30. Leo
Leo
I smooth the fresh sheets on Lily’s bed while Al sorts through the supplies.
“She surprised us all, didn’t she?” Al says suddenly, arranging water bottles with methodical care.
“Yeah.” I tuck in the last corner. “She did.”
Al pauses, his hands stilling on the supplies. “I keep thinking about what she did. She really didn’t need us after all.” His voice is proud.
“Guess we should learn from her. You know, so we know how to act the next time around,” I say playfully, meeting his gaze.
Al laughs, and it sounds lighter than I’ve heard in weeks. “Seriously though, I’m so impressed at the way you handled yourself while she was gone… your resolve held us together, Leo”
Heat rises in my cheeks, and I focus on straightening an already-smooth pillowcase. “Just did the best I could.”
“Exactly.” He gives me one of his rare smiles, and I feel something tight in my chest loosen.
The scent hits us both at once. Lily and Raph approaching. My nostrils flare at the sweet honey of her Heat mixed with… Raph? The familiar cedar of his scent is tangled with something heady and primal.
Al’s eyes narrow, and I catch him looking at the dark stain on Raph’s pants, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.
The air grows thick with promise, and my inner Alpha stirs.