Chapter 19 Thea
THEA
Well, we nearly broke the heat. A couple more rounds happened the morning and early afternoon of the ninth day before it officially was over. I ended up taking a nap. I think about half the pack did as well. We’re all exhausted.
By the time I make my way downstairs for the first time since my heat started, the sun is starting to set.
Everyone is in the kitchen, and Ben and Micah are cooking.
I even catch Micah laughing at something Eli says.
I think that might be the first time I’ve actually seen him genuinely laugh.
His eyes crinkle at the corners, his smile big and unconscious.
His perfectly trimmed beard normally hides his face, but seeing it light up right now… nothing could fit him more.
“Spying on your pack?” Taz whispers behind me, making me nearly jump out of my skin.
I forgot he and his pack are here. I clutch my chest as he laughs lowly to not alert the guys to our presence.
I’m thankful because I don’t want to interrupt their moment.
Though I make sure to smack Taz’s chest for scaring me.
“Why aren’t you joining them?” he asks more seriously.
My gaze returns to my pack filling up the large kitchen in more ways than one.
Eli, Parker, Jake, and Liam are sitting at the large island, laughing and making conversation with everyone.
Micah stands opposite them, preparing something for us to eat.
Ben is at the stove cooking but occasionally tilts his head back, adding his two cents.
Keelan is pulling out the dishes and utensils for us all.
My eyes go back to Taz, whose eyes are still on me.
I’m usually honest with him, so I say, “I don’t want to interrupt their pack bonding moment.
If I walk in there it’ll change and ruin it.
” As soon as the word leaves my lips, I feel blindsided by it.
I don’t think I’ll ruin it, not really. It’ll just change into something different.
I don’t know how to explain this feeling.
“You’re part of the pack too, so that bonding includes you.
There’s nothing wrong with letting them have time with each other but don’t even believe you’re somehow inconveniencing them.
I guarantee you no one in that room feels that,” he says sternly.
Then he’s pushing me into the kitchen. I stumble in, caught by his surprise push.
I glare back at him, to which he smiles and gives a thumbs up before turning away and leaving. Asshole.
The loud conversations quiet down. Turning, I see them all looking at me.
I feel so awkward. How do you act after a heat?
Especially one where we bonded? I still feel some of that anxious energy rushing through me, but the all-consuming need is gone.
I feel like I could run a mile before it’ll subside.
A devious idea pops in my head, definitely fueled by the many romance books I’ve read.
But I know a few of them will bite. Though realization hits me as I look down at myself.
I’m only wearing one of Keelan’s shirts.
They’re the only ones that actually feel big on me and cover me for the most part thanks to my stomach.
“Sweetheart, you feeling okay?” Liam asks, moving to get up.
I nod my head, deciding to do this. A small smile forms on my lips as my excitement ramps up.
I look towards the doors that lead to the partially enclosed deck, the same one Eli used to look at the stars with his telescope.
Someone, likely Eli, left boots next to the door.
They’re going to be huge on me, but I’ll make it work.
I walk over and put the boots on, lacing them quickly and making them as tight as possible. “Baby Girl, what are you doing?” Keelan growls out, knowing full well what I’m about to do.
I stand straight, my hand on the door knob to the deck.
Varying expressions look at me. There’s concern, amusement, and pure lust. I’m not an idiot, though.
I know it’s freezing out. There’s even an inch or two of snow covering the ground, and I’m not dressed for the weather.
But I also know one of them will find me quickly.
“I get a full one-minute head start before any of you can come after me,” I say but Keelan is already moving in my direction. Micah grabs his shoulder, holding him there. They exchange looks; I’m on a clock so I don’t linger, opening the door.
“One minute, then chase me,” I remind them before running as fast as I can out the door and down the steps into the woods. The cold air bites at my cheeks and bare legs, that remaining energy from the heat fueling me. Excitement courses through me at the prospect of one of them catching me.