Page 142 of Gigi and the Gym Rats

“No pact is needed,” I say. “But I’m happy we made it.”

And as Zayne kisses the top of my head, you can bet I mean it.

40

GIGI

“Love the bondmarks,” Sawyer says and I lift a hand a little self-consciously to the bite marks on my neck. It’s been a week since the marking and they’re healing nicely.

“Thanks.”

“And nice digs.” He props his ass against the kitchen island, casting our kitchen appreciative looks. “Very modern.”

“You’ll have to compliment Zayne on his good taste.” I walk over to Casey who is stirring a pot of soup on the stove. “In digs and people.”

Casey hums, a smile teasing his lips.

We’re finally having the St. Laurent pack and Sawyer over for dinner, as you can tell. Sawyer has been helping us carry the platters of food to the dining room. This time Grey and Zayne cooked, and I helped.

It’s true, all right? I peeled potatoes and carrots and cut up the tomatoes. It totally counts. I’m a useful member of this pack, and I will insist on it even though my mates keep telling me knowing how to cook doesn’t matter. It’s the principle of it. The principle of being involved, and helpful.

“Love the veined marble used on the island,” Jae, the male omega of the St. Laurent pack says, running a slim hand over it. “We used similar marble on ours.”

“Do you like cooking?” Casey shoots Sawyer a look over his shoulder. He’s been kind of people-shy tonight. Or maybe he’s generally shy. Or alpha-shy. Come to think of it, he did his best to stay away from Zach, Zayne’s son, the other night, too.

Sawyer makes a face. “I’m not a huge fan of cooking. I make passable coffee and I like baking, but actual nutritional food? Nope.”

“I knew I liked you for a reason,” I say, coming to stand beside him.

“That’s the only reason you like me?” Sawyer chuckles. “Because I can’t make healthy food?”

“I like that you’re like me. TheI’m-not-a-good-cook-but-I’m-lovablesort. And I also love that you like books and that you made a book café.” I beam at him. “And you are an awesome friend all around.”

His cheeks flush. “Aw, thank you, girl. Right back at you.”

“Hey, Sawyer.” James St. Laurent, the massive top alpha of the eponymous pack, enters the kitchen and slings an arm over Sawyer’s shoulders. “What’s up?”

“He’s being nice to you because he wants cake,” Bee says, walking into the kitchen together with Kaden, their pack’s punky beta. “Literally.”

“You wound me,” James says. “Don’t listen to her, Sawyer. I can want your cake and your friendship at the same time, right?”

Sawyer is laughing now. “Sure.”

“I want to try this famous cake,” Grey says, coming to take my hand and squeeze it. “I hear it makes the angels cry.”

“That’s why it’s called the Fall,” James says, nodding.

“It’s actually called Angelic,” Sawyer says, making a face.

“Details.” James shrugs. “It’s fabulous, whatever it’s called.”

“I just said it’s called Angelic,” Sawyer says, laughing, “you big oaf.”

“He loves me.” James beams at us. “Calling someone names is a sign of affection, right?”

“What’s the hold-up with the food?” Nate, the St. Laurent pack’s other alpha, strides into the room. “I hope it’s not that idiot, James, creating obstacles. Oh, there you are.” He winks. “You sexy idiot.”

“See?” James ruffles Sawyer’s hair and pushes off the island. “Calling someone names equalslurv.”

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