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I roll that around in my head, curiosity piqued. First of all, I now want to see what he looked like with long hair. But more importantly, I’ve never met a pack before. I’ve been hiding for what feels like an eternity, even if it’s only been six months. This whole designation thing is still pretty new to me, and packs are even rarer in my limited experience.
A mix of excitement and trepidation washes over me. Packs are supposed to be tight-knit, fiercely loyal. Part of me yearns for that kind of belonging, but another part recoils at the thought of allowing myself to be vulnerable again. I push the conflicting feelings aside, reminding myself that it doesn’t matter. I’m just passing though their lives, after all.
“Can you tell—” My stomach interrupts with the world’s longest growl. Just when I think it’s going to stop, it keeps going. “Yeah, that was me.” I glare at my belly while frowning.
“When did you eat last?” Quinn asks.
“That is a great question.” I rub my stomach. “No idea.”
“There is a taco place ahead. I’m going to grab you a few. Any preferences?” Quinn asks.
“Oh, you don’t have to do that.”
“Yes, he does.” The deep voice startles me so much, I squeal and damn near jump out of my skin.
“He’s alive.” I press a hand to my heart that is beating far too fast.
Dash groans, slowly pushing himself up. He blinks rapidly, as if trying to clear his vision. “Ugh, my head,” he mumbles, then focuses on me. His eyes widen slightly, and he seems to make an effort to pull himself together. Dash rests his head on his palm and blinks lazily at me. “Well, hello there, beautiful,” he slurs, a devilish grin spreading across his face. “You must be the entertainment.”
“Excuse me?” I raise an eyebrow, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. I’m wearing jeans and a stained shirt. I don’t look like that kind of working girl.
“Dash, behave,” Quinn warns, but there’s amusement in his voice.
Dash’s grin widens. “I’m Dash. And you are?”
“Aria,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. “Not that it’s any of your damn business.”
“Feisty. I like it.” He winks, and despite myself, I feel a flutter in my chest.
“Don’t let him get to you,” Quinn says over his shoulder. “He’s just trying to get a rise out of you.”
“Mission accomplished,” I mutter under my breath, but Dash hears and laughs.
“You’re cute when you’re annoyed,” Dash says, leaning forward as much as the cramped space allows. “Maybe you should join us at home for those tacos. I promise I’m not always this charming.”
“I think I’ll pass,” I say, but I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips.
“Your loss,” Dash replies, settling back with a mock pout. “But if you change your mind, I’m an excellent taco companion.”
Quinn rolls his eyes. “Ignore him. He’ll be asleep in ten minutes.”
“Oh, I doubt that,” Dash says, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “I have a feeling tonight is just getting started.”
I glance at Quinn, who looks both exasperated and amused. “Is he always like this?”
“Only when he’s drunk,” Quinn replies. “And unfortunately, that’s more often than I’d like.”
“I heard that,” Dash says, his grin never faltering, “and you love me anyway.”
Quinn sighs. “Much to my dismay.”
I can’t help but laugh, the tension from earlier melting away. “Well, at least it won’t be a boring night.”
Dash’s eyes meet mine, and for a moment, the playful mask slips, revealing something deeper. “Stick around, Aria. I promise it never is with us.”
Quinn interrupts with a cough, pulling the car into the taco place’s drive-through lane. “All right, taco orders. Aria, what do you want?”
“I don’t know—” I start, but Dash cuts me off.
