Page 165 of Pack Plus One

“You’re exaggerating,” I protest, but warmth blooms in my chest at the words “your pack.”

“Am I though?” She holds up her phone, displaying what appears to be a waitlist for Sweet Omega’s second day of operation. “Three hundred people signed up to be notified when you restock. For pastries. In a city where you can’t throw a rock without hitting an artisanal croissant.”

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face. “It was a good day, wasn’t it?”

“It was a triumphant day,” Zoe corrects, thrusting the dress into my hands. “Now go get ready. Your four horsemen of the alphacalypse will be here in an hour, and I refuse to let you greet them looking anything less than devastating.”

“Three horsemen of the alphacalypse and one of the betacalypse,” I correct automatically, but I’m already heading toward the shower, dress clutched to my chest.

An hour later, I’m scrutinizing my reflection with critical eyes. The silk skims my curves exactly as advertised, the color making my skin glow and my eyes look more siren black than brown. I’ve applied more makeup than usual, including the fancy lipstick Zoe insisted I needed “for emergencies and hot dates.”

My hair falls in soft waves around my face, and for once, I actually look like I’ve made an effort rather than just rolled out of a flour explosion.

“Damn,” Zoe whispers from behind me. “If I weren’t strictly into betas with daddy issues, I’d be seriously reconsidering my life choices right now.”

“That’s... a compliment?”

“The highest form,” she assures me, adjusting a stray curl. “Those alphas won’t know what hit them.”

The doorbell rings, and my stomach does a nervous little flip. Which is ridiculous. I’ve seen these men covered in flour.I’ve watched Jude eat cookies for breakfast while wearing unicorn pajamas. I’ve seen Caleb with bedhead and morning grumpiness. I’ve witnessed Liam’s failed attempt at making foam art in coffee, resulting in what looked disturbingly like anatomical drawings rather than hearts.

There’s no reason to be nervous.

Yet when I open the door, my breath catches in my throat.

They stand in the hallway like something out of a magazine spread—all four dressed in complementary shades of charcoal and navy, their usual chaotic energy temporarily contained in tailored suits and crisp shirts. Even Jude looks polished, his strawberry-blond hair styled into artful waves instead of its usual “electrical socket” aesthetic.

When Caleb’s eyes meet mine, they darken visibly.

“You look...” he starts, then seems to lose his train of thought entirely.

“Edible,” Jude supplies helpfully, earning an elbow in the ribs from Liam.

“Beautiful,” Mason finishes, his steady gaze taking in every detail with obvious appreciation. “Absolutely beautiful.”

The heat in their collective gazes makes me fidget, smoothing nonexistent wrinkles from my dress. “You all clean up pretty well yourselves,” I manage, aiming for casual and missing by a mile.

“Understatement of the century,” Zoe mutters behind me, apparently having appointed herself commentator for the evening.

Caleb extends his hand, formal in a way that makes my heart stutter in my chest. “Ready?”

I nod, accepting his palm against mine, the warmth of his skin sending a jolt of awareness up my arm.

“Don’t wait up,” I tell Zoe as I step into the hallway.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” she calls after us. “Use protection! Or don’t, if you’re feeling adventurous!”

The door closes on her cackling laughter, leaving me alone with my pack in the suddenly too-small hallway.

“She’s... supportive,” Liam observes.

“That’s one word for it,” I agree, still hyperaware of Caleb’s hand in mine.

Mason steps forward, offering his arm with old-fashioned courtesy. “Shall we?”

The drive passes in a blur of warmth and anticipation. I find myself nestled between Caleb and Liam in the back seat of the SUV, with Jude and Mason up front, Jude providing running commentary on everything from passing pedestrians to the “suspiciously cheerful” weather.

“Where exactly are we going?” I ask as we leave the familiar streets of our neighborhood behind.

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