Page 35 of A Pack of Cozy

Cali considers this.

"Not that we'd pressure you into anything." I'm quick to add. She seemed happy with the idea with Seth. He'd been over the moon when he'd told us about their date. But maybe she just didn't want to upset him.

Her big, expressive eyes lock onto mine, sparkling with hope. "I've always dreamed of being part of a big, loving family and having a few kids, maybe three to five. There was a time when I thought it was just a fantasy, something I'd never experience, especially thinking I'd have to follow in my parents' footsteps. Nick only wanted one kid, which felt limiting. But I can finally believe in that dream again with you guys."

My heart swells at her words. We drift off to sleep with me still fully buried inside of her.

Calliope

SinceConnor'sdateafew days ago, I've spent every night at the guys' house after work. Connor makes dinner, and we cozy up around the table to discuss our day. I love hearing about their various Cafés and everything going on with them. I had no idea that one of the guys drove to every café once every two days. They each take turns to make it fair. There are five in total from Lakeside Point all the way around to Petoskey.

When I talk about what's happening at the Library, the guys always respond with questions. They seem genuinely interested.

I take turns staying in each of their rooms. Connor's room is more basic, with gray walls and minimalist decor. In contrast, Seth's room features a full computer station and various humorous art pieces, including dogs in famous paintings and stormtroopers marching across the moon.

Tonight, we're all sitting around the dining room table eating dinner, and the guys begin to talk about something that has my heart thundering in my chest.

"Listen, I'm telling you there's something wrong with that guy. I understand that Molick is the love interest, but I think he's pretty toxic," Bax says. Molick is the love interest in the first book of a fantasy series by Ali Williams. The same book that Bax gifted me as a courting present. My mouth practically drops open. It falls even wider when Seth and Connor join in.

"And what's with that other guy? The 'villain' has serious vibes," says Seth.

"I'm still hung up on the fact that this self-described skinny and weak omega supposedly hunted for food on her own. Not that omegas can't hunt! They can. But with no instruction and no training? Come on!" Connor adds.

"You… you read my books?" I ask. The all look at me.

They aren't my books, obviously. I didn't write them. But after living in that world for so long, it feels like they're intrinsically mine on a soul level. Seth can't keep the big grin off his face as usual. Connor ducks his head but smiles, and Bax smirks. Then I remember.

"The notes!" I practically yell. I remember seeing Bax taking notes at the book fair. When I'd asked him what he was doing, he'd evade the question. "Did you take notes about my reading?"

"That, and I looked at your reading history on Omegareads. I saw that you'd reread this series when you don't usually reread, and you picked out some of the merchandise related to the series at the book fair. We figured this was a good place to start." Bax side-eyes the guys.

"A place to start?" I echo. What did that mean?

"Reading's a big part of your life, Precious. Bax has always been a big reader, but it's not like I can't read. I want to know what you like, and these books help that. Plus, some of these books have some really interesting ideas." Seth waggles his eyes suggestively, and I laugh.

"Honestly, Baby, I don't usually read," Connor says. "This might be my first real try since high school, but I like these. I think you may make a reader of me."

I stare around at them, beaming like an idiot.

"You guys are serious?" I'm a little breathless.

"Very." Bax's rumbling voice assures me.

"Where are you in the books?" I ask.

"Bax is a speed reader, so he's halfway through the second book. Seth and I are near the end of the first," Connor says. Bax shrugs and winks at me.

This sparks a lively conversation among the four of us. I'm careful not to reveal any spoilers. Still, listening to their theories, predictions, and insights about the characters is enjoyable. They're surprised to learn that there are three additional spin-off series, totaling more than twenty-two books.

"I'm gonna have to get an audiobook membership," is Seth's only comment.

When dinner is over, we decide to go to bed. The guys go to work at five in the morning, and I've started waking up with them and keeping their hours. It's nice. I have a lot of time in the morning to slowly wake up instead of rushing around. But the transition hasn't been seamless. I've lost some sleep, and I keep yawning. I apologize, but the guys aren't bothered.

"Who gets you tonight, Precious?" Seth asks, a hopeful gleam in his eye. It's all a tease. I was in his bed two nights ago.

I glance at them all, a warm smile playing on my lips. After our conversation in the kitchen, something's shifted within me. My feelings have transformed from quiet, cautious hope to a blossoming sense of certainty. The uncertainty was replaced by a newfound confidence. Reading a few books felt like a small step, yet it revealed a level of care and a deeper understanding of my needs than anyone had ever shown.

When the pack began courting me, they'd spoken of wanting me to stay in their nest, a notion that filled me with warmth and possibility. I wonder if the invitation still stands. With a flutter of anticipation in my chest, I realize there's only one way to find out.

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