Page 72 of Pack Down Bad

“This bestselling romance author was high on the charts before, but Belle, who writes as pseudonym Paige O’Hara, has recently seen a big boost after going viral across social media.” Grace turns her smile to me, her eyes crinkling at the corners with reassuring warmth. “People seem to be pretty obsessed with the story of a romance author who found her happily ever after. How does it feel to have so many people showing their support for your pack?”

I smile, settling deeper in my chair. This interview may be live-streamed, but in a way, all the interviews always feel like they’re really forthem. The alphas I want to show my appreciation to at every turn. Bragging about them has become second-nature.

“Rhys, Knox, and Percy... they’re not just my pack alphas. They’re the sunshine after a snowstorm. The beauty when the world feels a little dark. A safe place to cuddle up when I need to be reminded how it feels to beloved right. They’re my heart and my home, so it feels incredible to be able to show other people what love like that looks like. And that’s why I dedicated this book to them. Because in a way, I think writing romance was preparing me for them all along. So that I would recognize the real deal when it came along.”

I glance up briefly to meet the pleased expression of my alphas. They never get tired of hearing me say such sweet things.

The interview with Grace lasts for a few more minutes before she wraps up with a quick spiel to her viewers about how they can order my new book.

As soon as the camera is off, a few members of the crew leap into action to start packing up and hauling the equipment out.

“Thank you so much for letting us interview you in your home. You’ve all been a real delight to talk to.” Grace takes my hand in both of hers to shake enthusiastically. “I loved the book, so I can’t wait to see what you do next. Maybe there will be another interview together in our future.”

“I hope so,” I tell her in earnest. She’s the kindest interviewer I’ve worked with so far, going out of her way to include the guys during prep and to keep things positive and light.

One of the first interviewers I sat down with decided to pop in a surprise question about the loss of my mom. That was... hard. The guys nearly stormed in to rescue me from that interview before I composed myself and managed to muster up a message focused on how my mom’slifetaught me how to love.

That’s the part I stay focused on these days. Loving her, not losing her.

And after visiting recently to meet my mates, I think my dads are finally on the path to learning to do the same. They just needed to be reminded that in some ways, my mom has lived on.

There aren’t many things in life better than being loved right.

I excuse myself from Grace and make my way toward the kitchen. There’s a spread on the island that Rhys graciously provided for us and the crew. There are pitchers of fresh lemonade and platters of handmade snacks, but the only thing that seems to have been touched is the fresh fruit Percy added at the last second. The food is mostly untouched.

Probably because Percy and I worked diligently to spread the word to the crew members that they should avoid anything homemade at all costs.

Only we must have missed someone while making the rounds because I watch in horror as the main cameraman pops a chunk of blueberry muffin in his mouth.

He makes a retching sound instantly and darts to the sink to spit the bite out.

“What’sin this?” he asks when he can catch his breath again.

My eyes grow wide as Percy rushes in to try to diffuse the situation, but Rhys has already noticed the reaction. His expression is heartbroken.

Knox rushes in and wraps an arm around Rhys. I hurry to join them, hoping we can sweep this under the rug.

“Clearly that man is an idiot with no taste buds,” our grumpy alpha announces loudly enough to be heard by the poor camera guy who is now headed for the door but still well within hearing range.

“Exactly,” I agree readily. “Not everyone can appreciate food with fine dining quality. It’shim, not you.”

Rhys nods along, the logic making total sense to him. “You’re right. I’m sure these folks are used to being fed table scraps and bland breakfasts that pale in comparison to the cooking of a Michelin-worthy chef. They don’tknowany better.”

I exhale in relief that Rhys’s delusions can live on another day.

With Rhys reassured, Percy steps away to usher out the last of our guests.

It’s just us now, me and the pack.

“Fame looks pretty good on you,” a sassy voice commends me.

Oh, right, and Mia.

I turn toward the sound of her voice near the entrance of the hallway. She wandered off on her own for so long that I forgot she was even here. I think she said she needed to take a call or something, but I can’t remember after all of the chaos of getting ready for my interview.

Mia strolls in and picks up my abandoned coffee mug from the table, helping herself to a sip that makes her close her eyes in bliss for a split second.

“Your coffee skills are unbelievable,” she tells Percy as he returns to us.

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