I wonder if they’re bored, or if this is the only way they know how to be.

I turn off the phone, roll onto my side, and let the new feeling settle in.

For the first time in forever, I want to see what happens next.

Brittney

OMEGA BUZZ GOSSIP COLUMN

OPENERS ANNOUNCED FOR MENDED HART TOUR: BRITTNEY RYAN AND TOMMY TURNER

April 14th

Iroll out of bed to the sound of knocking. The sun is shining, but I could have slept for at least another hour. Three rapid raps that are spaced perfectly like a code, or the start of a song. My heart gives one giant, terrified leap. For a second, I don’t move, as if by refusing to exist I can outlast whatever waits on the other side.

Logic wins out. Nobody but the Phoenix Pack knows where I live, except for Tommy, Riley, and Oli.

If it’s one of my new bodyguards, I’ll have to pretend I’m not totally off-balance from dinner and the way their eyes kept finding me in the restaurant. If it’s a stranger, well, my phone is already in my pocket, thumb hovering over Saint’s contact.

I tiptoe to the door, spine pressed against the wall, and peek through the peephole.

I see Tommy, in all his glory, practically vibrating on my doormat. But it’s not just Tommy. He’s boxed in by Colton and Cody, the twins’ black hair slicked identically and their matching green eyes locked on the hallway with tactical precision.

Tommy spots the movement behind the peephole and waves, nearly smacking Cody in the face. Colton catches the hand midair, folds it down gently, and gives me a crooked smile.

I have to take a breath before unlocking the door. When it swings open, Tommy’s already talking. “Finally!”

He beams, then leans in and drops his voice to say, “Dude, your security is bananas.”

Cody’s hand stays planted on Tommy’s shoulder, keeping him perfectly in place. Colton leans on the door frame, casual as a cat, but his eyes are sharp and predatory. I can feel the tension radiating off both of them, a push-pull that makes the hallway almost hum.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

Tommy rocks back on his heels. “Oli said you had big news. And I was like, if Britt’s got big news, I’m not gonna wait for a phone call.” He beams, unrepentant. “I live for drama. Don’t leave me hanging.”

Colton butts in, voice lazy but edged. “We weren’t sure if you wanted visitors.” His eyes flick to mine, then linger on my collarbone, then back. “We brought him up for you. If you’d rather-”

“I’m not a pizza, you can’t just return me to sender,” Tommy chirps, rolling his eyes. “C’mon, let me in! I’ll be good, I promise.”

Cody’s grip tightens on his shoulder, like he could hoist Tommy into the air if he needed to. “If she says yes,” he says, voice low, “then you can come in. Otherwise, you’re going back downstairs with us.”

It takes me a second to realize what’s happening. The twins aren’t joking. There’s a real, territorial edge to it.

I laugh. I can’t help it. The sound breaks through the tension, a high, clear note that surprises even me.

“It’s fine, guys,” I say, stepping back so the light falls on my face. “Tommy’s my best friend. If you want to body-slam anyone, pick someone who isn’t a golden retriever.”

Tommy grins, triumphant. “Told you! She’s not afraid of me.” He wrenches free of Cody’s grip and barrels through the doorway, immediately making himself at home. He spins once in the entry, then flops onto the couch, limbs everywhere.

Colton’s jaw ticks, like he wants to object, but Cody’s already put a hand on his chest and shakes his head. They hang back just inside the door, both of them standing shoulder to shoulder.