Page 62 of Taken By the Pack

And I’m just?—

I press my palms against the railing, exhaling slowly.

It’s fucked. All of it.

Because my mind should be on Lena.

Lena, who I swore I’d never forget. Lena, who I’d have given everything for.

But it’s Grace I’m thinking about. Grace and her sharp tongue, her stubborn little chin, the way she looks at me like she sees something worth keeping.

Fuck.

I squeeze my eyes shut. I don’t know what the hell I want anymore.

But I’m starting to think it’s her.

18

ASH

The bell above the shop door jingles as I walk in.

Grace is behind the counter. She’s wearing a short denim skirt and an off-shoulder blouse, her dark curls spilling down her back.

The boots on her feet give her a little more height, but she’s still small enough that I could pick her up without breaking a sweat.

“Hey,” I say, leaning my elbows on the counter. “You eat yet?”

She shakes her head. “Not yet.”

I grin. “Can I take you out?”

Her lips press together, like she’s fighting a smile. “I have Alphas.”

I shrug. “It’s just lunch, baby girl.”

She blushes. Actually fucking blushes. “You’re trouble.”

I chuckle. “Only if you want me to be.”

She rolls her eyes but doesn’t say no.

We end up at a little diner by the water. The place is half-empty, the scent of coffee and fried bacon thick in the air. I order for both of us—pancakes, eggs, sausage, the works.

“You always eat this much?” she asks, raising a brow.

“Gotta keep my strength up,” I say.

She snorts but doesn’t argue, shifting the conversation to my move to Driftwood Cove.

We’re halfway through breakfast when she suddenly stiffens. Her fork clatters against her plate, and she pushes back from the table.

“Grace?”

She shakes her head. “I—I’ll be right back.”

She rushes to the bathroom, her steps quick, almost unsteady. I watch the door she disappeared through, a tight knot forming in my stomach.

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