She was just going out for a night, it wasn’t the worst thing in the world, right? I didn’t have a claim on her.
But maybe I could if I got my shit together and stopped being so damn afraid of giving her my heart only for her to wreck it. I knew if I gave into Autumn, I’d never truly survive if she decided to leave after the festival.
“You okay, Hunt?” Autumn asked, the concern clear in her voice.
I hadn’t even realized she’d made it the rest of the way down the stairs, joining me at the kitchen island.
“Yeah,” I said, shaking myself out of it. “Just hungry.”
For you because I can’t forget the way you taste.
“Well, I hope you guys enjoy your pizza.”
“We will, pumpkin. Have a good time with Claire and the crew,” Jack wished her, sounding positively okay with the situation.
“Be safe, baby girl,” Boone said. “Promise you’ll text if you need anything.”
“I promise,” Autumn said seriously, coming to stand in front of Boone. She reached up to tug on his beard slightly.
He obliged, leaning down until their lips met.
“Are you saving one of those for me?” Jack asked hopefully, causing Autumn to laugh.
“As if you even need to ask,” she said, digging her hands into my brother's hair and kissing him within an inch of his life.
The fucking pheromones in the room were insane. They were so thick I almost choked, playing it off as a cough.
“Don’t worry there sheriff,” Autumn said, patting me on the back. “I won’t try to kiss you. I’ll leave the CPR to the guys in case you need it.”
I groaned. “You’re a cruel omega temptress.”
“The worst,” she agreed with a wink. “I redecorate whole rooms of your house, and make coffee, and lots of treats. For apple crisps sake you’d think I was a straight up heathen. It's too bad you don’t like using those handcuffs of yours, I’m racking up offenses.”
“Make sure you don’t rack up any more tonight,” I countered back. “I’m off duty.”
“Har har,” she deadpanned, spinning on the toe of her heel. “Catch you guys later!”
The moment she left the house it felt like lead settled in my stomach. The boys and I grabbed our pizza and went to the living room, spreading out on the couches and not bothering to turn on the TV.
We ate in a comfortable silence, well, they seemed to be eating in a comfortable silence. My leg kept bouncing up and down, itching to do something.
“Are you guys really happy?” I finally asked, catching Jack mid bite.
He looked at me incredulously. “I’ve never been happier, Hunter. Seriously.”
“Same,” Boone said, looking at me thoughtfully. “Not just because of Autumn, though she is a large part of it.”
“What else?” I questioned.
“It’s us,” Jack answered. “It finally feels like we’re a real pack again. All of us together, the past is just water under the bridge. Autumn is icing on the cake.”
Boone nodded. “That. But also it feels like I can bemeagain. That I don’t have to hide parts of myself just because I’m afraid. I didn’t realize how much stress I’d put on myself. My anxiety has even settled out some.”
Guilt churned in my stomach. “I’m really sorry, Boone.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry for Hunter, you weren’t the one who was conniving, and I’m sorry I punished you and the pack for it.”
“You were just protecting yourself,” I said, shaking my head. “I missed you so much. I’m glad you’re back home. Please tell me you’ll stay even if she doesn’t.”