Page 21 of Crescent Kingdom

Their interaction had me fighting a smile. “While you two figure out your interpersonal dynamics, I’m going to warm up.”

I crossed to the far wall, setting my bag down and grabbing my water bottle out of it. Then I headed for an empty treadmill. I eased into a slow jog, feeling my muscles loosen as I cracked my neck. Gods, it felt good to move.

It wasn’t long before the treadmill next to me started up. My gaze flicked to the newcomer, who could’ve taken any of the other open machines, leaving space between us. Puck shot me a grin that did something to my insides.

“Decided I could use a run.”

I let out a snort that was in no way ladylike. “Has anyone ever told you that you have stalker tendencies?”

Puck chuckled as he picked up to a run. “A loveable stalker, right?”

“Whatever helps you sleep at night.” But I couldn’t deny that I liked his presence. His scent. His whole aura. And my wolf had been more at ease in the past twenty-four hours than over the past decade. Somehow, these men made her feel like part of a pack, even though we weren’t.

Just that simple thought sent a pang through me. And for the first time, I realized I wanted that. To belong. It might be far too risky for me to actually reach for it, but it didn’t stop me from wanting it with every fiber of my being.

“Birdie?” There was concern in Puck’s voice now.

“Oh, were you talking?” I asked, forcing humor into my voice. “I thought I heard the buzz of a gnat.”

Puck chuckled. “Not only is she violent, she’s vicious, too. I think I’m in love.”

I scoffed, slowing the treadmill to an easy jog. “Pretty sure I saw you fall in love half a dozen times while slinging drinks today.”

“Charming,” Puck corrected. “I was charming them, not falling in love with them. Helps with the tips.”

I slowed to a walk, stretching my arms over my head. I bet it did help with tips. But I’d never mastered more than polite service in that arena. Never had with strangers.

Finally, I stopped the treadmill and hopped off. I moved my body through a series of light stretches until I heard a groan behind me. My head snapped around to find Puck staring at my ass.

I scowled at him, flipping up my middle finger. “Eyes off the goods.”

Puck just chuckled and jogged over. He reminded me of a puppy. A too-hot-for-his-own-good puppy, but a puppy, nonetheless.

“How about some partner stretching? I can help you really feel that burn⁠—”

“Puck,” I warned, but my head filled with all sorts of creative images. Shit.

He held up both hands in surrender. “Sorry, sorry.”

“How about I give you some real full-body contact instead?” I asked with a smirk.

Puck’s green eyes flashed gold briefly, his wolf rising to the surface. “Told you, Birdie. You can kick my ass any day of the week. Let’s spar.”

A low growl sounded just loud enough for my shifter hearing to pick up on it as Kingston moved into our huddle. “If she’s sparring with anyone, it’s going to be me.”

13

WREN

It took everything in me to keep my wolf in check. She might be submissive, but she had a reaction to men trying to exert their authority over her. Or, in this case, just being generally bossy and overprotective.

I straightened from my stretch, doing everything I could to keep a nonchalant look on my face. “I don’t know, King. Are you sure I’m not going to hurt you?”

The use of his nickname, the one I’d heard Clyde call him, was purposeful. A false sense of connection and a challenge.

Kingston’s eyes flashed silver. “Little Warrior, you’re playing with fire.”

I shrugged carelessly. “Prove it.” And with that, I grabbed my water bottle and gloves and headed to the ring.