48. Lakelyn
CHAPTER 48
Lakelyn
The leather of Dean’s back seat feels soft and familiar, wrapping around me in a gentle embrace, even though I’ve never been in his car. The mingled scents of the three of them—Dean, Mason, and Chad—settle over me like a shield, a balm to my soul, though a faint tang of fear lingers in the air. We’re safe now.
I reach out for him, and he doesn’t hesitate. He slides closer, his arms coming around me, pulling me against his chest. That’s when the trembling starts. It rushes through me in waves, the reality crashing in and hitting hard. What just happened. What could have happened. My breath hitches, and my grip on Chad tightens as the fear I’ve been holding back finally unravels.
Chad holds me tightly, his hand moving in soothing circles along my back. He leans in close, his voice a warm murmur. “Hey, it’s okay,” he says, the words barely making sense but carrying all the reassurance I need. “We’re here. We’re safe. It’s over.”
His breath tickles my ear as he keeps talking, just a steady stream of nonsense meant to calm me. “You know, I’ve heard that leather seats are supposed to make you feel like royalty. Or maybe that’s just something I made up. Either way, you should consider this your throne for right now.” He pauses, his lips quirking into a half-smile. “And if anyone dares to challenge your rule, they’ll have to face all three of us.”
I let out a shaky laugh, burying my face against his shoulder. His voice keeps going, each word drawing me back from the edge of the fear still clawing at me. “And did I ever mention,” he continues, “that you smell like sunshine? If sunshine had a scent, I’m pretty sure it would be yours. And sunshine always wins, you know? No storm can touch it for long.”
It’s ridiculous, but that’s the point. The absurdity wraps around me, grounding me, and the trembling slowly begins to ease.
I sink further into Chad's warmth, pressing my face into his chest as I cling to the safety he radiates. His hand never stops its soothing movement along my back, and his words turn into a soft hum, the vibration comforting me more than anything else.
The car slows to a stop, the gravel crunching beneath the tires in front of the house Chad rented. I feel the vehicle shudder as it turns off, but I don’t move, not yet. I’m not ready to face the world outside of this small, protective space.
The car door opens, and a rush of cool air sweeps in. Dean is there, his presence strong and solid. He reaches in, gently nudging Chad to let me go. “We’ve got you, Lakelyn,” he says, his voice tender, like I’m something precious.
I feel myself being lifted, and Dean cradles me effortlessly, holding me close to his chest. His arms are strong, but there’s a softness in the way he carries me like he’s afraid I might shatter if he isn’t careful. Chad follows close behind, his hand brushing my arm as Dean carries me inside. And Mason is right next to us. Together, they envelop me in a shield of safety, their presence a reminder that I’m not alone. I’m surrounded by a pack that treasures me—more than I ever thought I deserved.
“How are you handling this so well?” I ask, peeking over Dean’s shoulder at Chad.
Chad gives a flippant shrug, his lips quirking into a grin. “I’m used to people being obsessed with me,” he says, his tone light and teasing, trying to chip away at the lingering fear coiled inside me.
A small laugh escapes before I can stop it, a smile breaking through the tension. Mason chimes in, his voice warm and playful. “Well, you are irresistible, Pretty Boy,” he agrees, a smirk tugging at his mouth.
“I knew I had your attention from the start, Alpha.” Chad winks, and for the first time in what feels like forever, the anxiety loosens its grip just a bit more. “Why do you think I taunted you so much?”
Dean raises an eyebrow as he sets me gently on the couch, his gaze shifting to Chad with a knowing glint. “Always playing your games, aren’t you?” he teases, though there’s an undertone of appreciation in his voice.
Chad tilts his head, his dark eyes sparkling with mischief. “Games are only worth playing if you’re in it for keeps,” he retorts, the playful edge giving way to something more sincere.
Mason chuckles, dropping down beside me and reaching out to touch Chad’s shoulder. “Good thing we all seem to be in the same game then,” he says, the smirk softening into a genuine smile.
Chad’s expression shifts, something tender slipping past his usual bravado as he looks between the three of us. “Yeah,” he murmurs, his words lingering in the air. “Good thing.”
For two days, we hide away from the world, not counting the time lost to the haze of heat. I’ll be lucky if my job is still waiting for me after all this, though Chad doesn’t seem the least bit concerned. He keeps insisting that he has more money than he’ll ever know what to do with and that he’s happy to support me.
I snort at the thought as I make my way toward the diner. Lucy has always loved me, and I’m sure she’ll give me another chance once she hears the whole story. At least, I hope so.
Mason left earlier today to check in at the animal shelter before heading over to the shop to get some work done. Meanwhile, Dean and Chad went to the country club. It all feels so... normal. This is what life will be like from now on. We’ve already started talking about moving my things from the apartment to the house, and Mason had been staying with his sister, which, honestly, isn’t ideal. And Dean’s willing to do whatever we all decide. We’ve spent the last few nights in the nest, curled up together, wrapped in warmth and safety. Honestly, I’d still like to be in the nest in one of their arms instead of heading to the diner.
Comfort. Love. Happiness. All of those things feel so effortless now, even after everything—especially after the kidnapping. Becoming a pack has been more natural than I ever imagined.
I’m lost in my thoughts when fingers wrap around my bicep, halting me in my tracks. My heart leaps, and I nearly scream before my gaze snaps up to Landon.
“Shit, you scared the crap out of me.”
He chuckles, but there’s an edge to it. “If you were more aware of your surroundings, you would’ve heard me calling for you.” His eyes narrow slightly as he adds, “Where have you been? I thought you’d been kidnapped.”
I clear my throat, awkwardly smoothing my neckline, making sure it hides my marks. How do I even explain this? I don’t hide things from my twin, but how do you casually drop I’m part of a pack now—with your best friend and one of his friends into a conversation? Definitely not something to unpack on Main Street. Especially with our history of him warning me away from Mason.
“There’s something different about you,” he says, his voice softer now, almost too casual. He leans in slightly, his nostrils flaring as he inhales deeply.
I freeze. Can he smell them on me?
Landon straightens, his eyes widening as understanding dawns. “Holy shit. You presented.”
I shrug, unable to meet his gaze. A little relief spreads through me at the fact he was only smelling my stronger perfume. “Yeah, uh, Chad—he, uh, went into heat, and it triggered me.”
His brow furrows slightly, his expression unreadable. “Huh.”
My stomach churns. That huh isn’t the kind of dismissive response I’d expect from him. His gaze flicks down to my neckline for a split second before darting back up, and for a moment, I’m convinced he knows.
“We’re scent matches,” I blurt out, trying to keep my tone light.
“Scent matches,” he repeats, his voice neutral.
Oh, God, he knows.
I nod, forcing a smile. “It’s not that big of a deal. Happens to lots of people.”
He tilts his head, studying me in that way only a twin can, like he’s reading every thought I’m trying to bury. But instead of pressing further, he smiles faintly. “You always were the romantic one.”
Relief floods through me, though a small part of me wonders if he’s letting this go too easily.
He rakes a hand through his hair, a sly grin forming. “I always knew you’d settle down before me.”
A laugh escapes me, though it’s tinged with nerves. “That might be because you’re very free with your affections.”
“Maybe.” He shrugs, his grin widening. “How am I supposed to know if I’ve met the one?”
“Or many,” I tease, testing the waters.
“Yeah, maybe.” He nods, but his tone carries something I can’t quite place.
Then his expression softens, and he steps closer. “But seriously, Lake… are you happy?” His teasing edge disappears, replaced by a flicker of concern.
I smile, this time genuinely. “Yeah, I am. Happier than I thought I could be.”
He holds my gaze a beat too long, then nods. “Good.”
I glance at the time, needing to shift the focus. “Look, I really have to get to the diner. Lucy’s probably ready to kill me for disappearing for days.”
“Alright,” he says, but his voice carries a subtle weight like he’s letting me off the hook. “But you owe me details later. Over a drink?”
“Deal,” I say, already backing away, eager to escape the lingering tension. “Catch you later, Landon.”
“Don’t get kidnapped again!” he calls after me, his grin playful but his eyes sharper than before.
“I’ll do my best!” I shout back, turning and hurrying toward the diner.
As I walk, I can’t shake the feeling that he knows more than he’s letting on. Landon’s always been good at picking up on things I’d rather keep hidden, and his sudden change of subject was… off. Still, he didn’t press. Maybe he’s waiting for me to tell him on my own. I sigh, shaking my head. He’ll understand when I explain. I know he will.