“Awww, he missed you,” I teased through the pack bond, a private thread of connection only he and I could hear. Luca had been laughing at my antics with Selena earlier, so a little teasing felt justified.
“Let me handle this,” he warned, voice firm. It caught me off guard he rarely sounded serious with friends.
“Of course,” I said smoothly. “He’s your… companion. I wouldn’t interfere.”
Luca’s sigh vibrated through the bond, a subtle wave of tension and anticipation. Moments later, he shifted, and I followed. Standing upright again, the bond between us dissolved, leaving the air between us tense but clear.
Orion stepped around the Jeep, scenting us immediately. His grin widened as he took in the sight of a naked Luca.
“I heard you were back in town,” Orion said, moving to embrace him,
