Page 94 of Taken By the Pack

Behind me, the others are sprawled out on the rocks, stretched beneath the sun like they belong here.

“You done with your nerd shit yet?” Jake calls out, lazy and teasing.

“Almost.” I cap the last vial and slide it into my pack.

He watches me. “Need more? I can bring you back tomorrow.”

That stops me.

It’s not a casual offer. He means it.

Something tightens in my chest.

Because no one’s ever given a fuck about my work like this. Not my family. Not anyone.

I clear my throat, forcing a smirk. “Nah. Got what I need.”

Jake nods easily.

Rowan stretches, rolling his shoulders. “Damn shame Grace can’t fuck right now,” he says, voice full of amusement. “Can you imagine getting railed with this view?”

Grace gasps, grabbing a pebble and chucking it at him. “Rowan!”

He laughs, a deep rumble. “What? Just saying.”

She shakes her head, but her lips twitch. “Cut it out, or you’re gonna make me go into heat.”

Rowan grins, all slow and knowing. “Now that would be interesting.”

Grace makes a strangled noise. “You are the worst.” Then, suddenly, she brightens. “You know what? If we can’t fuck, we can at least swim.”

Jake arches a brow. “You sure?”

She throws her hands up. “Yes! God, you’re all so overprotective. It’s just water.”

And then she’s stripping.

The hoodie goes first. Then the shorts.

Fuck.

Red lace.

Tiny, delicate. A bra that barely covers her. A thong that disappears between her ass cheeks.

My cock twitches in my boxers.

Rowan exhales sharply. Jake mutters something.

Grace smirks, hands on her hips. “What? Y’all act like you’ve never seen me half-naked.”

Jake drags a hand down his face. “Not the point.”

Rowan’s already pulling his shirt over his head. “If we’re doing this, let’s do it.”

I shake off the shock, stripping down to my boxer briefs. The water’s cool as I step in, but it feels good. It’s the kind of cold that wakes you up.

Grace floats on her back, eyes closed, hair fanning out. “See?” She splashes Jake. “Nothing to worry about.”

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