Page 45 of Truth or Pack

"As if you ever looked like that. You're adorable, always," Ash stated as he crawled on the bed towards me to kiss me on the nose.

"You guys just have to say that since we are mates.” I wasn’t sure why my default was to argue, but here we were.

"We wouldn’t lie to you," Holt promised.

"Good to know, but it doesn’t change my need for you to get out of here," I said with a shooing motion.

Holt stared me down, as if he couldn’t quite walk away yet. Finally, he let out a breath and relaxed, though it looked like it didn’t come easy. This alpha’s default setting was grumpy.

"I'm going to get breakfast started," Holt said before ushering the other two out.

Ash stopped in the doorway, looking back at me with a serious look.

“Don’t talk down about my omega. She’s perfect.”

It didn't take me long to get ready. It wasn’t like I had a ton of options, my wardrobe was lacking since I packed fast to get out here and only planned to stay for a few nights.

After some back and forth, I settled on a Queen tee and blue jeans. For my hair I did a high ponytail and just a swipe of mascara and lipgloss and I was ready.

I was grateful that my viewers didn't want a high maintenance me, just real me.

When I headed down the stairs, eggs and bacon welcomed me. My stomach growled like I hadn’t eaten in days. Damn Holt and his cooking.

But I needed to make this video first before I chickened out. I walked through the living room and into the kitchen to an ‘all hands on deck’ situation. They were creating a full-on feast.

Now, I wished I’d just walked straight outside instead of checking in first.

“You’re not going to eat first?" Holt asked, glancing up from the eggs he was scrambling to see me holding my tripod.

"This video will just take a few minutes and I'll be back in," I promised before adding, "and just a warning. If any of you come outside, I will feature you on my page as you drool in your sleep."

"You wouldn't dare!" Ash stated with a dramatic hand to his forehead.

"Yes, and I'll wait until that little snore you do, starts," I smirked.

"I do not snore," he gasped, serious this time.

I shrugged, not giving anything away.

"It's up to you if you want to risk it," I shrugged before sliding on my shoes and heading out to the lakefront, the sound of his protests making me grin as I skipped away.

Maybe putting my tripod on the lake was a bad plan, but the view was gorgeous and I couldn't resist featuring it.

I paused as I stepped onto the wood of the dock, taking in the view that was now technically mine. The fact that I’d get to have one of my favorite places but didn’t have to have every experience here tainted by my parents was refreshing.

It wasn’t until they showed up at my door that I realized they didn’t really love me, or even care about me. My mother knew my issues in school and ignored them. Money and status were more important and I was more than ready to cut contact the moment the deed was in our names.

With a sigh, I found the widest part of the dock and set up my tripod. It teetered enough with the swaying structure that I moved back to the shore, finding a spot with a big tree to lean against, lowering my tripod into place.

I always felt silly as I talked to my phone. It was a damn good thing that most of my videos were packing the mystery books. I rarely had to show myself, just my hands or even just the props.

Once everything was secure, I took a seat and made sure I had a good angle. You could see the water over my shoulder.

Yes, this was the spot, even if my butt was getting damp from the wet earth.

Finally, I hit the record button and just started talking before I could second-guess myself.

"Hey, Mysterydaters. It's your girl, Taryn here, and I just wanted to give you all a quick update. I am still on vacation for now. I came out to this beautiful lake that you see behind me just for a bit to recharge. You guys and all your orders have me busy and I can't express how grateful I am for each and every one of you. And… I also have a few announcements. First, I'll be back to work next week."

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