Page 99 of Stuck with my Pack
She steps onto the porch, her bare feet whispering against the wood, arms crossed over her chest as she takes us in. Ethan’s down in the orchard, rolling his sleeves up as he surveys the trees, planning his day. Tyler stretches lazily from his spot on the porch swing, already eyeing the section of railing that still needs a final coat of sealant.
And I’m here, sketchbook in hand, rough lines taking shape, an idea growing in the back of my mind.
A possible expansion.
More guest suites. A larger dining area. A secluded space just forus. It’s ambitious, but when has ambition ever stopped me?
Sophie exhales, something soft, almost reverent. “It’s perfect.”
I snap the sketchbook shut and set it aside, reaching for her hand and pulling her down into my lap before she can disappear into the next task. She lands with a surprised little noise, her warmth immediately seeping into me, settling something deep in my chest.
“Always more work to be done, sweetheart,” I murmur, my fingers slipping beneath the hem of her sweater, tracing the dip of her waist, “But sometimes an Alpha just needs a cuddle.”
Tyler snorts from the swing. “A cuddle, huh? Big bad Brodie finally admitting he likes to snuggle?”
Sophie’s laughter is light, bright, curling into my ribs like sunlight. “Took you long enough,” she teases, shifting in my lap so she can wrap her arms around my neck.
Ethan steps onto the porch, his gloves in one hand and pruning shears in the other. His sharp gaze sweeps over us all before he sits in the swing next to Tyler. “We’ve got a week before the wedding party gets here,” he says, ever the practical one. “I just finished the last of the trimming. Sophie, what’s left on your list?”
She sighs dramatically, sitting up straighter, though she doesn’t leave my lap—yet. “Where do I even start? The guest rooms are mostly ready, but I want to go over them again. The dining room needs a deep clean, the menu needs a last check, the gardens need a final once-over, and the gazebo still needs to be decorated.”
Tyler groans, tilting his head back. “You’re gonna have us hanging flower garlands again, aren’t you?”
“You have such a talent for it,” Sophie replies sweetly, and Ethan snorts.
I squeeze her waist, smirking. “You like bossing us around, don’t you?”
Her lips curl. “Of course. Someone has to keep you in line.”
Ethan nods, ever the serious one. “All right. I’ll handle the gardens and the last of the landscaping.”
“I’ll take the gazebo.” Tyler sighs, though there’s no real protest in his voice. “But I’m not doing the stupid bow things again. They were a nightmare.”
Sophie grins. “You weresogood at tying them, though.”
He groans but doesn’t argue further.
I glance toward the inn. “I’ll make sure the dining hall’s ready. And go over the structure one more time before guests arrive.”
Sophie hums, looking pleased, but before she can hop off my lap and start directing the next task, I tighten my grip, keeping her where she is.
“Oh no, you don’t,” I smirk, trailing my fingers up her back, pressing her against me. I take the opportunity to grind my already hard length against her softness. “I think I like this too much.”
She shifts in my arms, bouncing a little on my lap, her lips suddenly just a breath away from mine. “You do?”
I nod, slow and deliberate.
Her fingers brush my jaw, a featherlight touch that sends something electric through me. Then, without hesitation, she leans in, pressing her lips to mine in a deep, demanding kiss.
It’s aggressive, confident. I’mhers, and fuck, if it doesn’t go straight to my dick. My hands tighten on her hips, pulling her flush against me as she teases her tongue along my lower lip, her fingers tangling in my hair.
A low growl rumbles in my chest as I kiss her back, ready to deepen it, to let her feelexactlywhat she does to me?—
Then she’s gone.
She pulls back suddenly, hopping from my lap with a wicked grin. Her cheeks are flushed, and her breath is slightly uneven.
“Laundry won’t do itself,” she announces, completely ignoring the obvious problem she’s just left me with.
