PATIENTLY YOURS

LAYNEY JONES

Copyright © 2024 by Layney Jones. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design: Maldo Designs

Formatter: Domina Easton

INTRO TO OMEGAVERSE

If you already know about the Omegaverse, refer to the bottom of this section.

What is the Omegaverse? It is an alternative universe where humans are separated in a hierarchy based on biological designations. In most Omegaverse stories, there are three designations: Alphas, Betas, and Omegas. The difference between these designations has to do with dominance. Alphas and Omegas are known to have distinctive scents that set them apart

Alphas are at the top of the hierarchy and are generally more dominant individuals than Betas or Omegas. They can be aggressive, intense, and tend to hold a lot of authority. Male Alphas have knots. Knots are bulbous regions on the base of the penis and can swell during intercourse. It’s common for Alphas to ‘knot’ an omega during mating, which is when their knot locks them together temporarily. Female Alphas have locks. Locks serve the same purpose as knots, just in reverse. If there is more than one Alpha in a pack, there is usually one leader selected within the pack; this is called a Prime Alpha.

Betas are considered regular humans in Omegaverse. They are the secondary gender and do not have any physiological differences from humans. Whether or not they have distinctive scents like Alphas and Omegas depends on the individual storyteller. They’re neutral about joining packs.

Omegas are considered the bottom of the dominant hierarchy. They are submissive and soft by nature. They can go into heat, during which they will become heavily focused on nesting and mating. During heats, Omegas tend to need Knots or Locks from Alphas to satisfy a biological need. Although Alphas are the leaders of packs, Omegas are the center of packs. They complete the pack and offer them connections through bonding, which is when an Alpha (or sometimes Beta) bites the Omega to create an interconnected link. The way bonds work differ between writers.

In Omegaverse, there are Scent Matches. This is a type of fated mates where Alphas and Omegas (sometimes Betas) have an inner knowing about another individual based on their scent. Essentially, they are soulmates.

Here are some ways in which my specific world is different --

Betas have distinctive scents just like Alphas and Omegas, but they can’t be detected by everybody. Betas can only smell/be smelled by relatives (no matter the designation) or by Alphas/Omegas that are scent matches/in their destined pack. There has never been a case where a Beta has been smelled by a non-pack member that isn’t a relative.

In most Omegaverse romances, Omegas go through a cycle called a heat when they reach a certain age or after they present as an Omega. In my universe, Omegas only go through heats once they have bonded. If an Omega never bonds, they never experience a heat. Well, actually, there is one exception, but it’s a spoiler for a future book. I’ll be gatekeeping that for now ;)

Scent blockers are highly effective in this universe. If someone doesn’t want to show their scent, they can get blockers easily and they will work 100% of the time. They take a few days to work, but the times in which they wear off differs between individuals.

Both Alphas and Omegas can bark. Obviously Alphas are more prone to bark and to bark effectively, but Omegas (when pushed to certain limits/emotions) can bark and inflict dominance. In some cases, Omegas can even bark Alphas into submission.

Pack Bonds ‘click in’ during the first meeting the same way scent matches do. However, in most cases, this certainty doesn’t happen until every member of the pack meets each other. This excludes the pack’s destined Omega.

Anyone can be scent matches in this universe despite designation. However, it is the traditionalist view that most packs only have Alphas and Omegas. Two Alphas or Omegas in one pack is sometimes seen as taboo. There is some prejudice about a Beta being in a pack as well.

When an Alpha bonds an Omega it is permanent. Other types of bonding are temporary but can be done again after the original bite disappears. While the bite and bond are secure, the two individuals can still experience all the same things that bonded Alphas and Omegas can. This includes bonding between Betas and Omegas, Alphas and Alphas, Betas and Alphas, and Omegas and Omegas.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Tory Lanez - The Color Violet

Griff - last night’s mascara

Post Malone - Mourning

Harry Styles - She

Billie Eilish - when the party’s over

Florence + The Machine - You’ve Got the Love

Ashe (ft. Niall Horan) - Moral of the Story

Louis Tomlinson - Face the Music

Alicks - Help Me Out

Billie Eilish - everything i wanted

Noah Kahan (ft. Julia Michaels) - Hurt Somebody

Dermot Kennedy - Power Over Me

The National - Sorrow

ZAYN - There You Are

JP Saxe (ft. Charlotte Lawrence) - The Few Things

Sara Bareilles - She Used To Be Mine

NF - Paralyzed

Russ - Losin Control

6LACK - Fatal Attraction

Marshmello (ft. Khalid) - Silence

Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Follow You into the Dark

Bea Miller (ft. 6LACK) - it’s not u it’s me

Em Beihold - Numb Little Bug

Tate McRae - think later

Seafret - Tell Me It’s Real

The xx - Angels

Lizzy McAlpine - doomsday

Katy Perry - Daisies

Emily James - Bird of Prey

Olivia Rodrigo - making the bed

Listen to the Playlist here!

Pinterest Board for Patiently Yours

CONTENT WARNINGS

Patiently Yours is book one in the Fraternizing Omegas series. It is a why choose omegaverse college romance. If you are unfamiliar with omegaverse, please refer back to the Intro to Omegaverse highlight.

My books are fluffy romances with sweet characters, but there are sensitive topics discussed ahead. If you would like a heads-up, please read the content warnings below before continuing.

Trigger Warnings

Parental Neglect/Abuse (Emotional, Verbal)

Domestic Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Verbal)

Mention of Suicide/Discussion of Suicidal Tendencies

Designation Bias/Hate

Homophobic Language

Drug Use/Abuse (Psychedelics, Molly/Ecstasy, Pills, and Marijuana)

Harassment

Alcohol Use/Abuse

Heavy Dissociation

Accidental Overdose

Explicit Sexual Content

Cheating (Not between love interests)

To my partner, Cephas

This is the first of many, and that’s all because

of you. Thank you for dragging me back up on that

horse when I felt like giving up. Thank you for

encouraging me to do this simply because I loved to

write and for no other reason.

You are my rock.

Thank you.

ONE

Playing: Numb Little Bug by Em Beihold

October

Eden found her way out of the woods and across the meadow, her pants rough and limbs shaky. She could no longer hear the hard steps behind her, but that did not mean they weren’t nearby. She panicked, having no more cover as she tried to make stealthy steps on the artificial green. The castle stood tall, and she cursed herself for ending up in the backyard of her prison. She hoped there were no witnesses eyeing her suspiciously from any of the many windows up above. They would find her barefoot and sweaty, and that was not the way proper princesses displayed themselves.

Before she could find her way back into the castle woods, she felt a sudden rush of air from her left. She didn’t have time to look before she felt her back upon the mossy hill. Her heart rate quickened, her assailant’s hands already ravishing the front of her bodice. “And you thought you would win,” he whispered huskily in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine. She did not have to see his face to know he bore a devious smile. “I’m just glad I’m the one that found you. You and I both know I am much more friendly.” He nicked her neck with his teeth, and the beast inside her leaned to the side to offer more.

One day, if I had anything to say about it, I would bear his mark there, she thought. Until then, we’ll enjoy these forbidden games in the woods.

“James, you bastard.” They both looked up from their scandalous position on the ground as James’ pack mates stalked over. They were barely breaking a sweat, and Eden’s core spasmed at the desire in their eyes. This will be my pack, she declared in her mind. She felt James harden against her, their scents overwhelming her pleasantly.

“Someone will see,” she whispered, looking up at the windows. Fear rose up her neck, but there was also deep heat. The idea of anyone seeing her with her mates made her perfume much more apparent.

“My love,” James whispered as Phillips and Sterling came up behind him, partially blocking her view of the prison walls. They both groaned at the sight and smell of her. “Our little game isn’t over. You know the rules. If one of us catches you…”

She felt his hand finding its way under her many dress layers. His touch on her sensitive skin made her sigh. She wanted them. She wanted them so bad.

“Please,” she whispered even quieter, wanting the decision to be out of her hands. But these were her boys. They knew her better than anyone, so the decision was already made.

“Ma belle,” he sighed, finding the apex between her legs. She was already wound tight, ready for relief. He pulled her undergarments to the side and moaned in her ear as he finally slid his fingers⁠—

Something strikes me in the face. Hard. A harsh curse flies out of my mouth as the item plummets to the ground, leaving me disoriented and confused.

Where am I? What just happened?

My yellow comforter comes into focus, followed by a figure. One with cyan hair and a smirk that says she’s the one that just forcibly pulled me from my story.

Rory crosses her arms, watching me knowingly. My cheeks redden in an instant. I slide my bookmark into place and guiltily place it beside me.

“Why couldn’t you throw something softer?” I ask before picking up the empty dvd case that was supposed to be holding an original copy of The Princess Diaries 2. I lost it a long time ago in our humble abode. Maybe I’ll find it after graduation in a few years.

“I thought about it,” she starts, “but I was ranting about my film class for twenty whole minutes before I realized you were doing that thing you do where you respond but actually have no idea I’m here.”

My eyes widen. I can’t even refute that because… well, that does happen. A lot. I don’t even have to be reading a good book. Sometimes I just blank out mid-conversation.

She sees the realization of defeat on my face and playfully rolls her eyes before sitting beside me. Rory may pretend to be mad at me, but she never is. She understands me.

She fully accepts my tendency to accidentally detach. Others aren’t so forgiving when they notice they’re not the center of my attention.

Rory picks up my book and looks at the cover. It’s pretty tame for a historical romance, but still not very discreet with all the exposed abs. “What scene kept you from me this time?” She wonders out loud before opening up the bookmarked page.

I bite my lip and fight the temptation to hide my face in my hands. Her eyebrows raise high on her forehead before she snaps my book shut and fans her face.

“Oh, shit,” she says, still fanning herself. “I’m so sorry. I interrupted you at the best part!”

I give a small laugh. “It’s okay. I’ll just read from the beginning of the chase scene later. Restart the build-up.” I say before I realize how insane that sounds out loud. I gently put a palm on my forehead, cringing at myself.

She gives me another knowing look before standing up and heading to my closet. “We’re going out tonight. It’s Saturday and we haven’t been out in ages.” She pulls out one of my favorite dresses, but it would probably leave me a bit too cold in the autumn air. “Please say yes.” She holds it up and gives me her future award-winning pouty eyes.

“I would, but…” I sigh, thinking of my plans tonight, “Derek wanted me to go to his game.”

“But you hate going to his games.” She narrows her eyes at me before ticking the reasons off with her fingers. “It’s too cold. It’s crowded. The fact that it’s hockey in general and you hate it?”

I wince. I do hate the arena, and how close the seats are to one another. “I don’t mind hockey as a sport. Just the icebox that it’s played in.”

“That still doesn’t explain why you feel the need to go.”

“He’s my boyfriend, Rory. I should want to support him.”

“Fine,” she says with defiance and puts my dress back. She then heads out of my room without another word. I stare blankly at the door, surprised by her abrupt goodbye. Before I can get up to close it, she comes marching back in, this time with her jacket and a bottle of neutralizing scent spray. “If you’re going to suffer through that cold rink, then so am I. Let’s go.”

I smile widely at her. “It doesn’t start for another two hours.”

“Oh.” She runs her hand through her blue locks before shrugging. “We could get dinner?”

I have the best friend in the entire world. “Let’s do it.”

TWO

Playing: Hurt Somebody by Noah Kahan & Julia Michaels

“Alright, everyone.” I clap my hands. “Let’s go kick some ass!” My teammates hoot and holler in response, a feeling of camaraderie rippling through the locker room.

It’s the second game of the season and as the new captain, it’s my job to hype up the team and keep everyone out of trouble. Based on the buzzing energy flowing through the room, I think my speech had its desired effect.

My pack mate, Kendall, pats me on the back. He has a huge smile on his face, which is his default. He’s full of both sunshine and mischief. Our other pack mate—who just happens to be Kendall’s natural opposite—comes up on my other side. Uriah’s stoic face has mustered up as much excitement as it can.

“Did Ciro send you an overly enthusiastic text, too?” Uriah mutters, flicking some dirt off his hockey stick.

“Of course,” Kendall laughs. “He could just send it in the group chat but I think he wants each of us to feel special.”

I smile at that. Even though he’s our pack mate, Ciro can’t stand sports. Still, he’s out there in the stands, probably eating nachos and drinking some mixed concoction from his steel water bottle.

“Let’s win so he doesn’t have to give us those pity-eyes like he usually does,” Uriah says, marching ahead of us.

Both of my pack mates love hockey, but I live and breathe it. It is the first thing I’ve ever loved. Every game feels like a battle. I thrive in the intensity of it. There’s nothing that compares to the thrill each game gives me, and I doubt there ever will be.

“You ready, sunshine?” I ask Kendall, knocking him with my stick.

He returns my playfulness with a hit of his own. “I’m ready. That was a great speech back there, really riled me up.”

My chest shakes as I laugh. “At least I riled up one person. That was the goal.”

“Everyone was inspired, Atlas. You were the best person for this job. I’m proud to play beside you. I always have been.” The seriousness in his tone halts our descent. My eyes meet his and all I see there is admiration. It makes me choke up a little.

Before I can respond, he pats me on the back. “Now, let’s go kick some ass so we can party hard tonight.” I shake my head at him as he laughs completely unphased.

We make our way into the arena, and the fire settles under my skin.

I want to put everything I have on the ice this season. Blood, sweat, and tears. It’s time to properly prove myself, prove that our last captain made the right choice, and lead my team as far into the season as I possibly can.

“That’s what I’m talking about! Fuck yeah!” Kendall’s yells pierce through the team’s rowdy, joyful cheers echoing through the locker room. I haven’t been able to stop grinning since the final play. It was a stunning display of teamwork, one that I am very proud to have been a part of.

Uriah flashes one of his rare smiles. It’s small and more of a smirk than anything, but it’s good to see. He claps me on the back, thanking me for the many assists out there. I wave the statement off before wrapping my arm around his neck.

“Party at Alpha Xi!” Dax—one of the team’s enforcers and our frat brother—yells across the room. Coach Zane normally lectures us about boasting, but right now he’s smiling. Shaking his head, yes, but still smiling. He congratulates us, and tells us to hit the showers.

Although I would normally prefer to crawl into my bed with a good book and relax, the idea of celebrating with my teammates sounds perfect right now. As everyone heads to the showers, I stay back and continue to take off my chest protector. I look over, noticing the only other person still here is Derek Kirkpatrick. He’s also in Alpha Xi, but we’ve never been close.

“Sam might have an aneurysm, but I’m sure he’ll join us in no time,” I state, bringing up our Fraternity president. He’s a fantastic dude. And—unlike other frat presidents—he’s in his position to spread some goodwill, not to obtain popularity.

Derek scoffs. “For all we know, his prudish ass will still be at the library.” His words sound innocent enough, but the bite in his tone makes me pause. He continues undressing, ignoring my obvious disdain.

Derek is normally a stand-up guy. There’s only been a few moments here and there where he’s shown some not-so redeemable qualities.

Recently, I’ve noticed he’ll take any opportunity to put down Sam. Not only is it rude in general, but it’s a great show of disrespect towards our presidential Alpha. Sam may be academically inclined, but he earned his spot fair and square. The frats here don’t have a voting system. He got the spot by pure dominance alone.

Sam is only a sophomore, which makes him the youngest fraternity president at Bensen University ever. That’s no small feat. Maybe that’s why Derek takes jabs at him whenever he can, because he’s embarrassed that someone like Sam could be considered a “better” alpha than him.

That thought alone makes me want to roll my eyes.

“He has just as much fun as the rest of us,” I respond, trying to stay cordial. I don’t want to be at odds with one of my teammates, especially not after our shutout of a win.

“Yeah, sure.” He closes his locker and doesn’t meet my eyes as he walks toward the exit.

“Are you not showering?” I ask. I understand waiting to be home, but Alpha Xi is about to be full of guests.

He turns back to me with his bag on his shoulder. “Nah, I’ll take one at my girl’s place. She’s probably waiting for me.”

“Ah, okay. Will I see you guys at the party?” I thought he would be there because of what he just said about Sam.

“My girlfriend’s not really into parties,” he says flatly. “But I’ll be by later.” He salutes me and heads off again.

I turn back to my locker as he exits, the door swinging shut behind him. I go to tug my undershirt off before I’m halted by a sudden smell.

What the hell is that?

It’s the most beautiful smell I’ve ever encountered. It flows over the space so quickly, I’m stunned. My eyes close as I breathe it in. It’s only a sliver, the tiniest indulgence granted to me, but it’s glorious. Lavender and vanilla all tangled together in an alluring aroma. It crawls inside me and curls up, making itself at home in the deepest part of my chest.

I turn towards the door slowly, trying to calm the alpha within me. He’s yelling at me to go, to find the source, but my feet are frozen.

My alpha finally wins our little tug-o-war as I dart towards the exit. The scent hits me in the face, its decadence much stronger in the white halls. I look each way to find the walkways completely empty.

The longer I stand there, the more the scent dissipates. My alpha stirs, making his disappointment apparent.

I give a heavy sigh. I know. Me too, buddy.

THREE

Playing: doomsday by Lizzy McAlpine

“I still don’t understand why you couldn’t shower after the game like the rest of the team,” Rory snaps as we walk into our house, her eyes narrowing at Derek. He ignores her, which sends her temper up another notch. “This is bullshit. Stacia, I know you feel the same way as I do. Our shower is a no-alpha zone.”

Our house is what people would call quaint, but there’s enough room for two unbonded omegas to live comfortably. We have one half-bath for guests, but the full bathroom is just for us and we’re very territorial of it.

We’re used to each other’s scents from years of being friends, but anyone else using it—much less a smelly alpha—makes both of us uncomfortable.

I look between both of them, not sure what to do. When she realizes I’m tongue-tied, she huffs out an angry sound before turning towards her room and slamming the door behind her. I wince at the sound.

“Please make it a quick shower, Derek,” I whisper as we turn towards my side of the house.

“Of course, princess.” He gives me a smile before he disappears into the bathroom. I can already feel the omega inside my chest stir with anxiety as the door shuts behind him.

I know Rory’s upset with me for not fighting him on it, but I’d feel like a dick if I didn’t let him shower. Not letting him because our biology makes us territorial doesn’t seem like a good enough reason. Plus, it’s not like he’s ever done this before. I’ll just have to explain why Rory was so upset and ask him not to shower here again. Maybe he didn’t fully understand what I meant when I said our second bathroom was only for us to share.

I’m on my bed looking through my Instagram feed when Derek comes through the door an hour later. I’m still dressed from earlier just in case he wants to go out and celebrate their win. With that in mind, I smile.

“Is the team celebrating tonight? We could go out if you want,” I suggest.

Derek is facing away from me, typing away on his phone. A few minutes goes by before he clicks it shut and turns my way.

“Nah, everyone’s beat. I don’t think there was anything planned.”

I furrow my brows, taking that in. I guess that’s possible, but college guys normally use any excuse to party. I shrug it off, making room for him on the bed.

“Do you want to smoke with me?” I give him a shy smile before reaching into my end table to pull out my stash. I like smoking because it feels nice in my body. A nice sativa always makes me feel more grounded at the end of a long day.

I open my grinder to check what’s in it when Derek inhales obnoxiously and goes to cover his nose.

“Please don’t tell me you do that stuff,” he says, staring at me with this grimace that I don’t really appreciate. It’s hurtful, and I’m not sure how to respond.

Derek and I haven’t been together long. We met a few weeks after returning from summer break and instantly hit it off. After that, we would randomly run into each other on campus. I quite enjoyed how he liked to walk me to class and carry my stuff for me.

I thought we had spoken about my appreciation for weed before, but it must have slipped my mind. That happens sometimes.

“I do. I enjoy it.” I try to be confident, but it comes out flat.

“I don’t think you should do it anymore,” he says bluntly.

“Why not?”

“I mean, babe, come on,” he starts, like it’s obvious. “You’re already airheaded enough, don’t you think?”

I rear back like I’ve been slapped.

“What—” I start before he interrupts.

“Don’t act so surprised. You can be a little scatter-brained. That’s not a bad thing, but weed will make it worse.”

I stare at him blankly, not knowing what to say or even what I’m feeling. My body feels like it’s building a barrier to hide behind.

“Let’s just… put this away,” he says, taking my grinder and stash. But instead of putting them on my other end table, he dumps them in the trash can beside my bed.

I stare blankly at the action, all of my feelings swirling inside of me. My body hasn’t decided which one will take control. It’s like I’m watching the situation from outside my body, and my utter disbelief at the situation is unable to escape its confinement within my chest.

I phase in and out, realizing that he has moved on and is now talking about the game and their win. I only hear every couple of words though, my mind checked out and ready to go to bed.

Then he’s picking up my book, the one I was reading earlier today. I watch him lift it in slow motion before turning to the bookmarked page and reading its contents.

When he’s finished, he looks over at me with a silent fury on his face. I can’t muster up the energy to even feel panic at his expression.

“Is this one of those slutty romances you like to read?” he asks rhetorically. I just stare at him, wondering when tonight turned into such a shit show; wondering when our relationship had turned into this.

“It’s a historical romance,” I try to defend, ignoring his judgement.

“It’s cheating, is what it is,” he says, and my brows shoot upwards. I told him of my passion for romance books. He was honest about not understanding the hype, but he was accepting. Wasn’t he?

“It’s fictional,” is all I say.

He points at the page. “There’s at least three men in this scene.”

“It’s not abnormal for people to be in packs,” I state. It’s common sense. I’m getting really confused now.

“And that’s what you want, a pack?” he questions, closing my book and throwing it across the room.

“Hey!” I yell at him, finally feeling some energy muster from deep inside me. I get up from my spot on the bed to retrieve my discarded book from the floor, but he grabs my wrist before I can and pulls me back down.

“Answer me,” he barks. I’ve never had an alpha bark used on me. I’ve read about it erotically in books, but this is not sexy.

“Yes, I do,” I say, complying to his demand. “I ultimately want a pack. I’ve told you this before… I thought you knew.”

I try to break his hold on my wrist but his grip tightens. A whimper climbs up my throat but I push it down. “Derek. You’re hurting me.”

He ignores me and continues to hold me hostage. “I thought you’d grow out of that thought. Not all omegas need packs,” he snarls. “So, I’m not enough for you? Do you need more than one alpha to satisfy you?”

I continue to pull, trying to break free from his hold. It’s like he doesn’t even notice I’m struggling.

“People don’t talk about it enough, but only certain omegas have packs, Stacia. Those omegas are spoiled, self-centered brats. Are you spoiled and self-centered?”

“No,” I say, tears threatening to spill over.

“I didn’t think so. How do you think that makes me feel? Knowing that I’ll never be enough for you?”

I start to push at him, becoming vocal in my discomfort.

“Let go of me!” I scream, kicking at his leg.

“No, you need to know how this makes me feel,” he thunders back at me. “Don’t you care? Who is this omega that I’ve fallen in love with? Have you been this damaged the whole time, and I didn’t see it?”

I start sobbing uncontrollably, piercing the air with my wails.

Words I wish I never had to remember come roaring back.

I won’t have a damaged daughter.

Don’t be that kind of omega.

Cover up, you’re a disgrace.

That’s all omegas are good for.

Stop being so airheaded, Stacia, for Christ’s sake.

You never think of anyone but yourself.

“Get off of me! Get off! Get off! We’re over! Fuck you!” I’m pulling with all my might now, scratching and punching his arms. He hisses but only lets me go when my bedroom door flies open.

“Who the fuck do you think you are?!” Rory rushes in, a baseball bat secure in her hands. She marches forward and swings for the bed.

I back up away from the bed, trying to catch my breath. I hear them arguing through a fog. I think she threatens to kill him, and he tells her to mind her own business. She threatens to call the cops, which leaves him angry but finally compliant as he turns toward me one last time.

“We’ll talk later.”

My bedroom door shuts and I lose my battle with my concealed emotions, finally letting it all out. I wrap my arms around myself and sink to the floor.

The next thing I know, Rory is there and holding me tightly. One of her hands cradles my head while the other is wrapped around me, soothing me as I cry in the crook of her neck.

“He’s gone, I promise. Never again. You’re safe now.”

After a while, I feel my body start to relax, and my energy ebbs out of me in waves. All that’s left is apathy and confusion. Rory helps me get back in bed, and she curls up into me before turning off the lamp. I hear her whisper to get some rest. And when I close my eyes, I decide that’s what I’d like to do for the rest of my life.

FOUR

I hold Kendall up with one arm while I fish our house keys out of my pocket. “It’s time for some Netflix and take out. Do you want a burrito?” I ask him as the keys nearly fumble out of my hand.

“Black bean chalupa,” Kendall mutters with a laugh. “And a Baja Blast.”

“You got it, sunshine.” After I finally get the door unlocked, we slip inside. Uriah, who’s carrying an unconscious Ciro, marches in behind us.

Each of us have been a lot more settled and happy since moving into our off-campus house. Kendall and I have been friends all our lives. We always knew that we would be pack someday. It wasn’t until we met Uriah and Ciro our freshman year while pledging for our fraternity that we realized we were just waiting for our other half.

Meeting them was kismet, but there’s official rules about packs living in frat housing together. When we became an official pack last year, we were happy to walk away. Being in our own space has given us a whole new perspective on what it means to be a pack, even if it makes us feel detached from our frat brothers.

“Let him have the couch, Uri,” I tell him before walking our other inebriated friend to the recliner. Looks like we’re going to have a little pack sleepover in the living room. Ciro has a habit of waking up black-out drunk to either drink more or go outside and Kendall will probably get the spins in about ten minutes, which means I am on throw up duty.

Uriah places Ciro gently on the couch, giving him a loving brush on the head. I sneak a grin behind his back. It’s those little things that only his pack mates are privy to that show who he really is. The little gestures he gives, even without cracking a smile, mean the world to us even if he doesn’t notice.

Ciro gives a drunken snore. His close cropped hair is about as messy as it can be. He shaved the sides awhile back to get some tattoos, but now they’re hidden under a layer of regrown hair. His spike earrings dangle in his face as he sleeps.

I finally take a seat and pull out my phone, preparing everyone’s order for delivery. Even Ciro, because I know he’ll demand his burrito the second he smells food in the air. It’s always a beacon that pulls him from his drunken stupor.

“Do you want the usual, Uri?” I ask. He only nods before sitting on the empty spot next to Ciro. After I’m done, I set my phone down, and rub a hand over my face.

Now that there isn’t any music or flowing alcohol distracting me, I can’t stop my brain from going back to what happened at the arena. To the smell that entranced me. I’m having a hard time keeping it to myself, but there’s some details that’s preventing me from telling my pack. Not only did I not see who it belonged to, but I might never see or smell them again. Even the thought of it leaves my alpha in a somber-like state. I have to evaluate how disappointed my brothers might be at that scenario. I have to protect them, just in case.

It doesn’t help that Derek did eventually arrive to the party. He was in a terrible mood despite having that incredible smell on him. I had to hold my alpha back from doing something inappropriate and weird, like taking a big whiff of our frat brother in order to confirm or deny what I thought I knew. It gave me an uneasy feeling.

His girlfriend was the one waiting for him. Could that be who I was smelling?

But he also mentioned his girlfriend has a roommate that accompanied her to the game, right before he called her a bitch. The distasteful expletive nearly sent the whole group of us into a rage.

“You alright, At?” I look up at him, realizing I’ve been zoned out for too long. Uriah has the TV on and has already synced up our favorite post-party show: New Girl.

“Yeah,” I say absentmindedly. Kendall is passed out on the recliner, so it looks like he’ll be eating a cold black bean chalupa. I meet Uriah’s gaze again; his phone is now on the coffee table, his attention completely on me as he patiently waits for me to tell him what’s really going on.

If there is someone I can share this with, it’s Uriah. And I should tell someone.

I open my mouth but I can’t get the words out. I remember the smell that I could feel all the way down to my toes, and the uneasy feeling I had when I realized it was connected to Derek of all people. I imagine a life where my pack knows this truth but we never find her again. How we might push away any omega we try to court because of the one who got away. The lonely hypothetical solidifies my worries.

I’m the prime alpha of our pack. Until we know for sure, I don’t want to burden them with this. Maybe I’ll even forget about it by tomorrow.

You won’t, my alpha growls.

My phone beeps, pulling me from my thoughts. I give Uriah a convincing smile. “I drank a bit too much. I just need food. I’ll be right back.”

He lets me drop it, because he’s a good pack mate and an amazing friend. He has no idea that I have potentially life changing information, so he lets me keep it to myself.

He has no idea that I think I smelled our scent match tonight.

FIVE

Playing: Mourning by Post Malone

3 Months Later

I admire the brightly colored square sitting on my fingertip. There are orange waves intricately woven across the tiny paper, the pattern shimmering as it dances with the light of the fire. I put the tab on my tongue and let it sit.

I feel the sizzling warmth in front of me. When I took a seat around this fireplace, I must’ve accidentally sat in someone’s rotation because every few minutes, a blunt is passed to me. I accept it gratefully, giving the person a kind smile before doing the usual puff, puff, and pass. I haven’t been doing psychedelics for very long, but I know weed always makes the transition much smoother.

I only have about thirty minutes to get home before the trip starts. I imagine my cozy sheets and comfort show playing while my favorite wax melts fill the room with a relaxing aura. I think about shutting out reality for a while. A long while.

The thought is heavenly.

Rory doesn’t agree with my new fondness for psychedelics. The weed was fine, but once I dipped my toe into LSD and Molly, she made it clear how she felt. I didn’t even tell her about the occasional Xanax and Adderall. She definitely wouldn’t approve of pills of all things.

She asked me to stop, and I vaguely agreed. I think she knows I didn’t quit, but we don’t talk about it. I couldn’t tell her the real reason I didn’t want to stop, mostly because I don’t completely understand it myself.

I can’t describe the calmness that it incites in me; it pauses the overwhelming emotion that life pours into my body. It’s the only peace I’ve had these last few months. I refuse to give it up.

I finally stand up and make my way out of the circle. I’m not exactly sure where I am right now. College row always has wonderful parties, and it’s easy to pop in and out when you’re not very popular.

My mind goes back to the last time that was brought to my attention. How Derek hissed it in my ear after one of his friends asked me a question.

I shake the memory out of my head. I don’t want to think about that.

I stumble over an uneven patch of dirt, scuffing my flats along the roots. A giggle escapes me as I right myself only to run right into a hard body. This time, there’s no righting myself. I fall straight to the ground.

“Oh shit.” I hear the mystery body mutter as he notices me. The hand holding his cigarette instinctually moves away so he doesn’t accidentally burn my skin. He throws it behind him before reaching down to help.

“I’m so sorry,” I say before he lifts me up with ease. I try to help him, but that only gives me more momentum as I practically jump in the air before landing on my feet. His hands stay on my arms to steady me and I get a nose-full of his scent, surprising tones of spiced rum and orange. Beta.

His smell is intoxicating. I sneak another whiff and have the sudden urge to ask him to wrap his arms all the way around me. My omega urges me to step closer, to ask for some much needed comfort.

I pause at that realization. Omegas and betas normally can’t smell each other unless they are pack or blood relatives. Maybe weed messes with my hormones because I’ve never reacted to a beta this way before. It causes heat to rise to my cheeks. I’m hoping it’s dark enough out here that he won’t notice.

He has tanned skin and dark close-cropped hair that sways flat on top. His silver earrings sparkle under the moonlight; I notice they’re little lightning bolts sitting in a tiny gauge.

“You’re sorry? I should be sorry, what kind of man am I for not catching you before you fell?” He gives a subdued smile. I can now hear a small accent in his voice. I can’t decipher its origin but my omega finds it very attractive. He winces at his corny greeting. “Sorry, that sounded better in my head.” He offers his hand to me. “I’m Ciro.”

Even the way he says his own name is attractive.

“Stacia,” I say in almost a whisper. Then I cough, trying to play off my nerves and speak a bit louder. “Stacia Kelmeckis.”

He gives me a broad smile. “I think I’ve seen you around the English building. I’m studying Communications.”

“Oh, cool!” I say, like a nerd. I clear my throat again, “I’m an English major, with a concentration in”—I hesitate, feeling embarrassed already—“Creative Writing.”

“That’s the best kind of writing!” he says immediately, causing me to let out a breath. I notice in this light that he has some tattoos above his ears. I wish I could see what they are.

“Oh shit,” I mutter out loud. I keep forgetting that I’m on a timeline to get home. I pull out my phone and ignore a text from Derek to look at the time. How much longer do I have?

Not long enough. And I can’t just walk away from this handsome beta without saying anything, especially when it’s going well. And when he has a scent that my omega keeps pushing me to get more sniffs of.

I guess honesty is the best course of action.

“I took acid,” I blurt out.

His eyes widen in surprise, but there’s a tiny hint of amusement in the tilt of his lips. “Oh… okay.”

I wince at my abrupt statement. “What I mean is… I’d love to keep talking to you but I need to get home. Like, soon.”

This beta just beams at me. I arch a brow at him. He seems more elated at the idea that I’m enjoying our conversation rather than annoyed that I’m leaving it because of drugs.

Weird.

He breaks the silence. “I can get one of my pack mates to drive you home, if you want? One of us always stays sober to drive. They’re alphas, though, so I can come, too. If that makes you most comfortable.”

Pack mates. He has a pack. A deep longing that I’ve tried to suppress rises in my chest.

“No, that’s okay.” I can feel my mind going on a wild thought-chase. I need to think of something else, anything else. If he offers again, I might accept and I really don’t need to meet his pack.

I pull out my phone to order a car service. Maybe they’ll get here fast enough.

“See, I ordered a car,” I say a bit too enthusiastically to convince him I’m fine. His lips twitch slightly, before he nods.

“Cool. I’d still like to wait with you, if that’s okay. And I’d like to get your number,” he says, seemingly unashamed but his boyish smile gives away his nerves.

Holy shit. My number?!

I stare at him for a few moments, unable to respond. Because I would love to text him. Get to know him.

But he has a pack, and I don’t deserve a pack.

Not to mention, I may be with Derek again. Our on-and-off-again relationship these past few months has been a whirlwind but it’s still a thing.

“Sure,” I finally say before handing him my phone. He puts his number in and returns it to me, looking very happy that I said yes.

I panic seeing that grin. It’s been constant since we started talking, and I feel bad that I can’t return them as easily as I may have used to.

“Could you maybe get me some water?” I ask, cringing at myself for the strange request. But he only nods, happy to oblige.

“Of course. I’ll be right back.” He turns to head inside of whatever house is having this party. I see the Greek letters and realize this must be a frat house, but I can’t distinguish them.

My stomach turns to knots. Shit, he’s going to hate me after this.

I swallow heavily before I turn to walk out of the backyard and to the street. My car is there and I open my app to ask the driver’s name. When I’ve confirmed it’s the right car, I crawl in.

I see a figure appear around the corner of the house, water bottle in hand. My car takes off down the street before I can see his betrayed expression. There’s a slight ache sitting where my heart is, but I tell myself it’s better this way. He has a pack and I’m not destined for one. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t break my heart. And my omega’s.

I make it home with only a few minutes to spare. I’m starting to feel the tingling sensation that’ll spread throughout my body for the next twelve hours. I lock the front door and make my way through the house quietly. I give a sigh of relief when I see Rory’s bedroom door is pulled shut.

I lie on my bed and focus on my breathing. The chirping in my pocket zaps me back into my body. I fish it out and look at the screen with half-focus.

Shit, when did I get so many text messages?

I realize they’re all from Derek. When I open the text chain and the texts come into focus, my stomach drops.

(10:03 pm) Derek: Where are you?

(10:34 pm) Derek: Are we seriously doing this today? I lost a game and I want to see you.

(11:13 pm) Derek: Oh, I see. You can ignore me but you’re sitting around doing god knows what at the party at MY frat house?

(11:15 pm) Derek: That’s not very lady-like, Stacia. Do you even know those people you’re sitting with?

(11:21 pm) Derek: Ignoring me for that low-life beta? Fine. I see how it is. I’ll find another pretty omega to warm my bed tonight.

(11:35 pm) Derek: [Image Attached]

I feel hot tears threatening to overflow. I stare at the picture of my—now ex again—boyfriend explicitly fucking another girl. She’s on her back, her head thrown back. I feel bile come up my throat at the image, not only because of the blatant disrespect but because there’s no telling if this girl even consented to being photographed like this.

The image starts to distort as the drug in my system settles in. The movement makes me panic. I almost forgot about the trip, and now my phone is becoming a sea of insecurity. I hear it thud to the ground as I involuntarily throw it to the side. The image is painted in my brain and before I know it, I’m dry heaving. I thought I had something in my stomach to throw up, but I must have eaten dinner earlier than normal. By the time my body calms down, my throat and stomach are hurting and I am starting to fully feel the body high.

Without any other choice, I cuddle up in my makeshift nest, close my eyes, and prepare to ride off the terrible wave. Tears are streaming down my face, but they feel like a slimy stream with an odor almost as bad as Derek’s dirty lake smell.

He’s ruined my trip. He’s ruined my night. But more importantly, I’m starting to realize, it feels like he’s ruined me.

SIX

Playing: Losin Control by Russ

Even in my slightly drunken state, I recognize my heart is beating to a different drum. And that drum is a pretty omega with doe-like eyes and beautiful brown hair.

After stumbling around the party for a while, trying desperately not to drink myself into a coma so I can forget that the most stunning girl I’ve ever seen left me in the dust, I end up in the corner with two of my pack mates.

Uriah is on his phone, not in the mood to celebrate since their team lost tonight. Atlas is just content with being nearby, nursing the same rum and coke that I saw him drinking an hour ago. He observes me as I sit between them and burrows his eyebrows together.

“What’s up, Ci?” he asks casually, but I know he can sense the turn my mood has taken. It’s both a blessing and a curse how observant he is.

“This party is busted.” A tiny hiccup escapes me. “The prettiest girl here already left. Can we go?”

My statement catches Uriah’s attention enough that he’s lifting his head to stare at me. He looks at Atlas, who is equally intrigued.

“I’ll text Kenny,” Atlas concludes, picking up his phone. I’m thankful they’re not pushing it, because I’m not ready to talk about it yet.

I could smell her. She was covered in vanilla, with something else that was beautifully floral. I shouldn’t be able to know that. What does it mean?

I’m able to finally relax amongst my pack mates. I can feel the sadness ebbing away slowly. I’m a bit dramatic when I’ve been drinking.

Okay, maybe I’m just a little dramatic in general.

But my relaxed state is short lived as Derek fucking Kirkpatrick appears with an annoying fucking smile.

“Hiya boys.” He smiles in this manic way that makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. Not to mention, he smells rancidly of booze and sex. By the way Uriah’s nose scrunches, I can tell he’s picking up on Derek’s usual water-like scent.

Slimy, the drunk in me whispers.

“Derek,” Atlas greets him, always one to keep the peace. I can tell he’d prefer to not deal with his shit. It’s more trouble than it’s worth. He’s our frat brother and their teammate. It’s much smoother to just let Derek be the asshole he is.

It was very subtle at first. The first few years in the fraternity together, Derek’s passive aggressive comments were tame. Then, over the past few months, he has become an absolute prick. I personally think this is who he’s always been and he’s finally let himself loose. The things he says toward anyone who isn’t a hockey-playing alpha is absolutely insane.

I steer clear of him as much as I can.

“Atlas, Uriah,” he greets them back, and then his eyes find mine in a glare. The laugh that escapes me is a total accident.

“No greeting for me, Kirkpatrick?” I taunt him, the alcohol in my system keeping my tone playful. My light mood only seems to piss him off more.

“I don’t think you really deserve one, beta,” he hisses aggressively. Uriah growls at my side but I put a hand on my pack mate’s knee to assure him that I’m okay.

I don’t care about Derek’s prejudice. He can have whatever warped opinions that he wants. It has nothing to do with me.

“Humor me.” I look him in the eyes and interlace my fingers. “What did I do, Derek?”

His jaw tenses and I’m worried he’s going to break his teeth. Just when I think he’s going to turn and walk away, he opens his mouth.

“You were hitting on my omega, you piece of shit.”

In unison, the three of us stand up.

I can feel Uriah preparing for a fight. His fists are clenched tight by his sides as he angles himself between us.

A curious look appears on Atlas’ face. He’s always assessing any situation we get ourselves into. He tries to discreetly assert some of his dominance into the air, making himself look nonchalant on the outside while anticipating this interaction to turn at any moment.

And my body is on alert because if he’s talking about who I think he’s talking about, we’re going to have a fucking problem.

“I thought you and your girl split up,” Atlas says before I can rip Derek a new one.

Derek scoffs. “Only when she’s being difficult.” He says it so nonchalantly that I’m taken aback. “Like tonight. She decides to ignore my text messages just for me to look outside and see her with you.” He sneers in my direction again, looking at me like I’m the stuff on the bottom of his shoe.

Why would she ever want to converse with someone like me? What a ridiculous concept. I roll my eyes.

One of our frat brothers drunkenly passes by, completely oblivious to the situation. He looks back with a wrinkled nose, staring at Derek. “You fucking reek, dude,” he tells him before continuing on his way.

That’s when I notice it. My nostrils flare. Derek may smell like alcohol and sex, but that’s it. There’s none of the lovely floral notes or decadent vanilla that I got hints of outside. I may not be an alpha, but I’d have to be nose-blind to not smell her.

“You certainly don’t smell like your girlfriend right now,” I sneer back. I can feel my pack mates’ eyes on me, but I don’t focus on it. I’m too busy thinking that there may actually be a fight after all. Before I can step any further, Atlas joins Uriah in separating us. We’ve gathered a bit of a crowd in our frat house’s small living room.

“So what?” he asks. “Like I said, she’s being difficult.”

I feel Atlas pull the back of my shirt before I even realize I’m trying to advance on Derek.

I am seething. All I can picture is Stacia off somewhere, tripping and not knowing her boyfriend is being an absolute fucking creep. And I have no way of contacting her because I gave her my number and forgot to get hers.

“Let me get this straight.” I take a few deep breaths. “Your girlfriend was high and on the verge of tripping, and you’re over here cheating on her all because you saw her talking to me?”

Before he can answer, a certain familiar baritone carries over to us. “That’s so fucked up.”

Kendall appears from the crowd. Our pack mate must have heard everything because in the next second, he is planting a right hook to Derek’s face.

The grin that takes over my face is maniacal. He always knows exactly when to show up. “Hell yeah Kenny!”

Derek is bent over, clutching his nose. There’s a moment of shock on his features before he gets back on his feet and charges Kendall. Then it’s suddenly an all-out fight in the corner of this crowded living room.

I hear people start to scream and run away from the commotion. Uriah takes off to separate Derek and Kendall, while Atlas tries to keep others from joining in. A lot of the party goers are drunk and hyping the fight along. Everything becomes chaotic, and I’m worried the cops are going to get called. Or, at least, campus security.

The fire alarm starts to blare, and it startles everyone. More people start to escape, while Derek falls to the ground holding his nose. Blood appears and I realize that the last shot from Kendall must have broken something.

The living room starts to empty out, leaving only fraternity members behind. Uriah is holding Kendall back from Derek. Atlas has his head in his hands. The fire alarm stops just before Sam comes around the corner.

There’s a solemn but also static feeling in the room. Everyone here has wanted to punch Derek numerous times the past few months, but our standing with the frat has kept it from happening. Sam isn’t running a typical run-of-the-mill fraternity. He wants us to make a difference, help out. He wants a good future for all of us.

And yet, we’re all standing here either covered in blood or reeking of booze, our anger still palpable in the air.

“Someone get Kirkpatrick to McConnell,” Sam orders after he eyes the situation.

The direct dismissal of the situation makes Derek scoff. “Are you going to let them get away with this? He punched me for no reason!”

Our friend Dax speaks up from the corner of the room. “Seriously, Derek? You went over there looking for a fight. You can’t throw it on them just because they gave you one.”

Derek’s face reddens. “Shut it, Monaghan.”

Sam stands there with his hands in his pockets, calm as ever. “I don’t care who started it. You need to get your nose looked at. Again, someone take him to McConnell.”

There’s a second of silence. I’m not really sure if Derek has any real friends here, but still, a few guys go to help him up. Once they’re out of the room, Sam turns to us.

“Sorry, Sam. Derek was being a bigger asshole than usual,” I tell him.

“I know. You don’t have to convince me of that.” Derek has used Sam as the punchline for his ignorant jokes way too many times. He’s about as sick of him as the rest of us. He looks at Kendall. “Still, you’ll have to be prepared in case he comes after you for the broken nose.”

Kenny just nods, looking all too serious for his usual carefree self.

“Let’s clean this place up,” he says before walking out of the room. We’re all a bit confused for a second before we jump into action. If he wants those to be his final words, who are we to argue?

I just want to get out of here. From the looks my pack mates are giving me, it seems we have a lot to discuss.

Or, rather, one really important thing.

SEVEN

Playing: She by Harry Styles

The silence is loud as we walk into our home past midnight. There’s a heaviness circulating between us. It’s a subconscious feeling; all three of our alphas are on edge, and we’re all hesitant to talk about why.

Ciro practically leaps onto the couch. Even in his somber mood, there’s a pep in him. We all follow suit and sit around him. Atlas leaves the room but reappears with some ice for Kendall’s hand. He looks lost in his thoughts as he joins us, an uncertainty coming off of him that’s abnormal for our prime.

All of our scents are soured as they spread throughout the space, making our stress apparent.

I am livid in my skin. My alpha is still stirring deep down, wishing for retribution. The strong emotion coming from him leaves me confused. I thought my alpha had grown numb long ago, but I think he was just sleeping.

Why do I feel this way over a random omega?

I wanted to get the first punch on Derek so bad, but Kendall beat me to it. I look over at him and see that he’s still reeling from it.

“Will you tell me about her?” He breaks the silence, looking at Ciro with thoughtful intent. “I feel kind of weird fighting for someone I’ve never met.”

I stiffen. That’s what we’re all thinking, isn’t it?

Ciro scratches his chin, his other hand playing with his shoelace without untying it. He’s the least serious of us all. We’re all very protective of him, knowing his mind can be a chaotic place. But right now, he looks thoughtful and full of longing.

“She’s the prettiest person I’ve ever seen,” he starts, and Kendall inhales sharply. “Her eyes were so wide, she looked like a startled doe. ” He gave a small humorless laugh. “And⁠—”

We all hunch forward in our seats, waiting… hoping.

“Her scent… I could smell her. I could actually smell her.”

I let out a giant breath. A part of me feels like crying. This is unprecedented. There’s only one case where betas can smell omegas that clearly.

Ciro drops the shoelace and runs a hand through his hair. “I didn’t know I could smell someone else that strongly. I can barely smell you losers.”

Kendall tries to give a chuckle, but it gets caught in his throat. He is still the only one brave enough to speak, “What did you talk about?”

The adoration and delight from a moment ago falters as worry etches into Ciro’s features.

“We mainly introduced ourselves. She said she’s majoring in creative writing, but seemed a little shy about it.” He bites his lip before sighing. “She was high.”

“Like, weed?” I ask.

“Yes, but also… other things.” He looks like he’s contemplating his next sentence, but then he speaks. “She told me she had taken some acid and needed to get back home quickly.”

I freeze at the admission. I don’t have a lot of experience with drugs or people who take them. I’m sure a few of our frat brothers partake, but they never discuss it with us.

“I offered to help her, said one of us could drive her back. I knew it was risky, because she doesn’t know us that well and she’s an omega, but I was worried about… I don’t know, her being near a stranger while in that state? But that doesn’t make sense, because I’m a stranger…” He shakes his head, knowing that what he’s feeling is nonsense. His beta senses are having a hard time admitting to what he should already know, but we’re all alphas. We’ve always been prepared for this day, and we know it’s not supposed to make any sense. It just is.

“She asked for some water.” He shakes his head again, looking regretful. “She left pretty quickly while I was gone. I came back to her getting into the ride she ordered.”

“Did she tell you her name?” Kendall asks, pulling Ciro out of his thoughts.

He smiles softly. “Stacia.”

The second he says it, there’s a calmness that settles over me and my alpha.

Kendall tilts his head to the side. “So… she needed a ride home but Derek was right inside?”

I was just thinking the same thing. Did he refuse to drive her home? I’ll give him another broken bone in a second if that’s the case. I don’t even need an excuse, I just want to hit him.

I take a few breaths to calm down before our prime finally speaks. “I have something to tell you guys.”

We all turn to face him, a sudden anxiousness settling between us.

“I smelled her once. A couple months ago.”

Before I can react, Kendall is standing up. Then the fight or flight response leaves him just as quickly as he sits back down. His eyes are wide as he stares at his childhood friend.

My alpha wants to clench our fists but I relent, taking a deep breath. “When?”

Atlas looks at me with sorrow in his eyes. “After our second game of the season.”

I think back to it. We had just won a shutout but I stayed sober so I could drive everyone home. Kendall and Ciro drank too much, Atlas ordered food. I remember the way his scent was stale, the way he looked troubled.

I think I’m going to be sick.

“She came to wait for Derek outside of the locker rooms,” he admits, running his hand through his hair. “I didn’t see her. I wasn’t even fully convinced it was happening. I didn’t know it was the person with him, not for sure. It could have been anyone in that hallway. I just.. I smelled it after he left and then… it never happened again.”

“But, why didn’t you tell us?” Kendall asks, his tone full of obvious betrayal. They’ve known each other their entire lives. Ciro and I didn’t come into the picture until a few years ago, but these two had been through everything together. I can almost feel the anguish coming off both of them.

“It sounds ridiculous, but I thought I was protecting you guys,” he relents. “I was also in denial a little bit. I had no information to go on. I told myself that if it happened again, I would tell you, but it never did. I didn’t want us to get our hopes up.”

Kendall puts his head in his hands.

“What was the scent?” Ciro suddenly asks, and we all go still. He’s giving Atlas a knowing look. He knows what he’s going to say, and it’ll all be over: the doubt, the uncertainty. We will know for sure.

Atlas meets his eyes after taking a big breath. “Lavender and vanilla.”

Ciro’s nodding his head before he even finishes the words, tears coming to his eyes. “I mean, I didn’t know what the floral scent was off the top of my drunk head, but the vanilla was unmistakable.”

I snort. It is hard to depict exact scents sometimes.

Kendall’s suddenly smiling again, a slight laugh coming out despite the underlying pain. “She’s ours, isn’t she?” He tries to hide his joy but he sniffles slightly. “Our scent match.”

His statement lingers, the truth of it seeping through the air and leaving all of us speechless. Our scents all go in different directions as we think about what this means. It could mean happiness, or heartbreak. We could all fall apart while trying to pursue this. But ultimately, it means one thing:

We might have just found our forever.

EIGHT

Playing: Last Night’s Mascara by Griff

I wake up to my head pounding and a bright light practically blinding me.

I groan with confusion. I have blacked-out curtains specifically for my trips. Why the hell is the sun in my eyes?

I peek an eye open and catch a glimpse of baby blue walls and an array of critically acclaimed movie posters, which tells me I somehow ended up in the living room. All of Rory’s favorite movies start to blur together as I study them, trying to collect myself.

There’s a throbbing sensation as I try to move. Before I’m all the way up, I feel something wet touch my arm.

“Drink.”

Shit. I know that tone. It’s the ‘Stacia messed up’ tone.

I turn slightly to see my best friend trying to hand me a water bottle. Her face is impossible to read, but she wouldn’t be very good at what she does if she didn’t have control of her face muscles. I don’t need to read her expression, anyway. Her usually-sweet cranberry scent is harsh in the air, letting me know just how upset she is.

I must not move fast enough because I feel the bottle being put to my mouth. The second the cold liquid touches my tongue, I grab the bottle and suck it dry. Then a little pill finds its way into my palm and I take it, knowing it’ll make me feel better.

“You scared me last night,” Rory says. Her words are stern, but her hand finds my back. She soothes me and I feel grateful, but also a little bit sick. She’s always taking care of me.

I cringe. “Do I even want to know what happened?”

“Probably not, but I’m going to tell you anyway,” she quips.

“You came into my room and woke me up, talking nonsense. Something about spiders chasing you.”

My heart pounds. I definitely don’t remember that. The awful mood I was in before my trip must have made me lose my mind a bit. I normally remember my trips in pieces, but I can’t seem to figure out what happened right after this one started.

“I’m so sorry—” I start to say but she raises a finger to stop me. She reaches down below her and pulls out an empty vodka bottle.

Oh.

“You smelled like vodka, but I knew that alcohol alone wasn’t making you like that. So I asked you.”

I hang my head in shame.

“You lied to me.” She only barely keeps the tremor of emotion out of her words, but I hear it. She puts the bottle on the coffee table and crosses her arms. “And not only that, but you are mixing that stuff with things you shouldn’t. Smoking on it, fine. I get it. But drinking while you’re on acid?”

I don’t even remember drinking, but that explains the gaps in my memory.

“I didn’t like seeing you like that. It took a long time for you to calm down. You were so paranoid that something was hunting you. So, when I finally talked you off the ledge, I let you rest here and went to your room.” She looks at me, a bit of uneasiness etched through her features. “You have to be done with Derek.”

That’s when I remember.

The texts.

“Did you read them?” I ask her, feeling very shaky all of a sudden.

She nods gently.

“I was ignoring him.” I shrug, listing the usual line of defense. “I wasn’t being a good girlfriend.”

“You aren’t his girlfriend anymore. Please, this has to end.” She puts her hand in mine and interlaces our fingers. “I want my best friend back. He has fucked with you long enough. Please let me help you.”

I want to scream yes but something in me hurts. Some deep and subliminal part of me thinks this is it. This is what I deserve.

Derek is who I deserve.

My parents knew it. He knew it. I’m not a good person, and I don’t deserve to be with good people. I’m selfish and I only pay attention when I want to. I don’t care about others’ feelings. If I did, I would be more mindful of my surroundings, of others’ feelings.

“What if he’s the only alpha that’s ever going to want me?” I think out loud.

“That’s literally impossible.” She squeezes my hand some more, pulling me out of my head so I’ll look at her. She looks tired and her eyes are redder than usual, almost like she’s spent the night crying. “You are destined for an extraordinary pack. You have to believe that. And if you don’t, I will remind you every single day until you do.”

I finally let a few tears fall, nodding my head.

She’s right. It’s time. No more letting Derek upset me. No more letting him manipulate me.

It’s time to end it. For good this time.

“Can you come with me?” I ask her.

I wish I was strong enough to do it alone. I used to be, I think. But Derek knows how to shine light on all the right insecurities to get me to stay. He exposes my doubting thoughts and tries to confirm to me that they are true.

“Of course,” she says. “Right after we get something to eat.”

We walk hand-in-hand down the sidewalk of College Row. When I see the letters of Alpha Xi come into focus, a bout of nausea threatens to come up. In the late night, I had failed to recognize the building. I feel sick just thinking about it.

Having trouble staying present has always been difficult. Most people who know me consider it a part of my personality. I’m often lost in my own world. But it’s been different these last few months; it’s happened more often. Chunks of time lost to me, like I’m working on autopilot.

I don’t notice we’re in front of the door until Rory is ringing the doorbell. It’s almost noon, and I’m hoping most of the frat brothers who were up late partying are awake and don’t mind the intrusion.

The door opens and the frat president is there, his calming apple scent feeling much warmer than a typical alpha. He gives us a soft smile when he recognizes us.

I like to call him Samwise in my head. The Lord of the Rings character is one of my favorites ever written and Sam gives off the same vibe to me. Loyal. Strategic. Over the world’s bullshit.

“You doing okay, Stacia?” he asks, and I realize he and Rory have already exchanged the casual small talk.

I just smile and nod, trying not to think about the inevitable conversation I’m about to have. “Is Derek here?”

“Yeah, I can go get him.” He opens the door wider and invites us in before leading us to the living room.

Before Sam can walk away, Rory beckons him over and lowers her voice so only we can hear. “Things might get a bit tense in here. Is there any way you could… stay nearby? Or get a few of your members to standby just in case things get out of hand?”

I fight the heavy sigh that threatens to escape. I know she’s right. Derek is volatile. It makes what I’m about to do feel like a big deal.

I mean, it is a big deal, if the feeling my omega is sending through my body is anything to go by.

“Of course.” Sam doesn’t even hesitate. It makes me take another look at him. Derek was never very nice when talking about Sam. I’d argue with him about it in the beginning, but it got taxing very fast.

I wonder now, sadly, if I’m not the only person Derek has inflicted with his hatred.

We sit on one of the loveseats to wait. You would never guess that a horde of men live in this house, much less that they had a raging party the night before. The place is spotless and there must be an assortment of scent neutralizers in the air because I feel oddly comfortable amongst the old books and their smell. I take in another whiff, letting the vintage ease into my body. It grounds me, making me feel calm but also courageous. There’s a hint of something else simmering in the air, too. Is someone making tea?

I smell him before I see him. A whine tries to come up my throat when the comfortable scent gets obscured up by the odor of murky waters. My stomach turns to knots.

It’s fear. He’s made you fear him, my omega reminds me. I don’t speak to her very often, but she’s strong in my chest right now. Eager.

“Stacia.” I turn to look at Derek. He’s got a splint covering his nose, and there’s little splotches of purple in the corners of his eyes.

I get a weird satisfaction at seeing that his night didn’t go nearly as well as he wanted me to believe.

“What happened?” I wince at my involuntary question, because I don’t actually care what happened, it just feels natural to say whatever I can to avoid conflict with him. I realize I’ve taught myself to say things I knew he would like throughout our relationship, like a “good omega.”

I realize there are some things I’ll need to work on now. Things that he changed in me that I didn’t notice before.

“I’ll tell you alone,” he responds while side-eyeing my best friend.

Rory just glares at him, her arms crossed. “Nice try, but I’m staying right here.”

Derek stands oddly still, returning Rory’s glare. It’s uncomfortable and silent for a minute before I huff and stand up.

“She’s not going anywhere. This won’t take long anyway.” I take another sniff of the air, trying to isolate the lovely book smell so I can muster up more courage. “Just tell me what happened so we can move on.”

He looks infuriated that I didn’t heed his command. He scrunches his nose and winces when it hurts him, his angry eyes meeting mine. “I got into it with that beta you were talking to. Then, his pack mate hit me.”

Ciro. The thought of the beautiful beta gives me butterflies. Then I feel sad. He must have been so confused. I feel bad that I might have ruined his and his pack mates’ night because of Derek and I’s toxic mess of a relationship.

I don’t exactly know what to say. Derek’s scent continues to soil the lovely vintage smell in the room and makes me want to hurl. I should have known this wasn’t going to work from that fact alone. Scents are very important to omegas and I’ve been ignoring my distaste of his for so long.

I feel tongue-tied, but then my omega is helping me open my mouth and the words are out before I can question them.

“Derek, it’s over.”

There’s a sudden release of energy leaving my body, and then… relief. I also feel a bit sad—and fearful—but I mostly feel empowered for the first time in months.

That is, until I see the entitlement on Derek’s face.

“Sure. You’ve said that before,” he chuckles. He fucking chuckles. I hear Rory give an omega growl from behind me. “We both know it’s not. So, how about we go get some lunch and talk this through?”

His nonchalance makes me pause. I didn’t expect this. I thought he’d throw a tantrum, not… dismiss me. It should be firing me up, but instead, it causes me to feel… guilty?

“Stacia.” Rory’s voice reaches me in the fog. When I turn to look at her, she’s looking at me with expectant eyes. I hear her words again in my head.

Please let this be over.

I hold onto those words. My best friend believes in me. I have to start believing in myself again, too.

“No, Derek.” I turn back to him, his apathy withering at the expression on my face. “I mean it this time.”

“Stacia—” He starts to say, but I cut him off, steel in my words.

“Your number is blocked. You are not allowed to stop by. You’re not allowed to contact me. I don’t want to see you. Do you understand?”

My omega preens inside of me. How long has she been waiting for me to catch up, I wonder?

I suddenly feel ashamed. I wasn’t even paying attention to the deepest most innate part of myself. Where have I been?

“Stacia… let’s talk about this.” His surprised expression is bleeding with deception before he turns his attention to my best friend. “Can you please leave the room?”

I hear her scoff. “And give you the opportunity to make her feel like this isn’t the best decision of her life? No thank you.”

He looks back at me, desperation on his face. “This isn’t fair, Stacia. I deserve more from our break up than your best friend watching and ridiculing me from the sidelines.”

I feel Rory move in closer. “You can’t manipulate her anymore, you slime ball.”

“What did you just call me?” he spits, the aggression that lays below the surface finally peaking through.

“Oh, I see I’ve hit a sore spot,” Rory taunts.

Derek’s face turns scarlet and his fists clench at his side. “You’ve always been a nosy bitch, constantly trying to get between us. You call me a manipulator, but I see what you’re doing. I see how you’re jealous of what we have, just another lonely omega wishing she had an alpha’s cock!”

“Enough!”

It takes me a second to realize the word came out of me.

There’s silence and I realize my command was laced with a bark. Derek’s fury is palpable. It’s practically sizzling off of him. My own rage meets his, our counterparts hissing at each other in an intense stand-off.

“What you just said was unacceptable,” I finally say. “I don’t want to be with someone like you. I don’t think I ever did. This girl”—I point to Rory— “means more to me than anyone in the entire world. And what you just said to her… you’re repulsive.”

“Stacia, please.” He tries to put longing back into his tone, but his tactic won’t work on me.

I feel full of steel, the anger on my best friend’s behalf overriding whatever hesitation I had when we stepped into this frat house. “You are nothing to me. You never were.”

I see the venom stirring in his face, but before he can respond, someone steps into the living room.

“You ready to go?” the mystery alpha says to Derek just before I notice he’s holding a hockey stick.

Gosh, I never want to see another hockey game again.

“Can you give us a minute?” Derek says to them, frustration lacing his words.

“No, it’s okay, I think you’re done here,” Rory says before placing a grounding hand on my shoulder. Her presence is all I need. I avoid Derek’s eyes as we retreat.

“You can’t be serious, Stacia. This is what we do, this is how our relationship has always been. You can’t just run away from what we have.”

I feel bile rise up my throat.

“It’s over,” I repeat, more to myself than anyone else as we round the door.

Derek tries to call after me, but more frat members start to walk into the doorway, separating us.

I catch Sam’s eyes on the way out and I realize he had a hand in this, helping us with our departure. I try to flash him a proper smile, saying thanks.

He understands and nods back, saying anytime.

When we finally get outside, I feel like I can breathe again.

“Are you okay, Stacia?” Rory asks, her hand still secure on my shoulder. I realize I’m bent over, the adrenaline finally subsiding and leaving behind a mountain of emotions.

“Yeah.” Although, I’m not sure if I am. “I can’t believe he said those things to you. You didn’t fucking deserve that.”

She gives me a sad smile, her hand continuing to soothe me. “I know, but Stacia… you don’t deserve that, either.”

No, I don’t. Everything he just said about Rory was bullshit. So obviously bullshit that it was almost comical. But the things he has spat at me in the past… didn’t feel that way. They felt real, like my insecurities were being confirmed by someone outside of my own head.

I let him talk to me that way, I realize. I didn’t allow it just now, towards Rory, but I’ve let it happen many times towards me.

I’m not sure what I’m supposed to take from that, yet; it feels like quicksand that I’m not quite ready to step into.

NINE

“Tell me again why we entrusted you with this,” my normally-optimistic pack mate says in my ear. I reposition my phone while I stroll along the dewy green of the quad. I was only a couple seconds out the door before Kendall was calling me to go over the plan. As if they all hadn’t asked me multiple times in the past week.

I sigh. “Like we’ve talked about before, I’ve already met her. It just seems like the best idea if I’m the one that initiates more interaction. Plus, she and I hit it off.” I pause for a moment. “Before she ghosted me.”

Shit… maybe she won’t want to see me.

“That wasn’t because of you, though, Ci,” he reassures me.

“Right.” I hesitate. “Anyway. I’ll also be able to keep my head on straight around her. You know, being a beta and all.”

“Keep your head on straight? You?” he jokes. “Not only is the straight part inaccurate, but you’re as crooked as they come, man.”

“Shut it,” I laugh, the statement putting me back in good spirits. “I normally agree that being well-balanced is boring as fuck, but this is different. You would all go crazy smelling her for the first time and you might freak her out. She’s going through a lot right now, we can’t run her off.”

A beam of pride shoots through me when I think about Stacia standing up for herself. Sam told us about how she came over the day after the party to break up with Derek. He also told us about the unstable tantrum Derek had after she left.

It’s been a few weeks since that weekend and Derek’s been an even bigger pain than usual. Well, that’s putting it lightly. The break-up has made him unbearable. He’s constantly making ignorant remarks and constantly trying to bait other alphas into fighting. I’m not an alpha, but trying to find some kind of control through violence doesn’t seem like the smartest solution. It’s exhausting being around someone that volatile all the time, so we’ve been keeping our distance as a pack ever since.

“She may not want to meet you guys right away, so we have to treat this delicately.” I make my way down the beaten path to the English department. “But really, I just want to see how she is. Please tell your alpha to be patient.”

Kendall scoffs. “Please. I’ll be fine. I don’t want to scare her off anymore than you do. I just want to meet her…” He pouts before sighing. “Fine, I see your point.”

“I’m almost to the building now, so I’ll call you later.”

“Okay. Be your normal charming self! I believe in you!” He blows a patronizing kiss through the speaker. “Call me after class!”

I shake my head and laugh before hanging up. I make my way through the doors of the English building, which is where my noon lecture resides. I’m positive she has a class at the same time because I see her every time I walk through these doors.

I’m desperate to talk to her, but I’ve been biding my time. She just broke up with her boyfriend, yes, but that’s not the only reason. She has no idea that this possibility even exists. She may not have smelled me the same way I did her the night we met, either from being high or just not feeling that way about me.

The latter is what frightens me the most.

I’m a beta, and I may have had a magical meeting with her, but there’s a chance that my ability to smell her is just a fluke. I have to be prepared for the outcome of that.

I shake the thought away right before I spot her in my peripheral. My breath hitches. She’s the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen. Her hair is shiny and bouncing; she’s wearing these light green dungarees and a pair of Mary Jane’s. Our aesthetics may differ like night and day, but the fashion sense is much appreciated.

Focus, Ciro.

She’s standing at a bulletin in the hallway, which gives me the perfect opportunity to talk to her. That same wonderful scent from the night we met hits my nose, beckoning me forward. I stop behind her and swallow hard.

“Hey, Stacia.”

She turns around swiftly and meets my eyes. I’m not sure what kind of disappointment I’m expecting, but I start to breathe easier when her eyes go wide and joyful.

And I’m not an expert on scents, but did hers just get slightly more sweet?

“Oh, wow, hi!” she says, “You did say you were majoring in communications.”

“Reluctantly,” I laugh. “Anything interesting on the board today?” I ask, pointing at the bulletin.

She looks back at the board for a moment, a slight blush on her cheeks. “Nothing really. Just a poetry contest, but I’m not very good. I enjoy it, but I’m better at fiction writing.”

“If it brings you joy, that’s all that really matters, right?”

She thinks about that for a moment before taking her phone out of her pocket. I feel another rejection coming.

Oh, you’ve done it now, Ciro.

But then she turns and takes a picture of the poster before putting her phone away. “I’ll consider doing it. A lot of my stuff is rather depressing these days, though.”

“I’m pretty sure lifetime happiness isn’t a requirement for good writing.”

She laughs before pointing casually down the hallway. “Want to walk me to class?”

I must look silly because I nod immediately. We head out towards her classroom and, as I’m trying to muster up the confidence to carry out the plan, the negative affirmations come roaring back. Maybe she can’t smell me the way I can smell her. Maybe it’s some kind of biological fluke, and I’m just another beta that she can’t scent. Or maybe it was a side-effect of us both being under the influence during our first meeting, the drugs causing hormonal abnormalities.

Maybe Kendall was right… maybe I shouldn’t be doing this.

But just as I imagine waving the white flag of surrender, something happens. So discreetly that I almost miss it, her head leans over toward me as we walk just before her nostrils flare the slightest amount. Her eyelashes flutter closed as what just happened hits me like a brick.

Holy shit! She’s trying to smell me. She can smell me!

What follows is a bloom of gloriousness that causes my head to feel both light and heavy at the same time. Her fragrance hits the doubt I was feeling a moment ago like a bat and dissipates it, leaving it behind as forgotten dust.

As soon as I start talking, she speaks as well.

“Hey, would you ever want⁠—”

“Look, I’m sorry about⁠—”

We both stop and look at the other before bursting out in laughter.

“You can go first,” I say.

She smiles gently. “I wanted to say I’m sorry for everything that happened with Derek a few weeks ago. You and your pack didn’t deserve to have your night ruined over our bullshit.”

I realize then that Stacia is genuinely a good person. How she got caught up with Derek is a mystery to me.

I shake my head. “You never have to apologize for someone else’s fucked up behavior. He was an asshole, not you. I quite enjoyed our first meeting. I don’t regret it at all.” A nervous cough gets caught in my throat. “Also, my pack mate has been looking for a reason to hit him for a long time, so really, we should all be thanking you.”

She gives a sincere laugh at that, which makes me smile. She starts to slow down and I realize our walk is coming to a close.

We stop and I rub my neck in a nervous tick. “Hey, I recognize that this might be too soon to ask… my pack mates are on the hockey team and I normally go alone, but I was wondering… if you’d like to accompany me to their next home game?”

She winces, her face contorting in repulsion.

I chuckle. “You look disgusted.”

That makes her smile again. “I’m sorry. Derek used to make me go, but I hated it. I’m not a fan of how cold it is.”

A snort escapes me. “You’re right, it’s a literal icebox.” I throw the plan out the window and go with the next best option. I know the guys won’t care about the change of plans. They just want her to be comfortable at the end of the day. “What if we hung out and watched it back at our place? They’d be playing, so it would be just us?”

She tilts her head before biting her lip in thought. It brings my attention to it, making me swallow hard. I don’t have an alpha inside me to drive my thoughts, but this particular omega makes me question my sanity.

“I’d like that, actually,” she says, and I internally fist pump. She pulls her phone back out and the next thing I know, a chime echoes from my pocket. “Sorry I never got around to texting you. It’s been a crazy few weeks, but now you have my number, too. Text me the time and day?” She gives me a sweet smile that I reciprocate.

“Most definitely.” I nod. “I’ll see you very soon.”

“Later, Ciro.”

She makes her way into her class, looking back at me once to give another nervous smile. I sigh a huge breath of relief before walking away.

I immediately start to think about how to make it the best date ever. Even thinking of it as a date gives me butterflies.

Just as I’m getting to my classroom, it hits me. She knew my name, she remembered my contact. Maybe I wasn’t the only one affected by our meeting after all.

TEN

Playing: Making the Bed by Olivia Rodrigo

“This is not a date.” I cross my arms and watch as Rory looks through my closet. I have told her up to fifteen times that this is not a date, but she refuses to placate my denial in the matter.

“Even if it’s not, don’t you want to look cute?” she says with a mischievous smile. She picks up a sweater dress and looks at it sideways like it’ll somehow make the dress look sexier. She puts the dress back before pulling out a wool skirt instead.

“I guess.” I try to shrug casually, but my insides are screaming affirmatives. Ciro is very cute and he’s the only beta I’ve ever smelled besides my parents. It’s appealing in a confusing—but also exciting—way.

Okay, I may be hoping this is a date, but that doesn’t mean it is one.

“Look, all I’m saying is that it’s probably best to just rip the bandaid off and call this a date.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea though. I mean, it hasn’t been that long since the break up…” I trail off. Not to mention how the last few weeks have gone. Rory suggested that I get all the routine tests done now that we know Derek was cheating on me. Luckily, everything came back negative. It should feel normal, but a part of me still feels shame from the entire ordeal. For months, I knew things weren’t okay and yet I still trusted him with that part of myself.

Looking back, I feel ridiculous and naive. I’m not sure I’m ready to trust someone again, and that includes myself.

“Sure, it hasn’t been that long since thou-who-shall-not-be-named, but it’s actually been a really long time since you’ve been happy and excited about dating. So, this is coming right on time.” She puts the skirt beside me on the bed before marching back to find a matching shirt. “And, his packmate punched you-know-who in the face and broke his nose. That’s all I need for my stamp of approval. They’re perfect for you.”

“No, not they,” I reprimand her. “Just Ciro. He’s the one that asked me. His pack won’t even be there. Besides, I don’t want a pack.” Even as I say it, my words lack conviction.

Rory looks at me like yeah right but doesn’t push the issue. She sets a few shirt options down for me and I slide my hand over the soft cotton and ponder.

“Even if you’re not calling it a date, he certainly is. Why would he go out of his way to get things you like if it weren’t a date?” she points out, taking me back to Ciro’s texts from earlier. He had asked about my favorite snacks and drinks, and when I only sent cookies as my response, he didn’t accept it and made me send a list instead. He told me the more options the better, and that’s how our entire weekly grocery list ended up in our text chain.

“Just because he asked for a list doesn’t mean he’ll have every option. He probably just wanted to get something we could both enjoy.”

Rory scoffs. “Fine. But a guy you’re not dating wouldn’t give you an adoringly cute nickname.”

Yes, he may have started calling me a particular name over text. When I asked him why he picked that name of all things, he said ‘because you have the prettiest doe eyes I’ve ever seen.’

I cough slightly, trying to hide my blush. “Looks like we’ll see when I get there,” I say, but it does little to calm my nerves. I wonder if I can sneak in a quick smoke break before I go, but my phone screen says I’ll be late if I don’t leave soon so I scratch that idea and decide to get dressed.

“Thank you for helping me, Cranny.”

She scrunches her nose at my favorite nickname for her. It’s not the most creative, but I love her cranberry scent so it’s a keeper.

“Of course, Vanilla Bean.” She cringes and shakes her head. “Nope, it doesn’t work. Anyway, I love you. Please share your location with me just in case.”

I pull up our text messages and quickly turn on my location. She smiles at me. “Have fun, Stacia. You deserve it.”

ELEVEN

Playing: Silence by Marshmello (ft. Khalid)

This house is a suburban dream. It’s nicely sized with worn down brick. It doesn’t look polished like the houses in our neighborhood, which calls to my omega in a way I didn’t expect. There’s fallen leaves still scattered amongst the lawn, a partial crack in the side of the porch, peelings of paint falling off the door. All the little imperfections scream that this place is a home. And the finishing touch is the snowflake decoration that’s hanging on their door. It’s twinkling at me as I stand there, frozen in my step with my knuckles raised.

Now that I’m here, I feel something stirring. It’s like impending doom but lighter. It feels like excitement and anxiety are trying to befriend each other in my stomach.

Just as I’m about to knock, the door suddenly opens and the very handsome beta I’m here to see appears on the other side. He beams at me and I take a moment to take in his appearance. His style is a beautiful mix of prep and punk. He’s got on a deep purple sweater vest with nothing underneath so I can see his beautiful tattoos cascading down both arms. He’s wearing the same earrings from the night we met, little silver lightning bolts that sway with the movement of his head. His trousers stop right above his ankle and are tight around his thighs.

My cheeks flush involuntarily as I shake my head and raise my eyes to his face. His expression doesn’t give away whether or not he caught me checking him out, but his rum scent smoothens just the tiniest bit.

“Hi, doe. Are you ready to watch some hockey without freezing to death?” he asks teasingly before holding the door open for me.

“You have no idea.” I smile before stepping inside. He follows behind me as we walk further into the house. “Maybe I’ll actually enjoy the sport this time instead of wishing for it to be⁠—”

I halt abruptly in the doorway of the living room. The light is dimmed and the room is quite spacious. There’s one large sectional, with a matching loveseat and recliner. The mahogany coffee table is covered in snacks and there’s warmth coming from the fireplace.

The real fireplace.

But that’s not the reason I stopped in my tracks.

It’s the smell. Or rather, the mix of smells. They’re all jumbled together in one big aroma that leaves me lightheaded in the most glorious way.

I can’t tell the scents apart, but I know that I feel at home amongst them. And that kind of familiarity makes my anxiety spike even more.

Ciro looks back at me and smiles, pretending politely that he doesn’t notice my pause in the doorway.

“Does it look okay?” he asks, and I realized he made the place look like this in order to make me more comfortable. My heart beats rapidly at the gesture alongside the assortment of scents in the air.

What is happening?

“It looks wonderful, Ciro.” I finally make my way into the space and follow Ciro to the couch. The fragrancy gets stronger, and it takes everything in me to not let the whine in my throat escape. I roll my eyes at the omega inside of me, begging her to calm down her hormones. She rumbles inside me as her response.

I know she’s trying to tell me something, but now is not the time.

There’s faint murmuring coming from the TV as we sit on the sectional. I feel myself sink into the comfortable material, the dim atmosphere putting my nerves at ease as I soak up as much coziness as I can. I turn to look at the snacks when I feel something soft under my fingertips.

I swipe my hand over the white blanket, admiring its fluffiness. Instinctually, I pick it up to wrap around me when the smell of its owner reaches my nostrils. The intoxication of it causes me to pause before I inhale even deeper. Coconut. And the most decadent version of it I have ever smelled.

I clutch it closer to my body, a certain calmness settling into my bones at the proximity of it.

“That’s Kendall’s.” I look over at Ciro; he’s watching me with a strange look on his face, like he isn’t surprised by my reaction to his pack mate’s blanket. That can’t be right. “Out of all of us, he’s the one that leaves his stuff around the most. Hoodies, blankets, books. You name it.”

I imagine finding a hoodie with this insane scent on it. An audible gulp almost escapes me.

“Do you want me to move it?” he asks, but he seems to be saying it out of courtesy rather than trying to take it away.

“Um.” No, I do not want him to move it. My omega is unsettled at the very thought of it being taken from our grasp. “I’m actually kind of cold, do you think I could use it?”

Even as I say the lie, shame rises to the surface. What kind of person does this? Becomes possessive of a stranger’s blanket?

Before I can take back my question, Ciro nods. “You can definitely use it. Kendall won’t mind.” He tries and fails to hide the smile that takes over his face as he watches me wrap myself up in it. He looks almost joyful at my insistence to use his friend’s blanket.

He turns the volume up on the TV as I bring a corner of the blanket up to my nose and inhale. Gods, it’s even better up close. I feel like an absolute freak. Why does it smell like this?

You know why it smells like this.

No. I refuse to even entertain that idea.

But then the other scents drift to me, including Ciro’s spiced rum with hints of orange. The proximity of it causes me to perfume, adding my own scent to the mix. At first, my omega is pleased at the new sensation, but then I’m mortified. Ciro won’t be able to smell it, I reassure myself. Betas can’t smell omegas or alphas, not unless they’re pack. I think my ability to smell him is one-sided, a weird biological fluke.

But then I hear Ciro groan beside me as quietly as he can, the sound muffled but apparent.

I widen my eyes at him in realization. “You can smell me?”

“Yes.” Ciro looks at me with guilty eyes and I’m baffled. Mind-boggled. Betas normally don’t smell anyone. Except for one very specific case.

Scent matches.

“Can you smell me?” Ciro asks, and I realize there’s a nervousness in his voice. Maybe he was also under the impression this was one-sided, and that causes me to nod.

I wrap the blanket further around me, trying to contain my perfume from further invading their space. “I’m so sorry. I don’t normally do… that unprovoked.”

This is so embarrassing.

“You seem to apologize a lot for things that aren’t your fault and also don’t bother me in the slightest.” That seems to break the tension. He gives me a gentle smile before continuing. “I think you smell incredible, Stacia. I don’t mind if we’re frank with each other about it. In fact, I’m quite straightforward about things in general, so let me know if anything I ever say makes you uncomfortable. That’s the last thing I would want.”

I nod, feeling a rush of warmth travel through my body. “I’m not uncomfortable right now at all. Thank you for having me over.”

His unease fades as his joy returns. He motions towards the coffee table. “So, I couldn’t quite decide on what to get, so I got a bit of everything. Hazelnut M&M’s, rice cakes, Oreos. I even got”—he grabs a certain green bag—“dill pickle chips. So, what are you in the mood for?”

The game enters the second period. I hate to admit it, but I am enjoying this game a lot more than I ever did when I went to watch Derek. I can’t even remember his number, so I watch nameless peers of mine slide back and forth on the ice as they try their best to maintain Bensen U’s lead.

I put down the hazelnut M&Ms, because I can’t possibly eat anymore, and pick up the glass of wine that Ciro had poured for me. It’s a beautiful Malbec that Ciro explained to me was grown locally in his parents’ hometown in Argentina. I had wondered where his subtle accent had originated. He shined brightly when I asked him to tell me more about his family, then went on to explain how his paternal grandparents moved here when his father was young, how they fell in love with the state of New York. His father had met his mother while visiting Argentina, having been drawn back there to feel closer to his roots. Then he went on to talk about the trips he takes there with his family every summer, how he loves it but he’s known since he was a kid that he was always meant to be an American boy. “My mom almost fainted when I told her I joined a fraternity.”

His enthusiasm is contagious. I could listen to him speak for the rest of my life and never get bored.

“So,” I start before placing my glass back down and interlacing my fingers. “Were you not keen on hockey as a sport?”

Ciro laughs heartily. “I find it hilarious that I was destined for pack mates that play hockey. I’ve never been one for sports of any kind. I don’t have a lot of hobbies either. I just like to enjoy my time no matter what I’m doing. But I won’t lie and say that supporting them in their endeavors hasn’t been the time of my life, because it has. I enjoy every game of theirs I watch, and I love spending time with them afterwards, win or lose.”

His eyes light up while talking about his pack mates. It makes me feel a bit envious. Not only because he has it, but because he’s so open and receptive to the idea of it. Even thinking about having a pack one day makes me nervous, because then there are multiple people who have the potential to hurt me.

“Tell me more about them,” I find myself saying in a soft whisper. He looks at me, a curious glint in his eyes. “Your pack mates.”

He smiles compassionately before looking back at the screen. He gives a soft point. “Do you see number fifteen? He’s got blond hair under his helmet. That’s Kendall, the one whose blanket is keeping you warm.” My cheeks redden, but he keeps going. “He’s also the one who punched Derek at that party. He’s normally the least hot-headed next to our prime, but he got worked up that night, I guess.” He gives what he thinks is a casual shrug, but I can see there’s something else behind that statement. I don’t get to investigate it before he continues. “He’s like… a golden retriever and a surfer bro all mixed into one. That’s the best way to describe him. He’s always smiling, he’s always in a good mood. If you’re looking to procrastinate for a few hours and goof off, he’s your guy. And don’t tell him I told you this, but he can bake literally anything. Claims it was something he did to bond with his grandmother, but you’ll find him in the kitchen almost as much as the ice. He’s also heavily obsessed with old fashioned arcades. He’s a bit unbearable if he finds a Dig Dug machine.”

I listen intently, sneaking another whiff of the coconut embedded in the blanket. Ciro points at someone else when the screen angles to a defenseman pushing another player into the boards.

“That’s Uriah. He’s the sweetest alpha you’ll ever meet. People think he’s a grump because he’s very intense, and people find that mysteriousness a bit intimidating, but that’s just because he’s selective on who he spends time with. He cares about our pack and he likes music, but he’s very protective of his art. He’s not quite sure where he wants his career to go yet, so he’s tightlipped about it. Or maybe that’s modesty, I’m not sure. Regardless, he’s very good at what he does.”

“And finally.” I follow his gaze to the person the announcer is talking about. “Our prime, Atlas. He’s different from other primes, but he’s the glue that holds us together. He keeps all of us as level-headed as we can be. He’s very smart, probably the smartest person I’ve ever met. He’ll read anything you put in front of him because he just wants to learn everything he can. You’d think he’d want to utilize that knowledge somehow, but he loves hockey more than anything. He plans to go pro after graduation. It’s his main goal these days.”

These four people found a home together, despite being vastly different. I’m in awe of it. I’m in awe of the level of respect he has for them as he speaks.

“How did you guys meet?” I ask.

Ciro smiles at the memory. “Freshman year we were all pledges for Alpha Xi. Kendall and Atlas had known each other their whole lives. I think on some level, they knew they were pack but the bond didn’t click in until we all met—even though we didn’t know that’s what it was, not exactly. We all lived in the fraternity house our freshmen year, but realized sometime last year that we all liked each other more than average frat brothers. We decided to officially declare ourselves as a pack and moved out. It’s been a rollercoaster ride ever since.”

I watch the proud gleam on his face. It’s admirable, how much these four men care and love each other.

“Do you want to meet them?” Ciro asks, looking at me with a cautious hope on his face. My heart starts to race at the notion, nervousness and anxiety making a drum circle in my chest.

I think about the thing I’m avoiding. How all of their smells put me in a state of calm that I’ve never known. How being here with Ciro feels like home.

I decided long ago that I don’t deserve a pack. I especially don’t deserve one as lovely as this, one with so much love and certainty.

The fact that I’m even thinking of them as a potential pack in itself is bonkers. I’ve only met one of them, and yet I’m assuming I’ll become a part of their lives if I meet them? I must be going out of my mind. Or maybe I’m lonelier than I thought if I could even entertain the idea.

“Not yet,” I force myself to say, even though my omega is urging me to reconsider.

“Of course.” He nods, understanding. I look at the side of his head, where his tattoo hides underneath his hair.

“What’s your tattoo of? It looks like a leaf.”

He grins when he realizes what I’m talking about. “Yeah, it’s an olive branch. Hurt like hell, but I love it. I want to re-shave my sides sometime soon to show it off.”

I brush my fingers over it, inadvertently sending a shiver through his body. I feel the movement and pull my fingers back. “Why an olive branch?”

He shrugs casually, his smile never leaving. “It’s a symbol of peace. I think that’s what most people ultimately want, right? Peace and freedom. The right to choose their own destiny. I wanted to remind myself that I have that. My pack and family are both supportive, and I can do what I want. I’m really grateful to have them in my life.”

I blink away the sheen that comes to my eyes then, shaking my head to force them away.

I’ll have to work really hard to deserve someone like him.

He opens his arms, leaving a space for me to fall into him. I welcome it, sighing at the perfect way we fit together. We return our attention to the game, and I find myself drifting further into his comfort. As I close my eyes partially, I realize that I’ve been present the entire time I’ve been in his orbit.

This is the first time in a long while that I’ve felt completely at peace.

TWELVE

The ride home was painfully silent. We each focused on our anxiety around returning home, our stale scents tattling on us in the small space. We didn’t know whether or not she would still be there, but somehow that didn’t matter. We were all desperate to know how Ciro’s night went.

Atlas pulled the car into the driveway incredibly slowly. If I didn’t know any better, I would say he’s trying to bait us into losing our minds. But no, one look at his face tells me he’s just as stir-crazy as we are. The vehicle comes to a stop, and Uriah gets out quicker than I’ve ever seen him.

Our grumpy friend has been very impatient these past few weeks. It would be more amusing if I wasn’t acting the exact same way.

We make our way into the house, trying to act nonchalant while simultaneously shitting bricks. The living room light is at full mast as we enter to find Ciro sitting on the couch. Alone.

“Sorry guys,” he tries to say sincerely, but his lips betray him. He’s still giddy as hell from his night with Stacia, and I don’t blame him one bit.

Our prime nods his head and crosses his arms. “That’s okay. All in due time,” he reassures us before putting a hand through his hair.

“If it makes you guys feel any better, she was very affected by the state of this room,” Ciro says.

“Really?” Uriah says, hope shining in his eyes.

“Yeah, she was trying to hide it from me, but I think she was more relaxed here. We had a really cozy evening.”

I take a seat beside Ciro, taking in his words right before something itches my nose in the most delectable way. I sniff the air a few more times, looking around for its source. When my gaze comes upon my favorite white blanket, a slightly embarrassing gasp escapes me.

My eyes widen and fly to Ciro. He’s looking at me with a naughty smirk before nodding his head, confirming my suspicions.

“No way,” I whisper as I fist the blanket delicately.

“She was quite enamored with it, actually. She said she was cold and asked if she could use it. You’re welcome.”

Atlas laughs. “Who knew leaving your stuff lying around would actually turn out to be a good thing?”

I bring the fabric to my nose slowly, awaiting the gloriousness I know I’ll find embedded in the fur. Her smell hits me full force from the very first inhale.

Mine.

I find vanilla and lavender freshly mixed in with my coconut scent. I feel myself harden embarrassingly quick at the blend of our fragrances. They work so well together, I almost want to cry at the beauty.

I look up to find all of my pack mates watching me, both concern and joy in their expressions. I wrap my arms around the blanket and give a small growl to cover up any self-consciousness.

“If there was any more doubt, that alone would confirm it,” Atlas says, a proud smile on his face. “You going to be okay, Kenny?”

I nod, trying not to show the blatant emotion on my face. “Definitely,” I say. “On a completely unrelated note, can you all promise me that you won’t wash this blanket until I say it’s okay?”

They all give small chuckles and agree. I feel the emotion full force, and cuddle the blanket in my hold. “She’s ours,” I say in disbelief. “She’s really ours.”

THIRTEEN

Drinking a spiced rum pina colada, fresh coconut juice and an orange garnish. My toes are in the sand, a book beside me as a smell as cleansing as the ocean breeze sweeps over me… Hands and mouths travel over my body in unison, and I welcome it with glee as I follow the unforgettable sensation into a steady rhythm…

My eyes fly open as I sit up abruptly. I pull my traitorous hand out of my pajama shorts and look at it in betrayal.

“Not again!” I huff in exasperation. “Can’t you just quit it?”

I grab my wrist and toss my hand around before trying to force what I was about to do out of my mind. Technically, what I was about to do again. For the tenth time.

I can’t get those scents out of my head. All I have to do is conjure up the memory of it and my body starts to sing a feral song all by itself. There’s shame mixed with the pleasure, as I forget these scents belong to strangers. That’s not including Ciro but even then, he has not clarified openly that he wants to pursue me, so I still feel guilty all the same.

The beast inside of me demands retribution for my idiot idea of not meeting the men of those lovely scents. I’ve even refused to check in with Ciro to make another date, so my omega has done the only thing she can to obtain any control: became extremely horny and inconvenient.

The way Ciro held me and continued to speak praise of his pack mates. The way we whispered to each other gently over my favorite snacks. The mingled scents that surrounded us and made their living room feel like mine.

It’s all fucking crazy. I can’t process how my omega has become so delusional over alphas—and one very attractive beta—that she barely knows. I almost feel like fighting her if it were possible, really wringing her neck to get her head on straight. Our head on straight.

I force my hands above my head as I walk to my desk. What can I do to distract my shameful hands?

I pick up my latest read and open it to the latest chapter and widen my eyes at the explicit description of the female main character giving her two boyfriends a simultaneous blow job. I read the first few lines and then drop it on my desk.

Now I remember why I didn’t finish the scene last night. I was reading when suddenly the two boyfriends morphed into Ciro and an unknown face that had a coconut scent.

“You’ve even ruined reading for me, you monster,” I say to my reflection on the wall. I have swollen eye bags from my sleep being interrupted and my hair is in a sex-frenzy. I grab my brush to sort through the heavy knots.

Finally, an acceptable and innocent activity that I can do with my hands.

My omega suddenly pictures an attentive alpha brushing our hair for us. We’ve got a deadline, and there’s not enough time to make ourselves look presentable. He asks us to let him take care of us before taking the brush and gently caressing through the knots until our hair becomes smooth and silky once more.

I shake my head of the outlandish thoughts before throwing my brush across the room. Looks like there’s only one thing left to do to distract me from my crisis.

I sit down at my desk and pull out my textbook. It’s Friday, but maybe I’ll thank myself for getting ahead of my homework schedule. Especially because I loathe my astronomy class.

You’d think learning about space would seem straightforward and easy, but nope. There’s just so much information in such a short period of time, and not to mention the unexpected math.

I’m already lying my head on my textbook, bored out of my mind. I want to focus, but my omega wants to throw images of faceless men at me instead, which certainly appeals to me a lot more than whatever this chapter is about.

I sigh heavily before grabbing my phone. I hesitate and my forehead condensates with nerves as I click on the text chain with Ciro. I type a few different texts before sending one abruptly without double-checking.

“Shit.”

Stacia (5:57 pm) Hey! When’s the next hockey game? I was wondering if you’d like to hang out again.

I facepalm. That has to be the lamest text ever sent in the history of texting. I start to write more, and then another, until there’s a whole list of mistakes staring right at my face.

Stacia (5:58 pm) If you knew when the hockey game was, I meant! I had a lot of fun and I thought maybe we could do it again

Stacia (5:58 pm) But only if you want to

Stacia (5:59 pm) If you didn’t, I wouldn’t want to

Stacia (5:59 pm) I meant I wouldn’t want to force you to do something you wouldn’t want!

Stacia (6:00 pm) Fuck, I’m sorry. I’m really blowing this aren’t I?

I reread them and let out a ghastly shriek. I throw my phone at the bed, still in a state of horror at what I’ve done. Also, if I keep throwing things around, I won’t know where anything is.

I scowl at my hand yet again and point at it with my opposing finger. “I swear you have a mind of your own. Don’t you fucking play with me.” I sigh heavily and feel my forehead dramatically, feeling faint. “Why the fuck did I do that?”

I screech again when I hear a familiar chirp come from my phone across the room. I stare in its general direction. Do I really want to voluntarily fuck up my night even more by seeing his response to my idiocracy? I’ll hyper fixate on it and then blame myself for ruining what could have been if I just took two more seconds to read what I was sending.

But I’ll also hyper fixate on it if I don’t read it. If it’s insanely douchey, I can just leave him on read. Wait, do I even have my read-receipts on? I’m not sure.

Before I can decide, another chirp comes from the phone. I stalk over slowly and pluck my phone from within the confines of my comforter. I hold it to my chest, not daring to peek just yet. He probably doesn’t want to see me anymore. He’s probably realizing that every conversation we’ll ever have is going to be like pulling teeth: uncomfortable and waiting for it to be over.

Fuck, Stacia, just rip the fucking bandaid off!

I take a deep breath and turn my phone up from my chest. The words are blurry for a moment, but the second they clear I am gaping at his response.

Ciro (6:03 pm) You’re cute, you know that? grinning face with smiling eyes

Ciro (6:05 pm) Their next game is tomorrow! Butttt we’re having our monthly game night tonight and would love if you joined us! Do you want to stop by?

I stare at the texts in disbelief. I was spiraling for no reason.

Story of my fucking life.

Then I start to feel a different type of panic. A panic that my omega is already fighting. If I accept, that means meeting this group of strangers that may or may not be my scent matches will happen tonight, and my body screams its unpreparedness.

Am I ready for that? When I reached out, I pictured another chill night with Ciro eating snacks and talking about his pack mates, not actually meeting them. Shit, I don’t even have time to really panic about it either.

I quickly text him back, agreeing and asking what time to meet. Before he responds, I fling my phone down and march out of my room on a mission.

And that mission: getting advice from my best friend.

I knock on her door, feeling frantic. When she finally calls out, I rush in and shut the door behind me like Ciro and his pack might hear our conversation.

Rory is on her bed with her notepad. Her laptop is open and paused on a movie scene. Some eighties classic that she probably has to study for class. When she looks up at me, she smirks teasingly.

“Are you finally going to tell me how your not-date went?”

I close my eyes harshly and blurt it out before I can convince myself not to.

“I think I met my scent matches.”

I hear silence, which probably means she’s staring at me. With what emotion, I can’t be too sure, so I peek one eye open to see. Her eyes are wide and her hand that’s holding her pencil is levitating right above the paper in a paused state. I think I’ve just rendered Rory speechless for the first time since we met.

“What the fuck do I do?” I ask, emphasizing with my arms to show her the state I’m in. It breaks her out of the stupor she’s in long enough to see my genuine panic. She snaps her laptop shut, slides it to the side, and pats the now-empty spot beside her.

I sit and pull my knees to my chest.

“Tell me what happened. What do you mean you think? Normally, it’s pretty obvious.”

I take a big breath. “I haven’t met his pack mates, and Ciro is a beta.”

“Oh, you’re talking about Ciro’s pack?” She grins widely. “Holy shit! I was right, it was totally a date.”

I smack her sternly on the shoulder. “Focus! No one cares if you were right. I knew deep down it was a date, but that doesn’t mean I was expecting this!” I fly my hands around again.

“You’re still not explaining what happened,” Rory huffs. “Did it go okay at least?”

I nod as a small smile finds its way to my face before shaking the joy away. Gosh, even my face muscles are betraying me today.

“I guess it went really well,” Rory retorts, and I look up to see her dumb teasing expression.

“Shut up,” I say, trying to sound stern, but then I release the tension in my shoulders. “Yes. It was so fun. He got every snack on my list, and he told me all about his pack mates and their lives, and at the end we had a cuddle that I think might be the best cuddle I’ve ever been a part of.”

That’s not even an exaggeration.

“It’s just… their house.” I lean in and whisper, “It smelled like them.”

Rory laughs. “Well, duh. They live there.”

“Be serious and help me, please!”

“Okay, I’m sorry.” She still wears a grin like she wants to laugh. “So, are you positive? Maybe it was because there were a lot of scents at once. That can be overwhelming for anyone. And I know Ciro is a beta, but wouldn’t you know by his smell, too?”

I bite my lip gently, avoiding her gaze.

“What’s that look for? Stacia, have you been keeping stuff from me?”

“No!” I say too quickly, practically admitting my guilt. “I mean, maybe.”

“Are you saying you can smell Ciro?” She puts her hand over her mouth in shock, finally understanding the gravity of the situation.

“Yes,” I admit, rubbing my neck. “And he admitted he can smell me, too. And that he likes it. A lot. And then I smelled his pack mates in their house, and the scents nearly knocked me physically off my feet!” I place my face in my hands. “Gosh, the pack mate that punched Derek smells like fucking coconuts, Rory!”

“Coconuts?”

“Ciro let me use his blanket and my omega wanted me to smuggle it home, but I had to put my foot down.”

Rory’s eyes widen even more.

“See! This is crazy. I’ve never met these men, and just their scents make my omega want to commit theft!”

She smiles at me before laughing slightly. “I don’t think he would have cared, Stacia.”

I huff at her before crossing my arms.

Her expression softens slightly. “Why didn’t you tell me before? It’s been almost a whole week. Have you just been stewing over this?”

“Amongst other things.”

She raises a dark eyebrow. “Other things?”

“Don’t ask. Just know that I have traitorous hormones. That, or I’m going through a second unexpected puberty.”

Rory’s face blanches. “I hope I never meet my scent matches. That’s my worst nightmare.”

“Well, I’m fucking living it!” I stand up abruptly, no longer feeling calm enough to sit. Rory speaks up again as I pace.

“So… I’m guessing you’re not in denial anymore.”

I shrug gently. “I’ve been so confused. And it’s been barely a month since I broke up with Derek⁠—”

“Hey, his name is dickwad in this house. I made it a rule, remember? I let you get away with it the first time, but no more.”

I roll my eyes at her before continuing. “I’m not… built for a pack, remember? When it was just Ciro asking me on a date… sure, I could rip the bandaid off. But a whole pack?” I shake my head. “I’m not ready for something like that. Don’t scent matches normally move at a ridiculously fast rate?”

Rory grabs my arm as I’m pacing by and tugs me back to a seated position. “I think that’s a superstition. You get to move at whatever pace you feel most comfortable. I’m sure, if these guys are really your scent matches, that they will want to give you whatever you want. You just have to ask for it, okay?”

I see the confidence and reassurance on her face and nod softly. I consciously know these things are true, but something deep inside me wants to render its ugly head: the part that’s full of all the negative things once said to me. Whether they came from my parents or Derek, they all blend in that crevice of my brain and form a very convincing voice.

“And Stacia? I’m so fucking happy you might have found your scent matches. I know it’s scary, but you haven’t been happy in a relationship in a long time. It’s only been a few weeks, sure, but we both know it was over a lot longer than that. You deserve to find your happiness, and this could be it. Don’t jump ship before you’ve even been able to enjoy the coconuts.”

I look over at her face, which is about to break out into giggles. I try to stay strong, but her amusement pulls out my own. We break out into a mutual laughter.

“That was low,” I tease, poking her in the shoulder.

“I couldn’t help it.” Her giggles fade out. “The rest was sincere, though. I love you, and I want you to have everything you’ve ever dreamed of, and we both know that includes a pack.”

Yes, we do. I’ve let myself push that dream away for so long now, I still don’t wholeheartedly believe I deserve it. But I believe Rory when she says I should try. It’s the least I can do.

FOURTEEN

Playing: Bird of Prey by Emily James

We agreed to meet at seven o’clock, so I’m here at exactly 6:58. It feels daunting as I walk onto their doorstep, like all the control I’ve been trying to hold onto this past week will disappear the second I tread past this barrier.

I raise my fist to knock but stop. I can feel that same swirling in my stomach, like some deep-rooted anxiety is causing physical uneasiness. It twists and turns, causing me to take a step back. I try to remember which breathing exercises normally help with panic attacks before I have a distressing thought: what if I puke on their carpet?

Oh god, I can’t puke in front of them, not from nerves of all things. At least let me get sick from fucking food poisoning, not anxiety.

I realize I can’t just loiter on their porch. They’ll eventually figure out I’m out here. I can’t decipher which one is more embarrassing: having a freak out outside their door or having one in their living room.

I breathe in deeply through my nose and blow it out slowly. The act helps the tiniest bit. My omega tries to ease me through a few more breaths. When I finally feel like I have my emotions under control, I raise my fist to knock once more before I can convince myself not to.

It’s time to rip the bandage off.

It doesn’t take long for Ciro to answer the door. Just like every time I’ve interacted with him before, he’s grinning from ear to ear. He’s very casual today in his simple black band tee with gray sweatpants. I repeat: gray sweatpants. My anxiety instantly gets overridden by the horny omega inside me.

I must zone out because Ciro’s arms are wrapping around me in greeting. It’s not unwelcomed in the slightest, but I am wholly unprepared for his scent to dominate my senses instantly. I give a satisfied hum before I wrap my arms around his waist, letting the weight of him ground me. I hang on, probably longer than I should, inhaling his scent and using it to comfort me enough to do this. He must notice, because he lets me take my time; I even feel a slight squeeze of comfort come from his hands.

“Are you ready?” he whispers softly in my ear. I swallow down a whimper from the gentleness of it.

All I do is nod against his shoulder because I’m terrified of telling him the truth: that I’m not sure if I will ever be ready for this.

We pull apart. I already miss the comfort, but he makes up for it by taking my hand in his and flashing a small smile. There’s a distinct emotion on his face, but he’s already leading us inside before I can decipher it.

The same plethora of beautiful scents meet my nose as we journey through the house. I’m focusing on it, allowing it to calm my nerves as my omega’s anticipation rises with each step.

Their living room comes into view as the scents come to a head. I focus on that beautiful mahogany coffee table, where there are cards and board games sitting in a pile, followed by an array of snacks. A few of my favorites that I told Ciro about are among them; my omega preens at the sight of them.

I finally find the courage to look up at the alphas sitting around the area. They stand up as soon as they spot us, like I’m some honored guest here to bless their home. The sight is surprisingly favorable, and causes something in my stomach to clench.

I take a look at each of them, now in their casual clothes rather than their hockey gear and helmets. I gulp at the same moment my omega gives a heavy exhale.

God, they’re beautiful.

No one approaches us. I stay glued to the doorway, eyeing these alphas as they watch me in a way that makes me feel exposed. There’s a new tension in the air, one that feels centered around me.

“Stacia.”

I turn to Ciro, my name a quiet plea on his lips. I see it then, the emotion I didn’t have time to decode before: longing, hopefulness.

He gives me an anxious smile and it hits me. They know. They’ve known this whole time. The denial in me is crumbling fast; my heart rate speeds up, and I realize that this is the life-changing moment that my omega tried to tell me it was.

So many factors go into scent matches meeting for the first time. What if they find I’m not the same as how they pictured me? What if I connect with a few of them, but the rest don’t feel the same way? Will I be prompting a perfect pack to fall apart with my presence alone? What if I can’t get over these fears, and they tire waiting for the affection that they all deserve?

“Stacia.” I hear again, and the touch of Ciro’s hand on my arm brings me back to my body. I look at him and realize I’m breathless. His pack mates are still waiting, their faces full of concern as they battle with their instincts to stay still and let me come to them.

Ciro rubs my arm gently. “I’m right here,” he reaffirms. “If you get overwhelmed, let me know and we can take a step back. I promise.”

His words find their mark in my chest. I believe him, I trust him. And that alone helps me take a deep breath before giving a much more confident nod.

I turn to the alphas. Their scents are potent, but a hint of fear now spreads through the room as my own scent joins theirs. I will myself to be brave, as I finally take them all in. They are gorgeous beings, and I suddenly feel small in their presence.

I square my shoulders as much as I can before walking further into the room. My omega’s eagerness dances with my apprehension with each step forward.

The blond alpha moves first. His excitement bounces off of him in spades, his enthusiasm instantly infectious. I find myself smiling despite the bongos beating in my chest.

This is Kendall. I remember Ciro’s description of him: extroverted, happy-go-lucky, and loyal.

The familiar and intoxicating aroma of coconuts floats over, and I bite my lip in embarrassment at the things I did to that smell. I perfume involuntarily, and it invades the space around us. The alphas try to muffle their groans, but my cheeks heat up regardless.

“It’s okay, sweetheart,” Kendall reassures me. “If you’re embarrassed, then I should be as well. The blanket you found has a permanent spot on my bed now. It’s no longer allowed in communal spaces. The guys think I’m being selfish.” He says it with such undiluted confidence that it takes me aback. I feel a flush travel down my neck.

“I’m so sorry about that. I… I can’t use my omega as an excuse, but she was quite enamored with it.”

I cringe. When did I turn into a 1800’s duchess?

He gives me a cheeky smile. “Don’t apologize. I am very happy about it. My alpha is giddy knowing that you enjoy our scent that much.”

Oh gosh, I really really do. Even now, I want to step closer to get a bigger whiff of the real thing.

“Is it okay if I hug you now?” he asks, looking boyish in his excitement. I’m nodding before I can even think better of it.

His arms come around me, and the safety of it has me clinging to him harder. His sweet scent surrounds me, making me languid in his arms. His limbs hold me more secure to him, and I sigh, realizing that this is what it feels like to be calm, safe, and unmistakingly adored.

“I’m Kendall by the way,” he says in the crook of my shoulder.

“I know.”

“Oh, you do?”

“Ciro said you were the mix between a surfer bro and a golden retriever.”

He barks a genuine laugh before giving a narrowed look at the pack beta. “Although accurate, I can’t help feeling like that’s a dig.”

Ciro returns his amusement. “I’m nothing if not precise.”

The alpha playfully rolls his eyes before we hear a throat clearing behind us. We turn in tandem and I’m met with a very beautiful face: dark hair, a broody exterior, very strong muscles. Kendall smiles and gives me a kiss on the cheek before turning to his pack mate. “Okay, Uriah. I know you’ve been trying to wait patiently. Come on.”

Uriah saunters over slowly and keeps his head pointed downwards. His dominance flies off him, and I realize that he’s trying not to intimidate me. I remember Ciro saying that people were afraid of him, of the intensity they see in his features. But all I see is a beautiful soul in a very tough exterior.

I gently touch his chin, feeling it under my thumb before raising it so he can meet my eyes. They’re dark brown with a beautiful orange glint around the pupil. The air between us is exchanged as we stare and embrace one another. It might just be wishful thinking, but I’m pretty sure I’m affecting him almost as much as he’s affecting me.

His eyes flutter shut as his nostrils flare, and I realize he’s taking in my scent for the first time. A raspy moan escapes his mouth, making my perfume that much more potent. I gasp as his own scent travels towards me, ever so strong but also calming. It reminds me of burning palo santo on a rainy day, its intensity cleansing me from the inside out.

My stalled fingers on his chin find their way to his cheek, where my thumb swipes across it instinctually. He cradles my own face in return before his lips twitch into a smile.

The first of many, my omega whispers.

It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. The fact that not many people get to see him like this, with an abundance of glee poking through the mask, makes this moment feel precious.

“Omega,” he breathes, and the rasp in his voice sends the word right between my legs. “You are beautiful.”

At the truth in his words, I feel my omega preen. He leans his forehead against mine. We stay there a moment, leaning together in unspoken camaraderie. I feel what he’s trying to say and a whimper comes up my throat.

He’s been waiting for me.

And I think somewhere deep down, I’ve been waiting for him, too.

“Are you ready to meet our prime?” he whispers, and the way he says our prime makes electricity shoot through me, like he’s my prime as well.

We pull apart, but the disappointment from being separated is short lived as the final alpha steps up. His brown hair is tousled; it looks wonderful in an idle way, like he’s used to running his fingers through it. His eyes are the most beautiful shade of dark blue, and they’re turned on me with hardened determination.

He steps closer, and his scent grips me. “I smelled you at the fraternity,” I blurt out, remembering it all too clearly.

While it was mixed amongst the others here in their home, it stood out distinctively that day I broke up with Derek. The smell of vintage books alongside chamomile tea. It grounded me when I needed it the most.

“I hope that’s a good thing,” he comments, and I see his eyes have a gleam of mischief in them. The alpha in front of me doesn’t seem like the same prime Ciro had described, and that thrills me unexpectedly.

“The day after…” I hesitate, not wanting to bring up that day, not wanting to have it plague this beautiful moment. “The day after the fight, I went over to end things. I smelled you in the common area, right before.”

“And?” Atlas walks closer still, making me feel like willing prey.

“It calmed me,” I add. “You… helped me do what I needed to.”

A sudden noise sounds from his chest as he stops before me. It takes me a second to recognize the deep purr, my pupils dilating with both glee and shock. He doesn’t look surprised by it, only happy that he can finally do it for me.

He wraps me up in his arms and I melt into him, submitting innately.

“Good,” he rumbles in my ear. “I’m so glad you’re here, Stacia.”

I sigh heavily at hearing him say my name for the first time. It’s a little reminder that I’ll hear it many more times, in many different ways.

“I know this is a lot. You must have questions and reservations. I want you to know, we are here for you. And we will go at your pace, I promise.” His declaration leaves me speechless, remembering Rory’s encouragements from earlier today. I didn’t even need to ask for what I needed, they just naturally knew.

Great, now I’ll have to tell Rory that she was right. Again.

I swallow nervously, pulling back to look up at him. “I’m still a bit shellshocked,” I admit.

I look at the rest of the pack. They’re all intently listening, giving me their undivided attention. “Can we just… have fun tonight?” I ask timidly before pointing at the coffee table. “I’m really looking forward to playing some games.”

Their smiles light up the room, and I breathe a sigh of relief. Ciro finds his way behind me, and props his chin on my shoulder. “Oh, doe, just you wait. This is our favorite night of the month. Are you ready to lose or win hard?”

I couldn’t stop the giggle that escaped even if I tried. “Most definitely.”

FIFTEEN

“We always play charades first,” Kendall declares. I end up on the couch between Uriah and Ciro, feeling snug between their beautiful scents.

Ciro leans towards me. “Do you want any wine?”

I hesitate to ask. “Do you have anything stronger?”

He grins triumphantly, joy lighting up his entire face. “Anything specific?”

“Something that tastes good so I can drink a lot of it.”

His expression softens as he leans closer. “And are we doing shots? It’ll certainly help against those two.” He points to Kendall and Atlas setting up the game. “They have some weird mind link with each other, I swear.”

Uriah leans in from the other direction, and their mutual proximity to my face makes my skin heat up. “That’s why it’s going to be us three against them. Maybe you can give us a chance for once.”

Their domestic charade struggles pulls a snort out of me. “I’m so down. And Ciro.” I turn to him conspiratorially. “Maybe shots are a good idea after all.”

“You’re fucking awesome.” He impulsively kisses my cheek before running off. It causes me to rub the spot like a giddy school girl.

Is this what scent matches do to you? Refer you back to when everything felt new and exciting? Because I’m almost itching for someone to just hold my hand.

The second I have the thought, I feel fingers ghosting over mine. The feather-likeness of them makes my eyes flutter shut. It’s bewildering that such a basic action can pull this kind of response out of me.

Uriah winds our pinkies together, the smallest bit of skin touching that somehow lights me aflame. They intertwine, building the first thread of many between us.

It feels promising. Scary… but promising.

“Okay, everything’s shuffled and random. I swear Kendall and I won’t know what’s coming, so you can’t accuse us of that this time,” Atlas says as they take their seats and eye us. “I’m guessing they’ve already recruited you so they could have a chance at beating us? We’re on a ten month winning streak right now,” he teases as Uriah playfully flashes him the finger in return.

“Yes, we have⁠—”

“Shots!” Ciro interrupts, storming in with a bottle and five bottle glasses.

Oh god, he brought out Everclear.

“Are you trying to kill us?” Kendall groans, but he still reaches out for a shot glass.

“No. Only inebriate.” He begins to pour the disgusting liquid before pulling out a few mini bottles from his back pocket. “And the good stuff for our guest.”

They’re flavored shots in individual bottles. They almost sparkle in my palm. “I’m so glad you’re not making me drink that poison.”

He winks at me, a more reassuring tilt in his grin. “Never.”

“We have a game tomorrow, Ciro,” Atlas lectures, but he doesn’t look upset at all despite his words.

“Well, I’m not forcing anything down your throat. It’s up to you how much you drink. Pace yourself, captain.” His hand halts mid-air, holding their prime’s shot if he’s willing to take it.

That causes Atlas to laugh before accepting and shaking his head in merriment. Uriah takes his own and Ciro pours his own before he’s holding it in the air.

“Cheers to…” He pauses, thinking for a moment before turning to me. “The girl of my dreams finally meeting my pack.”

My cheeks heat. His words are normally full of fun and lightheartedness, but his eyes pin me with vigor. So I uncap my individual shot, and hold it up to his.

“It was only a matter of time.” Our eyes give one more meaningful glance to the other before clinking our glasses. The alphas all try hiding their smiles, ultimately failing as they clink with us and take their shots.

“Now,” Kendall says, slapping his hands together. “Who’s ready to lose for the eleventh time in a row?”

“Titanic!” Kendall calls out, and we all groan in unison. Atlas didn’t even do the entire action before he knew the answer.

Ciro was right, these two are insane.

We’ve put up a pretty good fight, but I’m not sure we can pull this off. These two seem to be sharing a singular brain. No wonder they knew they were pack from the start. It’s like they have their own secret language.

“I call a rebuttal!” Ciro yells. He is somehow both completely unserious and extremely competitive at the same time, which is an interesting combination. He’s been yelling about the rules since we started. He’s also been throwing out the worst answers as jokes, which has caused a lot of laughter but not a lot of focusing.

“That’s the eighth rebuttal you’ve called this entire game,” Atlas says as Kendall sits down. “Stacia, you’re up.”

I grab a word from the bowl before making my way to the front. I’ve done this several times tonight, but every time is just as intimidating. They all watch me with such intensity. Don’t get me wrong, having their attention is exhilarating, but it’s also unnerving.

I need to learn to accept this avid attentiveness because I don’t think they have plans to stop any time soon.

My word is ‘Ghost’ and the category says ‘Movie.’ I groan silently because that’s more difficult than acting out an apparatus. I put the piece of paper in my pocket and think.

Before tonight, I had never really played charades. Rory and I are a two-man band most of the time and my parents aren’t partial to games of any kind. Or parties, really. Unless you count the kind where you drink champagne and pretend to collect money for charity. Despite never playing, I’ve picked up on a few significant gestures tonight that has certainly helped.

I give them my index finger.

“One word!” Ciro shouts. His cheeks are pink from the liquor.

I point to my nose to show he’s correct before drawing a rectangle with both hands and then mimicking a TV remote.

“TV show,” Uriah guesses, so I shake my head. “Okay, movie.”

They are both intent in their focus as they watch me, determined to get this one right. I’m mindful of the timer while I’m choosing my next action. I could try to mimic an apparatus and bend the rules a bit, but I realize I’d have to do it without sound which feels impossible.

My eyes widen and I look over at Atlas.

Oh, this is going to be perfect.

It’ll probably break a few charade rules, but I’m hoping they won’t care.

I wiggle my finger in a come here motion. The puzzling smirk he gives me is hilarious as he shrugs his shoulders and joins me. I put up another finger to mimic ‘one second’ as I run to their kitchen and grab a chair. When I come back, the lot of them are watching me in amusement as I carry it to the center of the room.

I put Atlas behind the chair before sitting in it myself.

“Taxi driver?” Ciro guesses.

Uriah flicks him. “That’s two words, dude.”

I put Atlas’ arms around me but move his hands so they’re on top of mine. I see him smirk from my peripheral before he starts moving his hands with me.

Holy shit, he’s got it.

We go on mimicking the iconic scene, pretending to mold clay together in front of us even though we’re just moving air. He nuzzles into me, embodying Patrick Swayze’s sensuality. Mimicking the proximity of the two lovers from the classic film.

Although, it feels a tiny bit real.

I look up at my teammates to distract myself only to find them looking just as perplexed as before.

Kendall is trying not to laugh. He looks at his phone just as the timer runs out, turns it off, and begins to slow clap. “That was incredible.”

Atlas pulls away reluctantly, and I feel cold in the spots he was just touching. Before I can ponder it, I look over at my teammates with frustration. “Seriously? Nothing?”

“What the fuck was that?” Ciro says, gesturing his hand to the scene we just painted in front of them.

“I’m so confused,” Uriah tacks on.

I look over at the other two alphas and see their smug expressions. Atlas gives me a guilty smile.

“Sorry, Stacia. It’s not really fair for us to count that, because these two dopes haven’t seen Ghost.”

I hop out of my chair and turn my gaze to the two dopes he just referred to. “You haven’t seen Ghost?”

They both put up their hands in surrender.

“I’m not sure I want to after that,” Ciro retorts, trying hard not to laugh, which causes Uriah’s lips to slant.

I put my hands on my hips and shake my hand in annoyance. “It’s one of the most beautiful movies ever made.” Seriously, I cried. “Fine, we’ll just have to rectify that. We’re watching it. Maybe not tonight, but I refuse to let this foolery continue any longer.”

They both smile at my indignation before Uriah says, “Anything you want, Omega.”

I turn to him, my cheeks becoming hot. I don’t want to look at the rest of them just in case they’re taking note of my current reaction.

Normally my designation being said in such a way wouldn’t do anything for me, but his voice said it with such dark promise, but also light adoration, that my body is betraying me.

I cough slightly, trying to cover up how much that affected me. “So, I’m guessing you two win again. What are we playing next?”

“How about we play something we all know for sure?” Atlas responds, and the look in his eye is bold as he walks towards me. “Like, truth or dare?”

“Um.” I hesitate, my senses going into overdrive as he gets closer. “Compromise? Never have I ever?”

Kendall smiles behind his prime. “That sounds like fun. And after that, we have uno.”

I give him a grateful smile. “More shots?”

Ciro is already pouring them before I even suggest it. I grab the one I’ve been saving, which is pink lemonade and clink with them after everyone has their shot. The liquid goes down like candy, but everyone else sputters with disgust as I take my seat.

“Why are we doing this to ourselves?” Kendall does an aggressive swipe across his mouth and tosses the shot glass on the table, apparently done with the disgusting Everclear.

“Poor alphas, drinking gross liquor,” Ciro sing-songs. “We can honestly get something else now. We were hoping it would fuck you two up enough to lose.”

Kendall scoffs at us, pointing an accusing finger. “There was a motive? That’s diabolical!”

“Or was it strategic?” Ciro laughs.

They continue to banter when I feel a gentle presence lean into me. His quiet rasp against the shell of my ear sends goosebumps down my neck. “Truth or dare, baby girl?”

I turn my head and lock eyes with Uriah, who hasn’t been drinking as much as I thought because there’s no sign of it in the air. Only the palo santo breezing through me in a relaxing lullaby.

“We’re not playing that.” His proximity causes the words to come out huskier than expected.

“Humor me.”

I see the hesitant mischief in his gaze, and it’s that hesitation that makes me whisper back, “Dare.”

The next thing I know, I’m being whisked out of my seat and settled onto his lap. He angles my legs away and balances me with an arm behind my back. “I dare you to sit here until you don’t want to anymore.”

His boldness captivates me. I adjusted slightly, wiggling to get comfortable. He groans as hushed as he can under his breath while letting me get comfortable. I stop and meet his eyes once more. “That shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Oi, what is this?” Ciro asks with a cheeky smirk.

“Just a bit of humoring,” I say before giving Uriah a wink. He responds with a look of wanting that causes me to lose my train of thought. I turn back to the others to gather my bearings. “Will this be a drinking game?”

“Let’s just use our fingers.” Atlas puts up all ten fingers, which causes me to notice how large his hands are. I really try not to picture them in an inappropriate light.

Fisting my hair… running over my body… other things. You know, the usual.

I put my own hands up and clear my throat. “Never have I ever… played hockey.”

The three obvious hockey players each put down a finger. Uriah is using one hand, his wrist resting on my nearly naked thigh.

“My little doe came to play,” Ciro beams, all ten of his fingers still on display. “Never have I ever sent a nude photo.”

“That’s a fucking lie,” Kendall mutters before putting another one of his fingers down. I notice Atlas puts one down too, while Uriah, Ciro, and I all keep ours up.

“I swear! Nobody wants to see my boney ass mixed with my lack of photography skills, seriously,” Ciro responds, which causes me to giggle at him.

Kendall accepts his answer and sits up taller in his seat. “Never have I ever”—he pauses and thinks for a moment, his head pointed to the ceiling—“been intimate outside.”

The use of the word ‘intimate’ makes me both sheepish and vexed. My omega deep inside me shakes furiously at that word, and at the idea that her scent matches have ever been with someone else. The picture of it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

“Your smell tells us everything, Omega,” Uriah whispers, pushing his smell out to calm me. I blink away the jealousy, leaving behind only embarrassment.

“I’m sorry,” I tell him, looking at the others to see that Ciro is complaining about leaves in places no one needs.

“Don’t apologize. I guarantee every single one of us here would be enamored with the idea of your possessiveness over us. I certainly am.”

I fight it but ultimately a blush rises to my cheeks. I look around and notice that no one put down a finger. Looks like no one here is an exhibitionist.

At least, not yet.

“Never have I ever skinny dipped,” Atlas says, which causes Ciro and Kendall to both put down a finger. I’m still looking at my ten fingers, raising an eyebrow in confusion. Surely I’m not that innocent? There’s no way.

“It wasn’t as fun as people say it is.” Ciro shivers at the thought. “Too cold in all the wrong places.”

“I had a lot of fun. Until something touched my ass, then I ran out. To this day, I still have no idea what it was.”

The laughter in the room is contagious. Their camaraderie is a beautiful thing to witness. No judgment, only genuine love between pack mates.

It’s Uriah’s turn and he thinks long and hard about it. “Never have I ever given a blowjob.”

My entire body shrivels. Well, there goes one finger.

“Why did you just get tense, baby?” Uriah says, just loud enough for the others to hear.

“It just wasn’t very enjoyable for me.” I admit, “Made me feel a bit… dirty, I guess.”

A few growls meet my ears, but they’re snuffed out before they get too loud.

“Did someone make you feel that way, Stacia?” Atlas asks.

My shrug is less than convincing. “I wasn’t very clear on what I didn’t want. That’s on me.”

“I see how you could see it that way, but did the person ask you what your limits were?”

“Not really. It was the first time so I didn’t know how to communicate properly about it.”

They all give understanding nods, but I feel Uriah’s hand making circles on my back. “Let me know if I need to hurt someone.”

I playfully roll my eyes at him but then see the serious look on his face. “In due time.”

I feel slightly embarrassed, like I over-shared. But then I look over to see that Ciro also put down a finger in the last round. I widen my eyes at him, my expression brightening. “Ciro?”

He gives me a cheeky wink. “It’s not something I normally lead with, but I’m bisexual.” Then there’s a slight discomfort in his eyes, one that I haven’t seen from him yet. It looks so foreign on his face, and it makes me want to do everything in my power so that he never feels what he’s feeling right now ever again. “Are you… okay with that?” he asks.

I blink at him in confusion. “With you being bisexual?” He gives me a meek nod, and I suddenly understand. “Of course I’m okay with it! More than okay, I think that’s incredible.”

The uncertainty fades away and the jolly beta I know is back in seconds. His wide smile brightens up the entire room. “Cool,” he says, trying to shrug very casually. “Your turn now, pick something great.”

“Never have I ever…” I put my finger to my chin and squint like the answer will come to me faster. “Hm… never have I ever… had a three way kiss!”

No one puts down a finger, but it feels like all the air has been sucked from the room. Each pack mate is looking at me, gazing upon my lips like they’d like to volunteer.

“Really, no one here? Have you guys never… courted someone together?” I feel a bit awkward asking, but it’s the best attempt I have in gathering information.

“We’ve never shared someone before, no,” Atlas responds, still watching me with determined eyes. “We were waiting.”

I hold in the panting gasp that wants to escape. I return the warmth in his gaze before taking a small breath. “Waiting for?” I ask, although I’m sure I already know the answer.

“For you, Stacia,” Kendall says, and I notice his eyes are just as warm, just as full of longing as mine. The seriousness on his face is beautiful, and I am basking in it.

I try not to gulp as I look at each of their faces. “Whose turn is it?”

“Mine, sweetheart.” I turn to Kendall, the mischief in his expression apparent. “Never have I ever been with a pack before.”

I feel myself clam up. The declaration takes me back to that night, the night when I finally discovered the person I was with wasn’t who I thought he was; he was mean, and jaded, and trying to force me under his control. And I continued to let him so I didn’t have to deal with the fact that I was wrong and naive. A naive little omega.

I keep my fingers up. “You know I haven’t.”

“Why not?” he asks, and the sentiment sounds so genuine, I answer honestly. The others watch me with curious eyes.

“I thought it was considered selfish for omegas to seek out packs,” I say softly. “I always wanted one, but then… I was told I wanted too much, that it was unrealistic.”

The growls from before return, this time more prominent. I hear anger in them, which makes something shift inside my chest.

At first, I think they might be angry at me, but then I realize their anger is for me.

“Do we even need to ask who told you this?” Atlas asks.

I shake my head timidly.

The prime sighs after taking a deep breath. The others follow suit, like they were unaware that their faces were riddled with rage.

“Stacia,” Atlas states, pulling my eyes to his. “I know you’ve probably been doing the work and realizing that Derek is a prejudiced piece of shit, but I want you to know that you’re not selfish in any way for wanting a pack. When people say you’re selfish—or any other negative word—for wanting one, they are projecting. Not everyone gets a pack. You have to be willing to work on your pride in order to join one, and most people don’t want to do that.” His expression softens considerably, enough that I can see the human underneath the alpha. “You are magnificent, and that type of beauty deserves to be cherished by any number of lovers you choose.”

When I think about pack life, there’s normally a hollowness sitting inside my chest. Because of his words, that space begins to fill as a rebellion takes over the cavity where the hopeless sorrow usually resides. His eyes are watching me, his intent clear and powerful. I feel myself nod despite my worries and fears that still linger and cling.

“Doe,” Ciro hums, and I’ll never tire from hearing it. “He tried to make you feel like less, but you are meant for more. He recognized that, so he tried to cage your light. Do you understand?”

I do. Consciously, I’ve always understood. I can’t tell them yet, but it’s less about Derek’s stupid words and more about the people who were meant to love me unconditionally. My parents’ words hurt more than anyone else’s. Derek just made me relive them.

But I don’t divulge that. Not yet. I don’t want them to see how broken I am. I don’t want them to realize it’s deeper than just Derek.

I like how they look at me and I don’t want it to stop.

“I appreciate your words,” I begin, feeling rather stiff now on Uriah’s lap. “It’s just… it’ll take some time, I think. If you could be a bit… patient with me while I figure it out, I would really appreciate it.”

They all give me beautiful smiles, but it’s Atlas who speaks for the group. “Of course. Like I said, we will follow your lead.”

The air around us turns soft and tactile. Their scents flourish once more. I give a small laugh. “I’m guessing this isn’t usually how game night ends.”

To my surprise, they return my laughter. “It happens more often than you’d think. If any of us are having a problem, we don’t cancel game night. It normally forces us to deal with it.”

“You guys fight?” The curious question comes out before I can stop it.

“Not very often, but it’s happened. That’s why working on your own individual stuff is important when it comes to being in a pack. If there’s too much ego, things can get muddled.” Atlas picks up the uno cards and starts to shuffle them. “The general rule when there’s a scuffle is to see it from the other person’s perspective. We try to practice mindfulness around it as much as we can.”

My body rears back at those words.

You’re already airheaded enough, don’t you think?

She’s careless and unmindful, Robert. It’s who she is.

I shake away the thoughts before it can translate to my scent. “I think that’s really lovely,” I tell them before grabbing another individual shot bottle off the table. I lean my head back and take it down in one gulp before meeting their gazes once more. “What are we playing next?”

They let me redirect them into the next game and don’t question my sense of urgency. I’m grateful for that, because this is one of the best nights of my life, and I refuse to let it be ruined by hurtful things in my past.

I refuse to let it ruin any night I get to spend with this pack.

I can be more mindful, I can be more present.

If it means I want this pack, I have to be.

SIXTEEN

“You look happy,” Rory comments as she saunters through the kitchen with bags hanging from her arms. I stand up to help her, trying not to show how happy I actually am by wiping the absentminded grin off my face.

After the emotional undoing the night before, Pack Pearson and I settled into a fun routine of cards, shots, and board games. After I got home, I went to sleep with a huge smile on my face.

I can’t remember the last time I was that happy after a night out.

“You’re not getting any details,” I tell her, which earns me a scoff. I came in late the night before, and luckily Rory had already gone to bed for the night. I wasn’t ready yet to disclose how wonderful the night went, or to admit how my life might change now that I’ve met my scent matches.

“We both know you’re going to tell me eventually, so you might as well start. I thought we agreed there’d be no more secrets.”

“Some things aren’t secrets, they’re private.”

“Privacy? What’s that?”

I huff a laugh while taking a bag from her. “You never wanted to hear certain things about⁠—”

She shoots me a warning glance.

“The almighty dickwad,” I correct dramatically. “So, I don’t see how this is any different.”

“First, drop the almighty. It still makes him sound greater than when he is not.” She flicks my nose playfully before heading to the fridge. “Second, I didn’t want to hear anything because I absolutely hated him!”

I turn to look at her from the pantry. I’m not sure why I’m surprised. She was never discreet about her distaste for him. She told me many times that she thought he was bad news. I guess now that I finally agree with her, I can finally think back to all those times much differently.

“You must have thought I was so naïve,” I state self-deprecatingly before continuing to shelf the snacks. I focus on the brand names a bit more intently in order to ground myself. I’ve been learning ways to not disconnect when triggered, and I’m almost certain that’s what I’m feeling right now.

I feel her come up behind me before she takes the pack of oreos from my hand. She sets them down before maneuvering me to face her.

“Not at all, Stacia,” She tells me, and I look into her eyes and see the sincerity of it. Some of her dyed hair fans the front of her face as she turns back to the kitchen. “I told myself that you knew him better than I did. That you probably saw better qualities in him than I could. Then I realized he was putting on an act for you. He was never kind to me when your back was turned. He was pretentiously obtuse.” She sighs softly. “I never once thought less of you for not seeing through it. As an actor myself, I have to recognize that he was very good at it. I was just afraid that if I pushed too hard, you’d resent me, and then he would’ve succeeded in pushing you away from me. So… I dropped it.”

The anguish in her eyes is immense, and it hits me right in the chest. I never realized how much my messed up relationship had been affecting her, hurting her. She watched me suffer, unable to do anything at all because she wanted to guarantee that I would go to her when I was ready.

It was inevitable. My relationship was always going to fall apart beyond repair, and I was always going to need her. The sorcery that Derek held me under was meant to break away, so Rory was determined to be here when it did.

“I don’t know how to properly… express,” I choke slightly on the unexpected emotion, “how grateful I am that I have a friend as wonderful as you, Rory.”

She scoffs at me. “You don’t have to express shit.”

My eyes widen at her response as a saturated laugh comes out of me. “Your Sagittarius sun is showing, Cranny.”

“And your double Pisces is showing, you crybaby,” she jokes tenderly, swiping at my wet eyes.

“Fuck you, I have a lot of emotions.” I shove her shoulder with just as much affection. “Still, thank you.”

She waves me off. “Enough. Let’s get to the good stuff. Your scent matches.” She puts away the final item before resting her elbow on the counter. “I’m guessing they are, since you haven’t said a word about last night.”

I feel the excitement that I felt last night returning. It almost feels like a dream, one I’m going to wake up from any moment.

“Yeah, they are.” I try to smile casually.

Rory rolls her eyes. “You can be ecstatic, you know? It’s a wonderful thing. And you deserve wonderful things.”

She’s right. Of course she’s right. Even the guys said it last night, and I’m still practically a stranger to them. But my inner adolescent still has a hard time believing it, especially when she remembers the months following her newly-awakened designation. I don’t have to think too hard for my parents’ words to invade my thoughts. They’re seared in me and replay on a loop: over and over and over while being pushed into my subconscious.

“Stacia, your phone is buzzing,” Rory tells me, and I finally register the soft vibrating against the counter. I blink away my negative thoughts before grabbing it.

Ciro (12:47 pm) The guys are bugging me for your number.

Ciro (12:47 pm) I told them no, not until I get your permission. I think they really want me to start a group chat already.

Ciro (12:48 pm) Fucking alphas, amiright?

I giggle softly at his texts, relieved to finally hear from him.

“I guess I know who that is,” Rory retorts with a chuckle. “Let me know if you guys make plans so I don’t have to hunt you down. I’ve got some revisions to do.” She makes her way out of the kitchen as I turn back to my phone.

Stacia (12:49 pm) What are we going to do with them? grinning squinting face

Stacia (12:49 pm) You can give it to them, but let them know I’m not the best texter

Ciro (12:50 pm) I don’t think you give yourself enough credit. Any text from you would probably make them purr.

Ciro (12:51 pm) Don’t tell them I said that or they’ll punch me.

The text makes me giggle out loud.

Stacia (12:52 pm) Your secret is safe with me!

The dots show up and I wait, but it takes a few minutes for a new text to come through.

Ciro (12:56 pm) So, what are you doing tonight?

That’s it? I thought he was writing a whole manifesto.

Stacia (12:56 pm) No plans other than doing my homework. Bleh.

Ciro (12:57 pm) Awesome!

Ciro (12:58 pm) Not the homework. Sorry that text was impulsive. I wanted to see if you’d like to go to a party with me and Kendall tonight.

I stare at the message with concentration. I haven’t been to a party since that awful night, but I really want to spend time with them.

Stacia (1:00 pm) After the hockey game? You don’t even know if you’ll be celebrating yet.

Ciro (1:01 pm) They’re playing against St. Lawrence. It’ll be fine rolling on the floor laughing

I think he just made a hockey joke, but I’m not fully versed in the sport enough to confirm it.

Stacia (1:03 pm) I’d love to hang out with you two. Just let me know what time to be ready.

SEVENTEEN

Playing: You’ve Got the Love by Florence + the Machine

“I love this song.”

My attempt at conversation floats in the air as I try to distract myself from the proximity of the scents in the close space. I’ve never thought of men driving as attractive before, but watching Uriah maneuver the steering wheel is doing something foreign to my body. I’m staring at the veins protruding from his forearm when Ciro responds from the backseat.

“You look how this song feels.” Ciro leans forward. His scent is thick amongst the alphas, making the air around me even more tantalizing. It also makes me wonder why I didn’t think this man was my scent match. It’s so painfully obvious now that it’s embarrassing.

“What does that even mean?” Kendall jeers with a giant smile on his face. “Are you drunk already, Ci?”

“It makes sense in my head,” he defends, pushing his friend playfully.

Uriah’s voice cuts through everything else. “You have the same aesthetic.”

I look over at him and my lips twitch at the sentiment. There’s something so mysterious about him, but also so serene. It’s interesting. His eyes stay on the road, his muscles seemingly relaxed.

“Uriah’s really into music,” Ciro says.

“Oh? What kind?” I ask, giving Uriah my attention. He looks partially uncomfortable, like he isn’t used to talking about it.

“Alternative rock and lo-fi. I think that’s what you would call it,” he forces out, like gritty words through his teeth. “I’m not very good.”

“Always the humble grump,” Kendall teases before looking at me. “He’s very good. His band’s actually practicing tonight.”

My eyes widen. “You’re in a band?”

The inner adolescent in me wants to squeal. I always had a thing for men in bands, but I keep that tidbit to myself.

“Yeah,” he responds, still seeming unsure. “Sorry it has to be tonight. I wanted to join you guys but it’s hard to schedule with the others and they’re all free.”

I’m surprised by this apology. “There’s no need to be sorry. I hope you have a wonderful time.”

I see his lips twitch like he wants to smile, but they fall back into a line.

Just as the song changes, Uriah pulls up to our location. It’s already riddled with people and the music is loud, along with the chatter that can be heard from every nook in sight.

I wonder briefly where we are. We’re certainly not at Alpha Xi. Which makes me sigh with relief that I probably won’t see Der… er, Dickwad.

I laugh to myself that Rory’s found a way to correct me even in my thoughts.

Uriah parks and turns to look at his pack mates. “Don’t get too fucking crazy,” he warns. “I’m trusting you guys.”

They both scoff at him. “Yes, yes. We’ve already heard your threats.”

I raise my eyebrow slightly as they hop out, leaving us alone.

“Thank you for driving us,” I say in earnest.

“Of course.” His voice is gentle. His cleansing scent lights me up in a way I can’t humanly comprehend. His eyes fall to my lips. The tension between us heightens as he stares at them, and I wonder if he’s thinking about kissing me.

After a few more seconds, he shakes away whatever thoughts were going through his head before giving me a small smile. “I’ll see you soon, Stacia.”

I return his smile before hopping out and joining Kendall and Ciro. They both look so happy to be here with me, their expressions showing adoration in the most minimal of ways. But damn, those ways really mean everything to me.

We make our way towards the crowded abode as I look at them with bemusement.

“What did you guys mean by ‘threats’?”

They laugh and give each other knowing looks before Kendall answers. “Uriah is the most protective of us⁠—”

“Try very overprotective,” Ciro adds.

“Yes, very. Ciro and I can get a bit… wild at these things. He just wants to make sure we keep you safe.”

Ciro gives my shoulder a soft squeeze. “Which we will, but he can get a bit compulsive when it comes to reassurance. It’s kind of a mechanism of his. Words of affirmation are definitely his main love language.”

I quickly make a mental note of that.

Ciro gets called over by someone, motioning that he’ll be right back before I turn to the alpha beside me. His hair is messy and his green eyes shine as he takes me in. I can’t get over how handsome he is.

“Maybe I want to get wild, too,” I joke with a huff, which makes them chuckle.

“We’ll still have fun,” Kendall reassures me. “We might just keep the wild nights to a minimum when it’s just us, though. When the other two are here, we can really let loose. They like being needed in that way.”

“Oh, and you don’t like being needed?” I tut at him.

He cocks an eyebrow at me and leans in. “I like being wanted.”

I blush from the implication. “In what way?”

His eyes hold mine before soaring over my face and landing on my lips. He smirks, but there’s no arrogance in it. It’s more like he can’t believe he is this close in proximity to me.

Well, fucking same.

His scent spikes immensely at whatever image he just conjured before he meets my eyes once more. Before he can respond, Ciro hops back in like he never left.

“We need shots. And then I’m taking you to dance, my beautiful doe.” He takes me by the hand, leading us to the house.

I try to hide my smile as we are absorbed by the crowd, but it’s pointless. I’m already so far gone for this pack, and there’s no stopping it.

Dancing with Ciro is quickly becoming one of my favorite pastimes. Regardless if it’s fast paced or sensual, being in Ciro’s arms and basking in his cheerfulness brings me a form of peace that I thought I lost a long time ago. If I weren’t already tipsy, I’d feel emotional over the unexpected merriment flowing through my veins. Instead, I just stay in the moment with him, letting him lead my body song after song. We quip back and forth, both appreciating the small touches between the deeply hedonistic ones. He already feels like my best friend… one who has the most intoxicating spiced rum scent I’ve ever inhaled.

When an especially sensual song comes on, my back ends up against Ciro’s front. His arms are around my waist, while my left arm is draped upward so my fingernails can scrape along his scalp. I never pictured myself as someone who could shamelessly grind on someone else in the middle of a crowded room, but the way we are pulling pleasure from each other with the most miniscule of movements leaves stars behind my eyes. I don’t want the sensation to stop, nor do I want him to stop whispering praises into my ear. I just want to continue in the free fall as this beautiful beta keeps his arms wrapped around me and kisses my neck in tangent with our movements.

As our bodies mingle into one, I feel the sudden sensation of being watched. The realization causes my half-lidded gaze to search the room before I meet the voyeur’s gaze. Kendall is leaning against a wall, looking relaxed as ever, drinking from a red cup. His eyes are plastered on me. They’re glazed-over, roaming my body as he takes a sip from his drink. I’m half hidden behind other dancers, but I wish I wasn’t. I want him to see all of me, see the way his pack mate is winding me up for a fall. When his gaze comes back to my face, our eyes meet and a sexy smirk finds his lips. I’ve never wanted to kiss someone more.

We hold eye contact until the song changes and the house music forces Ciro and I to change our rhythm once more.

The fleeting moment stays with me. His lustful gaze is permanently scorched behind my eyelids.

As the current song comes to an end, Ciro spins me out of the makeshift dance floor. We laugh as we make our way back to Kendall. He’s in the same spot, still clutching the same cup, but now someone he knows is talking his ear off. It causes this slightly annoyed expression to appear on his face, which makes me giggle under my breath. The guy doesn’t notice his disdain, and as we get closer I realize that he’s ranting about honey bees.

“—we do deliveries, as well.”

“Deliveries?” Ciro questions, and by the way his smirk turns up, I suspect he’s trying to provoke Kendall even further.

It works, as the blond alpha glares at him before shaking his head. “Ciro, please don’t. I need some fresh air.”

“No, I want to hear about these deliveries,” Ciro jeers back, barely containing his laughter.

I get the feeling that Kendall doesn’t get annoyed very easily, so this is amusing to Ciro.

“Then you can stay here and listen to Bradley speak about it, and Stacia and I can head outside,” Kendall counters before interlacing his fingers with mine.

Ciro tsks at him and then looks at me with a hopeful expression. “Why don’t we let our omega choose for herself?”

Our omega. My stomach flutters.

I choose not to get involved and become pliant. “I am not getting in the middle of this. I’ll go wherever I’m dragged.”

Kendall nods once. “Good, so it’s my way then.” He looks over at the beta who was discussing bees and gives him a friendly smack on the shoulder. “It was good talking to you, Bradley.”

I realize Bradley must be on his way to being drunk, because he doesn’t notice the dismissal and turns to Ciro.

“Anyway, we don’t really trust others to transport the honey, so we⁠—”

Ciro’s panic is notable, his amused smile turning into a grimace. “Nope. I was only joking, man. I don’t really care. How about you go talk to…” He looks around before pointing somewhere. “That pretty girl about it.”

I don’t see what Bradley does because Kendall is now dragging me out the back door. When Ciro catches up to us, he’s shaking his head.

“That was your own fault, Ci,” Kendall laughs, and I’m happy to see his famous smile back and bigger than ever.

“I didn’t know you’d actually abandon me with him.” He looks at me, “Bradley is a new Alpha Xi member. He’s always talking about his family’s bee farm. Sam didn’t want to give him a spot, but being ‘too passionate about bees’ isn’t a good enough reason to refuse him one.”

The laughter that escapes me is borderline unattractive, but I can’t help it. That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.

We make our way over to a firepit, but there’s no more seats, so we venture out further. We end up in a solitary spot behind a tree and sit down in a circle. We’re pretty far away from the party now, the music blaring inside seeming much quieter with the distance.

“Hey, Stacia,” Ciro says, and I crack an eye at him as I cross my legs. He pulls out a cigarette holder, silver and compact. As he opens it, I think he’s about to offer me one, but instead he pulls out something that I recognize all too well.

“Is that what I think it is?” I ask, my eyes wide with excitement. I realize too late that I must look panicked, because Ciro’s own eyes widen in horror.

“Oh fuck, you don’t like weed, do you? Shit, let me put it away.” He goes to put it back in the casing frantically, but I snatch it out of his hand before he can.

“No, silly.” I inspect it and give the joint a sniff, loving the familiar scent that wafts through the paper. “I absolutely love smoking. I just haven’t done it in a while. Maybe since the night I met you, actually.”

The frantic look falls away and only leaves behind a grin. “So… you want to smoke with me?”

There’s a small amount of emotion peeking through when I remember how Derek reacted to weed. But now, here’s this enthusiastic beta who wants to smoke with me. It’s what I always wanted in a partner, someone who likes what I like.

I put out my hand. He knows without me asking, and sticks his lighter in my open palm. I look at it and grin, seeing the Sagittarian symbol in the middle.

I put the joint in between my lips and light it, inhaling the contents as a beautiful dose of smoke invades my lungs. The sigh that follows is one of sincere contentment. I hand the joint back to Ciro before looking over at our blond alpha.

“Do you smoke?” I ask with a tilt of my head.

He shakes his head. “I did in high school, but not since being on the team. We can get drug tested whenever, so it’s better to not risk it.”

I try to imagine a younger Kendall, spending his days more carefree and wild than he does now.

“You and Atlas grew up together.” I remember that tidbit, so I offer it as a statement. “Was Atlas the same?”

“No. I’m sure in another life he would have partaken, but hockey is so important to him, even back then. I’ve never thought about going pro, by graduation I’ll have skated my fill.”

Ciro hands me the joint back. “Derek didn’t like that I smoked. He said I was already too much of an airhead.”

I remembered being distraught and caught off guard. Now, almost five months after that horrible night, I have so many memories of him saying similar things that they all blur together. It never surprised me anymore, like he was desensitizing me. For what purpose, I’m not really sure. But the insults came and went, just like the days between them.

I hand Ciro the joint back just as he goes to speak. “First off, you’re not airheaded at all.” He hit the joint. “Second, he just keeps getting worse than we thought. I’m sorry he ever made you feel like that.”

I just shrug, but Kendall protests. I didn’t notice before, but his anger is palpable. “No. Seriously, Stacia. He should never have said that. And he shouldn’t judge you for what you decide to do in your free time.”

I think about the other drugs I’ve done, and his judgement of those. They felt more like a rebellious action. It excited me to know he didn’t approve of my trips. Not to mention, it started to help me more as he found more unique ways to berate me. That’s something I haven’t admitted to anyone. That if I was off getting high or tripping, I didn’t have to think about the disaster that was my relationship. I didn’t have to deal with it, and that was very welcoming at the time.

I swallow audibly. “So you don’t think using drugs is bad?”

“Here’s what I personally think,” Ciro starts, “I think weed is perfectly fine to consume with the right intention.”

“Intention?”

“Like… I enjoy it, but I also know I can have a good time without it. I’m not smoking it to have a good time. Know what I mean?”

I think about our time on the dance floor, and the night we spent at their house playing charades and never have I ever. I had a wonderful time with both, and I would have had a good time sober, I think.

In fact, I haven’t even been itching to do anything harder than weed since the last time I saw Derek. Maybe there’s a correlation there.

Not that I’ll explain that to them right now. I feel like I’ve already cracked the surface of my broken spots enough for tonight.

I hand the joint back; he hits it before putting it out and stands. “I’m going to get us more drinks. Maybe just steal a bottle.”

“Can we drink it here?” I ask, because I quite like the peace that we’ve created between the three of us in this semi-dark corner.

“You’ve got it. I’ll be right back.”

He leaves us, and I’m left with a beautiful, blond alpha, feeling a lot more floaty and happy than I did a moment ago.

“Will you tell me more about your childhood with Atlas?”

He rests his head against the tree behind him, looking off into space like he could see said childhood all too clearly.

“We both had pretty normal, tame childhoods. We met in the 3rd grade and never really separated after that.” He gives a small laugh. “He got me into hockey, actually. Kept me out of trouble early on. I had a knack for getting detention and disrupting class. He helped me rein it in. When we were teenagers, we started to suspect we were pack but it wasn’t until we met Uriah and Ciro that the bond clicked all the way.”

“It’s weird how biology works that way.”

“It is,” he replies. “But what’s even weirder is that we’re all a bit more in tune with each other now after meeting you. It’s like the last piece of the puzzle kind of… nuzzled its way in.”

I find myself blushing, not sure how to respond to that. It’s intense, the way his words hit me right in my chest. I’m conscious of the fact that he is my scent match, that they are, but a part of me keeps forgetting what that means. That this could be forever. Because, honestly, it feels too good to be true, and if I let myself believe it, something rotten will find its way to this perfect thing I’m a part of. And I can’t stand the idea of that happening.

But then one of them looks at me the way Kendall is looking at me right now, and I melt right into the absurdity of it all.

“You and Ciro had fun inside.” Kendall says this as a statement, watching me with a subtle smirk. I lick my lips as I bask in his attention once more.

“It seems like you liked what you saw.” I have absolutely no idea what possesses me to say it, but it’s out before I can think better of it.

“I did. An alluring omega, dancing with my pack mate and having a wonderful time. You two seemed to get… close on that dance floor. And that’s also something I like to see.”

“And why didn’t you join us?”

He chuckles, leaning closer to me. “I was having a good time. Sometimes watching someone beautiful writhe in pleasure is almost as glorious as basking in pleasure yourself.”

My eyes fall to his lips. They look so soft. Gosh, when was the last time I’d been kissed properly? I long for it now.

His face is so close to mine. I feel like there’s a magnet drawing us together, and when he looks down at my own lips, I give in and meet him in the middle. The kiss is soft, experimental, right before it turns into an intoxicating explosion. He tilts his head, deepening the kiss, his tongue finding mine in a battle of dominance. It sends shockwaves down my spine, and I feel the sudden urge to beg for something. Anything.

I just want more.

Climb on his lap and ride him like a bull.

For once, I’m in agreement with my omega.

Before I can second guess the decision, I’m straddling his lap and placing my hands on his shoulders. The second my pussy rubs against something hard, a whine climbs up my throat.

His hands go to grip my hips instinctually. Maybe it has been too long since I’ve been laid because it’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever felt.

“What are you doing, naughty omega?” He smiles in that beautiful sunshine way. I move his hair out of his eyes, and see dazzling green orbs piercing mine.

“I don’t know,” I say honestly, feeling a slight pant and nervousness coming on. “It just… felt right.”

“It always will with us,” he says softly, moving his hand to cradle my face. “We can just sit here, and I will be the happiest alpha in the world.”

My thighs clench at the truth in his words.

But I don’t want to just sit here. I want more, it’s just asking for it that’s hard.

“Stacia.” He must see the conflict on my face because he says my name with such gentle adoration. “Tell me what you need.”

I swallow, but my throat feels especially dry.

“I…” I bite my lip, trying to muster up the courage.

My self-confidence has been lacking the past few years. Even before Derek, it was hard to ask for what I wanted. I don’t want to feel needy or a burden, and I’m starting to realize that it’s because others have conditioned me to feel this way.

“I need… more.” I have forgotten how it feels to be ultimately desired, and a part of me knows that this man will do literally anything to make me feel as such. “Please,” I whimper softly, letting my omega give me courage. “Please touch me, Alpha.”

A satisfied growl reaches my ears before I hear his husky words.

“My pleasure, Omega.”

EIGHTEEN

“I’m so proud of you, Omega. Thank you for telling me what you need.” I rub my thumb along her jaw, hearing a tiny gasp escape her lips. “How long has it been for you, baby?” Her scent is so strong and it leaves my alpha paranoid that anyone could come by and smell her, smell what is mine.

Her cheeks are flushed and pink as the starlight shines above her. It’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever been blessed with.

I think I may need to reconsider what my stance is on a higher power, because this moment is like a literal dream come to life.

I sense her hesitation to answer. “Have you at least been taking care of yourself, beautiful Omega?” I can feel her breath on my cheek as I lean to kiss her neck. She tastes just like her scent, beautiful undercurrents of vanilla and lavender igniting my senses.

She gives me an unconvincing smile. “Sort of.”

“Sort of?” I raise an eyebrow and bite my lip to hide my amusement. I grasp her hips tighter before dropping a hand to the apex between her legs. “You’ve been neglecting this pretty pussy, haven’t you?”

She whines, trying to buck her hips into my hand.

“Answer me, Omega.”

“Yes.” She looks me in my eyes, desperate for the bliss building between us.

“Good girl.” She moans in response. Her eyes are half-lidded and her perfume is so potent it overpowers everything around it.

Or, maybe, it simply overpowers me.

“Are you going to continue to tell me what you need?” I ask as my hands sneak underneath her dress. Her eyes follow the movement before she bites her lip in anticipation. God, I want to take those lips between my own teeth.

I place my thumb over her lips gently. She releases her bottom lip, and then meets my gaze. “Yes, Alpha.”

That’s all I need to hear before I slide my hand into the waistband of her dark colored panties. I try to stifle my groan as I feel her slick for the first time, but the tiny gasp that she emits leaves my efforts in vain as my own noise falls out.

The idea of her deliberately refusing herself pleasure causes my alpha to grit his teeth. She deserves to feel good any and every time she feels the urge. I’m going to make sure she knows that from now on.

I slide a finger in, feeling her tighten around me in response. A settling sigh falls from her lips as I start to move in and out, helping her satiate the ache.

Her eyes flutter closed as her head leans back. It’s only a few moments before she rests her hands behind her on my knees and gently gyrates her hips, trying to fuck herself faster on my finger. The notion makes me groan.

“Do you want more, Stacia?”

She nods before she squeaks out a tiny “yes.” I slide another finger inside of her, quickening my movements just enough to make her gasp. She keeps clenching me, refusing to look me in the eyes as she chases her orgasm.

Yes, my beautiful scent match. Fucking use me.

The touch of shyness makes me fall a little bit in love with her. She wants to shamelessly find her pleasure, but it’s not innate. It’ll be a while before it feels instinctual, but that’s what makes this moment all the more special. She’s being brave, courageous. She wants to have this moment with me despite the anxiety it brings.

I move my opposing thumb to the apex between her thighs, applying tiny circles to her clit as I quicken the pace of my fingers. The movement causes her to moan deep in her chest before an omega whine escapes, her pussy clutching my fingers in a vise grip.

“That’s it,” I whisper. My cock leaks in my jeans, the hardness almost painful. “You’re fucking squeezing me. Please, baby. Come on my fingers.”

The gasp that follows is like a holy bell being rung as her entire body tenses just before the sexiest fucking noises I’ve ever heard start to pour out of her mouth. I keep going, helping her pull every bit of pleasure from her climax as I can. It’s explosive. I can’t avert my eyes away from the sight of her even as the pleasure ceases, her muscles releasing their tension as she starts to go lax in my lap.

Her head rests upon my chest, filling me up with pride as she catches her breath. She smells satiated, relaxed. That’s all my Alpha cares about.

She’s finally coming back up when a branch snaps. I whip my head to the noise only to see Ciro standing there with two bottles of vodka and a jealous expression on his face.

“I’ll never forgive that bee-boy for keeping me away from that.”

A laugh bursts out of me, my fingers still sitting inside of our omega. “Freaking Bradley.”

Stacia

I flutter my eyes open, trying to come down from the high that Kendall just forced from my body. Ciro makes a quip that causes the alpha beneath me to laugh. Their voices finally come into focus as my breathing settles back to a normal rhythm.

I hear a clank of glass, like Ciro is placing the bottles not-so-gently on the ground. Then, I feel his body pressing against mine, my back to his chest.

“Hey, pretty girl,” he whispers in my ear, his lips barely touching it but it sends goosebumps all over my body. “Are you having a good time?”

I give a small nod, leaning my head back to rest on his shoulder. I wrap my hand up and around his neck, pushing his body closer to mine. Kendall grinds up into me, causing a gasp to escape at the sensitivity of his cock rubbing against my center.

“She’s been neglecting herself, Ci,” Kendall says. “Maybe one wasn’t enough.” I whine at the implication, meeting his grind halfway and nodding my head, refusing to say the words.

But all I can think is more.

“That’s not a problem. We can take care of that, can’t we, Kenny?” As Ciro wraps an arm around my torso, I suddenly feel something hard on my back beneath his shirt. Actually two little hard somethings.

It pulls me out of my daze a little. I turn around on Kendall’s lap, straddling him backwards, and forcibly pull up Ciro’s shirt. I see exactly what I was expecting.

“You have nipple piercings?” I exclaim a bit too loudly. Their laughter finds me as I’m entranced by the silver bars poking through the beta’s nipples.

“Yes, doe, I do.” He takes his shirt all the way off so I can get a better look at them.“Uriah and I both do. We lost a bet—” He’s cut off by Kendall’s not-so-subtle chuckle behind me. “So we had to get them. But if I’m honest, I quite like them. They fit my aesthetic.”

My mouth has gone dry and I feel a twinge between my legs. I can’t possibly speak, but then I look at his face and there’s the tiniest amount of insecurity there, just like I saw during game night when he told me about his sexuality. So I find the words for him.

“They’re so fucking hot.” And then my mouth is slamming on his, his arms wrap around me, and we go at it like two animals in heat.

Ciro nips at my bottom lip, causing a guttural sound to erupt from my throat. When he starts to slow his movements and really savor my lips, I feel a pair of hands from behind, playing with the hem of my dress. When Kendall’s hands make their way to my bare skin, goosebumps erupt and I wrap my hands around his to tug them up higher. He gets the hint and palms over my breasts that are hidden in my bra. When my nipples start to pebble at the sensation, he sticks them underneath and finally, finally gets his hands on me. Skin to skin. He plays with them while Ciro assaults my mouth with his tongue. His expert freaking tongue.

Am I about to have my first ever threesome in the backyard of some random house party? Yeah, I think I am.

I groan into the kiss, their movements moving in tandem to send me into overload quickly. I grind down onto Kendall’s lap, feeling him hard and wanting beneath me. He moans against my back, his hands gripping me a bit tighter as I start to move my hips back and forth, moving in such a way that puts just the right amount of pressure on my clit. It’s sensitive, but the feeling is too good to stop.

Ciro pulls back slightly, his hands moving to my face. “Where do you want me, beautiful?”

I don’t know where I get the confidence, but I move my hands to his jeans, unbuttoning and unzipping him all while holding his gaze. His eyes are brazen with heat, his muscles glisten slightly in the moonlight. It makes my mouth water as I pull his briefs down and wrap my hand around him.

“Fuck,” he whispers. I lean forward, my hips still moving on top of the alpha that is now slowly thrusting back, as I spit on Ciro, spreading it with my palm before I continue to stroke him. It starts a fire in him as he whimpers slightly before lacing his fingers into my hair enough to tug my head up to look at him.

“You’re being such a good fucking omega,” he grunts, which causes both my hips and hand to move faster. Their heightened scents surround me, basking me in the best combined scent ever. Like drinking a spicy mixed cocktail in the Caribbean. I can feel everything intensify once more, my clit likely swollen in my shorts.

“Please, I need more,” I moan. I feel Kendall throb underneath me, his own noises making a symphony in my ear before he tears my panties off in one swift motion. A rush of cold air hits my ass, my dress flying up from the wind, but I don’t stop my movement. His hand slides over one of my ass cheeks, his skin leaving mine ablaze as it trails forward, searching curiously. The anticipation is building slowly until he finally places his thumb on my back hole, rubbing gentle circles in a tease of something more. The feeling is foreign, something I’ve never explored with anyone before, but it’s so erotic. So intimate that it takes my breath away. I feel so adored between these two men, and the feeling only heightens as Ciro places his hand over mine, urging me to go faster. I give him a wicked smile before moving his cock into my mouth.

“Oh fuck, I’m going to fucking blow,” he hisses. “Stacia, I’m going to come, is that—” I hollow out my cheeks and move faster, my own climax simmering right on the surface as he bellows as quietly as he can and comes in my mouth. The taste is intoxicating, the perfect amount of spiced orange rum hitting my tongue. It blinds me a bit, the potency of it, just before Kendall’s thumb intrudes past the ring of muscle and groans deeply.

“Come with me, Omega,” he huffs out, his other hand motioning my hips. It’s almost like our orgasms are tied together, because the intrusion of his thumb pulls it right from my body, sending electricity through my clit all the way down to my toes.

He moves my hips for me as I scream out my release, feeling his climax drench my thighs and clit. Ciro’s hand finds my mouth, muffling my cries, making me black out slightly from the overwhelming pleasure.

When I finally come down, I lean back and land on Kendall’s chest as he pants. He wraps his arms around me, holding me close. A second later, Ciro lies down beside us, and I can’t help but let out an indignant laugh.

“I can’t believe we just did that,” I say, still trying to catch my breath.

“I can,” Ciro says, both of them laughing with me. “And I believe we’ll do it again.”

The smile that falls onto my face is involuntary. I can’t feel any other way right now even if I tried. I’m happy, and it’s bizarre to think about that fact when I consider the last few months.

It’s a very welcomed feeling, indeed.

NINETEEN

Playing: The Few Things by JP Saxe (ft. Charlotte Lawrence)

Kendall (12:03 pm) Ready when you are, captain

Atlas (12:04 pm) You must be drunk if you’re calling me Captain

Kendall (12:05 pm) sht up and come get us

The house is practically vacant by the time I get there. A few stragglers lie on the lawn, speaking to their friends and keeling over from the night well-spent.

I text Kendall but see a party of three already heading my way. From the silhouettes alone, I can see it’s my two pack mates and our beautiful new addition. I watch their blissed out faces smile and laugh with each other, so I make the mental note to punch my professor the next time I see him.

I mean, who makes college students turn in their papers at midnight on a Saturday? How fucking cruel.

I get out of my car to greet them and the mingling of scents in the air is potent. Rum, vodka, coconuts, and a calming lavender poking through. There’s something herbal too… something I’m very used to smelling on Ciro.

“You guys look like you had fun,” I comment, and Stacia’s cheeks flush deeply.

Interesting.

“You two get the back.” I swing open the passenger’s door for her. She raises her brow at me before giving me a nod and an almost-hidden smile. Kendall and Ciro, however, find the opportunity to tease me by calling me a chauffeur and giving me shit about forcing them into the backseat.

My pack mates continue to talk amongst themselves, laughing about something involving our frat brother Bradley.

I tune it out. All I can focus on is my proximity to Stacia. She’s got her hands sitting in her lap, and I can feel her attention waning from me to the road and back again. I itch to hold her hand, reach over and casually lace our fingers together, pretend we’ve done it a million times before even though this would be the very first time.

I’m not good at going slow, but I know that is what my omega needs and I would do anything in my power to provide it for her.

I pull up the driveway to her house and park the car.

“You stay there.” I give a soft but stern point to Stacia before looking at my drunken brothers in the back seat. “Don’t get in any trouble, we’ll be right back.”

Their protests follow me as I get out and make my way to the passenger’s side. Stacia gives me a soft smile as I open her door. We walk stiffly but excitedly beside each other as we make our way to the front door. My stomach is rumbling with something more than butterflies. It feels fluttery, but sinking too.

“I’m sorry you couldn’t come out with us tonight,” she says as we mount her doorstep.

“There’s no need for you to apologize for that, Stacia. My professor, maybe, but not you.”

She bites her bottom lip, but more in worry than in nerves.

“Was it,” she starts, stopping to find the words. I watch her as she fiddles with a piece of her hair and looks anywhere but my eyes. “Was it okay that I hung out with your pack mates?”

I tilt my head in confusion, wondering what made her ask such a thing.

“What do you mean?”

She tries to shrug casually. “I thought maybe you would be… angry about it. Being the prime and all.” She must see the puzzlement on my face because she shakes it off. “Or not, I’m not really sure how pack dynamics go.”

Then I remembered how Derek treated her desire for a pack, how he treated her when she was only talking to Ciro, and it all makes sense.

I reach a hand up and meet her eyes. “May I touch you?”

She nods meekly before I slide my hand around her neck and give her a fond squeeze. “Look at me, Stacia,” I say firmly, but with no command or bark in my tone. Her eyes meet mine once more. “I love that you three had some quality time together tonight. Sincerely. There’s plenty of time for all of us to get to know each other. I am looking forward to my time alone with you.” Her features relax, but I still look at every part of her face for any discomfort. I only see blissful relief. The freckles that stretch across her nose from each cheek lure me in. I want to count each and every one.

“Besides,” I continue, “the more pleasure you get from the pack, the happier I am. I can guarantee you that. Did my brothers give you enough pleasure tonight?”

Her nod is bashful, a beautiful pink spreading across those very freckles.

“Are we feeling shy, Omega?” I whisper. She gasps slightly before her gaze looks upon my lips.

“No, just nervous,” she says just above a whisper. “And excited, of course.”

The declaration hits me in the chest. I squeeze the nape of her neck again before speaking once more. “Can I scent mark you, Stacia? I won’t see you for a while, and my alpha would prefer if you had my scent as well as my brothers.”

Her pupils dilate with interest as her hand bunches in my shirt. “Please do.”

I put my cheek to hers and softly mingle our scents together. The allure never made much sense to me before, but now it’s all I can think about in her presence. Our scents become more than acquainted with each other.

My alpha would much prefer to be drenched in it, but he subsides at the small notion, letting me slide my lips down to her neck and giving her a peck for reassurance. Stacia lets out a soft sound, rubbing her own face against my cheek to scent mark me back.

It’s everything I could ever want.

“I’m going to back away now so you can go inside and get some rest. I promise one of us will reach out to you soon. Or you can reach out to us. Anytime, okay?”

I feel her nod against my skin. Against my better judgement, I pull back and press the same peck I gave her neck to her lips before backing away. Her appeased beam gives me butterflies.

“Goodnight, Atlas,” she says as her eyes follow my movement.

“Goodnight, Stacia.”

The drive home is bittersweet. The guys tell me about their night, purposefully leaving out any vulnerable details that I’ll come to experience with our omega myself. Their glee makes me smile, makes me think of the brighter future ahead. One with love for all of us. It’s a glorious thought, and now it’s a genuine possibility if the longing I saw in Stacia’s eyes were anything to go off of.

And it has my alpha purring in my chest all the way home.

TWENTY

Writing is, as most readers know, a subjective art.

And my work is, subjectively, a piece of shit.

My laptop is open and shows my half written assignment: a short story about personifying an inanimate object. With the amount of times I’ve reread it, you’d think it was a better piece of literature, but the edits just keep making it worse. I’m at my wit’s end.

My omega stirs at the idea of seeing her scent matches, and it sparks an idea. Maybe I’m not enjoying my own story because it’s not what I love, which is and always will be romance.

Now to think of a new item—nothing impersonal. The female main character’s hairbrush? Pass. The cardigan he bought her after their first date? Nope. Their couch they had to sell when they divorced? Closer but no…

Divorced. Exes. Second Chance.

A cold, lonely, left-behind wedding ring.

Bingo. I get chills instantly and find my fingers flying across the keyboard to save the details.

I don’t even care what the grade on this assignment will be. Not anymore. Falling in love with the piece you’ve written is way more important.

My writing classes have become more creative than they were last year. Learning grammar and technique is fun, but my favorite part is reading my peers’ work and seeing their initial process. It’s inspiring, even if critiquing each others’ art is still a bit awkward.

I’m brainstorming what kind of memories the ring is reminiscing when my phone buzzes several times consecutively. I glare at it, annoyed that my flow was broken. When another text comes through, I silence my phone and keep writing.

When I get to a good stopping point, I turn back to my phone. My omega preens when she sees who caused the interruption and berates me for keeping our mates waiting. I roll my eyes at her dramatics before opening the conversation and reading the texts.

Ciro renamed chat to ‘Simps for Stacia’

The boys are going to cause me muscle spasms from all the smiling they make me do.

Ciro (4:57pm) Here you go, you freaking goons.

Kendall (4:58 pm) I mean, it’s accurate, but did you have to?

Uriah (4:59 pm) I thought we agreed on something simple like ‘Pack Pearson’

My heart pounds at the possibility. Are they already seeing me as one of the pack? Why does that not sound like a terrible idea, not in the slightest?

Ciro (5:00 pm) That decision was a boring one. The one who makes it, names it

Stacia (5:48 pm) I feel honored to be in this chat

Ciro (5:50 pm) The lady of the hour!!

Kendall (5:51 pm) Hi, sweetheart. Uriah has something he wants to ask you.

Ciro (5:51 pm) Yeah go ahead Uriah, ask her!!

Uriah (5:54 pm) fuck you, assholes

I muffle a laugh behind my hand.

Stacia (5:55 pm) What do you need to ask me, Uriah?

I sit and wait. A few moments go by, and the anticipation gives me a tiny amount of anxiety.

Uriah (5:57 pm) Would you like to go out with me tonight?

I feel legit butterflies in my stomach.

Stacia (5:58 pm) I would love that, Uriah.

A moment later, there’s a voice memo from Kendall. I press play and there’s a loud harmony of him and Ciro hooting and hollering. Uriah then sends the middle finger emoji, which makes me laugh.

Uriah (6:01 pm) I’ll text you the details separately.

I guess it’s time to find an outfit for a sexy grump.

TWENTY-ONE

I was determined to take Stacia anywhere she wanted to go. Movies, dinner, comedy show. Anywhere but an ice rink because of her aversion to the cold. Instead, she wants us to ‘Netflix and chill,’ so we can get to know each other in a comfortable setting.

If I was in any doubt that she was perfect for me before, consider it officially eradicated.

“So, what movie do you want to watch?” I ask her, slightly distracted by her presence in my bed. She looks so cozy and secure, like she’s meant to be between my sheets. I cough slightly and shake the thought from my head.

“Nuh uh.” She shakes her head at me. “I decided what we were doing, now it’s your turn. I want to see what you pick.”

I hop in the bed with her before grabbing the remote and looking through my options. “Are you sure you don’t want anything else? Any snacks?”

Stacia waves me off. I enjoy how comfortable she’s been with us since the party she went to with Ciro and Kendall. It causes a warmth to spread through my body, a feeling I’m very foreign to. “No, I’m fine. I have water, and I’m hanging out with you, that’s all I really need.”

God. Don’t tell me that or I’ll fall in love with you.

I try to hide my smile as one of my favorite movies catches my eye. I go to put it on and Stacia’s mouth gapes at the screen. “You did not just put on Flipped.”

I shrug, although I don’t feel any shame. “It’s a classic. I liked the book, too.”

Stacia’s head whips to me. “You like to read?”

“Of course. I’m not like Atlas, but if I find one that keeps my attention…” I give her a sideways grin. “I hear you’re a big bookworm. Will you tell me about that?”

She swallows slightly, looking a bit nervous. “I love it. I like writing, too. Although I’m less into classics and more into modern day romance. Some would call it Wattpad romance.”

I’m not really sure what Wattpad is, but she seems embarrassed by it. “As long as it makes you happy, who cares what the genre is?”

“Some people are just pretentious, I guess. I’ve gotten, let’s say, hounded about it before. Some people in my class don’t hold the same appreciation for it that I do.”

I feel the tension first in my jaw, then my teeth grind slightly. “Well, give me their names and you won’t ever be hounded by them again.”

Stacia only gives me a soft smile. “It’s okay, really. Everyone has their opinions.”

“Sometimes opinions are better left unsaid. Especially if they’re malicious on purpose. But I understand.” I give her a support squeeze on her knee. Her eyes track it, and I see her gulp slightly before I retreat my hand. “So, you write, too?”

She rubs her neck awkwardly. “Kind of. Well… it’s my dream to be an author. That’s what I’m studying. Romance authors aren’t taken very seriously, at least not by my professors. Still, I enjoy it. I enjoy thinking of stories and scenarios and picturing all the possibilities. It’s a much needed escape, and I want to be able to one day provide that escape.”

She looks so happy talking about her art. It brightens me up inside. “Are you working on anything right now?”

“Maybe. I’m just writing whatever comes to mind right now.” She shrugs casually. “Some people want their books to be extraordinary. I just want mine to be fun.”

“Now, tell me more about your music. I only heard a little bit about it the other day and I’d like to know more.”

Now it’s my turn to feel nervous. I’m equally as self conscious about my own passion.

“I play bass in a band, but I hope to produce music more than anything. I don’t know if you can tell, but I’m not made for the center stage. I’d much rather be behind the scenes.”

She gives a soft giggle. “Well, I won’t say that because you certainly look like you’re meant for the spotlight, but I understand not being the most comfortable there. It’s much easier being in your safe place with your art, I agree.”

“Oh, I look like I’m meant for the spotlight?”

She blushes and playfully slaps my shoulder. “Don’t make me say it.”

I won’t. This time.

She glances up at me, her eyes sparkling. “I’d love to see you play.”

The idea makes my stomach flip. I normally don’t let the guys come to my band’s gigs because I feel a bit ashamed. But the way she’s looking at me with such sincerity, I’d throw out that rule in a heartbeat.

“Okay. Soon, perhaps.”

We sit for a few moments in silence, watching the scene where Bryce throws away the eggs gifted to him by Juli.

“You’re not how I expected you to be,” she says suddenly.

I arch a playful brow at her, rubbing my thumb over hers. “What? Mumbling and moody?”

Her laughter is bright, sparkling. I want to be the cause of it, always.

“Exactly. I mean, Ciro told me you weren’t like that with them, but I wasn’t expecting to see your real side so soon.”

“There’s no reason to hold back,” I say candidly. “I’ve held off on relationships because I believed I would find a scent match. Some would say that was just hopeful thinking, but I knew my match was out there. I don’t have to pretend with you, and I wouldn’t want to anyway.”

I see the wheels turning in her mind from my words. Stacia is a beautiful person, but I see the same darkness there that plagues me. We hold the same demons, whether or not we speak about them.

“Why do you hold back? With others?” She diverts.

I shrug, trying to supply some casualness while thinking of things long in the past. Still, in the spirit of being honest, I answer.

“I don’t necessarily trust others.”

“Oh.” She sits with that. “I think I’m the opposite. I think I’m too trusting.”

I feel a smile tugging at my lips. “Then we can balance each other out a bit. Teach each other something.” That leaves her smiling too. Then she moves, boldly wrapping my arm around her before settling her head on my chest. I relax in her embrace, letting our bodies meld into the covers comfortably.

“Did you have a rough upbringing?” Her quiet question is almost inaudible against my shirt.

I awkwardly rub my head with my free hand. Talking about my family is not my favorite pastime, but for her I’d sit through any discomfort.

“My mom left when I was a baby, so it was just my dad and brother. They were really close and had a lot in common, so I always felt like the odd man out. Real manly men, you know? Bordering on toxic.” I swallow hard. “I was a sensitive kid, never really understood the notion of holding in your emotions or pretending everything was okay. Not until my father forced it into me.”

Stacia grasped my shirt gently. “What did he do?”

“You don’t need to know the details, baby. It’s over, it doesn’t matter anymore.”

She looks up and meets my eyes, a sheen of emotion in them. “It does matter. Everything that was done to you deserves to be spoken. Have you told anyone about it?” I hold her gaze and shake my head. “Then tell me. Let me hold some of the burden for you.”

I can’t describe the emotions her words stir up in me. There’s adoration for her compassion. Hope for our relationship to blossom further. And more than anything, there’s another feeling. One that’s way too early to already be present, but it’s there. Burying itself in the hole of my chest that my blood had left behind.

“You are too good for me,” I whisper. Before she can protest, I continue. “It was mainly verbal at first. Emotional. He’d call me names whenever I was anything less than happy or fake. I don’t have any nice memories of him anymore. They’re all tainted by the bad.”

“And it got worse?”

“He’d only use his fists if I fought back. And he’d let my brother do whatever he wanted. I slept with my door locked most nights, especially if they were drinking and wanted to start something.” These memories sit in a back corner of my mind, stuck behind a locked door. “That’s why I’m a bit… stoic with others. Unless I fully know and trust someone, I’d rather not be myself. Just in case.”

The emotion on her face is devastating. “I’m so sorry, Uriah.” She places her hand on my cheek. I lean further into her touch, the comfort grounding me. “Do you still speak to them?”

“Not at all.” I smile again. “I got a job at a music store my freshman year of high school, worked really hard until graduation. I took as many shifts as I could so I could be out of the house. Then, I was offered a scholarship to play hockey here at Bensen. I left and never looked back.”

My boss at my old high school job gave me a lifeline. He not only gave me an escape, but he introduced me to music. Ever since, there’s been a passion for it. A way I could channel the emotions I wasn’t allowed to feel at home. He was like my real father. I was determined to do something with my life after he helped save it.

She gives me a sad smile. “A true happy ending.”

“That really started after meeting my pack.” And now after meeting you.

The beast inside of me is a freaking sap.

“I was going to ask! You don’t seem like the type for fraternities. Why did you join Alpha Xi?”

“I was looking for brotherhood.” I try not to let my voice crack. “The universe answered my prayers with that one. I couldn’t have found better pack mates.”

“You’re just a disguised softie, huh?” Her teasing eyes gleam with amusement.

I guess I don’t hide my emotions as well as I thought.

“Oh, shush. I bet you feel the same way about your best friend. What’s her name?”

She beams at the mention of her friend. “Rory. She moved to town our senior year of high school. We hit it off immediately, decided to apply to the same college, and the rest is history.”

“I’m really glad you found someone that understands you like that. It’s special.”

“It is. I’m glad you did, too. It’s like everything landed exactly where it’s meant to.”

As the night went on, our conversations felt endless. We talked about anything and everything, to preferences of fruits (anything seedless) to favorite animated movies (hers, Beauty and the Beast; mine, Princess Mononoke). I learned that she’s an only child and loves hazelnut M&Ms (which I figured because Ciro now keeps them stocked up in our pantry and won’t let us eat them). It’s never tiresome or boring. I feel just as rejuvenated as I did before she arrived, which is interesting with someone like me who needs alone time to recharge.

After we finished Flipped, we put on a movie called Beastly.

“Will you,” she starts before I make room for her in the same position we were laying before. She gnaws at her lip nervously. I raise my hand and gently run my thumb over it, causing her teeth to release. Her eyes flutter closed before she gives a soft sigh. “Can we spoon?”

My lips twitch at the corners before I let the smile free. “Of course, come here.” I wrap my arm around her as I lay us both down so we can face the movie. When we’re settled, I tug her back further, silently groaning at the way she fits so perfectly against me. She morphs her body to mine, squirming slightly to get settled, which causes her ass to swipe along my cock. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep quiet.

We fall silent in our new position as we return to watching the movie. I let my arm grasp her tighter, position my chin to rest in the crook of her neck. In my periphery, I see her eyes flutter shut, making me privy to the idea that she’s just as affected by our proximity as I am.

It makes my heart soar within the confines of my chest.

We’re content, and I let my hand trail over her arm, giving her soothing caresses. Her skin is so soft and the goosebumps that follow my finger’s wake is so addicting that I continue, trailing over every surface of skin it can find. Her fingers, collarbones, and then back to her bicep. I find a rhythm and bask in gratitude that I have such a lovely omega spending this moment with me.

I finally give up my torture and wrap my arm back around her stomach. My thumb brushes the bare skin of her stomach where her shirt has ridden up, and an almost-silent gasp falls from her lips, her body tensing from the accidental touch. Her perfume blooms.

My body tenses, both nerves and excitement twisting in my stomach.

“It’s okay, baby,” I whisper in her ear before placing a peck to her hair, “I’ll only touch you if you want me to.”

I feel her nod. As soon as I turn my attention back to the film, I feel her delicate fingers holding mine before she hesitates. I sit and wait, watching as she processes her own movement. When she starts to move my hand lower, I relax into her and finally let the groan in my body escape.

My fingers play with the waistband of her leggings. “Tell me, Stacia.” I let one finger dip in slightly, feeling the skin there. “I want to hear you say it.”

“I… I need you,” she gasps, and it folds my reprieve.

“I’ll take care of you, baby,” I whisper but it comes out in a husk. It’s been a long time since I’ve been with someone. This would be the first time with someone I cared about this deeply. The anticipation is leaving me breathless as I guide my hand into the front of her leggings. I feel the lace of her panties beneath my fingertips; I memorize it, this feeling, before I dip underneath them and finally cup her pussy, feeling the coarse hair wet underneath my palm, my fingers sliding lower.

I get a whiff of her potent scent, the lavender arousal flooding my sheets. I’ll never get the smell out and I am fucking joyous over it.

“Omega,” I let the moan escape as I bury my face in her neck. “Is this all for me? Are you aching, baby?”

“Y-Yes.” Her hips buck into my hand timidly.

I put more pressure, loving the way she’s nervously riding my hand. “Take what you need, Stacia.”

She moans, her movements becoming more confident. She places her hands on top of mine, pushing my fingers further until they’re circling her entrance.

“Do you need my fingers in your pussy, Omega?” I nip at her ear. “Put our fingers where you need them.”

I feel her slick coating my fingers and it sends a rush to my cock. She slides our hands down, our contact separating as she sinks two of my fingers into her. The way she clenches around them instantly makes my head spin.

“Fuck…” The rasp escapes as her head falls to my shoulder. I slide them in deeper, curling my fingers to find the spot that makes her legs shake. When she chokes on a moan, I know I’ve found it. I gently massage her as my composure quickly dissolves.

“Stacia.” I pull my fingers out of her and maneuver us so she’s on her back. I look upon her face, her eyes heavy-lidded and cheeks flushed. It’s the most beautiful sight I’ve ever seen. “I need to taste you.”

I swallow the sigh that emits from her as I put my lips to hers. The first lazy swipe of her tongue against mine causes fireworks to explode throughout my body, the intensity of it almost overwhelming, but oh-so good that I can’t stop even if I wanted to.

I tug her leggings off without abandoning our kiss, and the second she’s left bare, I pull back. “How do you like to be eaten, my love?”

TWENTY-TWO

Uriah places his fingers back at my entrance and slides in, my slick causing zero resistance. His question along with the movement of his fingers leave me breathless as I spread my legs wider to accommodate him.

“I’m… not sure,” I finally reply, a soft moan falling when he crooks his fingers at the right angle.

“Has no one ever gone down on you, Omega?” His eyes are dilated with lust, but there’s another emotion present now, too. “Am I going to be your first?”

It’s his use of going to be that makes me whimper. I nod because I can’t find the words to speak. I am so tightly wound, I’m afraid that I’ll come from the slightest touch of his tongue.

His fingers move in and out, hitting my g-spot every time. I’m in disarray, the peak rising so quickly it’s both terrifying and illuminating.

I never knew it could be like this. Never. Not until this pack.

Just as I’m about to beg, he lays his body down between my legs, his fingers still moving as he kisses my thigh before turning into my center and inhaling. It makes a blush run up my neck before he groans loudly and finally puts his tongue to my clit, marking soft circles around it.

My back arches, one hand clutching his sheets while the other finds his hair. I feel the edge riding closer and closer as his fingers pick up the pace. I knew this wasn’t going to last long.

“Oh, fuck, Uriah. I’m—I’m going to come.” On the next hit to my g-spot, dots appear behind my eyes and the string snaps, pushing me into overwhelming bliss. I cry out as I clench around his fingers and bracket my thighs around his head. He continues licking and fucking me, carrying me through the orgasm in a wave that’s almost poetic. Both soft and nimble as he pulls every last sensation out of me.

Once my breathing gets back to normal and I fall back into my body, I feel the overstimulation of my clit as Uriah continues his treatment with his tongue. “Uriah, I can’t,” I whine, but my body only continues to hold him closer, letting him play it like a fiddle.

He licks a stripe from above his fingers back to my clit before he pulls back enough to nip my thigh with his teeth. I squeal and he gives me a devious smile. “It may take a while, but I’m not letting you go without another one.” He pauses his fingers, keeping them curled inside me right on my g-spot. “Just one more, baby.”

Uriah holds my gaze as his lips find my clit once more and sucks. My body lights up, bowing to his will. At my taste, he moans, causing little vibrations around my clit. He adds a third finger, and my eyes widen at the wonderful intrusion. I’m once again climbing the hill, both fascinated and scared of the inevitable release at the end of it.

My fingers find his hair once again and he groans the harder I pull. His lower body moves with his motions, and I find myself gyrating against his face faster and faster, chasing the orgasm that I know will be the end of me.

It almost feels like too much, but my body won’t give it up, determined to reach what feels so close but so far away. His mouth finds the perfect motion, and I moan loudly at the lapping of his tongue. “Right there, right fucking there… oh fuck, it’s happening again.”

He keeps up the new rhythm, his three fingers rocking faster in and out of my entrance and my whimpers get louder. He pushes them deep inside, curls over my g-spot repeatedly, and I fall headfirst over the hedge, my fingers nearly pulling his hair out of his scalp. This orgasm is more violent, more explosive, as I find my body folding in half, trying to keep the pleasure for as long as possible. Uriah never eases up, letting me writhe and contort until I’m panting and breathless, finally falling slack beneath him.

His sheets smell like us, a herbal concoction of incense and sex. It’s dizzying, and also the best combination in the entire world.

He finally stops, pulling out his fingers and placing kisses on the side of my knee. He looks ruined, the skin around his mouth swollen and covered in my arousal. His eyes are dark as he gives me a beautiful smirk.

I get up on my knees and move to pull at his waistband when he touches my wrists delicately. “This was all about you, baby. I wanted to make you feel good, and I did, that’s all that matters. I’ll let you touch me next time, I promise.” He must see the slight pout on my face because he chuckles, pulling my hands up to kiss my knuckles.

“I want to make you feel good, too,” I state, not letting his nonchalance deter me.

“Trust me, you already did.” I raise a brow in confusion as a soft pink spreads across his cheeks. I look down and my eyes widen. In my post-orgasm haze, I hadn’t noticed the wet spot coating his sweats.

Holy shit, did I make him come in his pants? That’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.

“I did that?”

My shock is evident, and he gives me a bashful smile. “You did. I think my new favorite place might be between your thighs.”

I look back up to his face. “Really?”

“Really.” He nods, leaning back over me. “I think we should set aside more time to do that again so I can get my fill.”

His words make me blush and make my thighs clench once again. “I’m not opposed to that.”

He kisses me then, gentler than before, more intentional. When he pulls back, his features are relaxed and soft. “I can’t fucking wait.”

TWENTY-THREE

I try to relax my hand, transferring the coffee cup back and forth.

I’m normally about fifteen minutes early to my 8 am lecture, but this opportunity is too good to give up. I secured the goods, now I just need to wait for the girl.

The quad is barren this morning, the grass covered in ice. When Stacia finally makes her way into my eyesight, I find myself breathing easier, and march towards her with determined purpose.

Her eyes land on me, and her lips curve in joyful surprise.

“Hey,” she says.

“Hi.” I take her in, noticing her corduroy dungaree and the layers of jackets she has on.

She’s so freaking cute.

She allows me to give her a quick kiss on the cheek just before I hand her the cup.

She quirks her brow at me. “What’s this?”

“Coffee,” I say with a straight face.

She narrows her eyes at me suspiciously. “Let me guess, with extra cream and a pump of hazelnut?”

A guilty smile threatens to escape but I keep it down. “I don’t know what you mean. Also, I have this.” I hand her the little brown paper bag and her eyes widen. She grabs the bag and practically tears it open to get to the prize inside.

She holds the warm breakfast sandwich in her palm, looking at it with elation. “That freaking beta,” she murmurs as she opens up the paper with expert fingers before taking a bite.

Yeah, I might have convinced Ciro to ask her a few standard questions. Favorite coffee order, favorite breakfast food. It was for a good cause, so I don’t feel bad about it.

She gives a hearty moan at the first bite, her head falling back as she savors it. I look around, glad to see that there’s no witnesses to my omega enjoying my courting gift in a way that leaves me a very satisfied alpha.

“You didn’t have to do this, Atlas.”

Considering the absolute euphoria that it gave her, I did. And I’ll be doing it every day until she gets sick of it.

“This is what happens when alphas are courting. You’ll need to get used to it, because none of us plan to stop even after we’ve officially earned the right to call you ours.”

A slight blush falls over her cheeks, her freckles becoming darker on the pigment.

“Can I walk you to class?” She gives a timid nod before we set off towards her building.

I enjoyed Stacia at our previous evening hang out, but I like her just as much right now. Freshly rested and fed, laughing in the morning sun with the cold nipping our fingertips. She’s exuberant in every circumstance, and it excites me. I haven’t been this stimulated by a person in a long time.

We talk about everything. I tell her about my parents, who live a few towns away and are best friends with Kendall’s parents. She tells me more about her major and what assignment she’s working on. There’s a few moments where we stumble over our words in our excitement, and it makes the moment that much more endearing.

“Here I am,” she announces as we step upon the science building. I look at my phone and see that I only have a few minutes to get to my own building, but the detour was worth it.

“Have a good day, angel. Please text me if you need anything.”

She gives me a small smile, nodding her head. “I will.”

I watch her enter the building all the way before I turn to head to class. Just as I turn, I run right into someone who’s blocking the path. Someone who isn’t moving a muscle.

“Hey, Captain,” I hear and internally groan. I look up and see the last person I wanted to. Derek has his arms crossed, his expression bitter but masquerading as unimpressed.

“What’s up, Derek?” I say, already not loving this conversation or that I’m now going to be late for my class.

“Saw you with Stacia,” he utters, short and clipped. A dark chuckle falls from my lips.

“You always seem to be around, lurking in the corner when one of us is talking with her. It’s uncanny.”

Derek may think I’m the reasonable one of my pack. I mean, sure, I keep the others out of trouble, but my pack knows the truth. My beast has always been a savage one.

He scowls at me, unsatisfied with my banter. I try to walk around him, but he steps in front of me again.

“I just think it’s really fucked up. I’m your teammate… and your frat brother, but you still went after my girl. What does that say about you?”

I just shrug. “Nothing I can’t live with, now excuse me.” My shoulder bumps into his slightly as I make my way around him—finally—and begin to walk as he calls out from behind me.

“Why would you want my sloppy seconds, Pearson?”

I stop in my tracks, my feet turning back around of their own accord. I can feel the alpha inside spiking, desperate for me to let him unleash his distaste for this man once and for all.

I rein it in, taking a giant breath before I meet his eyes. “Let’s get one thing straight. She’s nothing of the sort. You had a gem and you let her slip through your fingers. That’s not my fault or my pack’s. This conversation will be very different if you ever decide to speak about her like that again and I fucking mean it. If you think Kendall’s punch hurt, just wait until you feel one from a prime.”

He tries to hide his wince behind a snarl. I look at his nose. The splint is gone, but the bruise is still present. I need to give Kendall another thanks for such a glorious memory.

I go to walk away but turn back to meet his cowardly eyes once more with a smug grin on my face. “Oh, also… she’s our scent match. So that’s why we want her, and we always will. Have a good day, Derek.”

I don’t bother to watch his face. I already know it’s fuming, because he’s the type of alpha that can’t stand to not have his way. He lost her, and that’s the bottom line. Now that we know her, know what she is to us, he’ll never have another chance to hurt her again.

Not if my beast has anything to say about it.

TWENTY-FOUR

Playing: Moral of the Story by Ashe ft. Niall Horan

Whenever I have moments to myself these days, it’s bittersweet. I have to give myself a moment to catch up, remind myself how much has changed in such a short amount of time.

There’s times where I feel like my moments with these men aren’t real. I have to remind myself that they did happen to me, not someone else. It’s a weird feeling, knowing that you’re achieving happiness but also still completely caught off guard by the pure notion of its existence.

Then again, it’s hard to completely disconnect when there’s always something there to remind you, like the random texts I received earlier today that are still taunting me. I’ve tried to keep myself distracted with other things, but now that the self deprecating thoughts are back full force, it’s easy to take my phone and torture myself with their existence.

Unknown (10:15 am) Stupid Slutty Omega

Unknown (10:30 am) I saw you with your new alpha. Did you think I wouldn’t find out?

Unknown (10:35 am) They’ll discover soon enough what kind of disappointment you really are

I pick up my phone to, regrettably, reply to the strange messenger.

Stacia: Excuse me? Who is this?

I wait a few minutes, willing myself to block the number and look the other way, but the little psychological masochist inside me is one for punishment. I’m not consciously sure what I think I did wrong anymore, but I still keep an eye on my phone, especially when the little dots appear.

Unknown (3:03 pm) You really think I’d just forget what you did to me?

Unknown (3:03 pm) You were always planning on being a selfish omega and throwing me to the dirt

Unknown (3:04 pm) And with the alphas that you apparently only met the night before? I don’t believe that for one second

Unknown (3:05 pm) You obviously cheated on me. Just fucking admit it.

I raise my brows in confusion, my heart racing faster than it was.

Stacia (3:06 pm) Derek?

Unknown (3:06 pm) Who else? Did you do this shit to someone else, too?

I feel bile threatening to come up my throat. I blocked his number but I should have known he would find a way to slither back in to mess with my head.

Stacia (3:08 pm) I blocked you for a reason, Derek. I don’t want to see or talk to you.

I go to delete the thread and call one of my boys but my phone buzzes again. I compulsively check the response.

A glutton for punishment, apparently.

Unknown (3:09 pm) Are you cheating on them, too? I really thought you were one of the good ones, Stacia. What the fuck happened to you?

I swallow roughly. His responses always leave me confused. Every time we fought, even after I would forgive him, even after he said he would never say or do the things he did again, he would always turn it back on me. My character. My interests. My clothes. My desires. It always set him off whenever I decided to have my own autonomous thoughts. I sincerely have no idea where he got the idea that we had anything in common.

Stacia (3:11 pm) You never make any sense. I have always been the same person. /You/ are the one that changed.

My omega is screaming at me to ignore him, yelling at me to block the number. It’s hard to listen. I just need to know why. What did I do wrong?

What have I ever done wrong?

My father was always a cold man. He only understood finances and etiquette (his own version of it). But, until my designation presented, I was mainly ignored, discarded over to nannies or family friends. I never knew that things could get worse than abandonment until I officially became an omega. It was like no matter what I did, it would never be right. I would never be right. And I guess I wouldn’t be.

Why have kids if you’re not going to love them unconditionally? What made them so deluded to think that I would turn out to be a beta just like them both? There’s never been any biological evidence supporting their delusions, him and my mother both. The fact that they let it be known, too, really pushed me past the point of understanding.

My omega always whimpers inside me whenever I think of my parents.

Is it really me? Was I just not meant to be who I am?

TWENTY-FIVE

There’s a bunch of noise as Kendall and Ciro battle each other on Mario Kart. Atlas is reading something in the recliner. His scent is elevated as his eyes dart between each word. He’s always reading in his free time, but I don’t recognize the book in his hands. It makes me pause.

“What are you reading?” I ask, trying to get a better look at the cover.

Atlas sends me a subtle glare to shut up. Ciro looks over to inspect him despite being mid-game and huffs a laugh.

“Why is there a shirtless guy on your book cover?”

I slant my head. That’s exactly what it is.

Atlas’ cheeks turn a pink hue. He’s blushing.

“Oh my god, you’re blushing,” Kendall jeers at him, taking the words right from my brain. He puts his controller down and puts his hand out. “Let’s see it then.”

Our prime gives us a look that could kill. His hand tightens slightly on the spine of the book before he puts it protectively to his chest.

“Your alpha becoming possessive over a book lets us know that it has something to do with Stacia, so just spit it out,” Ciro says, his own controller now lazily hanging from his fingers. “She’s into reading, I’m guessing you got that from her?”

The hue on his cheeks darken even further. “Not exactly.”

“What did you do, Atlas?” I ask. He’s normally not so tight-lipped with us. His demeanor screams of his self-consciousness.

“I bought it.” He pulls it away from his chest and looks at the cover. “It’s stupid, but I saw her carrying this the last couple days and I wanted to… I don’t know, feel closer to her when she’s not around.” He finally hands the book to Kendall, looking at the ground in shame. Kendall opens up to his bookmarked page and starts to read its contents.

“Why are you embarrassed about that?” Ciro’s sincere question lingers in the air as Atlas thinks of a response.

“I’ve been feeling… unsettled when she’s not around.” He swallows audibly. “My instincts have been going haywire. My alpha needs to know where she is and what she’s doing, and it’s been utter torture to rein him in. I thought maybe if I read the book she’s reading right now, it would feel like we’re in the same place, and that it would maybe abate my alpha and give him some peace.”

I look at him, seeing the anguish in his face. I understand it, too. It’s been absolute torture for me. I’ve felt like an animal for having such primal instincts when it came to her. She doesn’t deserve that type of possessiveness after what she went through with her ex, and here we are, acting like cavemen who can’t be away from her for a few hours.

“And is it helping?” I ask him, now eyeing the book in Kendall’s hands.

Atlas gives an amused chuckle. “Sort of. It works for different reasons. It’s also utter torture for other reasons⁠—”

“Oh, shit!” Kendall interrupts, his intent look scouring the page. “This is awesome! And not discreet at all. This is what she’s been reading?”

Ciro and I raise our brows in confusion while Atlas smiles guiltily. “Yeah, it is. It’s been very educational, too. I think we would all benefit from reading it.”

I’m still confused when Kendall points to a certain section. “Do you think this is what she’s into?”

Atlas shrugs casually. “I’m not sure. From what I’ve heard, you don’t have to be into it in real life in order to appreciate it on the page. That’s something to ask her.”

“For fuck’s sake, give it here,” Ciro says, snatching it from Kendall’s hold. He opens it to the same page and angles it so we can both read.

My eyes widen and I feel a flush all over my body.

“What position are they in?” I hear Ciro ask himself quietly, which amuses me through the shock of the words I’m reading.

Atlas crosses his arms. “We’ve never been with someone together. She deserves the best first time with all of us. So, even though it was an accident, I think we should all read that. Figure out how to coordinate together for her. Sound like a plan?”

I put a hand over my mouth and nod, unfocused on the others’ replies as I continue to read.

We have a lot of homework to do.

TWENTY-SIX

Practice was brutal.

Kendall is walking backwards, laughing at something Atlas is saying. I’m just fucking exhausted and want to get home ASAP. Possibly FaceTime Stacia, see what she’s doing.

Kendall runs right into someone as he tries to turn around. He makes a sound that causes me to laugh under my breath, fumbling his hockey bag before correcting himself.

“Shit, I’m so sorry,” he says, taking a step back from the girl he almost body slammed. She watches him through narrowed eyes, examining him but not in any hostile way. Her hair is a very specific shade of blue, one that should be recognizable but I’ve never met this girl before.

All three of us just watch as she looks at us, almost like she’s sizing us up. Just as Atlas starts to speak, she points at me.

“Grumpy, intense, dark hair. You must be Uriah.” I rear back, confusion etching over my face. Before I can respond, she points. “Kendall.” Then her eyes dart to Atlas. “And you’re the prime.”

“I’m sorry,” Kendall starts, “how did you know that?”

I wonder the same thing. Yes, we’re hockey players and an established pack, but we’re definitely not one of the more popular ones. We stick to ourselves, stay under the radar. Might as well enjoy our invisibility before Atlas gets drafted someday.

“Well, none of you wear earrings or have visible tattoos. It’s quite disappointing really, I wanted to meet Ciro the most.”

Something edges just along the side of my brain, but it’s gone before I can grasp it. “Ciro’s seeing someone. In fact, we all are. Nice to meet you though.” I start to walk around her.

“It’s nice to meet you, too. My best friend has said a lot about you.”

I halt. “Best friend?”

“Did all three of you lose some brain cells during practice today or are you normally this dense?” She chuckles, but it’s not unkind. “I’m Rory.”

She doesn’t put her hand out, and I suddenly realize she’s an omega. Her courteousness is bounds better than others’. Stacia’s not even here and she still knows not to touch us, even to shake our hands.

But also, holy shit. This is Stacia’s best friend.

Atlas goes to say something but Kendall blurts out, “You wanted to meet Ciro the most?” He looks appalled.

She laughs. “Of course. He sounds like the most fun in your pack. No offense.”

“Um, yes offense—” Kendall starts but our prime cuts him off by elbowing him. We really don’t need to start some silly competition on who can impress Stacia’s best friend the most.

Although…

No. No, we don’t.

“Anyway.” Atlas puts on a cautious smile. “It’s nice to meet you, Rory. Why are you here?”

I didn’t realize that before. She was strolling around in the hockey arena, and I’m pretty sure Stacia mentioned neither of them particularly enjoy the sport.

“It’s not obvious? I was waiting for you three. Well, I thought it’d be four but now I’m not sure why. The beta doesn’t play hockey.” She shrugs. “Color me curious. You’re my best friend’s scent matches. We’d meet sooner or later, and I wanted to sniff you out for myself. Well, not like that.” She cringes. “You know what I mean.”

I’m a little bit amazed but also a little bit nervous by her straightforwardness.

Rory heaves out a sigh. “Look, I’m a bit protective of Stacia. She was the only one there for me during a really tough time in my life. So much so, that I had no idea what she was dealing with in hers. I just wanted to meet you guys, make sure for myself that she was in good hands.” She looks a bit uncomfortable and rubs her neck. “I know you guys already know about dickwad.”

I raise a brow. “Dickwad?”

“Yeah, that’s how we refer to him in our house. I’m trying to get Stacia to remember he’s the devil.” She looks at Kendall. “Thanks for punching him, by the way. That shit made my entire week.”

Kendall snorts.

“Their relationship was the worst thing I’ve ever experienced secondhand. I persuaded her to get to know you guys, because she deserves to be happy. She thought it was too soon, and maybe it was, but not by normal standards.

“You have to be patient with her,” she says softly. “She’s going to need some time to really believe you guys want her for her, and not just because she’s your fated omega. That’s not strictly a her thing, but an omega thing. And she needs time to heal from the shit Derek did to her. Don’t let her sabotage this. I know she’s happier than she’s been in months, even if she doesn’t realize it herself yet.”

There’s a pit in my stomach. Stacia always seems happy, but I see the same rigidness in her that I feel in myself. I recognize it. There was an uninhibited light in her at some point, but someone wanted to shatter it. To take that light for themselves. It’s a burden I wish on no one, much less my omega.

“We will,” Atlas announces to her, and it looks like a sense of relief passes through her expression. “We’ll be patient, for as long as she needs. We’re not going anywhere.”

“Thank you.” She nods before playfully narrowing her eyes at us. “Technically though, we still only just met, so I’ll be keeping an eye on you guys.”

Kendall finally cracks a smile. “We wouldn’t expect anything less. We’re just glad our scent match has someone else looking out for her. It’s relieving beyond belief.”

That statement seems to satisfy her. “I should go now. I’ll let Stacia know we ran into each other and finally met. She’ll be elated.”

She starts to walk away before looking over her shoulder. “Oh, by the way, Stacia’s birthday is the twenty-sixth. She’ll say she doesn’t care about it, but she’s a Pisces, so. Take her somewhere. Make her feel special.”

Atlas widens her eyes at the information before responding, “She is special.”

She gives a small smile. “Yes, she is.”

We wave her off before finally exiting the arena.

Looking at the calendar on my phone, I accidentally let a tiny smile slip when I see what day correlates with her birthday. The boys notice, giving me suspicious glances.

“What are you plotting, Uri?” Kendall asks.

I just smile bigger before putting my phone in my pocket. “Let’s just say the stars are aligning. It’s time to give our omega a birthday she won’t forget.”

TWENTY-SEVEN

Playing: Everything I Wanted by Billie Eilish

I welcome the weekend with open arms as I sprawl out on my bed after classes, feeling utterly exhausted by my Friday schedule that conveniently has no writing classes. Nope, it’s all just common core stuff that I need to complete before next year, which I definitely dreaded today.

It’s been a simple few weeks. The course load has gotten more complicated in the new semester and the guys have started up their full-force hockey schedule once again, so I’ve only seen them a few times. Every few days, Atlas walks me to my 8 am class.

I find it endearing that he finds the time to see me even with our busy schedules. He always has a coffee and my favorite breakfast sandwich from the local eatery, which always leaves me in a much better mood than I normally am that early.

The texts from the guys are much more frequent and I enjoy seeing them banter in the group chat. It makes me feel like I’m a part of something really special, which is wild to me because sometimes it doesn’t even feel like it’s me experiencing it. Sometimes it feels like I’m reading a romance book about a heroine that just happens to look and sound like me.

I smile to myself in my bedroom like a lovesick fool when my phone starts to vibrate in my pocket. Once I fish it out and look at the screen, I suddenly wish I hadn’t.

The groan that leaves me when I see my mother’s caller ID could probably be heard from Mars.

Knowing that I’ll have to hear from her sooner or later, I reluctantly bring the phone to my ear.

“Hello, Mother.”

“Stacia,” she begins, her tone curt. “It’s been a while. How are your studies?”

I go through the motions of telling her about my classes and grades, leaving out anything and everything in my social life. She’s not exactly someone I can talk to about it.

“Good. I’m glad your grades are up and you’re doing well. Although I don’t know why you wanted to bother with school at all, considering omegas are tended to hand and foot by any alpha they turn their eye to.”

I clench my jaw, then relax it after giving a deep breath. My parents are both betas, and they’ve always been a bit too comfortable spouting what they think of the other two designations. They don’t even hate one over the other. They just believe their own designation is the most reasonable of the three.

“Not all omegas settle down, Mom. Some get jobs and live very happy lives all on their own.” I decide not to repeat—for the millionth time—that neither alphas or omegas are complete slaves to their biology. She wouldn’t hear it anyway.

“Still, it seems like a waste of time. But you’re planning to write silly romance books, so it’s not like you’re wasting too much time.”

I feel my body start the numbing process before her words even finish. I always feel myself stepping away when I’m talking to my parents. It feels impossible to ever have a civil conversation with either one of them.

I reacted this way for a long time before I started to become aware of it. It took even longer to realize that it was always happening around my parents. It seemed to be the only way to handle speaking to them.

I think about the past few weeks with my scent matches, getting to know them while being authentically myself. It’s been a whirlwind of confusing emotions. I’m not sure why, but it almost feels like a trap.

I don’t think I know how to recognize when something is good.

“Stacia, are you there?”

I blink, realizing I must have zoned out while she continued ranting at me.

“Yes, I am.” I swallow. “I think I have some stuff I need to do around the house today, can I call you back?”

My mother gives an annoyed sigh. “Yes, I guess that’s fine. Please call soon, there are things to discuss.”

She hangs up without saying goodbye or those three special words that other children normally get to hear. Like every time before, I pretend like it doesn’t hurt.

Like it’s not unbearable.

I remember the cold indifference between me and my parents early on. Nannies taking care of me, but never getting too close because my parents were particular about professionalism. I ate by myself until dinner. I wasn’t allowed to go outside unless it was for horseback lessons or practicing tennis. I fucking hated both of those things.

I can’t remember the first time they started spouting designation prejudice at me. All I know is that it takes up a huge space in their life. I don’t know who my parents are without their bias. All I know is that it always left a bad taste in my mouth so—after a while—I just stopped listening.

When I designated as an omega, they reacted worse than I thought. Nasty, vile comments were thrown my way for days. I was only sixteen, and felt like I wasn’t allowed to be excited about this new thing in my life. The part of me that every human waits to discover. It was tainted by their hate, and I’ve never been able to move past it.

Because maybe it really was my fault. Maybe I didn’t try to be a beta enough. Maybe my indifference towards it caused this path to appear for me.

I shake my head. That’s not true. No matter how much I try to rationalize the way my parents are, there’s never a proper reason. It always comes back to ignorance, bitterness.

They’re miserable in their mansion, so they want everyone to feel that way, too.

Derek, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult. My parents have never tried to hide who they are. They’re a couple of sharks, while he’s a snake. His commitment to getting in my good graces is borderline impressive. I wonder how long he’d been waiting to finally shed his skin and stick his teeth into my neck.

A shiver rolls over me. Ewh. I don’t even want to imagine that.

Before I let the thought cause a spiral, there’s a knock on my bedroom door. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, willing my emotion to calm before I let my best friend into the room.

I call out to her. “Give me a minute, Rory. I’m changing.” But the voice that echoes back isn’t her usual alto.

“I’ve seen it all before, doe. But if you insist.”

My eyes widen as I hop up and scurry to the door and swing it open. On the other side is Ciro, looking as punk and disheveled as ever, his hands full of stuff.

“What are you doing here?” I ask in sincere shock as a grin appears and betrays me.

“Well, I know the guys are out of town for a game but that doesn’t mean we can completely abandon our courting duties.”

I raise an eyebrow. He raises his own in response before he gives me a cheeky smile. “You don’t know what day it is. Lucky me. Now, may I enter your room, Omega?”

I preen at the respect he has for my space before I move to the side and invite him in. It’s only now that he’s walking by me that I realize he has a whole cake pan in his palm and bags hanging from his wrist.

“Is it some important holiday or something?” I ask.

Ciro chuckles under his breath. “Damn, Stacia. You’re the romance author, how can you forget about Valentine’s Day?”

What?

It can’t be Valentine’s Day already… that means my birthday is only a few weeks away.

I check my calendar on my phone and funnily enough, it is the fourteenth.

“Wow.” I look back at my beta and see all of his gifts and trinkets with new eyes. “Please don’t tell me all of that is for me. I didn’t get you guys anything, I feel fucking awful.”

“Oh, shush.” Ciro places everything down on my bed before he presents the cake pan to me. “It’s store bought, much to Kendall’s dismay, but it’ll have to do. Expect a better one on your birthday.”

I pull my lips into a line. Do they know it’s soon?

“This is really too much, you guys didn’t have to⁠—”

Ciro put up a finger to me. “Let us spoil you, doe. You know those alphas, it’s their love language to spoil their omega. As for me, I just love to see you happy. Now, will you please open mine first?”

He presents a neatly wrapped gift, the blue paper covered in little white hearts. I smile at it, unwrapping it slowly. Too slowly if Ciro’s impatient watching is anything to go off of. When I finally get the paper peeled off and open up the box, I gasp at the prizes waiting for me.

It’s a new writing organization kit, with a journal, plot agenda, and all the pens and tabs I could want. I open up the agenda, noticing the detail that helps one outline their story. I hug it to my chest and look at the beautiful beta beside me. “This is beautiful, Ciro.”

He returns my affection. “I’m glad, Stacia. Happy Valentine’s Day. We’re very lucky to have you in our lives.” I feel a blush starting to spread from his words before he thrust another gift in my hands. “I’ll have to document each reaction mentally for the boys, so let’s go through them.”

The others got me wonderful gifts as well. A Special Edition of a book I finished and loved last week, an amazing self-care kit, a new fluffy white blanket with a mix of their scents purposely placed on it. That one made me flush with a little bit of shame, but then I found a paper with a QR code that took me to a personalized playlist just for me, courtesy of a particular grumpy alpha.

One after the other, I can’t believe the way in which these guys just… understand me. It makes me feel so lucky. And also really guilty.

“I have to go get you guys something, I can’t believe I forgot.” I turn to put the gifts neatly on my dresser.

“Instead of that, how about you let us take you out for your birthday in a few weeks?”

I halt abruptly, my back to him. Damnit, I knew it was wishful thinking.

“I should have known you were hinting at it, not just fishing for information.” I heave a small sigh before turning to him. “How did you know?”

He gives me a kind look. “You have a best friend that loves you, and she obviously approves of us because she actually told the guys when she ran into them on campus.”

Freaking Rory.

“Look,” I start, “I’m not very good with birthdays. I wouldn’t say I’ve had shitty ones, but I’m just a bit uncomfortable with the… expectation of it all.”

My explanation doesn’t seem to deter the beta across from me. He stands and walks towards me, softly caressing my shoulders and arms after he comes to a stop in front of me.

“Do you trust us?” His eyes pour into mine, and I find myself lost in the topaz of his pupils.

The truth? Yes. I trust them completely and without any doubt. That’s the real scary part of this. Finding my scent matches, leaving behind a toxic cycle, that’s nothing… but I’m still the same. The problem isn’t how perfect and attentive these men are, the problem lies solely with me, who I am, and who I will always be.

Still, I can’t lie to that ridiculously handsome face. “Yes. Of course I do.”

His face lights up and he sighs with affection. “Good. We’ll make your birthday a good one. I promise.”

And of course, I believe him. The question is, why don’t I want a good birthday? It just feels like I keep getting more and more things that I don’t deserve, and at what cost?

TWENTY-EIGHT

Playing: Face the Music by Louis Tomlinson

I keep my attention on Stacia as we enter the semi-crowded bar hand-in-hand. She’s looking around for anything that can explain why we’re here. It’s adorable, seeing her scrunch her forehead and gnaw at her lip in concentration.

“You’re trying really hard over there. You may pop a blood vessel,” I joke, and she looks at me like she wants to give me the finger.

“I’m just not sure why this is the best place to spend my birthday,” she comments. “I mean, we’re pretty far away from campus and Uriah isn’t even here.”

Yes, he is. He’s just not with us.

Ciro, Atlas, and I may have kidnapped our scent-matched omega for tonight. She agreed to let us take her out when Ciro talked to her a few weeks ago, but she’s allowed us to be very vague on our plans. I understand, from our beta’s snooping and Rory’s warning, that she hasn’t had the best of birthdays, but we all know she’s going to enjoy the hell out of this.

Atlas looks back at Stacia as we continue to make our way through the space. “He’ll be here, don’t worry. He wouldn’t miss your birthday for anything.” And then he kisses her forehead. Her features relax, and her hand in mine seems to lose some tension as well.

Ciro makes a turn to hit the bar. Atlas keeps going, leading us to our designated spot on the other side, where the band equipment is already set up. Stacia’s eyes widen when she sees the banner around the stage.

“Sacred Sound?” She tilts her head in confusion. “We’re here to see a band?”

I give her a cheeky grin. “We sure are.”

She’s racking her brain, and when she finally figures out the puzzle, her whole face lights up.

“Holy shit!” she screams, bouncing up and down almost involuntarily, all without letting go of my hand. “Is Uriah’s band playing tonight? Is that what we’re doing? Please tell me I’m right.”

Atlas and I look at each other. Her reaction fills us with glee like nothing else. We knew this would make her happy, seeing Uri in his own environment, but her response is even better than we anticipated.

“Yes, angel. They should be going on any minute. And then, there’s an after-party we need to attend.” He watches her face, which is still lit up and has the biggest smile I’ve ever seen. “Is that okay?”

“That sounds wonderful!” Her voice cracks, showing a little bit of emotion. I reach out to comfort her but before I can say anything Ciro comes around the corner carrying two beers.

He hands one to me but looks at Stacia with a guilty expression. “Sorry, Stacia. I’d try to sneak you something but this venue is important to the band so it’s risky.”

She waves her hand at him. “Don’t worry about it. I’m just excited to see Uriah play.”

“You’re not the only one, either. I don’t turn twenty-one until May, so we’ll be sober together.” Atlas’ words make her smile wide.

Someone claps me on the back, and I turn to see a familiar long-haired fellow, his cinnamon scent potent as ever. “Hey, Bels.”

“I’m glad you guys could make it,” Bellamy retorts as he flashes a blinding smile at all of us. “Uri should really let you guys come to more gigs.” His eyes land on Stacia and his eyes squint with curiosity as he eyes our interlaced fingers.

Atlas puts his arm around Stacia. “Stacia, this is Bellamy Aymes, the lead singer of Sacred Sound. And Bels, this is Stacia, our…” He looks at our omega, trying to determine how she wants to be introduced, but she beats him to it.

“I’m their scent match.” She gives him a tiny wave instead of a handshake. The gesture causes my alpha to preen in my chest.

Bellamy’s face lights up. “Ah, shit. A scent match? Is that why Uriah’s been on a buzz lately?” He shakes his head, nothing but delight in his expression. “Leave it to him to keep that kind of life-changing information to himself, the scoundrel. If I ever meet my scent match, I’m going to scream it from the rooftops.”

Ciro chuckles. “Knowing you, you probably mean that literally.”

Bellamy returns his laugh before turning his attention back to Stacia. “I’m guessing you’re the reason Uriah let these goofballs show up.”

I give him a playful push. “It’s her birthday, so it’s a special occasion.” It’s true, though. Uriah doesn’t invite us to many gigs. He’s a bit shy when it comes to his music, specifically performing, but he had no qualms about tonight. He knew Stacia wanted to see him play, so he was determined to make that happen.

“Oh shit! Happy birthday! I’ll make sure the guys give you a good show.” He gives her an innocent wink before clapping Atlas on the shoulder. “It’s almost time, so I gotta head back there. I’ll see you guys after?”

We all nod as he departs, his scent falling away as he descends into the crowd. “Well, he seems nice,” Stacia states.

Atlas lets out a humorous scoff. “He seems tame, but he’s as chaotic as they come. He’s truly meant for the rockstar lifestyle.”

That’s a fucking understatement. I’m surprised the guy hasn’t been expelled from Bensen yet.

Just on cue, the lights in the bar dim. Phineas, the drummer of Sacred Sound, comes out first and begins to play. There’s no formal introduction, just each member of the band making their way one by one until their playing synchronizes and their first song starts to blare through the speakers.

Uriah stands on the left side of the stage strumming his bass, doing what he knows best. He ignores the crowd as he focuses on his playing. Our pack mate has normal stage fright, but now there’s an omega here paying extra close attention to him, her eyes sparkling as she watches his every move.

Stacia starts jumping with the crowd, getting into the music even though she doesn’t know any of the words. During the softer songs, I wrap my arms around her and rest my chin on her head. She allows the closeness, wrapping her own arms around mine, which makes my heart soar even higher.

At some point, Uriah looks over and tries to find us in the crowd. We all throw our hands up, hooting and hollering so he can see us. When his eyes fall on our section, a genuine smile graces his lips. It’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him, and I know it’s because he’s picturing a future of this. Our completed pack, showing up for each other always, just like he’s always wanted.

We’re reaching the end of their set. I suddenly smell a very familiar scent, lavender and vanilla meeting my nose in droves. Stacia’s perfume is fumigating the space, and it makes my head dizzy with desire. She’s getting turned on watching Uriah on stage, and it makes me a very proud pack mate.

Which is such a strange feeling. I always knew we’d one day court an omega as a pack, but I still assumed there would be some kind of jealousy muddying the waters. I don’t feel anything like that. My alpha is prideful, joyous. Watching our pack mates stir up happiness within our scent match is all that matters.

When the final song ends, the singer bids the audience good night just before the band and the crowd start to depart. Stacia turns around in my hold, looking at all three of us with flushed cheeks, sweat shining across her forehead.

“So, you said there’s an after-party?”

I give her a kiss on the head, sweat and all. “Only if you want to.”

She smiles big. “Of course I do! Let’s fucking go!”

TWENTY-NINE

The party is already in full swing by the time we get there.

I’m still on an adrenaline rush. Uriah’s band plays some hardcore music, but their songs had a sentimental component that I really appreciated. It’s so unbelievably him that it makes me smile, and even though he doesn’t enjoy being on stage, he absolutely killed it in every single way tonight.

Which is why I’m looking for him the second we arrive.

The boys let me know that Uriah’s band has a ritual of riding to the afterparty together. That caused a tiny bit of impatience, but now that we’re here, I’m ready to find him and pull him into a dark corner.

Because, seriously… that mini concert was hot.

I can’t stop picturing him, strumming his bass, sweaty under the stage lights as he poured everything he had into his performance for his band members. For us. His concentration, his hidden charisma. I’m leaving a stretch of perfume everywhere I go, but I honestly couldn’t care less. All I care about right now is getting my hands on a certain man with a grumpy-facade and having my way with him.

My three other scent matches find us a spot between the mingling crowd and the kitchen just before Ciro disappears to get drinks. The room smells like alcohol and weed, the stench hitting my nose with a bittersweet hue. I had contemplated smoking before heading out to the gig with the guys but I held back. It made me antsy, deciding that I didn’t need it. I’ve been working on being mindful and not impulsively smoking ever since the last party we attended. Getting high because I was nervous would have been like using a bandaid; it wouldn’t eradicate the anxiety, just cover it up temporarily.

I don’t regret making that choice one bit. I haven’t thought about that lost opportunity for another second after arriving at the bar with my mates.

They make me forget that I have these tumultuous emotions or that I’ve ever been through heartbreak. These boys make me want to never pick up another drug again.

I smell him before I see him, that cleansing palo santo scent finding me like a guidepost. I look around the room, suddenly hating the crowded space, just as I see his tousled dark hair make its way towards us. He has a big grin on his face, like he’s overjoyed to see us. It’s so fucking endearing.

I walk away from the others, loosening my grip on Kendall’s hand as I find my way to Uriah and meet him in the middle. He gives me a sexy grin, in a room full of people, when he’d normally put on his facade to protect himself. He’s not thinking about the protection. He’s only thinking about me and the fact that I’m here for him, and it hits me right in the chest.

I grab his face and pull his lips to mine.

He’s surprised by the sudden impact, but welcomes it with a groan that I swallow. It’s heated quickly, leaving me feeling light on my feet as his tongue battles mine for dominance. His tongue wins and I let him explore my mouth as we stay locked together, disregarding the stares we’re probably getting as we hold each other, feeling salacious in each other’s arms.

I pull away first, biting my lip as he tries to collect his bearings. His smile returns, his brow quirking upward. “What are you doing, Omega?”

I give him a flirty smirk before grabbing his hand and dragging him away.

I don’t think, I just pull him down the hallway, as far away from the crowd as I can. He follows me, seemingly composed, but I can smell the spike in his scent as we get further away. The aroma is intoxicating, pulling me deeper under its spell. I pull us into the last door at the end of the hall, which leaves us in some kind of laundry room. Once the door is locked, I turn back to Uriah, my usual shyness evaporating from my heated body.

I tug on his shirt, hard, until our lips meet again. I can’t think about anything but being with this man, in any possible way he’ll have me. Our kiss is passionate, and he deepens it by cradling my face and angling our heads in a way that leaves my knees weak. It’s one of the best kisses I’ve ever had in my life.

I put my hands on his back, scratching slightly as I push my hips against his. I wrap my leg around him and attempt to rub myself against the ridge in his jeans where his cock is hardening. He groans into our kiss, letting me have my way with him.

“Uriah,” I moan between kisses. “I need you.”

He slows the kisses, a quiet grunt leaving him. “I don’t have a condom,” he whispers, a tiny bit of embarrassment on his face. I shake my head.

“It’s okay. I’m on birth control.” I look up at him, my eyes fluttering. “I want to feel you. Is that okay?”

He nods, the tiniest smile pulling at his lips. “Of course. I want what you want.”

I reach down to unzip him, and the second his jeans slack I’m reaching into his waistband and wrapping my hand around him.

He groans at my touch. I try to revel in his reaction, but I’m distracted. He’s large, uncut. But most of all, I’m diverted by the bits of metal that I feel under my palm.

“So, you and Ciro got your nipples pierced, but you also have this?” I ask, feeling the bars up and down. He hisses at the feeling, his head falling back for a moment before he chuckles.

“Yes, I do.”

“Did you lose another bet?” I waver with a laugh.

He shakes his head. “No. I went alone for this one.”

“Did it hurt?”

“It did, yeah. The lady wasn’t gentle with it either.”

His words evoke a weird emotion within me. I suddenly want to know exactly why it was a woman piercing his dick, and why she felt like it was okay to not be gentle with it.

Without realizing it, an omega growl emits from my chest. I quickly swallow it back down but the look on his face tells me he heard the very jealous sound.

His eyes sparkles with recognition, a tiny appreciative smile adorning his lips. “Are you feeling jealous, my beautiful Omega? Possessive of your alpha?”

I close my lips together, feeling a blush spread on my cheeks. I am, definitely. But his words make me feel justified, almost like he enjoys that I’m being proprietorial. I rub my legs together, trying to get any friction to my clit.

Uriah’s hand finds my throat, his fingers giving the slightest pressure. It’s both aggressive and gentle, leaving me panting.

“It’s yours,” he declares and it makes me moan. “No one will ever touch me again. No one but you.”

Our lips meet once again and the fervor is heavier than before. He lifts me up and sets me on top of the dryer just before he tugs my pants off as fast as he can, but it doesn’t feel fast enough. When he’s back between my legs, my hands fly to his jeans, pulling them and his boxers down to his thighs. His piercings look intimidating, but they also make my mouth water.

He spreads my legs further before pulling my panties to the side and lining himself up. The anticipation only lasts a second before he pushes in. We both let out a groan at the sensation of coming together.

It’s been so long since I’ve felt this full, and his piercings hit me in all the right places. Uriah is meticulous with his movements, moving slowly until his hips meet mine. There’s a moment of adjusting before he pulls himself all the way out and slams back in, causing my eyes to roll back into my skull. He does it again and a curse leaves my lips.

He begins a rhythm, quickening his thrusts, and I hold onto his biceps for leverage. He watches us where we’re joined, moaning at the sight before meeting my gaze. His hand finds its way back to my throat, securing me in place as his hips piston faster, hitting that place inside me with abandon.

“Fuck.” Our gazes lock as our moans mingle together. I can feel that familiar feeling building, one that I’ve denied myself for so long before I met these boys. They unwind me like no other pack ever has. I feel ready to burst with it, my skin starting to sweat with the weight of it.

I close my eyes, the first signs of a spark shooting through my legs. “Look at me, Stacia,” he rasps. I snap them open and find his heavy-lidded gaze shining upon me. “I want to see your eyes when you come on my cock. I need it.” His fingers give a tiny bit more pressure on the sides of my throat, making me feel revered in his grip.

I’m being fucked mindless, his thrusts never slowing. I grab both of my knees, pulling them further apart, the new angle making me cry out.

“That feels so fucking good.” I think the words are mine, but I can’t comprehend anything other than Uriah’s knot hitting my entrance every time he thrusts in.

I want it, I need it. I don’t think I’ll be able to leave this room without it.

“Tell me what you want, Omega,” he says, seeing the desperation on my face. He wants it just as badly as I do. I can feel our inner beasts pulling towards one another, wanting to be as close as they possibly can. He wants to give it to me, and I moan at the agony it’s causing him to wait for permission.

“Knot me,” I whimper. “Fill me up. Please, Alpha.”

“Fuck. Yes—” He moans, and then he pushes all the way in on the next thrust. His knot expands, filling me completely and hitting every pressure point as my climax hits. I clench around him, feeling the explosion throughout my body as I tense and clutch onto Uriah for dear life. He squeezes his hand between us, using his thumb to circle over my clit in quick spurts. I squeal, my first orgasm heightening before I fall into another, my noises now incoherent as I grip him. He groans into my shoulder, his thumb never relenting as he falls over the edge with me. I feel heavy spurts fill me as I ride out the wave, the pleasure only feeling better as it ebbs and flows. Uriah’s hips sputter, every rutting movement igniting another spark and keeping me suspended in this wondrous feeling.

As it edges away, Uriah’s thumb stops and we pant together, our bodies now hugging one another in just as much desperation as before our shared finish.

He breathes heavily, his forehead on my shoulder as I finally come back to Earth. I feel sedated, relieved. Utterly cherished and adored.

“This probably wasn’t the best way to do this,” he says, giving a satisfied laugh.

I look down, realizing that he’s standing up and we’re stuck like this until his knot goes down. “At least our first time is very memorable,” I joke, a tiny gasp escaping when I feel his cock jerk inside me.

He meets my eyes, cradles my face. “This would have always been memorable for me.” His normal intensity is now subdued; his pupils sparkle with something I can’t decipher. It looks like fondness, and it makes my stomach flutter.

I pull him into me, letting him wrap his arms around me, sweaty skin and all. A deep satisfaction seeps deep into my bones. I want to bottle up the feeling I’m experiencing right now. Save it for a rainy day, because right now, in Uriah’s arms and knotted on his cock, I feel like everything is finally okay and nothing will ever hurt me again.

It’s after midnight when we all get home. Ciro is drunk at a level that is hilarious. He’s uninhibited, saying anything he can to poke at the others which they take in stride. It’s not difficult to imagine a time when I wasn’t here, him going off and partying, giving Uriah and Atlas the run-around. It makes me smile, thinking of how well-rounded they are as a group, and how much they love and care for one another.

This is how I’ve always wanted my pack to be. Balanced and full of love.

“We have one more surprise for you, angel,” Atlas says in my ear. He sneaks a sniff of my hair, making me blush.

After Uriah and I finally separated in the laundry room, we had made our way out to rejoin the others. It didn’t take them long to figure out what we had been doing, but none of them looked upset. They were elated, even. Atlas had hugged me, and not-so-discreetly put his nose into my neck. Did our omega have fun sneaking off with her alpha? he had whispered, and it left goosebumps all over my body.

“Another surprise?” I balk, letting Uriah take my coat. He’s been very attentive and affectionate since we left that room. It’s addicting.

Kendall grins wide. “Yes. I’ve been waiting all night for this.” Then he disappears into the kitchen.

I place my things onto their coffee table just as my blond alpha makes his way back in, his hands holding a double-decker cake.

It’s yellow (my favorite color) with beautifully-done daisies (my favorite flower) embroidered around the edges. The letters are written by hand, a pretty cursive that Kendall keeps eyeing. It reads out ‘Happy Birthday Stacia.’

And there’s… wait a minute…

“Is that edible glitter?!” I exclaim due to the few drinks I had at the party.

Kendall smiles shyly before putting it on the coffee table. “It is. I thought your cake deserved some sparkle. It’s lemon-raspberry with white chocolate.”

I look at him, and his blatant nervousness makes me want to cry. The fact that I can make this alpha feel this way is astounding to me. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to it.

“Kendall, it’s perfect. I can’t believe you made this.”

It’s barely noticeable, but I catch the slightest sigh of relief. “I could have done better on the lettering. Still, it’s the first of many. Happy birthday, sweetheart.” He kisses my cheek. We smile at each other for a moment, bathing in each other’s gaze, before Ciro pulls me gently towards him as Kendall starts to put the candles in the cake.

“Happy birthday, doe,” he says and it isn’t followed by any funny quips. It’s not very often that he decides to show his serious side, but it makes it that much more meaningful when he does. I pull him into me more, wrapping my arms around him to give him a kiss. It’s soft and sweet, and his orange scent unhinges me. I have to pull myself away.

Then there’s Uriah and Atlas, who seem to have pulled random gift bags out of their asses. I gasp at them. “More gifts? But you just got me some for Valentine’s Day. I literally can’t accept those.”

Uriah grins. “It’s not a problem, baby. Your birthday may be close to Valentine’s Day, but they are two separate celebrations. We wanted to do this, and we will. Every year. So go ahead and get used to it.” He gives me a peck, his hand squeezing me slightly before taking a seat.

Atlas cradles my face in his hands, giving me that handsomely mischievous grin. “Not only the first cake of many, but the first birthday of many. I’m glad it’s a memorable one. We love that you’re here with us. We don’t want to be with anyone else. Happy birthday, Stacia.” Hearing the word love out of his mouth makes me both preen and gulp with fear. It’s a heavy word, but it doesn’t seem so crazy anymore.

The pace in which most scent match relationships move doesn’t seem so strange anymore.

I let him kiss me, and it hits me all the way to my toes.

We pull apart just as Kendall lights the candles. “It’s time to make a wish.”

I sit on the couch between Uriah and Ciro, and watch as the flames of the candles flow back and forth and then up, stagnant. I think of my wish—grateful that they’re not singing happy birthday right now—before closing my eyes and blowing them out.

They extinguish, and there’s a few claps from them before Kendall pulls out the cake cutter. As they start to distribute pieces of cake, I think about them. This moment. My wish.

Please don’t let this be a dream.

THIRTY

Playing: Paralyzed by NF

Sunday

Unknown: hanging out with Uriah’s asshole band members now too? does he know that you’re planning to fuck them behind his back?

Unknown: Happy belated birthday, btw

Monday

Unknown: Slut

Stacia: Seriously, Derek? Go away

Unknown: why? can’t handle the consequences of your actions?

Wednesday

Unknown: you’re not going to get rid of me that easily, Stacia. might as well not block me and make this a bit easier for both of us.

Stacia: Why can’t you just leave me alone?

Unknown: why couldn’t you leave me alone instead of leading me on? if you wanted to fuck some of my teammates, you didnt have to date me to do it.

Stacia: didn’t*

Stacia: Fuck. Off.

Thursday

Unknown: I’m sorry, Stacia. Can we please go somewhere so we can talk about this?

Stacia: No

Unknown: I need closure

Stacia: and I need you to stop being delusional

Unknown: I need you to stop being a bitch and tell me why you’re doing this to us

Friday

Unknown: They’ll never love you, Stacia.

Unknown: You think they’ll still understand you when they see who you really are?

Unknown: Your parents see the truth. I see it. Every omega is the same, and you don’t get to pretend you’re any different.

Unknown: You’ll see.

THIRTY-ONE

Playing: When the Party’s Over by Billie Eilish

The air is saturated as bodies flow through the crowded space. The still-winter air outside warranted layers, but now I’m sweating right through my outer coat.

I remember once loving this environment. The camaraderie between the sweaty dancers, groups forming together to socialize; loud laughter and drunken happiness. That side of myself is still there, lying dormant somewhere, but I realize now that it only ever came alive when I wasn’t sober.

And I am so painfully sober right now.

I look psychotic as I wander around, looking at anyone with red-ish hair as I try to find the person I’m looking for. I give up on my search on the main floor and make my way to the basement.

I don’t know what I’m thinking anyway, Macron is never out in the open at these things.

I haven’t spoken to my drug dealer in weeks, not since the night I met Ciro, actually. He had given me that dose of LSD that gave me the worst trip of my life. Although that was less the drug’s fault and more on my asshole of an ex.

For a second, I wonder if the guys have ever run into each other at Alpha Xi. Something tells me Sam probably wouldn’t approve of Macron selling at his parties.

After I arranged to meet him here, I almost had the sense to call it off. Then, I read the new messages from Derek. No matter how many numbers I block, he keeps finding ways to message me. It feels hopeless. Like no matter what I do, he will always be around, lurking around every corner and reminding me that I’m not good enough. That I will never deserve a pack.

I wish I could say it doesn’t bother me. I wish I was strong enough to know it’s far from the truth, no matter how it’s spun, but I’m not. There’s something there, poking and prodding. These same things have been spat at me longer than I can remember. Not just from Derek, but from my parents, so they must be true. There must be something wrong with me that even I can’t see.

My memory isn’t very good, and my awareness is even worse. How would I even know?

Then there’s my feelings to consider. Ever since my birthday, the realization that I’m actually falling for these guys has cut me deep. They’re so attentive, and way more than I deserve.

I’ll hurt them. I don’t know how, but I will, and then they’ll hate me like Derek does. Like my parents do. I can’t fathom the pain that kind of heartbreak will do to me.

The basement floor is cold even through my sneakers but it’s a welcome contrast to the sauna going on upstairs. There are circles of people, all playing different games. One group shamelessly spins a bottle around, which makes me smile. At least someone’s having some unrestrained fun.

“Stacia!” I turn to meet the eyes of the guy I’m looking for. His hair is close cropped and he has a beer neck hanging loosely between his fingers. A few of his friends are on the couch with him, playing some amateur poker. The coffee table is covered with loose change and trinkets. There’s even little baggies sitting amongst the prize pile.

“I didn’t think you were going to show up,” he mentions as I come upon the group. I look at them and cringe, feeling out of place. The vibe isn’t necessarily unwelcoming, but I still feel uncomfortable, so I give him a polite smile and shrug.

“Almost didn’t. But I’m here. What do you have?”

“The usual. And some new type of molly. I think this batch is better than my last. At least, that’s what people tell me. I don’t do my own supply, you know.”

I tilt my head at him. “Better than the last batch you gave me?”

He raises his eyebrow at me. “Can you even remember that trip? You were candyflipping. I remember when it started to hit you, you galloped into the woods pretending to be a deer.”

The heat on my skin rose to my cheeks. I must be getting my trips mixed up because I definitely don’t remember that. Gosh, how the hell did I get home that day?

That’s what I get for taking LSD and Molly at the same time.

I take out some cash. “I’ll take some of the new stuff. Only three points though.”

We do the trade and I look at the powder in the bag. There’s goosebumps on my arms from both nerves and excitement. The anticipation of the inevitable blissful state makes my mouth dry, like the serotonin in my brain is aware of what’s going to happen once I take the substance in my hand.

“Thanks, Mac,” I say, and he salutes me as I walk off. His nonchalance is one of the reasons I go back to him whenever I need anything. It took a bit of trial and error to find the right drug dealer. Most people think it’s so easy once you find one, but some are very weird. The first person I ever found would make me do the drugs in front of them. Big no-no. Why does that matter? They must have been really paranoid. Or they got off on controlling others. Either is possible.

Not Mac, though. You get in and then get out. He has no ties to anyone he sells to. It’s a pretty equal exchange, and I’m certainly glad we crossed paths all those months ago.

As I step into the kitchen, I remind myself of my promise. I will wait to get home before ingesting this powder, I will… but then the sink calls to me. It’s shiny and there’s no one lingering. There’s even an empty cup right there! I could just…

I blink. I have a glass of water in one hand and the bag of powder in another. I look around. The kitchen is pretty bare sans a few people mingling.

Why am I itching to do it right this second? Why can’t I wait just a few minutes so I can get home safe?

I shake myself out of my weakened state. As I go to put the baggie in my pocket, my phone buzzes.

Damnit.

Rory’s at an actor’s club (more like a get-together but tomato-tomato), and the guys should be at tonight’s game. Unless the game just ended, which is very possible considering the time.

I open up my texts and immediately regret it.

Unknown (10:45 pm) Did you think you could get rid of me that easily?

Dread fills me. What did I do to deserve this torment? I’ve lost count of how many text messages he has sent me this week. The fact that he keeps going out of his way to find new ways to message me is disturbing.

It feels like I’ll never be rid of him.

I take the baggie back out and pour the contents in the glass of water before chugging it. Then I go back to the thread and type on autopilot.

Stacia (10:48 pm) Fuck. You.

I turn off all notifications and put it in my back pocket to forget about it. My body becomes numb like it does when I’m overwhelmed. I welcome it immediately, letting it take over my senses. Fooling myself into thinking I even have a choice in the visceral reaction.

I hum happily. There’s no need to do anything right now.

Maybe I’ll have a shot and go home. Be in my bed. Forget that there’s anything I have to deal with at all.

That sounds nice. Manageable. No responsibilities.

Nothing at all.

I feel the warmth of the joint spread through my limbs. Molly is always better on weed, I truly believe it. It relaxes you, and helps you realize the things around you aren’t so scary.

I thank the stranger for sharing their weed with me, and they look at me like I’m a bit nuts. Probably because I bowed to them, but it felt right. Still, they smile and nod before I remove myself from the circle and roam back inside.

The light is brighter than I expected it to be, making everything appear clearer than it would have in a dimmed space. I hear a beautiful melody echoing throughout the house, tugging me like a magnet all the way to the dance floor. I feel like I’m floating through the crowd like a fairy when an arm suddenly snakes around my waist. The touch makes my skin shimmer, even as my omega curls up inside me and hisses.

“Whoa, easy there, girl,” someone says by my ear. I guess I must have hissed out loud. Their hold keeps me from being able to turn and see their face, but I can feel their breath on my cheek. “Just wanted to see what you were on, is all. You seem to be tripping hard.”

I feel my heart start to hammer in my chest as their grip gets stronger.

“I’m not on anything,” I say, but my throat feels dry and it comes out scratchy. “Let me go. I want to go dance.”

“We can dance together, then,” they slur, and the whiskey air spewing from their mouth smells repugnant. Nothing like my beta’s arousing liquor scent.

“No, I’d like to dance alone,” I object, trying to tug their hands off me but my arms suddenly feel like flimsy noodles against their steel grasp.

“Don’t you want company? Tripping alone isn’t fun at all.” They continue to push, and I feel myself start to go numb at their invasive energy.

Just as I feel the need to detach, the stranger’s arms whip away from my body. I feel movement as they’re thrown to the ground, the crowd around us finally takes notice of the situation as gasps fill the air. I don’t turn to see what happens, I just put my arms around myself and try to jet through the crowd but a hand comes out from the bodies and clasps around my arm.

I almost startle into a scream before I see blond hair and familiar green eyes. I huff with relief and fall into his embrace.

“Kendall,” I say into his chest as I clutch at his shirt. He wraps his arms around me, and my body melts like butter against him. His coconut scent lulls me into such tranquility.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. I’ve got you,” he murmurs into my hair.

“Where did you come from?” I ask, reveling in his softness. Shimmers flow through my body and over my skin, making me clench my thighs together at the wonderful sensation.

I wonder if people normally respond this way on molly or if it’s heightened because this is my scent match.

“We came to see you. Where’s your phone, Stacia?”

I hear his words, but don’t respond. I’m too comfortable in his caress that I refuse to step back out of it, out into the scary crowded area that I had found so serene before the stranger with grabby hands.

We stand there for a few more moments before I hear another voice.

“Let’s get out of here.” I smell beautiful incense, refreshing and cleansing.

Uriah.

“You took care of him?” I hear Kendall ask but there’s no response so I’m guessing he gave a gesture. A nod? Probably. I can’t imagine Uriah winking.

I visualize that thought, picturing Uriah giving an exaggerated wink, and accidentally let a giggle loose through my lips before looking up at my alphas. “Are we going home?”

The softness of their expressions bleed into me. I can feel the love pouring from them, absorbing it through my skin. There’s another emotion there, too, but I can’t quite read it in this state.

“Yes, my love,” Uriah answers, pushing a piece of my hair behind my ear. The gesture makes me bite my lip, wishing they’d both put their hands on me and never take them off. “Let’s go home.”

THIRTY-TWO

Playing: Power Over Me by Dermot Kennedy

The black and blue of my knuckles burn beautifully. I admire and glare at them at the same time. There’s a mix of emotions going through me, but all I can think about is how wonderful it felt to finally be able to punch something, someone, that deserved it.

Stacia is watching the sky through the window the entire way home. The smile on her face is dazzling. Her happiness is almost contagious. Then I remember the cause of it and the artificial emotion doesn’t seem so enchanting anymore.

We play some of her favorite songs until we make it back to the house. She happily strolls alongside us as we make our way inside. Atlas and Ciro are sitting in the living room as we walk in, both in a state of restlessness.

Our pack beta lets out of a breath of relief. “Shit, you guys said there was an emergency⁠—”

“Stacia, would you like to make a couch nest with me?” Kendall interrupts, looking over at our beautiful blissed-out omega.

Her eyes widen in excitement before she claps her hands and steps side to side with little jumps. “Holy shit, yes! I’d love that.” She doesn’t wait for anyone before running over to the couch and pulling off an entire couch cushion. Atlas, who was sitting on said couch, stands up so she can do what she wants. He keeps his eyes on her, already knowing that there’s something different about our normally demure and timid scent match. Ciro’s got both eyebrows up to his hairline as he scopes out the situation.

“Let’s talk in the kitchen,” I say.

We all turn to the walk away before we hear a soft voice. “Will you be back?” We turn and I see the pure devastation on her face. She’s worried that we won’t stay with her, and the sight of it hits me right in the chest.

“We’ll be back. We’re getting some snacks. What would you like?” Atlas says, keeping his features schooled. He amazes me with it at the best of times.

It makes me proud to be a part of a pack with such a well-rounded prime.

“Strawberries! And oranges.” She looks at Ciro and winks, and it actually makes us all chuckle.

“You’ve got it, sweetheart,” he says before stepping away to let Kendall help our omega navigate the beautiful fort/nest that she’s currently building.

“So, what’s going on?” Ciro asks once we make our way into the kitchen.

Atlas begins to pull out the fruit we have in our fridge. There’s more options than she asked for, and he’s currently piling them neatly on a platter like a charcuterie board.

“Rory was right, she was at the party.”

The statement alone sounds ridiculous. We weren’t worried when Stacia’s best friend called and asked us to check the location she was at because she couldn’t get in touch with her. We thought we’d meet her there and enjoy the party with her like we have before. Never in a million years did I think we’d come upon her in the situation she was in.

My blood still boils thinking about it.

I pick up my fist and show it to them. It’s becoming easier to see now, more apparent that it was used to cause some violence. I smirk looking at it, remembering the satisfying crunch of the loser’s nose.

“Some jerk was holding her against her will, gripping her from behind. I could smell her soured scent like a beacon.”

And god, did I fucking run to it.

Atlas stops assorting fruit to look back at me, finally seeing my knuckles. The look on his face is mixed. He looks pained, but also proud. “Thank you, Uriah,” he finally says, and the sentiment flies to my heart. “I’m guessing he’s pretty fucked up right now.”

I nod firmly. He doesn’t go back to the fruit platter, his expression now serious and concerned. “We should have all gone.”

“There’s no need to do that, At.” Ciro speaks up, looking solemn. “They’re here now, and there’s nothing we could have done. We would have done more than fucked him up if it was all of us.”

I point at him, agreeing. “Anyway, that’s not the only problem.”

“Yeah,” Atlas sighs. “I noticed. Do you know what she’s on?”

Our beta looks confused, his gaze darting between us. “What she’s on? She’s on something right now?” A sense of urgency sparks in the air, and his body suddenly can’t stand still as his gaze keeps going to the doorway like he wants to run to her.

“I’m not sure. She’s euphoric. She almost screamed when Kendall pulled her to him, but then she wouldn’t let go after. She wasn’t responding to our questions a whole lot, either. She was sweating bullets, but to be honest, it was extremely hot in that house.”

Atlas is deep in thought, his brows scrunching between his eyes. “We’ll have to talk to her about it candidly. Not tonight.” He adds the last words sternly, looking between the two of us. “We’ll let her enjoy whatever she’s on in a safe environment, here, with us. Tomorrow, we’ll talk to her. Try to get her to understand that we want to be there for her if and when she decides to do it again.”

I agree wholeheartedly. She’s ours, unconditionally. If this is something she enjoys and partakes in, we want her to at least be safe. That’s the prerogative.

“She must do it from time to time, because she was on something when we met,” Ciro adds. “She was trying to get home so she could trip in her room, that’s what I remember.”

“What if it’s something more, though?” Atlas adds.

I have that instinctual feeling, too. I can’t speak it out loud, though. Something is keeping me from saying the words.

“Tomorrow,” I repeat, wanting to get back to our omega. “We’ll reconvene. And it’ll include her.”

We all nod in understanding. Atlas goes back to making the most elaborate fruit board I’ve ever seen while Ciro and I head back to the living room. Kendall is helping her drag blankets over the makeshift canopy of cushions when we walk back in. The nest she’s built is amazing considering how little time it took.

It makes me think about the empty room we have down the hall, and how much it could use her finishing touch. The last piece of home.

She’s right in front of us, but sometimes she feels so far away.

I push that thought aside as we all cuddle up in the blankets and turn on one of her favorite animated movies. Atlas finally joins us after a few minutes and the grin she wears is stunning. Her scent is relaxed, happy, and it soothes me.

One day, this will be a normal night for us. One day, we’ll be doing this and there won’t be anything to solve. I can feel it in my gut that she’s meant to be here with us, meant to complete us.

I just really hope that she wants to.

THIRTY-THREE

Playing: Tell Me It’s Real by Seafret

The morning after our sleepover in the couch fort is bittersweet. We all detached from the situation in order to have fun with our omega in her heightened state. She was jolly as she rambled on about fan theories of her favorite fandoms and asked us questions about our favorite shows and movies. And when she finally fell asleep in the crook of my arm, I felt like I was on the top of the world.

I really don’t want to fall off of it today.

I’m making everyone pancakes when Kendall pops his head into the kitchen. “She’s awake, At.” I acknowledge him with a nod before he disappears the way he came.

I anticipate a very uncomfortable conversation this morning. It’s a delicate situation, one that I’m sure none of us want to be in. My alpha calls for complete certainty when it comes to the pack’s safety, and that now includes Stacia. I’ll bear the weight of it this morning. I don’t mind being responsible for the tough decisions, as long as everyone ends up being more than okay in the end.

I finish up the last pancake and set it on the tray with a pitcher of orange juice. There’s also coffee if she wants some, but considering what I think she was on last night, she probably won’t touch it.

The tray is heavy in my arms as I walk into the living room and set it on the coffee table. Ciro is holding Stacia close to his side. Her normally sweet lavender and vanilla scent has soured from her anxiety.

When I look at her, the sight saddens me. Her eyes look heavy and difficult to keep open, dark circles lining them. She wipes at them before finally speaking.

“I…” She pauses, trying to force the words out, “I’m sorry about last night.” She gnaws at her bottom lip, avoiding all of our gazes.

Uriah opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off. “What exactly are you sorry about?”

She looks at me, sadness pouring from her. The shrug she gives me is weak. “For getting myself into that situation. For you guys having to save me.”

“You don’t have to be sorry for that, Stacia. What happened wasn’t your fault,” Kendall replies. “So… you remember last night?”

She nods. “Yes, I remember. I tend to black out when I mix substances. I smoked a joint with someone, had a few shots, but it didn’t…” She halts her sentence.

“But it didn’t, what, Stac?” Uriah asks.

She only shakes her head, not wanting to speak about it anymore.

“Stacia.” She looks at me, and I speak firmly just as I do with the rest of the pack. “We are not angry with you. We don’t care that you went to that party, or that you took something. What we care about is your safety.”

She blinks, keeping away tears. “You don’t care about the drugs?”

“No, we care more about you being protected while you’re on drugs, considering what happened last night.”

Ciro squirms a bit next to her to get her attention. “What were you on? If you don’t mind me asking.”

Stacia swallows, “Molly.”

I heave out a sigh. It could have been much worse. “Have you ever taken it before?”

She nods again, before Uriah takes over.

“How many times? Can you… give us some background? If you do this for fun, and you really do enjoy it, we’re okay with that. You are our mate. We just want to keep you safe.”

Our words do nothing to curb her anxious state. She still looks guilty, sad. I want to take all the negative emotions away from her, and I’m furious that I can’t.

“I’ve done it quite a bit. Other stuff, too.”

Ciro holds her hand. “Like acid? You were on that the night we met.”

Her lip starts to quiver before she nods. “Yes. I mixed it with alcohol after I got home, so I blacked out. Rory was under the impression that I had quit, but she found out that night that I was still taking it. Until yesterday, that was the last time I was on something harder than weed and alcohol.”

“You haven’t been on anything this entire time?” I ask.

She shakes her head and I let out a quiet breath of relief.

“It’s really something I started because Derek…” She takes in a deep breath. “Our relationship was hard to deal with. It was easier… a way to escape, I guess.”

The dots start to connect for me. “When did you start doing harder drugs?”

She gives me a sad grimace. “After Derek showed his true colors. Before that, I just enjoyed weed. But I tried a bunch of stuff after. Like xanax and other pills, but I don’t like them that much. I prefer psychedelics.”

“So, this isn’t just fun party stuff… is it, Stacia?” Uriah asks, his face solemn and concerned.

She looks uncomfortable, like she’s unable to admit it. That it’s not just party stuff.

She turns to Ciro. “Do you remember what you and Kendall said about intention? I’ve been thinking about that a lot, trying to find the right one, but I think… I don’t think I have a good one. I think the reason I do this is because everything is too much, and I’m not sure how to control it.”

His eyes stay on her face. “What’s too much?”

“This.” Her hands fly around. “This change in my life. It’s been so good, and I don’t deserve it.”

Ciro’s face looks heartbroken. “You can’t honestly believe that.”

“I do. And I’ve had… reminders.”

That puts me on alert. “What kind of reminders, Stacia?”

She stares at the wooden floor, refusing to acknowledge the statement she just made.

“Stacia.” Uriah’s tone has her looking over at him, and whatever she sees in his face causes her to sigh.

“Texts. From Derek.”

Alpha fury immediately fills the room.

“I thought you blocked him,” Ciro comments, trying be the one with a level-head

“I did,” she says, “but he keeps finding ways to message me. It’s a new number every few days.”

I put my hand out. “Let me see them.”

She stares at my hand, then back at me. She almost looks guilty, which puts me on edge.

“Stacia, please. Let me understand.”

She relents. Her phone is on the coffee table after she dug it out of her pocket the night before. She hands it to me before sitting down and putting her head in her hands.

My first thought when I open her messages is ‘jesus fucking christ.’ Her messages are riddled with text threads from unknown numbers, spanning back to weeks ago. Sometime after I ran into him on campus, I realize. And there’s new texts, ones that she muted from last night. Her last text was telling of her frustration.

No wonder she relapsed.

I curse under my breath before I hand it off to Kendall and go to kneel in front of her.

“Stacia, baby.” I gently lower her hands. When she doesn’t look at me, I put my thumb and forefinger on her chin and softly move her head so our eyes can meet head on. “He’s spouting bullshit.”

“It may be bullshit but some of it is rooted in truth.”

Behind me, I hear Kendall curse under his breath while reading the messages.

“What truth?” I ask her, trying to gauge her train of thought.

She shrugs. “I did immediately start seeing you. It was so quick. What does that say about me?”

“That you found your scent matches,” Uriah growls. I turn to see that he now has her phone in hand. He puts it on a nearby table after giving it a look of disgust.

“Us being scent matches doesn’t take away my free will,” she argues. “I was still selfish enough to take it, even though my old relationship had barely been over.”

I cut in. “Derek is trying to control you, angel. You know how I know? Because I told him you were my scent match. He’s grasping at straws because he knows what that means, he knows the severity of it, and that pisses him off.”

She looks surprised. I guess none of those menacing texts let her in on the fact that he knew. He only wanted to make her feel bad, and it looks like he’s succeeded.

Stacia stubbornly shakes her head again. “That may be true, but my parents used to say the same stuff about me. That must mean something, right? I must be the problem. And if I am, I can’t let my bad habits mess with you guys, too. I won’t let it.”

“Stacia.” She looks at Ciro, hearing the sadness in his voice. “Why are you trying to push us away?”

Her mouth gapes open. “I… I’m not, I just… everything is so confusing.”

Kendall comes up beside me. “Baby, you’re coming down off of molly right now, your serotonin levels are going to be up and down for a while. Things might feel a bit confusing, but we care about you. Everything is okay.”

“No.” She stands up, rushing to step away from us. “No, no. Stop being supportive. Stop telling me that it’s okay, it’s not okay. None of this is okay, and you don’t deserve any of it.”

“Doe—”

“No, Ciro. Don’t you see? Everyone in my life is right about me. Derek is right. My parents are right. I’m selfish, and I take too much. I don’t deserve a good thing. I’m not a good girlfriend, or a good omega, and I don’t deserve a pack like yours.”

Deep growls emanate from all of us, even Ciro with a strong beta growl. “Stacia, they are not.”

“Yes, they are,” she snaps. “I’ve always been spacey, forgetful, mindless. I’m not good at relationships, I fucking forget everything important.”

“What are you talking about, Stacia?” Kendall says.

She looks so uncomfortable, like she’s going to jump out of her skin. We all wait, patient and quiet. “It’s hard to describe.”

“Please try, angel,” I plead. She looks at me then, still hesitant, still jumpy, but then she nods.

“I have this problem,” she starts, “where I’m not really present. I’m not sure what it’s called, but it’s been a thing my whole life. I’ve always felt like I was watching someone else live their life, and my autonomy was never really there. Like I’ve been relinquishing control to a body double.” She winces. “I’m not explaining this right, but the thing is… It’s too soon. I’m not quite sure what we’re all doing. And you deserve an omega who is sure.”

None of us can speak. She’s our whole world and she’s asking us to throw her away and forget her like she’s yesterday’s trash. She’s asking us to do something that is impossible.

After a few moments of silence, she swallows audibly. “I’m really sorry if I led you all on…”

“No.” Uriah stands up abruptly, halting Stacia’s words. Their eyes catch, and we can all feel the tension in the air between them. It’s a feeling that can’t be faked. We all know it. Stacia is staring at him like she can’t breathe and he is the only one that can give her air.

He takes calculated steps towards her, holding her gaze in his. When he slows to a stop in front of her, everything feels heightened.

“I’m not saying that you’re lying or that you’re not going through hell right now. The way you feel is valid, completely. But you can’t stand here and say you don’t feel anything for any of us. Every single one of us knows what we have with you, and it’s not something that’s supposed to make sense. Fuck, Kendall punched your ex-boyfriend in the face off instinct all because he overheard the bullshit he was putting you through.” I hear Ciro chuckle under his breath. “It’s scary. We’re all scared, but scents don’t lie.”

Stacia inhales sharply, closing her eyes and allowing all of our scents to wash over her for the first time since she walked in the room. She takes in his words, but tears still shine in her eyes when she opens them.

She takes a soft breath and whispers, “I’m too broken.”

A growl emanates out of my chest and causes her gaze to dart my way.

“You are perfect,” I say sternly. “If you want us to help you, to figure out this problem with staying present, we will help you. But, please, Omega. Don’t run from us.” I take a few steps closer, needing her scent to cling to my skin. “We were literally born to help you with whatever you need. Use us.”

Her perfume gets stronger around us. I feel Kendall and Ciro closing in as well.

“What if destiny is just laughing at us?”

“Babe, it’s not. I could smell you the second we met, and that’s nearly impossible. It was kismet,” Ciro says, reaching out to take her hand.

“Please, let us take care of you. It’s the only thing we want to do from here on out,” Kendall adds.

She sighs, hanging her head. Uriah’s chest begins a steady purr, lulling her to his chest. She gets a whiff of our combined smells, her perfume joining and creating the perfect complete picture.

“Okay,” she heaves. “Okay. I trust you.”

I feel like I can breathe easy again. I rub her hair, giving her a kiss on her forehead. “And you deserve us, just as we deserve you. You are perfect. We will repeat it every day for the rest of our lives if we need to.”

She gives me the tiniest appreciative smile, placing her free hand on top of mine. She doesn’t respond, but she doesn’t have to. We stand still in our little huddle, basking in the love and support found there.

It’s the first hurdle of many, and we get through it cleanly.

THIRTY-FOUR

“Bon appetit,” Kendall says, placing the cheesecake on the table. His new recipes have been outstanding, but if I have to eat another sweet, I might fucking lose it.

“I never thought I’d want an apple for dessert,” I joke.

“Oh.” Kendall scratches his head. “I could make you an apple pie?”

“I’m only teasing, Kenny.” I give him a smile, trying to convey my gratitude. When Kendall is stressed, he spends more time in the kitchen. I can’t fault him for working through his emotions in the only way he knows how.

He returns my smile before sliding a piece onto Stacia’s plate. She gives him a small thanks before digging in.

It’s been about a week since the party incident, and we’ve mostly put it behind us. Still, there’s something that’s been bothering all four of us, and that thing is a very abusive, toxic alpha that Stacia’s best friend has nicknamed Dickwad.

None of us want to be the person to bring it up. Mainly because we don’t want to talk about him at all. He doesn’t deserve to take up any space during our quality time with each other. We all wish our issue with our frat brother would just go away, but that isn’t how things are handled in a healthy pack, so we’ve decided it’s time.

And I drew the short end of the stick.

I cough slightly, trying to find the courage before blurting out the words. “Can you tell us more about your past relationship with Derek?”

The clinking of silverware stops. Stacia tenses beside me before placing her fork down on her plate.

Atlas reaches over and takes her hand, squeezing it accordingly. “We just want to understand everything. We know he did some shitty things, but we think it was worse than you’ve described. Can you please tell us more?”

Uriah speaks up. “No pressure though. We know it’s hard to talk about. We just wanted to put it out there, start a conversation. And let you know that we are here for you, in every possible way.”

She looks off, like she’s stepping back into many uncomfortable memories, before looking at Atlas’ hand still squeezing her own.

“We were together for about two months before things took a turn,” she admits.

“He’s very good at hiding, angel,” Atlas voices. “We’ve known him since freshman year, and he only recently started showing his true colors. He’s less calculating, more abrasive. It surprised us all.”

She nods. “I think Rory was the only one who saw him for what he was. She said he was never fake with her, always being mean behind my back.” She swallows. “It was after one of your early games this past year. I came to the game even though I didn’t want to. We hung out afterwards, and he was suddenly… not the person I thought he was. He made a comment about me smoking, threw my stash away… and then he picked up the book I was reading at the time. He didn’t like what he read…”

She trails off, and Atlas pulls his chair a little bit closer.

“Why didn’t he like your book?” I ask. I absolutely love the books she reads. The ones Atlas gives me are wicked and saucy. I’ve never had so much fun reading before.

She doesn’t need to know that yet, but it’s blasphemous to me that anyone would critique them knowing how much she enjoys and cherishes them.

She breathes deeply through her nose before letting the air out slowly. “He didn’t like that I was reading smut, especially smut that involved a pack. I told him before we started officially dating that I wanted one, but I guess he didn’t take me seriously.”

Uriah shakes his head sternly. “No, baby. He knew what he was doing. He’s not built for pack life, and if he does ever find one then let’s make sure we never fucking meet them because one of him is enough. But he knew.”

Stacia only shrugs. “Still, he called me all kinds of names, told me I was selfish and not thinking of him. It turned into a huge fight. Well, really he yelled. I tried shutting it all out. It reminded me of my parents…” She shakes the thought away. “That was the first time he ever physically hurt me.”

Our dining room fills with alpha growls. I’m almost inclined to join them but I’m frozen with shock.

“He fucking touched you?” Uriah growls, looking like he wants to jump out of his seat.

Atlas’ fury is a quiet one. He keeps his hand around hers, offering silent support, but I can see the danger he has lurking beneath the calm. “How many times did that happen, Stacia?”

She bites her lip, her free hand toying with the table cloth. “Only a few times. He never hit me in the face or anything, but he’d hold my wrist if I tried to get away from him. Sometimes, he was too rough during sex…” She winces in embarrassment, and I don’t have to look around the table to know my pack mates are thinking about the consequences of murder. “But mainly, he’d yell… say derogatory things. After a while, it didn’t matter. The numbness would kick in and I’d step out of my body. That was a lot of our relationship after that first night. Him, angry. Me, not really present.”

I knew we needed to know, so we could better help her with her dissociation problem and so our relationship could blossom more evenly. But it still fucking hurts.

Our scent match went through hell, and we were all right here, completely oblivious.

“This first night,” Atlas starts, “when you went to his game. Did you come to the locker room to get him?”

She meets his curious gaze and nods. “Yeah, I didn’t normally do that. I think that’s the only time I did.”

I see the instant anguish on his face. Then it hits me, the reason for our prime being this distraught, but our omega continues talking before I can offer him any solace.

“Then the night I met you.” She looks at me, and despite the hard conversation, there’s a sparkle in her eye. “I was too messed up to take things further, to let you care for me the way you wanted.”

The memory takes me captive as I remember the first time I saw her face, the first time I smelled her. As horrible of a night as it was, that portion of it will always be glorious to me, and now I know it’s the same for her. It meant something to her.

She laughs, but there’s no humor. “I didn’t even know I was at the frat house that night. I went looking for a party, just like I did the other night, because I was thinking too much about something Derek had said to me that day. I had no idea I was at the place he freaking lived.” She shakes her head. “I don’t regret it, because running into Ciro was exactly what needed to happen, but I must have been really out of it beforehand.”

“I got home, and I was glad I was in my bedroom before my trip kicked in, but then… he texted me. He was angry that I was ignoring him and that I was speaking to Ciro instead of him at his own house. Then he sent a video of him fucking someone else just as my trip started. After that, the night took a turn for the worst.”

I feel bile come up my throat, and based on the reactions from the others, they’re feeling just as sick and furious.

“He sent you that?” Kendall says through gritted teeth. He’s seconds away from tossing his cheesecake across the room.

She nods. “After Rory helped me during my bad trip, she investigated and read my texts. She asked me to end it… she told me it was time, and I agreed with her. I shouldn’t have let it go on for that long. I just didn’t want to… deal with it.”

“It’s over now, angel.” Atlas cradles her head with his free hand, rubbing it softly. “You did deal with it. And now we’re here, and it’s over.”

Her eyes well up with tears, like she was trying to stay strong long enough to get the story out. “It’s over,” she whispers back, her lip quivering. “Fuck, I’m so fucking glad.”

She falls into Atlas’ side, letting the sobs take over. He rubs her back, kisses her hair, does everything to soothe her.

“We’re never going to let him hurt you again,” he tells her, and it’s the fucking truth.

THIRTY-FIVE

“Not as many people showed up today,” Sam quips, looking over the sign up sheet.

I give an almost inaudible laugh before whispering to him, “We expected that, though. It’s raining, the basketball team is off for two away games.” I give him a pat on the shoulder. “Regardless, there’s a few people here who needed help and we were able to provide it. That’s what this is all about anyway.”

He smiles then, nodding tersely. “You’re right. As long as we help some people, the number itself doesn’t matter.”

There’s chatter from the tables around us, frat brothers of mine sitting with open textbooks as they converse with other students, discussing statistics and U.S. history and memorizing methods. Everett talks unintentionally loud while going over physics with a redheaded freshman. Dax and Kendall are laughing quietly at him from another table, chilling as they wait for more students to show up.

This is one of my favorite proposals of Sam’s from the beginning of the year. Most of us meet every Friday in the library, offering tutoring services to anyone who needs the extra help, whether it be for a test coming up, essay writing, or techniques on how to study. I thought it was genius. We stick to the subjects that we’re confident in, and we help whoever needs it no matter their designation or schedule. And it’s all for free.

Thatcher Cowan comes up behind me and gives my shoulder a strong pat before stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Did Uriah have band practice today?”

I nod. “He probably needs to come as a tutee instead of a tutor, honestly. If it’s not music, he doesn’t give a shit.”

If people think Uriah is grumpy, then they should meet Thatcher. He’s stoic most of the time, even when joking around. He’s helpful on the ice, and is the first to volunteer if someone needs help, but his cold exterior is such a contrast to his kind actions. He’s an enigma.

He’s also Sam’s best friend. I’m pretty sure they’re pack mates, but they more than likely won’t know until they meet the rest of their pack. Kendall and I had a strong intuition that we’d be pack mates, but the bond didn’t click in until we each met Uriah and Ciro. It’s such a strange way for our beasts to operate, like there needs to be every puzzle piece before the full picture forms.

“Well, shit. I probably shouldn’t be here either, to be honest,” Thatcher replies.

Sam gives a small laugh and shakes his head. “You have your strengths, Thatch.” Something catches his eye over my shoulder and whatever he sees makes him smirk at me.

“Your girl is here,” Sam whispers. They both walk away as I turn and, sure enough, Stacia is heading toward me with a few books in her arms. Her hair is in a messy bun and she pulls her cardigan up because it keeps falling off of her shoulder. She looks freaking beautiful.

Our eyes catch and she smiles widely, putting a bit of a rush in her step to get to me.

“Hey angel.” I lean in to give her a kiss. When I pull back, her eyes are wide before looking around the room. The pink on her cheeks makes me smirk. “Is my omega acting shy?”

She narrows her eyes at me, giving me that attitude that I wholeheartedly crave.

“I’m just not used to PDA, is all,” she says through gritted teeth. She eyes Sam behind me for a second before meeting my gaze once more.

“Are you uncomfortable with PDA?” I ask, and she shakes her head. “Okay. As long as it’s just a case of you getting used to it, then I’m sure all four of us will have a good time making it a habit for you.”

She’s surprised by this, clutching her books closer to her chest. It makes me notice how comfy she looks in a t-shirt dress and sneakers. Her oversized cardigan—again—hangs off one shoulder.

I point at her books. “You here to study?”

She looks down at them before trying to shrug casually.

“Ciro told me where you two were, so I thought I’d stop by…” She lets her sentence linger. I quirk my brow at her and she gives a deep sigh. “I’m not doing so hot in biology.”

Ah, our omega is bad at science. Kendall’s going to love this.

“So you came for tutoring, even though it was going to be from a bunch of frat guys.”

She rolls her eyes and gives me a soft slap to the shoulder. “Sam is a genius, I’m sure there’s a few of you that’s capable of teaching me some proper memorization techniques.”

Kendall comes into view in my periphery. He leans down to give Stacia a kiss, too, which makes her balk at us.

“You all share a singular brain cell, I swear,” she huffs, which causes Kendall to laugh.

“Have you been teasing her, At? She seems a little frustrated.”

“I am frustrated, because all four of you are neanderthals.”

He looks at me with a confused smile, trying not to laugh. I shrug before whispering, “She’s not used to PDA, so kiss her every time you see her.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice.” He goes back to kiss her again, but she smacks him with her textbook.

“Just point me in the direction of someone who understands anatomy so I can get this over with.”

“You’re here for tutoring?” Kendall’s eyes widen with delight. “What subject?”

“Biology,” I tell him, which makes him beam even brighter.

“Sick! You’re with me then.”

Stacia rears back at him. “You’re good at science?”

I laugh and mutter ‘if you can believe it’ under my breath. Kendall punches my shoulder hard.

“Come on, sweetheart. We can make it fun. I offer serious services to everyone else, but with you, I might be open to a bit of roleplay.”

She laughs. “And you’re the professor in this scenario?”

“It’s always a bit fun to mix things up from the status quo.” Kendall looks around before leaning forward so only she can hear. “Besides, we both know you like it when I take control.”

Her face becomes beet red as she glares at Kendall. She puffs out a frustrated sigh. “Now who’s teasing me?”

The smirk on his face is diabolical. “Always, Omega. Let’s go.”

I watch them scurry off, and I feel a mix of emotions. Stacia makes me, and my pack, so unbelievably happy. But I’ve also been feeling guilty ever since she opened up to us about her relationship with Derek.

The night I smelled her for the first time was the same night her world turned upside down. I should have told my brothers about it, I should have looked for her. Maybe I was deep in denial because I was afraid of being wrong and hurting my pack in the process, but I wasn’t. I was only wrong to not do anything about it, and now it’s months later and our scent match has a ton of shitty memories and trauma to work through all because I couldn’t do my job as a prime and get my shit together.

I’m not sure how to move on from that guilt.

THIRTY-SIX

Playing: it’s not u it’s me by Bea Miller

“I literally never thought I’d see the day where you willingly step foot inside a hockey arena,” Rory huffs before almost colliding with someone. She maneuvers around them with a sneer.

“That’s not true. I used to come all the time at the beginning of the year.” I tut at her, taking her hand before leading us to our seats. I spot Ciro already sitting there, reserving two seats beside him with his leg. The gesture is quite clever. And cute.

“You missed my obvious use of the word willingly.” She says her next words softer. “Dickwad made you feel bad for missing his games. Your pack hasn’t. They just want you to be happy, which is why we’re here on a Saturday instead of at home under cozy blankets and watching Rent.”

“Don’t call them that,” I say in a whispered panic. We’re still a good distance away from Ciro, but it’s not nearly enough for this conversation.

Rory laughs in response. “I won’t buy into your delusion. You’ve been hanging out with them for weeks now. This thing with them is not casual. You’re going at your pace, yes, but it wouldn’t hurt to finally add the label.”

She does have a point. We’ve settled into a routine these past few weeks. Atlas walks me to class, we all text almost all hours of the day, Kendall tutors me even outside of tutoring hours, so we’re together every weekend, hanging out and getting to know each other better.

It’s been heaven.

Which makes my brain think it’s too good to be true.

“It’s my fault there’s no label yet,” I whisper, because it’s true. “I’m terrified… but that’s neither here nor there because this hockey game is not the place to discuss this.”

“When will it be?” she retorts.

I bite my lip and mutter, “Maybe after I’ve been intimate with the prime. Which I haven’t. That seems like a pretty important step.”

Rory’s mouth gaps. We are about a foot away from Ciro now. He’s staring at his phone, oblivious to our arrival.

“You haven’t fucked the prime yet?!”

Well shit.

Ciro’s eyes shoot towards us, one of his eyebrows soaring into his hairline.

“Thanks, Cranny,” I say under my breath as Ciro moves his legs. Rory winces and mutters an almost incoherent sorry as we take our seats.

“You two seem to be having a lovely conversation. One that a particular beta would be very happy to be a part of.” Ciro keeps his body towards me and rests his elbow on the back of his chair. His jesting grin causes butterflies to tease my stomach.

“I don’t think that would be appropriate.” I cross my legs and turn my attention to the ice.

“Come on, if anyone knows what the hold up is, it’s Ciro! Go ahead, ask him.” I give Rory a sideways glare and plead for her to shut up but she doesn’t notice my disdain. “I always thought it was the prime who was intimate with the scent match first, but I must be wrong. Now that I think about it, it does sound awfully traditional.”

I find myself giving a little omega growl, which finally warrants my best friend’s attention. When she sees my face, she nods her understanding. “I’m, uh, going to get you some nachos.” She shoots out of her chair and jets.

Finally.

My scowl transforms into a happy smile at the idea of nachos.

“You two are something else,” Ciro laughs before throwing his arm around my chair. “You don’t want to talk about it, so I won’t pry. But you might want to talk to Atlas about it. He won’t push unless you make the first move, I guarantee it.” He gives me a reassuring smile. “I’m really glad you’re here. These games will be much more fun with you beside me.”

I give him a weak smile, but nod nonetheless. I haven’t been to a hockey game since the night Derek showed his true colors. Before, it was because of nerves. Running into him and having to hear his backwards logic on who I am and what I want. Now, it’s because I want to support my boys. They love hockey, and I want to be there for them despite my fears.

Still, my body is holding onto anxiety. I may be here, and I may be doing the scary thing, but it is still terrifying. Like danger is lurking around every icy corner.

Maybe talking about my situation with Atlas would be a welcome distraction, but I’m not sure he would be okay with me discussing our sex life (or lack thereof) with these two.

“Will you help me when I get confused?” I ask him.

He looks me in the eye and scoffs, “You’re acting like I understand it, too. I haven’t done my homework, I just pretend. Let’s just pretend together.”

I snort at his words. “Yeah. That sounds like fun.”

“The goalie is kind of hot. Ciro, who is that?” I choke on my Reese’s cup at Rory’s words.

She came back with all sorts of apologies in the shape of snacks. I had already forgiven her, but she doesn’t need to know that.

“How can you even tell he’s hot? He’s got on the most gear.”

“Are those not his real shoulders?” She squints her eyes towards the player in question.

Ciro chuckles under his breath. “That’s Everett. And”—he pauses and searches the rink before nodding—“yep, there’s his partner-in-crime right behind him.” Another player skates over to Everett. They talk to each other so lightheartedly, you can almost see their smiles through their helmets.

“Partner in crime?” Rory questions.

“Yeah, they’re tied at the hip. Dax and Everett are brothers of ours. Frat brothers, I mean.” He tosses a piece of popcorn in his mouth and practically inhales it before continuing. “Their chemistry on the ice has helped the team the past few years. Dax is good at protecting the goalie, but some people doubt he’d be nearly as good if the goalie wasn’t Everett.”

I tilt my head slightly to look at them from an angle. “Are they pack?”

“No, I don’t think so. They both live at Alpha Xi.” When Rory shoots him a confused glance, he elaborates. “Established packs aren’t allowed to live in campus housing.”

Rory asks a few more questions about their fraternity, but I can’t stop staring at Atlas and the way he demands respect from his teammates; I’ve noticed several of them seek out his advice right before a new play. It’s so different to watch him in his element in person. Not to mention, I can feel his dominance from here; the passion he bears for this game is evident in every action and move he takes. It’s insanely attractive.

I’m never going to miss another game again.

Not to mention the absolute joy on his face after receiving what Ciro called a ‘hat trick.’ Apparently it’s a big deal, which was evident by the way the arena erupted in cheers. The energy was high, and I could easily see how someone could fall in love with it.

Suddenly, I’m brought out of my thoughts by the heightened noise around us as people start to stand and shout down at the ice. I widen my eyes and look to Ciro, who looks just as confused. We all stand to peer over the heads in front of us so we can see what the commotion is all about.

Then we see it. Two men on our own team seem to be tucked in a heated argument. Atlas skates over in a hurry.

“Holy shit,” Ciro says as he pulls me closer into him, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

It takes me a second to understand what’s happening, but then I see the number 4, with Kirkpatrick on the back of the jersey.

Derek Kirkpatrick.

He grabs his teammate by the shoulder, and they spin as they wait for the other to make the first move. Atlas is trying to pull them apart. When the other teammate’s back is to me, I gasp.

Wolfe, 7.

Atlas succeeds in pulling Uriah off him. They both try to walk away, but Derek is tugging on Atlas and spewing more venom. I can see spit flying through his face guard.

Then suddenly, a fist flies and I flinch, wrapping my hand around Ciro’s arm on instinct. The fight reignites as Atlas is now the one wrestling with Derek. More of the team starts to rush for them, making a combined effort to pull them apart.

There’s blood on the ice, and my body fills with fury. I’m running before I can even hear Ciro’s protests.

Because no one touches my fucking pack.

THIRTY-SEVEN

“You guys are extra giddy tonight.” Dax skates to a stop beside us, ice scraping with a satisfying sound. “Your girl is here, isn’t she?”

I feel my lips pull into a smile without any effort. I couldn’t play coy even if I wanted to.

“It’s a special night.” To know our girl came to watch us play because she wanted to, and not because she felt an obligation, is everything. I’m so proud of her for facing her fear and walking back into this building despite all the bad memories associated with it.

She may not think so, but she’s a strong person. It constantly leaves me in a state of awe that someone with that amount of strength has chosen to tangle up with us. My pack. We’re just a group of unlikely misfits, but we’ve been given a chance with a diamond, and we’re not wasting a second while fighting for it.

I’ve been trying to wear off the guilt I’ve been feeling, especially with how amazing the past few weeks have gone. I may have regrets, but everything feels right, which makes me think maybe things were supposed to go this way. Maybe there was nothing I could have done to change it. Maybe all I’m doing is torturing myself by reliving the past.

“So… does that mean I should slack off so Uriah can impress her?” Our teammate jokes just as Uriah skates by.

“Always so full of yourself, Dax,” he responds, but there’s no menace in it. His expression even looks light, happy. It seems he’s in a good mood as well, maybe even more so.

“Wow, really? You’re not going to punch me?”

Uriah just shrugs casually. “The night is young.”

They continue their lighthearted banter as I look up into the crowd. Ciro normally sits in the same generalized area, but I don’t have enough time to scope them out before I’m being called over by Coach Zane.

I breathe easy, thinking about the night ahead. My talk with Coach goes smoothly, as he reminds me yet again of my goal.

The NHL.

It’s still my first love. It’s the first thing I’ve ever worked hard for. I have no doubt if I gave it up and decided to be something else, like a professor or a researcher, that I would be content. Happy, even. I love knowledge, accumulating it and giving it. But nothing beats the thrill of being on the ice. The absolute adrenaline that pumps through me whenever I assist a teammate on a goal or score one myself. The fellowship of like-minded individuals around me that love the sport as much as I do.

The entire experience lights me up from the inside out.

But so does spending time with my scent match.

My pack has always been supportive of my dream. If I do get signed, they’ve agreed to follow me wherever I go. I’m grateful for that support more than they’ll ever know.

I think about that now and my mind wanders to Stacia. The uncertainty worries me. I know she wants to be a writer, even if she hasn’t explicitly admitted it. I want her in every possible way you can want a person. Despite that, I’m not going to force her to follow me while I chase my dreams, so that leaves a lot of questions unanswered.

If she doesn’t want to follow us, do we try long distance? Do I convince the boys to stay back with her, forgo their promise to me so that they can take care of our omega even in my absence?

Or better yet, do I forfeit my life’s goal for my scent match?

I know the answer without having to even think about it.

I’m pulled out of my thoughts by a firm hand on my shoulder. I look into the face of my oldest friend, his brow raised in curiosity.

“You ready, Captain?”

I give Kendall a pat on the back and muster up an excited smile. “You know it.”

He returns my enthusiasm and nods before making his way to his position. As I’m skating to center ice for the puck drop, I surrender my thoughts of uncertainty and decide to enjoy myself. Because this icebox has always felt like home, and despite every reason not to, my scent match is sitting in it.

That’s all the incentive I need. The future is already set, we just haven’t discovered it yet.

Kendall and Thatcher are exuberant as they smack my shoulders. I can’t contain my excitement as I hear high praises coming from the neutral zone. I hold out my stick and bask in it briefly before going into the next play.

I just scored my third goal of the night, which makes this my fourth hat trick of the season. I couldn’t wipe this smile off my face even if I tried.

We continue, and the game starts to dwindle down in intensity. A few teammates approach me to talk about their opposers and how to take care of them. I keep an eye out for them as the game goes on, making sure no one tries to taunt our forwards into any penalties.

“I see you got the ice queen back in her natural habitat, Captain.” I whip my head towards the voice and watch as Derek skates by with a smug smirk on his idiotic face. I sneer at him, but don’t respond because he’s too far away now.

Now I’ve got to watch someone on our own team, too.

The night goes on like that. Derek making little remarks about Stacia here and there, not only to me but to Kendall and Uriah, too. I can see it start to gradually grate on them. I can feel my own alpha start to lose his temper as well, but keep trying to rein it in to help my pack mates not lose their heads.

I should have known my attempts were futile, because in the third quarter, all hell breaks loose. I hear it before I see it, but I know Uriah’s angry rasp better than anyone here, so I start flying down the ice before I can even eye the situation.

“Back the fuck up,” I hear my pack mate bark.

“You think you can fucking bark at me?” I see Uriah stumble back on his skates from Derek’s shove. “You and your pack have some fucking nerve.”

“You deserve way fucking worse, you controlling piece of shit!”

The shoving match turns into them gripping each other, which causes them to spin on their skates as they try to balance.

I try to get between them, to get Uriah to follow me rather than punch our teammate the way I know he wants to.

Gosh, I wish I could just let him unleash all his frustrations on this jackass. We both know he’s envious that Kendall got to punch him all those weeks ago.

We’ve all kept this situation under wraps for a while, and this public display of animosity is going to leave many people curious. Our teammates that are our frat brothers know, but it hasn’t spread further than that. I really don’t want Stacia to be subjected to that at all.

“Oh look, your prime is here to put a leash on you,” Derek taunts, causing a menacing growl to erupt from Uriah’s chest. I manage to get them apart long enough to pull Uriah away while sending a scowl towards Derek.

“This is causing a scene. Coach will ask what this is all about, so don’t let it escalate.”

Derek’s laughter holds no humor. “Let him ask. I’ll tell him that your pack is full of omega-beta ass-kissers.”

I ignore him and turn to skate the other way, urging Uriah to follow me. I have a mantra playing in my head as he spews venom, targeting us as we try to remove ourselves from the situation.

Think of your career.

Think of your pack.

Think of your omega.

But he grabs my arm. I almost lose my balance as well as my sanity as he holds me hostage.

“You’re just pussy-whipped alphas.” I hear him spit on the ice.

Think of your career.

Think of your pack.

Think of your omega.

“She’s going to get tired of you and then you’ll have wished you listened to me! She’s not worth it! She never fucking was!”

Think of your pack.

Think of your omega.

“And maybe you should go to the clinic while you’re at it! Stacia gets so high all the time, I’d doubt she’d even remember cheating on you! But let’s be honest, she doesn’t have to be high to be a forgetful slut!”

Think of your omega.

I’m on him before I can even process what I’m doing. There’s an instant throbbing in my knuckles as they fly on autopilot, trying to reconnect with his face as he starts to block. My alpha has taken over, and the reigns I had on him lay slack between us.

His fist connects with my cheek before I rip his helmet off him. I feel arms try to pull me off, but I flex my body as I straddle our defenseman and pummel him as much as I can. I see red flying, not completely positive on the source but it doesn’t deter me. I’ve completely lost control, and a part of me doesn’t even care.

As my body starts to release some of the adrenaline, our other teammates are finally successful in pulling us apart. I feel the bruise embedding itself on my face, but the bite is less painful than my actions.

My thoughts start to clear and I finally realize what happened. There’s sudden agitation and shame flowing through me. I’m in utter disbelief that I let him taunt me into losing my head.

Before we can both deal with the aftermath of our actions, a dose of lavender and vanilla invades my senses. I look around in a panic, but breathe with relief when I see a suspicious head of brown flowing hair making its way through a sea of my teammates. They tower over her, and we can’t see each other clearly, but somehow we both know where the other one is like a beacon. As soon as she finds me, she flies up in my arms, and suddenly I don’t care about anything else.

I have my scent match, my mate, here in my arms. And nothing else matters.

“Oh, give me a fucking break!” I hear behind me. I spin with her in my arms and put my hand protectively over her head as more growls emit from me. The few teammates that pulled Derek off me are still holding him back, disapproving complaints coming from their mouths: “come on, dude, let it the fuck go,” and “this is exhausting,” but they land on his selective ears as he continues to berate us.

Before I can respond, Stacia is jumping out of my arms and turning towards him. She’s oozing with a pure energy that I’ve never seen from her before, one of blazing confidence and fury.

“You don’t fucking touch my mates. You don’t speak to them, or me. Do you fucking hear me?” Her words hold an omega bark. I’ve never heard one before, but I know immediately that hers is my absolute favorite. Kendall and Uriah are now behind me, joining me as we stare in awe at our omega as her feral hisses emit strength and might.

“Stacia, you sl⁠—”

“Shut your mouth,” she barks again, and he does. Her anger forces his alpha to obey, which inappropriately causes my pants to tighten.

“You’re literally the most disappointing alpha I’ve ever met, and you’re done making mine and my pack’s life hell. Move the fuck on. I have.” And with that, she turns back to us, breathing heavily and losing some of her adrenaline. I haul her back into my arms, securing her safely before I skate off, ignoring the stares and whispers from my fellow teammates as well as everyone in the arena. I just focus on getting my omega somewhere safe.

It’s not the first time, and it certainly won’t be the last, but the purr that erupts from me involuntarily is so innate, so instinctual. It seeps into both of us, setting the tumultuous emotions inside us. It feels safe, familiar.

It feels like being home.

THIRTY-EIGHT

Atlas leaves immediately, carrying Stacia out of the building and all the way to the parking lot to meet up with Ciro. I head towards the locker room, preparing like hell to be ripped a new one by Coach and the rest of the team once they return from the last quarter.

“Fuck,” I whisper to myself, wishing I had hit him instead of Atlas. I have no plans to ever play hockey again after graduation. This sport is his life. If I just let him tank his future career all because I let that spineless fucker bait me, I’m not sure I’ll ever forgive myself.

Waiting for the team feels like torture. Being alone in this locker room for the first time in years is surreal. I’m never here when I don’t have to be, and I’ve certainly never been forced to sit out the rest of the game. I’m realizing that Derek’s wrath at losing his control is a bit more dangerous than we all thought. He’s sinking, and he’s going to try like hell to pull us down with him.

After changing and taking a quick shower, I hear the final buzzer of the game. I breathe out with relief, thankful that I won’t have to sit in this hellhole much longer.

In a way, I’m okay with taking on these worries. Atlas is taking care of Stacia, putting his focus towards her as she regulates from becoming almost feral over the exchange. That’s the prime’s prerogative, and I have no doubt he’s doing a wonderful job at being there for her. I can take this on with my head held high because I know my prime was just following his instincts tonight. His alpha indicated Derek was a threat, and his actions reflected that.

Atlas and his alpha aren’t prone to losing control. I’ve never seen him lose his cool like he did tonight, not once in our past two years of being pack mates. That feels significant to me, and my alpha…

It makes him feel proud.

A few moments later, the team starts to pile into the locker room. A few guys look at me with sympathetic eyes. A few avoid eye contact altogether. Then Dax and Everett encompass me, sitting on each side as they pant and wipe their foreheads.

“That ending was brutal,” Everett confirms my suspicions. “They definitely took advantage of what happened. I’ve never had to stop so many pucks in my entire life.”

“You? I’ve never had to stop so many in my entire life. And I stopped them so you wouldn’t have to.” Dax starts to undress, looking especially ready to get the fuck out of here. He turns to me. “Is At okay?”

I shrug. “He left with Stacia, went to find Ci.” They both nod in understanding. “Where’s Kirkpatrick?”

“He got sent home.” I whip my head upwards. Kendall makes his way in front of me, also covered in sweat. “Coach told him to meet him in his office first thing Monday morning. He didn’t want you two in the same room.”

“Probably for the best,” Dax adds. “You look like you could still pound him.”

I look to the ground. He’s right, I totally could. His words are replaying over and over in my head, like an incantation of fury. The first words he uttered to me, baited me with, are trying to take up residence in my mind. Continuously on a loop.

The crudeness makes my fists clench, my teeth gritting once again.

“He said some fucked up shit,” I tell them, but refuse to repeat the words. “I’m surprised I didn’t hit him, to be honest.”

Thatcher marches up to his locker and grunts as he takes his helmet off. His minty scent is soured in pain.

Dax gasps. “Holy shit, Thatch, your eye.”

He turns toward us and my stomach curdles. His eye is swollen, blood seeping out of it from the side. His expression doesn’t give away how much pain he’s in.

“Fucker elbowed me when I tried to pull him away from Atlas.” He starts to pull off his pads.

“Has anyone looked at it?” Kendall asks.

Thatcher shakes his head. “I knew at least three of us would be out. Couldn’t risk getting benched, too. I’ll have McConnell look at it later.”

“Wolfe.” A bark flies towards me, and I stand up quickly, my gaze meeting Coach as he enters the room full of ire. “And Ellwick. My office, now.”

Everett sucks in some air. “Good luck, guys.”

Kendall doesn’t even have time to take his pads off. We head over, the door shutting roughly behind us. Coach Zane stands behind his desk, his arms crossed. There’s a strange tension in the air, one that neither Kendall nor I are ever used to, as we continue to stand awkwardly in front of the desk. He points his finger down, forcing us to sit, our nerves at an all-time high.

“I’m guessing Atlas left,” he states rhetorically, nodding his head at the realization. “He wanted to tend to your omega?”

I give him an affirmative nod, but don’t speak.

There’s a few moments of awkward silence before Kendall sits taller in his chair. “Coach. We’re really sorry for the way this disrupted the match. I know it doesn’t make it any better, but we are sorry.”

Of course. Leave it to Kendall, who didn’t even do anything, to be the first to apologize. It makes me feel even worse.

“There was a scout here tonight.” He hums. “A really important one. Here to specifically see Atlas play his best.”

Despite it seeming impossibly, my stomach drops lower.

“Luckily, he is a good friend of mine, and is waiting for me so we can discuss what happened privately. But you’re going to have to give me something. It’s not common for teammates on the same team to interact the way you three did, and it’s even more uncommon for a captain, a prime no less, to beat up his own defenseman.”

I swallowed the bile in my throat, before clearing it. “It’s complicated⁠—”

“Fuck all with that shit, Wolfe. It’s complicated. Obviously it’s fucking complicated.” He goes to rub his eyes in frustration. “This game was televised. People are going to talk, they’re going to know. I’d like to be the first, fucking thank you.”

Kendall speaks up, helping me like he always does. “The omega who stormed the ice, her name is Stacia. She’s our scent match.” Coach’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise. “It’s been a whirlwind since we met. She used to date Derek, but their relationship was…”

I cut in. “Derek was a terrible boyfriend, Coach. He’s done nothing but prove that more and more since we’ve gotten involved in the situation.” That doesn’t surprise him as much, his eyes narrowing as he puts the pieces together.

Kendall scratches his head, continuing, “We met her the night before she broke up with him. He cheated on her, so I may have broken his nose.”

“That’s why he had a broken nose?” Coach asks. “He told me he ran into a plexiglass door.”

I struggle not to let the snicker fly free, but I’m caught anyway. He gives me a hardened look, silently communicating that I’m not in the clear yet.

“Yes, sir,” Kendall answers after hiding his own smile. “I hadn’t officially met her yet, but I reacted to the thought of this stranger being cheated on. It was one of the clues that alluded to the idea that she may be our mate.”

“And he started the fight tonight, sir,” I add, finally finding some confidence in this conversation. “He was baiting me into fighting him. Atlas was only trying to prevent me from doing so. I let it happen. Then, he baited Atlas. Something he said struck a chord, and Atlas lost his cool.”

Coach looks to be in serious thought before finally sitting down in his chair. He sighs deeply, letting some of his tension go. “Okay.”

I quirked a brow at him. “Okay?”

He nods. “Yes, okay. There’s loopholes for scent matches, fellas. The bond overrides common sense in many cases. I mean, excluding extremes like murder, but even that is debated.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I’ll tell my friend this, and I can make sure a neutral statement goes out to the press.”

I nod at him. “And Derek?”

“I’ll be having a long talk with him on Monday morning. I’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again. I won’t tolerate this type of nonsense on my team.”

Kendall and I agree, feeling simultaneous relief.

“Now, go get changed. Let Atlas know what I said, and that everything’s fine. I’ll make sure to schedule a time to talk to him, too.”

“Thank you, Coach,” I convey, feeling emotional all of a sudden. I blink back the sensation, getting to my feet.

“I’ll see you both at practice on Monday.”

We head out to the locker room. It’s empty once again, but I’m feeling significantly better than I did earlier.

“Let’s go home, Uri.” Kendall wraps his arm around me, offering himself as an anchor. I relish in it, letting him help me in the way he’s helped me many times before.

“Yeah,” I breathe, feeling lighter. It’s time to go home, see our omega, make sure she’s okay. Make sure Atlas is okay. “Let’s go home.”

THIRTY-NINE

Playing: Fatal Attraction by 6LACK

I can’t seem to let go of Stacia even after we enter the safety of our home. My grip on her is secure, as is hers. Her arms are wrapped around my neck, and my alpha is satisfied and sedated by her touch.

Ciro was the quietest he’s ever been as he drove us home. He kept giving us cautious glances in the rearview mirror as we sat together in one seat, forgoing the seat belt despite his protests.

He’s still giving us that same cautious look as the front door closes. “How do you feel⁠—”

I ignore his question, turning down the hallway. He says something behind me, but I can’t hear him. I’m focused on getting us somewhere secure, somewhere comfortable. Her scent clogs my nose before going right to my dick. It’s feverous, the way I’m feeling mixed with the delicate fragrance of her lavender perfume. I’m so enamored with her after her feral spell. I want nothing more than to alleviate some of those extreme emotions stirring within her. Within me.

I have tunnel-vision until we get to my room. I close the door and pull back the comforter to place her underneath it. Whenever I try to pull away, she gives a whine that shoots straight to my heart. I kick off my shoes and slide under the covers with her, holding her as close as I can.

I’m not sure how long we lie like that, both of us trying to satisfy the deep ache inside us. It feels like it’ll never go away. My very being is now attached to hers, and the only way I’ll ever feel secure is if she agrees to stay with me always. It’s insane, maybe borderline psychotic, but my alpha is demanding it. He wishes she’d elongate her neck to us so we can claim her and mark her as our omega wholly and completely.

“Alpha.” The hummed word makes me flinch. The silence had seeped into us, and I almost forgot that we had the ability to speak. I look down, our bodies welded together close and snug. Her lids are heavy, and her perfume hits my nose just as she rakes her nails over the skin of my neck. It sends a shiver down my spine and causes a groan to escape.

“Is everything okay, Stacia?” I ask, trying not to be overcome by her erotic scent when I’m not sure what’s going through her head.

If only we could hear each other’s thoughts, know every emotion so that there will never be any uncertainty again. My beast wants that. He craves it.

She gulps, now looking nervous. The expression wrinkles up her forehead. I reach up and gently caress my thumb over them, coaxing her muscles to relax under my touch. She heaves a small sigh and looks at me once more.

“My omega… she needs you. I need you.”

Her confession is barely a whisper, but it soars through me like a bomb. I place my lips onto her, our kiss soft and intimate. My alpha finally settles, an unruly happiness taking place inside me.

Our clothes come off in slow motion, both sets of lips exploring one another in earnest. I can’t get enough of her, of her taste. Her skin is salty and sweet at the same time, and I relish in it as I travel from her neck to her collarbones to her bare breasts. She gasps as I take a nipple into my mouth, sucking it steadily as her fingers lace into my hair.

“Alpha, fuck me,” she says, a tiny moan falling as I lick circles around her. Her soft hand finds my cock, stroking it mindlessly. “Please get inside me.”

I don’t have it in me to deny her anything, nor do I want to. I wrap her legs around my hips, my cock throbbing at the proximity of us. I have to calm myself before I stroke my cock and place it at her entrance. Her gaze never leaves mine as I finally ease inside her.

We come together so easily, it leaves me breathless. Her eyes flutter shut at the torturous drag, a long sigh coming from her as my hips meet her pelvis. I pause, trying to memorize the feeling of her around me. It’s the best sensation in the entire world, and I pray it’s something I get to experience for the rest of my life.

I pull back and thrust back in, starting a slow pace as I move in and out of her. Her fingers grip my biceps, clutching on tightly as I fall into a beautiful rhythm that leaves us both voracious.

“Angel. You were made for me.” She moans in my ear, her pussy clenching around my cock tightly. Our breathing harmonizes as we continue to move in rhythm, slow thrusts meeting as a feeling I’ve never felt before begins to build inside me. There’s this fondness that is too delicate to touch; I fear that it will break under my fingertips.

Emotion hits me deep, threatening to spill off my lips. I have it in me, I can feel it. Those three little words. But I won’t say it this soon, or in the heat of the moment, not when my omega is already so finicky with herself and what she deserves. I’ll hold onto it, cherish it. I’ll acknowledge the emotion, recognize the power it has over me, but I’m not going to say it until it feels right.

“Holy fuck, Atlas,” she murmurs, her tiny pants stimulating my every sense.

I feel her slick gush around me, my self-control becoming harder to grasp. “You’re so fucking wet. You’re soaking me. Are you going to come for me, Omega?” She whines in response, her head nodding as she wraps her arms around me.

I place my hands on the back of her thighs and push them upwards, spreading her further for my thrusts as I finally quicken my pace. The change in angle causes us both to groan, the tip of my cock hitting her in just the right spot every time I meet her hips. She’s incoherent now, her toes curling as her body starts to clench. After a few more moments, her entire body seems to snap, her cries heightening as she spills all over me.

“That’s it, Omega. Good fucking girl.” I grit my teeth, holding back from my orgasm as I fuck her through her climax. “I’m going to fucking come. Can I knot you, baby?”

“Yes! Yes, fucking please.” I push into her on the next thrust, our bodies aligning perfectly as my knot inflates, my cock flooding her with steady spurts. I curse the whole way through, my body emptying everything into her as she gives a high-pitched gasp. I’ve never felt anything like it. I rut into her, my hands anchoring her to me as I lose myself to the pleasure.

She meets me thrust for thrust. I reach down, my thumb gently rubbing her clit as she clenches tighter, the sounds coming out of her extravagant and beautiful to my ears.

“What the fuck,” she squeals, her body pulling taut before releasing. She cries out, this climax more fierce and uncontrollable. It makes my cock pulsate as another wave of ecstasy flows through me.

Our bodies keep moving together slowly, pulling every bit of pleasure out of each other. Once I feel like I can’t bring her any more satisfaction, I relax onto her. She wraps her arms around me, catching her breath before placing a kiss to my hair.

“Atlas, what the fuck,” she says again, which causes me to chuckle under my breath. She hears me, joining in as my hand roams over her, not willing to give up its exploration yet. “That was amazing.”

“Yes, it was,” I sigh, moving some of her hair behind her ear. “It was fucking incredible.”

She rests her head on mine, and I realize my alpha is finally quiet in my chest. I feel whole, my omega as close to me as she can possibly get. I flex myself, causing her to clench once more before she laughs and slaps my shoulder. “You’ve destroyed me. I need at least a few hours before we do that again.”

That makes me smirk in her chest, wrapping my arms around her. “That’s fine. As long as you know we’ll be doing that again.”

She playfully rolls her eyes before closing them, prompting me to close my own. It feels good, safe. It feels like we’re two people finally meeting in the middle, and I am ecstatic.

There’s a calm surrounding us as we lie there, absorbing each other’s warmth. Her head fits perfectly in the crook of my neck, and my hand finds a home in her hair, delicately lacing through the strands as her steady breathing echoes my own against my chest.

I always thought our first time would be explosive like other scent matches, fast and desperate and all-consuming. But it was slow, passionate, and so fucking memorable. I’ll think about this time with her until the day I die.

There’s a thought nagging me, pushing along the side of my brain. I don’t want to pop this little bubble of serenity we’ve created, but the worry throws that caution away.

“Stacia,” I whisper her name, killing the silence.

She looks up, roams my face, and swallows thickly. “What’s wrong?”

I caress her cheek before speaking my piece. “I think you should get a restraining order.”

Her eyebrows move up slowly in her tired state. “Okay,” she starts, thinking it through. “But… what about your games? I want to support you.”

I nod. I thought about that, too. “What’s important to me is your safety. You and Ciro can watch them remotely for now. We know you care about us and want to support us, but we have to sacrifice this. Protecting you is the priority.” Her eyes gleam over, and I brush away the tear threatening to fall. “Besides. There’s only a month or so left depending on how far we make it in the conference. He didn’t declare for the draft. You’ll be able to see me play again, just at a much larger scale.”

She nods, thinking it through. “Okay,” she agrees, rubbing my chest. I close my hand over hers before squeezing it. “But that means I won’t miss any future games. Not even an away game, so be prepared for that.”

My heart swells. That means she’s thinking about the future, a potential future with us.

“I’m sure the guys won’t mind taking turns traveling and sightseeing with you. That sounds like an absolute dream.”

We fall silent, and it shines a light on the other thing I need to say. Something that I wish I could just bury and forget, but futures aren’t built on omissions. I can’t keep this from her.

“Stacia, there’s something else we need to talk about.”

She quirks a brow at me, trying to hide the anxiousness I just evoked.

“That day, back in October… when you picked Derek up from the locker room. I was there. I smelled you. It hit me like a freight train. By the time I pulled myself together, you were gone. I had no idea who you were. I only had the assumption that you knew Derek.”

Her expression changes as she processes. There’s a softness even as her forehead creases in thought. There’s an array of emotions, and I hate that I’m the one that caused them.

I continue, “I never told my pack. Looking back, I should have. But I wanted to protect them, just in case I was wrong. Finding out that was the same night that Derek—” A small growl tries to emit from my chest. “I’ve felt uneasy. Doubting my choice, thinking maybe I could have found you somehow. But I didn’t, not until that night at the party. Kendall punching Derek, that was a tell-tale, but it wasn’t until Ciro told me what you smelled like… then I knew for sure. I had fucked up.”

She swallows. “So… that’s why Ciro sought me out.”

I nod. I go to caress her arm, but hesitate. I hate that I hesitate.

“Technically, he probably would have done that anyway. The night you met, he was drunk and sad after you left. He said the prettiest girl at the party had left, so there was no reason to be there anymore.”

Her lips tilt up at that. “He is dramatic, isn’t he?”

The rhetorical statement brings a smile to my face. “He balances out all of my seriousness, that’s for sure.”

When I feel the tension ease away, I finally rest my hand on her arm, caressing it gently. She melts into me, and I give a breath of pure relief.

“I am sorry. I keep looking back, trying to figure out what I could have done so you didn’t have to go through that. I messed up.”

She shakes her head and looks at me with sad eyes. “Rory tried to get me to see reason after that night. I ignored it, pretended it wasn’t happening. That’s a choice I made. I don’t want you to carry that burden.”

“I think it’s a burden we share, then,” I rationalize. “We both could have made different choices. We just didn’t.”

“And yet, we’re still here. Together.” Her hand comes up to my face and rubs my cheek. “Whether or not the choices we made were the right ones, they led us here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, Atlas.”

She kisses me, soft and tired. I don’t feel completely absolved of my guilt, but I’m glad she finally knows. I don’t deserve her compassion.

I’m going to do whatever I can to make it up to her.

After a few moments, she’s so still that I assume she’s sleeping. Then she moves her head slightly, her chin resting beside my pec, and whispers the sweetest words. “Will you read to me?”

I feel my heart squeeze, knowing this girl is so fucking perfect for me.

“I would quite literally do anything you wanted me to,” I tell her, pushing a few stray hairs behind her ear. “But that is one thing that I will take the most pleasure in.”

I climb out of our little cocoon and stand in front of my bookshelf. “I know you prefer romance. I have a small selection but they’re ones you’ve already read.” I look at her with a guilty smile.

“Why do you have romance books that I’ve read?” she asks, her eyes sleepy but surprised.

“My alpha feels closer to you while reading them,” I admit confidently, especially after the night we had. There’s no need for secrets between us, not anymore. I don’t feel any regret or shame at the things I did while my alpha was insecure, and what I’ll probably continue to do because romance books aren’t half bad.

That’s a poor statement. They are really fucking entertaining.

She preens at my words, her smile bright. “I can’t believe you did that.”

“Of course I did.” I give a reassuring nod. “And when you have finished books, I’ll read those too. I’ll have a whole shelf dedicated to your work.”

“Atlas.” My name on her lips is music to my ears, her tone affectionate and soft. I look at her, and my heart skips a beat at the adoration on her face.

“Do you want me to read one, or maybe something else? I have fantasy, young adult, thrillers…”

“Nonfiction?”

I give her an incredulous look. “I mean, technically yes. But… you’re making fun of me right?”

She can’t keep her face straight, a laugh escaping. It’s something the rest of the pack would joke about, and it makes me smile.

Stacia bites her lip, thinking it over. “Which one’s your favorite? That you’ve seen me read.”

I look at the selection, and the historical romance sticks out to me. “This one, definitely.” I pick it up and fall back under the covers beside her. “I love the political intrigue and drama. And the side characters. Their humor really makes this one for me.”

She reads the title and gives a happy nod. “I really like this one, too. There’s a sequel coming out. Maybe we can read it together.”

She looks at me with hopeful eyes, as if she actually thinks I’d say no to that.

“I would love that.” She settles back on my chest as I open the book and begin from chapter one.

Just as I’m getting to the third chapter, there’s a soft knock on my door. On the other side is our pack, peeking in to check on us after being isolated for so long. When they see us, they each breathe a sigh of relief before opening the door further and stepping inside.

“Sorry for intruding,” Uriah murmurs at the same time Kendall says, “We missed you two.”

I can feel Stacia’s happiness even without a bond. I slap a hand down on the empty space beside me. “Come join us, then.”

Ciro is the first one to hop onto the bed with us, making himself at home under my covers. He secures his spot beside Stacia as she maneuvers to her back. Kendall takes up the spot beside me, propping his head up as he lies on his side. Then Uriah comes up last, eyeing the way we’re all tangled up together before crawling up the front of the bed and placing himself right on top of our omega. She preens, lacing her fingers in his hair as he closes his eyes and rubs against her chest.

“Is Coach pissed off that I bailed?”

Kendall gives me a smile of disbelief. “Surprisingly, no. I mean, he was really pissed off at first but after he learned the reason why, he understood.”

I tilt my head at him, then look to Uriah to confirm. He’s giving me the same expression, nodding with wonderment. “He said he’d handle the press. Also, an agent was there tonight to see you, one of Coach’s friends. He said he’d explain the situation to him, too.”

I swallow down the curse wanting to come out. I don’t regret what happened on the ice, especially not after the night I had with my omega. Hockey is the only career I’ve ever wanted. Play professionally for a few years, then coach after retirement. It’s the only path for me, and I almost blew it tonight.

“Why is it suddenly okay?” Stacia chirps softly, looking between us three. “I’m not sure how hockey politics work but wouldn’t it be a bigger deal that the captain got into a fight with his own teammate?”

“It’ll be a big deal, definitely. But considering the circumstances, it won’t be as black and white for most.”

“Circumstances?” she asks.

Uriah gives her collarbones a light kiss. “That you’re our omega. Our scent matched omega. That changes things for people. It becomes an argument of instincts v.s. logic. And most people have experienced it themselves to know that it’s not so easy to control.”

She squints at that, likely thinking it over. “I guess I never considered it. I have beta parents. They’re not big fans of other designations, so I didn’t interact with many alphas or omegas growing up.”

The information is new, and is something I never thought about before. “Did they not support you when you presented?”

She coughs and tries to give a casual shrug. “Not really. They were disappointed when they found out I wasn’t a beta. Up until then, I had heard every derogatory thing in the book about omegas and why they were awful. After I presented as one, those insults were turned on me.”

I could feel my blood boiling, possibly even more than it did on the ice with Derek. I start to take some discreet breaths to calm myself, but Uriah lets out a grunt of disapproval. “They sound like shitty parents. Do you still see them?”

She caresses his hair, fingers moving thoughtfully. “I talk to them every once in a while. They’ll call, ask me about my grades. They pay for my rent and tuition. I’m just trying to stay off their radar.”

There’s a moment of silence following her words, all five of us sitting in thought. The air around us exudes with our discomfort but our exhaustion is keeping it at bay. A moment later, Kendall looks at the book in my hands.

“What are you reading?” he asks just before he sees the cover, “Oh fuck! This is one of my favorites.”

My face turns bright red. Ciro sneaks a peek and bellows a laugh. “Of course you two like that one.” He looks at Stacia. “I’ve discovered I’m more privy to alien romances, but those two have always loved a good period piece.”

Her eyes widen as she looks at all of us, her mouth slightly agape. “Have you all been reading romance?”

“Of course we have. It’s been a group effort. Started by our prime, of course.” Ciro’s excitement blooms. “We all thought it would be beneficial. And of course, these alphas needed a bit of extra help.” He playfully rolls his eyes. “Damn biology.”

A laugh rolls through me. “Ciro was the most enthusiastic about it, don’t let him fool you.”

She looks at each of us, a light shining in her. She plays with Uriah’s hair. “Do you enjoy them, Uri?”

He grumbles, already half asleep in her embrace. He nods and mutters incoherently before saying, “Lots of hockey players.”

She giggles softly. “Yes, those are some of my favorites.”

His tired smile pokes out. “Kismet.”

I continue reading, all of us tangled up. We relax into one another, and one by one, each of us finds our eyes shutting. It’s the greatest sleep I’ve had in a long time.

FORTY

It’s always bittersweet when we visit the Alpha Xi house. The dark mahogany wood, the library that opens up into a living space, the deodorizers that make the house smell the same no matter what set of alphas roll in and out.

Atlas and I met our pack mates here. We lived here together for an entire year before declaring officially, so these halls have many memories; all amazing, including the night I got to punch the fuck out of Derek.

It’s always a pleasure to come back here, especially when it means helping out Sam.

He’s the youngest president of Alpha Xi to date, and I’m also pretty sure he’s the best one this fraternity has ever had. The frat was disorganized when we joined. It was night after night of rowdy chaos. Sam has really reined in the alpha energy, and has taught all of Alpha Xi’s members what it means to be a true alpha; how we can harness our inner beasts to do better in the world. It’s made a world of a difference since he was selected.

We sit around with him now, lounging in one of the living spaces. Atlas is sitting on the loveseat he used to always occupy. It probably has his smell embedded in it.

My mind sputters as I remember how Stacia could smell Atlas here before breaking up with Derek. The realization hits me hard.

Whoa. Trippy.

“The event’s still a few weeks away, you didn’t have to come by to help.” The coffee table is muddled with loose sheets. Sam sorts through them calmly, just like he always does.

“We know that, but we want to,” Atlas says. “We’re also here for another reason.”

Sam quirks an eyebrow. I take a deep breath before explaining. “Derek’s been harassing Stacia. She’s filed for a restraining order. We wanted you to be the first to know.”

It’s been a difficult week. We’ve spent the last few days helping Stacia compile every correspondence she’s ever received from Derek. She wanted a lot of these texts to just disappear, but we all knew the more evidence the better. Atlas found a local lawyer that handles similar cases and has a high success rate when it comes to her omega clients. Atlas feels he can trust her, so we finally handed over everything so she can help Stacia get this dickwad out of her life.

We can only hope it’ll be granted as soon as possible, but for now, it’s all a waiting game.

Sam’s jaw clenches slightly, the angry expression looking foreign on his normally jovial face. “He’s been harassing her?”

“Sending her texts, mostly.” Atlas looks like he’s remembering what he read, trying to will the anger back down. “They were repulsive.”

“Fuck.” Sam rubs his head, the papers abandoned in front of him as he leans back. “I always knew he was a dick, but that’s a whole other level of messed up.”

Our prime heaves out a dark chuckle. “You’re telling me.”

Sam looks at each of us, seriousness taking over his face. “Well, okay. I’ll let you know if he comes back with good or bad news. And if your lawyer can’t get it granted, let me know. I know some people who might be able to push it through again.”

A surprised grin appears on my face. “I forgot you’re studying law.”

“Yeah.” He nods. “I feel like I have to. It’s a crazy fucking world.”

Ciro finally speaks up, his hands in his pockets as he sits up taller on his seat. “Is this event for our philanthropy?”

I wasn’t aware of this before pledging at Alpha Xi, but every fraternity and sorority on campus has a designated charity that they earn money for. Our first year in Alpha Xi, the events were an absolute dumpster fire. Our old president, Matt, didn’t put much thought into them, and we only barely scraped by when it came to raising funds for the charity he chose. It used to stress Atlas out beyond belief. He even offered to take over the philanthropy chair duties but Matt refused. We nearly lost our chapter.

Things changed when Sam joined the fraternity. Matt allowed him to take over the charity planning so he could enjoy his senior year. It was the most successful fundraiser Alpha Xi had organized in a long time. It’s part of the reason why the Dean gave Sam the new presidency despite being one of the youngest members. That and all the natural dominance that pours off of him.

Sam runs his hand through his blond hair. “Not for this event. I wanted to do something for this local shelter for teenage runaways. It’s for all teens, but most end up there because they’re running away from designation abuse or homophobia. I’ve already got the green-light from our advisor, we just have to figure out the details. Do you guys mind assigning the booths while I do some calculations?”

We sit there for a while, going through the different attractions that’ll help bring foot traffic to the event. Sam’s rented out downtown. With what money, I have no idea, but the area is nice and there’s surely going to be a lot of people gallivanting around considering the day it’s planned.

Ciro suggests we give Dax and Everett the water tank, which is genius. They’ll have a good time and entertain anyone who walks by, which is their specialty. Thatcher’s a bit of a grump, so I put him at the free water station. And Atlas and Sam talk about a potential scavenger hunt for a couple of the guys who can’t sit still for eight hours.

“Okay, so. What should we do?” Ciro asks, skimming the page.

Sam takes the page to see what else is left before giving a haughty laugh. “Don’t worry, I’ve got the perfect thing.” He circles something on the page before turning it back to us.

Oh my god.

Ciro and I burst out laughing, while Atlas puts his hand in front of his mouth to hide his smile.

“Uriah is going to throat punch you,” Ciro huffs out between laughs.

Sam joins in, shrugging his shoulders. “He should have been here.”

The sentence makes me laugh that much more. “That’s kind of evil, Sam. I love it.”

“How do you even have this trick up your sleeve?”

“I have a friend who likes to give back, that’s all I’ll say about it.”

We’re still laughing and discussing the logistics of our booth when the front door slams. It stops us in our tracks as the room begins to fill with the scent of burning lake water.

Freaking Derek.

He walks in, fury rolling off of him in spades. It legitimately looks like smoke is coming out of his ears.

The silence in the room is heavy, so I decide to break it. “Hey, Derek. Send any menacing texts today?”

Ciro chokes on his water.

Derek gives us a cruel smile before walking closer. It’s only then that I notice he’s got some kind of paper rolled up in his hand. “That bitch of an omega sent me a restraining order? Really?”

My jaw tenses at his dig towards Stacia. But per our lawyer’s request, we all keep our mouths shut.

“Oh, so it’s official? Cool.” Sam smooths out his pants before standing up. “That means I can officially do this. Derek, you’re no longer a member of Alpha Xi.”

He balks. “What the fuck did you just say to me?”

Sam continues in the same calm tone, “You have two weeks to find alternative housing.”

I’m floored.

Sam interlaces his fingers and watches Derek, waiting for his response. It’s the wildest fucking stand-off I’ve ever seen.

And that calm exterior of Sam’s? It pisses Derek off even more.

“You can’t kick me out because some omega fucking lied about me. I’m a legacy, my father and grandfather were in Alpha Xi, and you of all people are going to kick me out?” he scoffs, but his eyes betray his confidence. He looks terrified, like he’ll have to explain to his family why he’s no longer living in the Alpha Xi house.

“When you pledged, you signed a morality clause. That was before I was president, Kirkpatrick. If you get into any trouble with the law, especially when it comes to harassment and assault, you are no longer a member of Alpha Xi.” He gives a tough sigh. “You shouldn’t have done it, man. What was the point? These guys are her scent matches. Move the fuck on.”

Derek huffs before spitting on the carpet. He looks over at us, giving Ciro an especially hard glance that stirs up a growl in me. “This is a load of bullshit.”

“Do you want to take it up with the Dean?” Sam quips.

There’s another moment of silence where Derek thinks over if that would work in his favor. “Maybe we should. I mean, two people in this pack have now given me nose issues, why not bring it to his attention?”

“Her attention,” Sam corrects, and I can’t contain the snort that escapes me.

Derek looks dumbfounded. “What?”

“The Dean is a woman. Besides that, your argument won’t stand up. Both times, you were saying awful things about their scent match, the one who just filed a restraining order against you.”

He’s being pushed into a corner, and I’m a bit nervous for his inevitable breaking point. Atlas must notice this, too, because he stands up.

“It’s over, Derek. We have work to do.”

His head whips to my prime, his eyes wide with rage. “I don’t want to hear anything from you. You’re just another pack of omega-whipped alphas. You’ve been looking down your nose at me since the moment we met.” He scoffs. “Like you’re any better. You’re a fucking shame to alphas everywhere. Your dominance is as fake as your supposed connection to an omega as dense as Stacia.”

A growl erupts from my chest. “You’re always running your mouth, Derek. And it would be okay if you had anything of substance to say, but it’s always bullshit.”

“Let him say his piece,” Sam says. “So he can get out of here quicker.”

Derek looks at him with disgust, like Sam didn’t just give him the floor he wanted. “I still can’t believe they chose you. Generations of my family have been in Alpha Xi, and they’ve all been proper alphas… not someone like you who would rather suck another man’s cock instead of beating him into a bush.”

The air gets sucked from the room. Atlas starts to charge for him. Ciro and I grip his shoulders to pull him back.

Derek always spits bullshit when it comes to designation, but he’s never shown that type of ugly head. It should be more surprising, but something about it seems on-brand for him.

I look at Sam, and there’s something foreign in his expression. Sadness, I think. Not from Derek, but other memories he probably didn’t want to remember today.

“I think it’s time for you to go, Derek. You’ll be given an official eviction notice later today. You should start looking.”

They stare at each other, in a game of dominance that we all know Derek will lose.

“Do you want a broken nose for the third time this year, Derek?” Sam asks.

Dickwad eventually looks away, probably remembering the pain of his nose being broken, and retreats. His disgusting smell trails off behind him.

It’s silent in his absence. Atlas has finally calmed down a bit, but our scents are mingled with a tinge of anger and disbelief.

Then Ciro opens his fucking mouth.

“Well, shit. I’m omega-whipped, too.”

We all turn to him to see a sincere pout on his lips. The sight causes us to laugh.

“I’m just saying, she has me wrapped around her finger, too. It’s not a fucking insult.”

I pat him on the back, thankful for this moment after such a horrible one only minutes ago. Atlas turns toward Sam.

“How about we get some more work done, Alpha?”

It comes from a place of deep respect. Atlas is a prime, a dominant alpha in his own right, but he is submitting to Sam because he knows he is stronger, the right alpha for Alpha Xi. And after Derek’s blatant disrespect, it is much needed. Especially when Sam gives Atlas a big smile, noticing the gesture for what it is.

“Thank you,” he whispers before sitting back down. “Let’s get back to it.”

When we get back, Stacia and Uriah are cuddled up on the couch, blankets galore, while a romcom plays on the TV. They see us and Stacia grins wide.

“How did the event planning go?” she asks as she sits up. Uriah pauses the movie.

“It went well,” Atlas starts, looking over at Ciro and I to see if we’d take the reins. When we both shake our heads, he gives a nod.

“What’s going on?” Uriah asks, noticing our little exchange. Stacia looks between all of us, suddenly realizing the tension.

Atlas gives a heavy sigh. “There’s good news and bad news,” he starts before looking at our omega. “The good news is Derek got the restraining order. He’s no longer allowed to contact you or be around you. If he does, he’ll get arrested.”

Stacia’s mouth gapes in surprise. “Really?”

Atlas gives her a small smile, giving her a reassuring nod. Her eyes gloss over, and she’s clutching Uriah’s shirt a bit tighter than she was before. He puts his hand on top of hers, giving her support.

When she realizes there’s more, she gives a few sniffles before looking back at our prime. “And the bad news?”

I cringe, thinking about the interaction that happened. He may not be allowed around Stacia, but he’s someone I wish didn’t even go to this school. States away would be ideal.

“Sam kicked him out of Alpha Xi,” Atlas announces.

Uriah’s eyes widen. “Holy shit.”

“Apparently the restraining order violates the morality clause we all signed when we pledged.”

They both look shocked, unable to process what that means. “How is that bad news?” Stacia asks curiously.

“He was pissed,” Ciro blurts out. “Well, obviously. But it was pretty bad.”

Atlas nods in agreement. “It angered him. More than I’ve ever seen before. I’m worried he’ll escalate. He looked desperate.”

“He said some horrible things to Sam,” I said. “Like… homophobic things.”

Stacia gasps, instinctually standing up from her spot, her tiny fists clenching at her sides in anger.

“That’s fucking awful.” Uriah puts a hand around Stacia’s wrists, trying to help her ground. “My love?”

She looks at him. Her jaw tenses, fire burning in her eyes. “Please tell me someone punched him again.”

“I really fucking wanted to,” Atlas says through gritted teeth.

She sits back down before putting her head in her hands. Her usually sweet lavender and vanilla scent twinges with something salty, watery.

“Doe, what’s wrong?” Ciro asks.

She shakes her head in her hands before looking back up at us. “Did I just make Sam’s life more difficult? What if Derek keeps taking his anger out on him? What if I made a mistake?”

The sadness in her voice breaks me. I find myself walking over to sit beside her.

“Stacia, this was the right call. Not only does it protect you, but it will also make Derek think twice before doing anything to some future girl he pursues. He needs to know that his actions have consequences. He can’t get away with whatever he wants just because he’s an alpha.”

“And,” Atlas adds before crouching down in front of us, “you didn’t do anything. This is all on Derek. His actions put him here, no one else’s. Sam can handle himself. He’s a strong alpha. He can see this through. And I’m sure if he were here, he’d be telling you the same thing. He doesn’t want you to worry about him.”

She gives a few tiny nods, still sniffling. “You’re right. I know you are.” She wipes her eyes and lets us comfort her, all of our hands on her in some way. “I just feel worried. Sick. I wish none of you had to deal with this at all.”

“Angel, we wish you didn’t have to deal with any of this. You shouldn’t be in this position. You deserve the world.” Atlas cradles her face. “You are our omega, we are going to take care of you. Sam has wanted to kick Derek out for a long time. You have a sea of people here to help you, you just have to let us.”

She smiles, her face wet with tears. Ciro chuckles beside me.

“We’ve said his name too many times, we should probably go back to the rule of calling him Dickwad.”

Stacia laughs. “Rory told you about that?”

We all nod, laughing with her. “Yes, she did. And we’re going to abide by it.” Atlas kisses Stacia’s forehead before standing back up. “How about I make us some popcorn and we keep watching this movie you and Uriah started?”

“I’d like that.” Her eyes sparkle. Our prime excuses himself as we arrange ourselves on the couch, trying to find the most comfortable way to squeeze together.

And the rest of the night is cozy and cloudless as our omega enjoys herself. It’s the best feeling, taking care of someone and loving them all in one. Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t want this to be any other way.

FORTY-ONE

Playing: The Color Violet by Tory Lanez

“This is the most cliche thing we have ever done.”

Rory and I stand off to the side while the guys set up the pool table. We’re both holding pool sticks, although I think mine is a bit too short because I keep accidentally getting the blue stuff on my hands. But I am very excited to finally learn this supposedly fun bar game.

Rory, however, is unimpressed.

“Think about it this way, Cranny,” I start, “one day, you may get a role playing pool in a bar. Wouldn’t you want to already know how to play it instead of someone on set explaining it to you?”

She narrows her eyes at me, which makes me laugh. “It’s an absolute travesty that you know me so well.”

“You love me for it. If it can help further your career, it’s not really a waste of time. So, let’s learn something and enjoy it.”

She huffs a heavy sigh before pushing me slightly. “Only because I don’t want to look stupid in this hypothetical scenario. But first things first”—she points at my stick—“isn’t that a bit short?”

We end up doing terribly in the first game. Lucky for us, Ciro isn’t that good either. He cracks a joke after every turn.

Looks like hitting balls with sticks is a useful skill after all.

I’m the one into guys and yet they can maneuver balls way better than I can.

We should get them drunk and then hold our pity win above their heads for the rest of our lives.

Ciro’s sassiness leaves us laughing after every turn, even the guys are laughing at his jokes despite their competitive spirit.

The drinks are flowing, and Rory and I are in the middle of losing the third game against the alphas when someone comes upon our table. Her fiery hair is curling around the edges and her eyes widen as they meet mine.

“Hi,” she squeaks before looking around her shoulder nervously.

Warning bells immediately go off in my head. I look over at Rory and see she’s thinking the same thing.

“Hi there.” Ciro’s enthusiasm—and perhaps liquor courage—causes the volume in his voice to spike.

“Are you okay?” I cut in, earning concerned glances from the guys. Kendall puts down his stick, as Atlas waits with patience.

“Um, yes. Technically.” She goes to mess with a wisp of hair, pulling at it in a compulsive movement. “I just need some help.”

She whispers the end of her sentence, so Rory and I lean in closer.

“Is someone bothering you?” My best friend asks, her expression already furious.

The girl winces as she tries to find the right words. “One of my friends set me up on a blind date and he’s… gosh he’s just awful.” She takes another look over her shoulder, “I just need help getting rid of him. I bought myself some time, but honestly, I wouldn’t put it past him to follow me to the bathroom. And I’ve had too much to drink and I don’t trust car services enough to take one alone.”

It’s then that I realize she has a distinctive smell. Her soft demeanor and the lightness of her scent—which is fruity but undistinguishable—makes her omega nature apparent.

“Of course we’ll help you,” Rory says and I nod in agreement.

“Would you guys be okay with helping?” I ask my mates, and they all give me the same look of confidence.

Kendall speaks first. “Of course. We’re always up for ruining some creep’s night. You guys just stay here.” He points to Ciro. “You stay here, too. You might be a bit too drunk for a spy mission right now.”

Ciro throws his hands up. “What are you guys going to do? Poke him with your sticks until he goes away?”

Rory leans over to the new omega and whispers, “They’re all hockey players. He’s making a hockey joke, not being a pervert.”

She nods while trying to hide her smile of amusement.

Atlas walks over. “What does this guy look like?”

She winces. “Greasy. A sneer on his face that might just be a medical problem. And he smells like bug spray.” She gags a bit from the memory.

“How unfortunate.” Rory ponders. “I wonder who decides our scents. Do you ever wonder?”

“Yes, let’s get philosophical.” Ciro beams. “It must be meaningful on some level. Otherwise, why else would Atlas smell like a library of all things?”

I put my hand on Atlas’ shoulder. “And chamomile tea. A bookworm’s paradise.”

He gives me that dazzling grin of his before he turns to the others. “We’re going to come up with an excuse and tell him that she went home.”

Ciro raises his hand. “I vote the excuse be diarrhea. Maybe he’s one of those guys that still believes women don’t shit and he’ll go home faster.”

The omega lets out a chuckle. “Better yet, tell him I’m pouring out from both ends and that I’m on the way to the hospital.”

Her statement leaves the four of us in giggles.

“And!” Rory adds. “Tell him that he may need to schedule a doctor’s appointment because her germs fly at the speed of light.”

I hit Rory’s shoulder. “It’s like lice, hopping from one head to the other. Inevitable!”

Ciro bangs a fist on the table and hollers.

My alphas shake their heads at us as we bellow our laughter. Somewhere deep in us, we know it’s not that funny, but that’s what a little bit of alcohol does to you.

“You four be safe.” Atlas places a kiss to my forehead before the three of them walk away. When we let our laughter dissipate, we sit back at our table and pull out a chair for our newcomer.

“Would you like something to eat?” I ask her before putting out my hand. “I’m Stacia, by the way. This is Rory, and this is my beta Ciro.”

Ciro beams in his drunken state at me claiming him. I’m still not use to saying it out loud, but I must admit it feels fucking amazing.

Freeing.

She sits and swings her curly red hair behind her shoulders. “I’m not really hungry after that awful fucking date, but thank you for the offer. My name’s Opal, it’s nice to meet you. Thank you so much for the help. I didn’t think I could take another second.”

Rory takes a sip of her rum and coke, tilting her head. “What happened, if you don’t mind me asking? Also, a date in a place like this?”

“Whoa,” Ciro says, putting out a finger, “don’t say that, we literally brought our omega here. Today. Right now.”

Rory rolls her eyes. “I’m here, too, you goof. I mean like a legit date.”

“My friend set it up. I have no idea where she met that guy, he’s in his fifties. And she chose the place.” She gives a deep sigh. “He’s… the most misogynistic person I’ve ever interacted with. He kept saying things… about omegas. It made me feel sick so I had to get the fuck out of there.”

Rory and I look at each other before looking back at Opal. “This… sounds kind of alarming. Do you think she sent you on a date with him on purpose?”

Opal’s eyes widen. “No, no, there must have been some mistake. For all I know, I was stood up by the real date and I accidentally got into this. I was sitting at the bar, he tapped my shoulder, I said ‘Travis?’ and he nodded his head. That’s the first rule of omega car services, wait until they ask the name. So, maybe it was a misunderstanding. Just some pervy alpha taking advantage of the situation.”

I see the look of hope in her face that this was a big misunderstanding. I hope so, too, because if not this “friend” sounds like a real piece of work.

“Well, I’m glad you found us,” Rory remarks. “Though, it probably wasn’t hard, we’re the most fun-looking people in here.”

Opal cracks a smile. “I originally had the idea to sneak through the bathroom window or something, but I was passing by and saw you guys. I felt like this was a safe place to land, so thank you.”

I pull out my phone. “Well, we should all exchange numbers, so if you’re ever in a bind again, or just need a safe place to land⁠—”

“Or to hang out with new, fun friends—” Ciro chips in.

“Then you’ll have us.” I hand her my phone with a new contact profile open, and she does the same with me.

After we’ve all exchanged numbers, my alphas return. They each look like they’ve emotionally been through the ringer.

“Was it that bad?” Rory asks, her eyes wide.

Kendall winces. “He may be the worst alpha I’ve ever met. I think whoever set you up on this date may have met that guy in an alley somewhere.”

Opal’s shoulders drop slightly, like she really doesn’t want to consider that possibility.

“Well, he’s gone now,” I say before pointing my thumb to the pool table. “So, Opal… do you know how to play pool?”

FORTY-TWO

Between all the drama, tutoring, and chapter meetings from the past month, the boys forgot to plan their monthly game night. With a little push, they finally decided to hold the occasion in the middle of the week. I was thrilled when they asked what day worked best for me, including me in their plans without hesitation. It reminded me that they see me as pack, which is exciting in a foreign but also completely welcoming way.

That’s why I’m here, on a Tuesday night, while my scent matches put their living space together so we can all have a fun and fluid night. I was surprised to find that their coffee table has a hidden compartment underneath so that it can hold all of their physical games.

I love being privy to that information.

“So, what are we playing first?” I ask as we seat ourselves on the floor. They’ve settled down several blankets and pillows, turning their living room into a make-shift nest. It’s very comfy as I lace my fingers through the velvet fur. The lights are dimmed and Kendall lit a few rosemary candles on the coffee table, making the room smell a lot less manly and a lot more relaxing.

They all look at me attentively, boyish excitement in their faces. Atlas settles next to me and gives me that prime smirk of his that makes my stomach flutter. “Well… since we didn’t get to play it last time, we were thinking truth or dare.”

My smile widens. “Full circle, huh?”

Kendall claps his hands together. “Exactly! I’ll go first.” He looks over at Ciro. “Truth or dare, Jimenez?”

My beta rolls his eyes. “Dare, of course.”

Kendall smirks with a gleam in his eye. “I dare you to speak with a British accent until the end of the game.”

Ciro balks. I let out a giggle while furrowing a brow. “That doesn’t seem so bad.”

Uriah laughs on my left. “You’ve never heard Ciro’s British accent. It’s atrocious.”

“Stacia, there’s no chance you’ll suddenly come down with amnesia after we’re done playing, is there?” Ciro asks, serious panic appearing over his features.

I’m astounded as the rest of the guys laugh. “No, probably not. Are you all serious? Is it that bad?”

“Let’s just say, we should probably never let an actual British person hear him or they’ll likely plot his murder,” Kendall quips.

I look back at my terrified beta. “Well. I’d like to hear it then.” His face contorts with even more fear. “I promise I won’t hold it over your head, Ci.”

He gives a heavy sigh before opening his mouth. “Alright, lassie, it looks like it’s your turn, then.”

My mouth drops at the abhorrent noise that escapes my scent match.

“What the hell is that?” I almost exclaim, but I pull my volume back in. “What dialect is that? Are you attempting a Liverpool accent? And why are you calling me lassie? That’s a Scottish thing.”

The alphas laugh even harder. Kendall nearly topples over from clutching his stomach. Ciro’s cheeks darken but he’s also adorning a cheeky grin. “I guess I’m not eloquent enough to pull it off.”

“That’s a fucking understatement.” Uriah chokes out between chuckles.

“Well, now it’s your turn, mate,” Ciro responds. “The friend ‘mate,’ not the other one. Whatever. Truth or dare?”

The boys’ laughter ceases but their amusement is still highly contagious. I can’t stop smiling. “Truth.”

The corner of Ciro’s lips turn up the slightest amount. “Is it true that you went celibate before college because you were waiting for your omega?”

My eyes widen as my head whips to Uriah. He’s trying to look casual about answering, but there’s a slight pink in his cheeks that wasn’t there before.

“You little snot,” Uriah utters under his breath. I see such vulnerability in his eyes when he finally meets my gaze. “It’s true.”

My mouth parts, just barely holding in its gasp. “So it had been… what? Three years since you had been with someone?” He nods. “Can I ask why?”

He sighs. “I had only been with one person before. We didn’t have a very strong relationship, so I didn’t really enjoy it. After that, I decided that I didn’t want to be intimate with someone if the connection wasn’t there. And I figured, the best connection would be with my omega, whenever I found her.” He shrugs again and meets my gaze. “I’m so fucking glad I waited.”

My heart skips a beat.

“You’re making the rest of us look bad,” Kendall quips, but he has a smile on his face.

“It’s not like the rest of you were sleeping around. I was just more… closed off.”

I’m not quite sure how to respond to that, especially now that my insides feel like jelly. Pliable to his words.

“Atlas, truth or dare?” Uriah says, allowing the moment to move forward when he notices I’m at a loss for words.

“I don’t know, are we going to continue to use this game as a way to spill each other’s secrets to our mate?” He lifts one brow, a nervous smile on his face.

“Just answer the question.”

Atlas looks thoughtful for a second before answering. “Truth.”

“What’s your ideal placement for the draft next year?”

I look at Atlas. He’s told me about his dream of going pro, but he’s been vague about where he wants to end up. I know it’s not likely, he could end up literally anywhere, but I’m curious about what he wants. Our prime doesn’t talk about what he wants enough.

He tilts his head, really processing the question. “I could go anywhere and be happy. I’d like to end up somewhere that you four like as well. That’s the most ideal. But when it comes to the team itself? The Bruins are my favorite team. That would be the best case scenario, but I doubt it’ll happen. They don’t look like they’ll be trading or losing any forwards anytime soon.”

I give his shoulder a squeeze. “But that’s something you’ve dreamed about. It’s okay to say it out loud.”

His lips betray him by curving upwards. He lays his hand on mine, returning the squeeze I gave him. “I really don’t mind where we go, as long as you’re there with us.”

I find myself at a loss of words again. “You’re all trying to turn me into a sap.”

Ciro scoffs. “Can we really do that, Stacia? You read romance. You’re a Pisces. Your sappiness is already apparent.”

I balk at his words, letting out a laugh before giving him the finger. “You’re going to eat those words.”

“I don’t have anything to lose because I’m stuck doing this stupid fucking accent.”

It really is getting worse by the second.

Atlas turns to Kendall. “Truth or dare, Kenny?”

“Dare, of course! Give me something good, Alpha!”

“I dare you to give our omega a twenty second lap dance.”

Before I know it, Ciro’s playing PILLOWTALK on his phone as Kendall grinds on me. It gets to the point where he lays me down, and the way he moves his hips causes a flurry of feelings to stir inside me. When he finally pulls back after the longest twenty seconds of my life, I’m red in the face and speechless.

Kendall sits back in his spot while the others hoot and holler at us. He doesn’t seem embarrassed or put out by the endeavor. He actually seems a little… frustrated he had to stop?

He tries to catch his breath as he turns to Uriah. “You know the drill.”

“Just truth for now, K.” He looks relaxed, and he’s playing with my hand without actually lacing our fingers together. It’s grounding but also a bit teasing.

“What’s your biggest kink?”

“I think you should all answer that,” I add, crossing my arms at my chest.

“We’ll answer if you answer, angel,” Atlas replies.

I feel my face warm up before I sit up a bit taller. “I’m not sure exactly what I like yet, but I enjoy when it’s a bit rough. I like when one of you holds my throat.” I swallow before saying the next bit. “I think I’ll like it even more if one person is rough while the other is soft.”

My prime’s chest starts to purr before he shuts it off, embarrassed by his involuntary reaction. He clears his throat. “My kink is… I like being dominant. In charge of the situation. Which means, I like submission from my person.”

My stomach flips. Just the thought of Atlas letting down his cautious wall causes something to stir inside me.

“I like going back and forth with my person. What does that make me? A verse?” Ciro says in his ridiculous British voice. “Not to mention, I like a bit of pain. Hair pulling, nipple tugging. Bring it on.”

I try to hide my smile behind my hand, completely smitten with this hilarious Beta.

“What about you, Kendall?” I ask.

He cracks his neck, seemingly nervous about his answer. “I like… rope play.”

My eyes widen, an image of myself tied up for him invades my brain.

“I also may have read a few… primal play scenes lately from those books you love. They’re very intriguing.”

I can definitely see the more dominant nature in my blond alpha. It’s so obvious that I feel a bit insane for missing it.

Uriah finally interlaces our fingers, drawing my attention back to him. “And I think this goes without saying, but I like the connection. Whenever I’m fully connected with the person, that’s when I have the most fun. But that’s only happened once, so. Maybe we can learn our kinks together.”

“I’d love that, Uri.”

I quite enjoy that these boys have complimentary appetites. I feel a bit more adequate in my skill set knowing that I can deliver what they like and that I will enjoy it, too.

Uriah turns his gaze towards Ciro. “Truth or dare, Ci?”

“Dare. Please fucking end this.”

“Okay, fine.” Uriah lets out a small laugh. “I dare you to drop the terrible accent.”

“Fucking thank you.” Ciro’s voice is back to normal. He immediately looks more comfortable and relaxed. He even has his confident shine back. “Now I can ask questions and still feel like I have the upper hand.”

“Well, get on with it, Ci.” Kendall gives him a not-so-subtle wink and head nod towards me, which makes me narrow my eyes.

“Stacia. Truth or dare?”

I’m wondering what they’re up to as I ponder my response. “Do you have a trick up your sleeve for both of those options or?”

“I don’t know what you mean by that. I am a straight shooter.”

I cackle. “You are not straight.”

He smiles appreciatively. “Yes, fine. I’m an honest man then. Hopefully you can’t argue with that. Now… truth or dare?”

I go with the easier option. “Truth.”

“We know you’ve never been with a pack, but have you ever… fantasized about it?”

Are my hands sweaty? I think they are.

“Of course I have.” Especially with one pack in particular.

They’re all looking at me like they’re picturing how that might go, and I’m not mad about it. I have different scenarios that I’d love to try. Particularly one where they…

Actually, I probably shouldn’t think about that right now. My perfume is already flooding the space among us.

Maybe I should also try to be sexy, fluster them with my dares and questions.

I turn to my blond alpha. “Kendall, truth or dare?”

His flirty grin sends lightening to my stomach. “Dare, sweetheart.”

“I dare you to… take off your shirt.”

Damnit, that’s what I came up with? So much for my plan on being sexy.

Given, I was picturing him without a shirt on. The dare just seemed like the easiest way to make it a reality. And I didn’t have any other dares anyway. Sue me.

He keeps that beautiful smirk on me as he tugs his shirt off. The really sexy way guys do it by reaching behind their heads and tugging on the collar. His stomach is chiseled and shining, almost like he’s been out in the sun.

It’s the middle of Winter, how is he so fucking tan?

Kendall turns to our prime. “Atlas, truth or dare?”

“Truth.”

“In your humble opinion, do you think our omega understands how much she deserves to be worshipped? Despite what everyone else has told her… do you think she knows?”

I falter at the random questioning, my eyes widening as I look around. They’re all staring at me, different levels of trouble in their eyes.

“Now that you mention it, Kenny,” Atlas starts, his gaze never leaving my face. “No, I don’t think she does. I think she’s still questioning. I think she still doesn’t know what she fully deserves.”

I feel my throat dry up at the same time my clit nearly begs for friction. “And what is that?”

Atlas bites the side of his lip in a smirk, his eyes puncturing mine. There’s so many words in his expression, but I’m so sidetracked that I can’t read a single one.

“Omega,” he says as lust drips between us, our eyes never wavering from each other. “Truth or dare?”

I swallow audibly at the promise in his tone. “Truth.”

“Would you like us to show you how you deserve to be worshipped?”

A whine gets stuck in my throat at the same time something flips in my stomach.

I suddenly feel Uriah at my back, his fingertips skimming down my sides, sending streaks of fire through my tank top and right to my skin. His incense of a scent goes right to the apex of my legs, making me squirm slightly in my spot. “What do you say, Stacia?” he whispers in a low rasp by my ear. Goosebumps erupt all over. “Will you let us worship you?”

My head moves of its own accord as my own perfume adds to theirs. “Yes,” I finally say just before Atlas is in front of me, his lips ghosting over mine.

“Will you let us take some control, baby?” The feather-like touch from him causes a shiver to flow through me. I give him a more demure nod. The pad of his thumb softly brushes over my lip. “Pick a safe word. Just in case it becomes too much. We will always listen to you. You have my word as a prime and as your alpha.”

The butterflies inside me soar as I take his thumb into my mouth, sucking it slightly before giving it a gentle bite. “The word is chamomile.” He gives me a small smirk, his eyes glued to where his thumb still lingers. “Now… please. Worship me, Alpha.”

His mouth lands on mine and I instantly lose myself in him. Our tongues dance to a familiar rhythm, one that stirs something deep inside me. Something primal. I feel another set of lips on my shoulder, sucking and kissing feverishly as I let out a groan that Atlas swallows. I’m already wound so tight, I feel like the slightest touch will set me off.

I’m abruptly turned, my face now cradled by Uriah. His eyes sparkle as they scan me, his expression turning soft at the pleasure he sees. Atlas’ hands swipe over every bit of skin they can as he takes over the treatment of my neck with his lips. I see my other two scent matches watching us from the side, both with such deep desire written into their looks that it makes me whine unintentionally.

“You like having our attention, don’t you, Omega?” Uriah asks as Atlas continues his exploration of my body. “You also have our complete devotion. Complete adoration. Not being with you, by your side, would feel like a wasted life.”

I moan just as he kisses me, the movement slow and purposeful.

From their demeanors, you’d think Uriah would enjoy the dominating role in the bedroom and that Atlas would be more gentle. But I’ve seen how they both let their facades down when we’re sensual with each other. Atlas likes to be in charge, likes to let the trouble-making alpha he really is come to the surface. Uriah enjoys the intimacy. He’s the most gentle of the four, always making every touch meaningful.

Atlas starts to undress me, a hurriedness in his movements. Uriah only removes his lips from mine when Atlas starts to pull my shirt over my head. I feel a little bit uncertain about my mismatched set of underwear but the swirl of scents that float over me, along with a few groans that they try to hide, lets me know that they love what they see. The insecurity suddenly smothers itself, and I am squaring my shoulders, feeling revered and wanted.

“You’re fucking beautiful, Stacia,” Atlas hums into my ear just before he unclasps my bra and pulls it down. The cold air hits me in all the best ways. “Go on, baby. You can touch him. Take off Uriah’s clothes.”

His words spur something inside of me as I begin to divest my alpha of his clothing. Uriah’s nipples are erect with those glorious bars, his stomach toned and flexing as he controls himself under my touch. His hands ghost over my skin, his eyes latching onto my bare breasts. I feel lit up under his gaze.

I unzip him just as he finally cups me. He’s gentle and methodical as he rolls my nipples between his fingers. I huff out a breath, pulling down his pants and boxers simultaneously. His cock springs out, jutting towards me as Atlas nips me on my neck. My inner Omega causes a feral noise to escape at the sting.

I wonder what a bond bite there would feel like.

I turn my face to Atlas, noticing he’s abandoned his own clothes and is kneeling there, stroking his own cock as he looks over my body. He bites his knuckle like he’s trying hard to stay at a pace I can handle.

“Alpha,” I whisper, and his eyes meet mine. I hold eye contact as I scoot myself into him, my clothed ass meeting his hand as I lean forward, presenting myself to him. A growl escapes him as he immediately grabs my hips, pulling me even harder against him.

“Fuck, Stacia,” he utters under his breath before pulling my panties to the side. I feel him watching me, taking in the amount of slick they’ve already pulled from me. His thumb traces over my clit, immediately ripping a low moan from my throat. “I’m going to fuck you now, Omega. And you’re going to give your attention to Uriah. Make him feel good while I’m filling up this gorgeous cunt.”

I face forward, finding Uriah there, his desire burning right through me to my core. He laces his fingers into my hair before biting his lip, anticipating the moment we all join together.

“Is this okay, baby?” he asks so softly, I almost miss it. The slight anxiousness I see in his face is so endearing that I can’t wait to give him all the pleasure he deserves.

“More than okay. I want you so bad.” I wrap my hand around him as soon as Atlas starts to push into me. I inhale, feeling myself stretch around him as he fills me up. I casually play with Uriah’s piercings as Atlas eases his way into me, causing an inferno of carnal need to burn through my body.

When he’s finally all the way in, I take my time devouring Uriah, running my tongue over one of his piercings before gliding up to the head and wrapping my lips firmly around him. He groans deep inside his chest just as Atlas pulls out and slams back into me. The moment of complete ecstasy officially arrives as he starts a steady but fierce pace, fucking me with abandon as I continue to maneuver my lips over Uriah, the taste of him leaving me dizzy and satiated.

My hair is wrapped around Uriah’s fist as Atlas brings me closer and closer to the edge. He moves slightly, the new angle causing him to hit that spot in me repeatedly. I moan around Uriah. The sound makes his hips stutter, and when he hits a certain spot in my throat, he tenses, curses falling from his lips as he comes in my mouth. I watch as his whole body shakes with his orgasm, which makes my own climax spark inside me as Atlas speeds up.

I savor the taste of cleansing smoke as Uriah pulls out. I swallow, allowing me to finally let out every sound that Atlas is trying to tug from me. His hands clutch my bare chest, his own sounds mingling with mine.

“Stacia, you— fuck.” He grabs the nape of my neck and turns me so his mouth can meet mine, his composure completely gone as he pistons into me with both passion and primal emotion. The way in which he’s holding me makes that final spark come to a head.

“I’m coming, Atlas,” I hiss out just before my entire body tumbles over the edge with a long mewl. He moans in relief, and then follows me into ecstasy while holding me tighter, his hips never easing up as he empties himself into me. I smile big at the feeling, my hands clutching the blankets underneath us until he kisses my shoulder and finally pulls out.

Before I can drop onto the blankets, Kendall is there and flipping me onto my back, a feral gleam apparent in his eyes. “Hi, sweetheart,” he says, and I notice he’s already naked as he starts to kiss down my neck to my chest. His coconut scent rejuvenates me as his mouth latches onto one of my nipples and sucks, making my back arch.

As he explores me, I feel a hand come over and push my hair behind my ears. I’m met with the most glorious light brown eyes as Ciro’s thumb caresses my cheek, watching me as Kendall forces me to start climbing another hill. His usually demure rum scent is so strong, my throat burns like I just took a shot of it. I move my hips, searching for friction as I begin to feel the same pressure building.

Kendall spreads my legs, and I can only moan as he sinks into me. His hips find mine much faster because of the mess Atlas and I made, and it makes my eyes roll to the back of my head as Kendall pulls out and rolls back in. He moves his hips in a way that enamors me, making me hold my mouth agape in shock as he continues to manipulate my body to his will.

Kendall sits up but continues his thrusts. I close my eyes, feeling myself being taken away under a current when a foreign sensation has my eyes flying back open. I look down and see Ciro. His fingers hold me open as his tongue slides over my clit, only inches away from the place where my blond alpha is fucking me relentlessly.

“Holy fuck,” I blurt out, my hand immediately flying to Ciro’s hair. A few chuckles fly out behind me as they all watch me bask in my pleasure and hold Ciro’s head in place as he laps at me with his tongue. It’s the most attractive thing I’ve ever seen.

It’s a lot sooner than I thought when my body falls into another abyss. This one is violent and abrupt as the best sensations continue to harmonize together. It’s fast and glorious, and Ciro falls back the second the climax subsides.

Kendall wraps his arms around me and guides me on top of him as he lies on his back. In this position, his cock hits a whole new angle and the power that I feel causes me to start moving immediately.

“Fuck—” he moans out as he attempts to grab my hips but my movement makes his hands grip the blanket beneath us instead. He watches me as I control the pace, his eyes filled with burning heat.

“Yes, sweetheart, that’s it.” He meets my thrusts with his own, the feeling heightening as my core tightens over him. “Right there, right fucking there. Good girl. Take all of it, Stacia. It’s fucking yours.”

He starts to come inside me, making a satisfied hum leave my lips. The bliss on my alpha’s face makes me feel powerful. I keep gyrating my hips, pulling everything I can from him until we’re both exhausted, falling into each other in a sweaty heap.

“I’m ruined,” Kendall says, panting heavily.

I pull myself off of him slowly and then plop down, trying to catch my own breath. I get a hint of the same intoxicating spiced rum just before I feel something cold touch my lips. I let Ciro tip the water bottle so I can drink, not having realized how thirsty I was until the cold liquid touched my tongue.

He puts it away when I’m done, then gives me a happy smile followed by a naughty whisper. “Do you think you can give me one more, Omega?”

I widen my eyes. My body is exhausted, but I’ve never been with Ciro in that way. And I really want to.

He sees my hesitation and goes to kiss my forehead. “I’m a patient man, Stacia. We can rest, and then continue this at another time.”

I instinctually shake my head, knowing that’s not what I want. “No. I want you now.”

The look on his face brightens before he nuzzles his nose against mine. “Remember your safe word. If it gets too much, please tell me.”

“I will.”

He pushes my knees closer to my chest and positions himself. There’s a pause where we catch eyes, and then we hold it as he nudges himself inside. I’m sensitive and already sore, but my body welcomes him like it knows he’s our mate. The first one my omega met. The first one to make me laugh.

Our eye contact makes me feel vulnerable. He takes a different approach, figuring out the angle early on so that he can hit the spot inside me every time. His thrusts are slow and thorough, to the point where it feels like he’s extracting my pleasure right from my core. It’s a steady incline, less violent and more subtle, but still just as delightful as all the others.

He curses under his breath before his thumb finds my clit. He rubs in circles, his slow torturous pace never fluctuating as he makes love to me. Because that’s what this feels like. It feels like this man loves me, and he’s telling me in a way that doesn’t include words.

The thought drives me forward, pulling me under as my orgasm starts from my toes and travels upwards. I can’t move and my sounds get caught in my throat as it’s ripped from my body. Ciro’s thumb never leaves me as he falls forward, finding his own bliss with a low grunt and a bite to my shoulder. I wish he’d break the skin.

I can’t wait to have this Beta’s mark on me.

As if he could hear my thoughts, he nods against my shoulder and plants a kiss to the nip in my skin. “Me too, my love. Me too.”

Afterwards, we all lie there, satiated and spent. I feel split open, vulnerable, but their hands never sway from my body. Even as exhausted as they all are, they keep caressing lazily, resting their limbs on mine and cuddling in close.

A thought pops into my head. “Are we still having game night?”

The laughter that blooms is glorious to my ears. Different tones and pitches, every single one unique. But hearing them together? It’s truly magical. Something I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing.

“Of course we are.” Atlas kisses my head affectionately. “We can start with whatever game you want.”

“I want to play Monopoly.”

Ciro and Uriah groan loudly, making me chuckle. “What? Is that another game you two aren’t good at?”

“Let’s just say, I’m not good with real money so how does anyone expect me to be good with fake money?” Ciro says.

“That’s understandable. Why do you not like it, Uriah?”

He gives a grunt under his breath before shrugging one shoulder. “I’m just terrible at it. But I’ll learn to love it for you, baby.”

I chuckle slightly. “You don’t have to pretend to enjoy something for me. I like that you have your own opinion. Maybe we shouldn’t play Monopoly.”

“Oh, we’re so playing,” Ciro states. “And we’ll hate every second of it. But as long as you’re enjoying yourself, that’s all that matters to us.”

A blush finds its way to my cheeks. It’s ironic considering what we all just did, that this is what causes my shyness to appear. “We don’t have to do that.”

Uriah laces his fingers at the nape of my neck, his grip so secure that it causes my perfume to slip out. “We’re doing it. Right after you let us bathe and take care of you. Okay, Omega?”

I nod. His intensity always causes a stir in my belly. “That sounds nice.”

And it was. The bath was the best bath I’ve ever had. And it had me fantasizing about future ones. Future aftercare. And I truly realized that this was always meant for me.

I belong with a pack. Their pack. And I’m extremely lucky for it.

FORTY-THREE

“What happened to your fruity scent?” I ask Opal as we walk through downtown. There are members of Alpha Xi setting up their tents from corner to corner, preparing for the event. Everything looks so lively already, and the smell of funnel cakes in the air makes my mouth water.

Opal’s cheeks turn a slight pink hue. I’ve been trying to pinpoint what her scent is every time we hang out. Some moments it smells so familiar, but others it is unrecognizable. It’s driving me insane. But now, as we cruise along the sidewalk, I can’t get even the tiniest whiff of it. It’s like it completely vanished.

Rory turns her head after I ask, making a show of sniffing the air. Opal is no longer a stranger to us. We’ve been hanging out more and more the past few weeks. In that time, we’ve learned quite a few things about our curly haired friend. One being that she’s obsessed with Asian dramas. She told us last week about how she’s binging an oldie about a woman who has 49 days to reverse her own death. Rory ate it up.

She’s also constantly bringing her own blankets to our house, claiming that if we’re hanging out, she refuses to be uncomfortable. A woman after my own heart.

“She’s right, your scent is gone. Like you were never an omega. What happened? And can I make it happen, too?” Instead of finding Rory’s response inappropriate, Opal only giggles.

“I started taking suppressants with a deodorizing agent.” She shrugs. “I kept thinking about that date, when I met you guys. The things that alpha said about my scent…” A shiver goes through her as she remembers that awful night. “I think it’s best for now. I just need some time to get over it.”

I frown, feeling disheartened for her. It’s been a long time since omegas have felt the need to cover up their scents. I understand her reasoning because I’d feel the same way, but it saddens me that some creepy alpha had the opportunity to frighten her that much.

I wish my alphas had roughed him up a bit.

“We support your decision.” I give her a kind smile that she returns.

Rory scoffs. “Of course we do. But I’m still trying to figure out what your scent even is, can you just tell us?”

I huff out a laugh. “It’s true. I’ve been investigating, too. It’s some kind of fruit right?”

“You could have asked me sooner.” She playfully rolls her eyes. “My scent resembles lychees.”

My eyes widen. “That’s it! I had one of those once.” Why didn’t I recognize it?

Rory scrunches her brows. “There’s no fucking way you’ve had a fucking lychee before.”

“Yes, I did! In Hawaii.”

“You’re full of shit,” she mutters jokingly before turning back to Opal “Well, it’s a beautiful scent. Very unique.”

Her blush is back. “Thank you, Rory. And so is yours. Cranberries aren’t very common anymore.”

I fake pout. “Excuse me, where are my scent compliments?”

Opal opens her mouth to give me one, but Rory laughs. “You smell like both lavender and vanilla, the most feminine scents there are! Don’t shit on our rare-scent parade.”

I hold my hand to my chest and dramatically balk at her. “Well, I see how it is!”

Her teasing seizes as she gives me a tiny smile. “Your scent matches probably praise your scent enough as it is. You could ask one of them and they’d compliment you all day long.”

Now it’s my turn to blush because it’s true. They are very attentive.

“They are pretty great, huh?” I say this more to myself than them but Rory still pretends to gag.

We round the corner and finally come to our destination. Our eyes go so wide, they might as well be protruding out of our skulls.

“Is that their tent?” Opal asks, recoiling from the sheer size of it.

The tent is bigger than every single one we’ve seen so far, with actual walls that enclose the space inside. It kind of reminds me of a circus tent as Rory, Opal, and I come upon it. What the hell could they be doing in there?

“I don’t think we should go in there,” Rory comments, her arm looped with mine. Opal nods, agreeing with her. I am also a bit intimidated by the size of their attraction, but curiosity wins in the end.

“The boys told me that Uriah doesn’t know what they’re doing and that I wouldn’t want to miss the surprise.” I give myself an affirmative nod. “So, we are going in.”

Opal smiles sweetly. “Will this be a good surprise for him though, or a scary one?”

I tilt my head to the side. “They didn’t say. They were giggling about it like school girls though. It was cute.” But that also told me that whatever was beyond this tent was probably meant to freak Uriah out. Hopefully it doesn’t also freak me out. “Let’s go before I change my mind.”

Opal’s phone starts to ring in her hand. She looks at it and huffs. “I have to take this, but I’ll be inside soon.”

Rory and I march in, only holding our breaths for a second before we enter. There are chairs lined up, far more than there needs to be I’m sure, and my three guys, minus Uriah, are standing at the front, their backs to us. They look to be in concentration as they look at something, not even noticing us as we walk around the chairs to the spot where they’re standing.

I clear my throat and all three of them turn toward us. The way their eyes light up makes my stomach flip. I’ll never get tired of their happiness in response to seeing me. It’s unreal. And it happens Every. Single. Time.

“Doe!” Ciro exclaims, cutting away from the group first. He comes over to hug me, his hand finding its way into my back pocket. It’s a casual but intimate gesture, and I absolutely love it. “Did you miss me, Omega?”

“Always,” I tell him. His eyes widen, slightly glossy. I think he was expecting me to banter with him, but is surprised by the sincerity in my answer.

I’ll have to tell him I appreciate him more often.

He recovers, giving me a peck before letting me greet the alphas. They’re standing in front of something that looks made of glass.

“What’s going on here?” I ask, raising a brow at them. They each give me guilty smiles. Before they can show what they’re hiding, my grumpy alpha flows through the opening of the tent, Sam in tow.

“We’re done with the event tour, Sam.” He tells him before he sees me. His eyes brighten and a smile adorns his lips as he finds his way to me. “Lovely Omega,” he says before pulling me into a hug.

I preen into it, feeling sparks where his bare skin touches mine. I almost forget where we are while in his arms, but then I feel him tense against me.

“What the fuck is that?” I hear him say near my ear, but he isn’t talking to me. I let my arms drop and turn in his hold, seeing the glass tank that was behind Kendall and Atlas is now out in the open. It’s hard to miss the gigantic snake inside it, all wrapped up and ignoring everyone in the room as it naps.

As Rory steps closer to get a better look, I realize that I no longer feel Uriah’s body heat. I look up to see he’s taken several steps back, his eyes wide and panicked.

“Are you okay?” I ask him, wanting to reach out and comfort him. His anxiety feels wild and tangible in the space between us.

He shakes his head, his gaze never leaving the glass cage. The other men in the tent try to smile and laugh nervously.

Are they surprised by Uriah’s reaction to the snake? I thought this was something they had planned.

Sam clears his throat. “My friend owns a reptile exhibit. She dropped this one off first, but she’s bringing more soon.”

“There’s more?!” Uriah yells, looking a bit lightheaded. He looks around, almost like the reptiles could show up at any moment. I’ve never seen him lose his cool this much before. He normally covers up his emotions with indifference or anger. This fear I’m seeing is really hard to witness.

My omega hardens with fury.

Rory joins in with the murmured laughter. I discreetly elbow her in the stomach, which makes her grunt way too loudly. Everyone looks over at us, and I try to put on a smile despite my blood still boiling at seeing my mate in so much panic.

“I thought you three said you chose the booth,” I state.

They notice my changed demeanor and look at each other like the answer to my mood is on each other’s faces. I snap my fingers, willing them to answer me.

“We did, technically,” Ciro responds. “Sam suggested it.”

The fraternity president tries to sneak out in my periphery. I avert my eyes. “Don’t you dare,” I say in his direction, emphasizing each word. He pauses his retreat out the door, looking inherently guilty. I point towards the others, which makes him rub his neck and join them, his head hanging from being snapped at.

“So, you all thought it would be funny to play a prank on my alpha? Use his fear against him?” Their eyes all widen, and I only feel a little bit of satisfaction at their worried expressions. I feel my omega burying herself underneath my skin, feeling unsettled by the soured scent of palo santo emitting around us.

The prime looks at me, shame rising for upsetting his omega. I hiss at him to answer me, causing an alpha whine to erupt.

I feel a hand on mine, and give a slight growl as I turn to the assailant who touched me, but it’s only Uriah. My alpha. Looking at me with those same eyes that speak volumes of his adoration for me. It makes me blink, causing the tension in my body to release a little.

“Omega,” he whispers like a lullaby. I flutter my eyes closed as he interlaces our fingers. His scent is mostly back to normal, only a tiny sliver of stress left behind. “I’m okay.”

I blink away some of the anger. My omega retreats, satisfied by her alpha’s calming tone. I feel a bit weird in my skin, looking around. There’s a different energy now, and I gulp slightly.

“Sorry,” I squeak out. “Oh, wow, I don’t know what just happened.”

Kendall steps forward the tiniest bit. “You’ve accepted us as your mates more and more these last few weeks, so your omega is going to come out more.”

I nod at that. It sounds reasonable, but it’s also a little troubling.

“Is this how you all feel? Does your alpha take over you like that, too?”

They all nod as Atlas steps forward. “We do, yes. It’s difficult to shake sometimes. You did a brilliant job⁠—”

“Oh, don’t play nice with me just yet, At.” I point at him. “Uriah obviously has a deep-seated fear of snakes and you thought it would be funny to force him to see them. What were you thinking?”

“Well—”

“It’s my fault, Stacia. I apologize.” Sam keeps his hands clasped in front of him. “And… if we’re being completely transparent. The snakes aren’t just for display. This tent is for the reptile exhibit. Around 3 pm, these four are supposed to… present them to the audience.”

I feel my eye twitch, but before I can snap at them again, Uriah rubs his cheek on my shoulder to get my attention.

He’s breathing easier. “It’s for a good cause. I can try to face my fear.”

I look over my shoulder and glare at my other scent matches. “You just got lucky.”

They gulp slightly before Sam announces his friend is here with the rest of the exhibit. They march out together, Rory included, leaving me alone with my anxious alpha as he prepares himself.

“Are you okay with doing this?” I ask.

He looks back at where the snake is, the fear still there but less catastrophic, before his gaze returns to me. “I’m fine. I have a bit of a phobia for reptiles. Something about their skin, the ripples…” He shivers. “But I want to make today fun for the people who come here. They paid good money for a show. I think they also took that into account when they signed us up for this.”

I nod. “We could hold it together?”

He looks satisfied by that. “You’d do that for me?”

“Of course.” He tries to hide it, but an appreciative smile takes over his face. “And… we can always get them back. Do you know any of their fears?”

Uriah laughs. “Maybe. Kendall is difficult though. He’s mainly fearful that one of his desserts will taste like shit.”

“Then I guess we can switch the sugar out for salt, right?”

His shoulders relax, and his expression morphs into something that looks a lot like love. “You are literally perfect for me. Did you know that?”

Not at first, but I’m starting to believe it.

FORTY-FOUR

There’s nothing better than having a scent match in your arms.

As Stacia and I lounge together, her relaxing between my legs with a bowl of popcorn, I can’t help but be thankful that the other three play hockey. They’re all gone and I get to bask in the feeling of being isolated with our omega in the comfiest position in the world.

“I can’t believe you’re a horror movie fanatic,” she grumbles at me, and I laugh.

“You act like I’m not completely wrapped around your finger. Say the word, and I’ll put on whatever you want. I’m just happy we get some time together without the meatheads.”

She places more popcorn in her mouth and chews demurely. “Do they know that you refer to them as ‘meatheads’?”

I hide a smirk in her hair. I don’t miss how she doesn’t ask me to change the movie, which makes me giddy.

“Don’t let them fool you. They may be alphas, but they’re just as self-conscious about their biological impulses as betas and omegas are. They let me poke fun because they know their alphas can be ridiculous. They won’t take it personally, least of all from me. And now you, if you choose to.”

She shrugs casually. “I’m not sure. I’ve never really dipped my toe into designation humor.”

“That’s understandable, there’s so many different types of humor to try out,” I chuckle, stealing a few pieces from her bowl and popping them in my mouth. She jokingly growls at me, but then lets out a giggle.

“Have you ever felt less-than secure being a beta?” Her serious tone makes me grin. She turns her head to see me in her periphery.

I think for a second, wondering if I should mention it. I’ve held back from telling her because it’s not really her problem to deal with. I also didn’t want her to think it diminishes our meet-cute at the party. But it is something that I had to take into account those first few weeks, even after I realized I was just having normal insecurities.

“Not usually. I love being a beta and have always been proud of it. My parents and siblings are all betas. There’s obviously jerks out there with their prejudices, like how Derek used to take digs at me. That wasn’t the first time and it certainly won’t be the last, but I’ve never minded it. I always thought it was funny actually.” I give a sad chuckle before looking at the back of her head. Here goes nothing. “I’ve only ever felt insecure being a beta after you met my pack brothers.”

Her head whips to me, my confession leaving her stunned. She gently places the popcorn down and turns around in my lap, now straddling my thighs.

“What do you mean?” she asks, her head tilts and her confusion is apparent. I rub my thumb against her cheek, her concerned eyes glazing with that softness of hers that I’ve started to cherish. I may be a bit more feminine and jolly, but I wouldn’t say I’ve had much experience with softness. It’s refreshing, and makes me love her that much more.

“I was a bit jealous of my brothers for a while. Watching you meet them for the first time… the potency of the attraction between you and them. I had forgotten that as a beta, I missed out on that with you. That… strong pull between scents.” I give her a small smile. “I love the way we met, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world because you are everything to me. I don’t feel that way anymore, but I did. It was the only time I wished things were different. That I was different”

Her eyes gloss over. “And you promise you don’t feel that way anymore?”

I nod just as she cradles my face in her palms. Her voice comes out husky as she whispers, “I never told you how I felt the night we met.”

I swallow the soft gasp threatening to escape, our gazes locking, filling me up with desire and elation. “I remember wishing that you would wrap your arms around me, contemplated asking you to do so. Your scent was intoxicating… despite the outdoors, despite our designations… you were breathtaking.”

Her praise plus the weight of her body pressing against mine makes me groan. Smelling her for the first time, even while slightly inebriated, was all I had ever wanted. I remember thinking she was the most beautiful omega I had ever seen, but now I look at her and see that, plus so much more. She’s the most wonderful, tenderhearted, drop-dead gorgeous human being to ever walk this planet.

And she’s in my lap, speaking pretty words and grinding on my cock.

She sees the way she’s affecting me, smells the spike of my scent. Her eyes remain on me, but her lower body never stops moving over mine. A moan gets trapped in my throat as she rubs against my nearly-hardened cock in just the right spot.

“Back then, I didn’t realize I wanted a pack. I was still in denial, but I knew what my attraction to you meant. I’m sorry for not showing you then what I knew and felt, but maybe I can show you now.”

She sways her body to a stop before she begins her descent downwards. I zone in on the motion with half-lidded eyes, my breathing already feeling labored and heavy.

She gives me a questioning gaze, and all I can do is nod my consent since I’m still amazed that this is even happening.

I help her pull my sweats down along with my boxers, and instead of pulling them to my thighs, she rips them all the way off and throws them to the corner. I laugh at her dramatic throw just before I hiss at the feel of her hand wrapping around me.

“Oh fuck, Stacia,” my eyes close briefly as my blood rushes to meet her, sending sparks up my spine. I reopen them to see Stacia already watching me, waiting for the moment I set my gaze on her to finally lick from the base to the tip without breaking eye contact. I can’t hold back the whimper that the sight pulls out of me.

She takes me fully into her mouth, sending me into immediate ecstasy. I rest a hand behind my head while I use my other hand to caress her hair.

She hums around my cock and I excruciatingly will my hips to stay still and not force myself deeper. I watch her head as she bobs up and down slowly, savoring the taste and smell of me before I notice her dip her hand into her own shorts.

Oh holy⁠—

She pops off of me. “Ciro, do you like a bit of anal play?”

If she turns around cowgirl style, I’ll loose my fucking mind.

“Y-Yes,” I whisper, trying to rein in control from deep inside myself.

I feel her smirk against my thigh before giving a giggle. “Good. I’ve always wanted to try this.”

She taps my knees, and when I don’t realize her instruction she starts to move them herself, bending them before placing my feet back flat on the cushy surface. She goes back to swallowing my cock, causing my eyes to roll into the back of my head, and I almost forget about her anal comment until I feel something wet and determined circling my entrance.

“Fuck me,” I groan as Stacia puts her hand between her legs to collect more of her own slick before coming back to prepare me. I definitely didn’t think this is what she meant, but I am not complaining. I love my ass played with, but most women don’t respond to it very well so I’ve stopped asking.

I should have never assumed that wouldn’t be the case with Stacia. She is literally perfect for me in every way.

She collects more slick, feeling her way through the motions as a first timer. I let her explore, feeling the anticipation climbing as each second goes by. When she’s finally confident that there’s enough lubrication, she throats me deep and probes my entrance with her finger, finally sticking the tip in.

The growling moan that escapes me is loud and intense. I feel the intrusion, and I’m already imagining how erotic it’ll be when she gets all the way in and touches my…

She sinks her digit in further, slowly but eager. She never gives my cock a rest, using her mouth and tongue to distract me from what she thinks is a tight intrusion, but I know I’m ready for more.

“Please, Stacia,” I beg, feeling like a balloon that’s going to pop from the pressure as I start to grind on her hand. “Give me another finger, baby.”

She nods, her other finger joins the first and continues their penetration.

“You’re doing so good, my precious doe. I never want anyone else in my ass for as long as I live.” I wrap her hair around my fist, but let her control the pace. “Do you want to peg me someday, baby? I bet you’d make me feel so good, fucking me in the ass.”

She moans with my cock deep in her throat and the vibration causes the first tingle to shoot up my spine. Her fingers bottom out inside me, and her experimental curl makes her fingers hit my prostate perfectly.

“Right there, baby,” I gasp out, letting a whimper fall from my lips. She probes it a few more times before pulling her fingers out and thrusting them back in. It takes a few tries, but she gets into a rhythm of hitting the spot with every thrust, and I realize that I am utterly ruined by this girl.

I keep one hand fisted in her hair, and the other goes to her throat, wrapping it just enough to feel my own cock as it slides up and down inside her. The entire experience is enchanting, every molecule in my body lighting up with every touch being supplied by her.

Her.

She never slows down or eases up, intent on wrecking me completely, and she is if the sound of my pants and moans are anything to go by. I feel the beginning of my climax rising up my spine quickly and violently.

“Stacia, fuck, I’m going to come, you’re gonna make me—” The string snaps, and I feel myself clench around her fingers as my release spurts down her throat. It’s the most amazing feeling I’ve ever experienced. She keeps going, wringing me for everything I have until I’m spent and breathless, and the slightest touch of her tongue leaves my knot-less cock sensitive to the touch.

I’m catching my breath as Stacia pulls back, a smug grin on her face. She crawls up to me and rests on my chest, her gaze never leaving my face. “Did I make it up to you, my beautiful beta?”

A broken-down laugh falls out of me as I wrap my arm around her, my breathing still strained. I place a kiss to her forehead.

“I’m the luckiest fucking beta to ever live.”

FORTY-FIVE

Playing: Sorrow by The National

Ciro: Stacia do you like romcoms or action movies more?

Kendall: She likes rom-coms more, she is a romance reader

Ciro: Not true, tv is different.

Atlas: I think you both make valid points.

Uriah: I don’t

Kendall: Excuse me, why don’t we make valid points?

Uriah: There’s so many other types of movies. Why are you only asking about rom-coms and action films? What about horror?

Atlas: Or documentaries.

Uriah: I actually wasn’t going to include that one.

Atlas: Then I don’t support your argument.

Kendall: I made an assumption but I’m positive that my assumption was correct.

Ciro: We’ll just have to ask her when she’s on her phone again.

Stacia: I like literally anything with good characters and writing.

Uriah: That’s a bit of a copout answer, omega.

Atlas: It’s a good answer.

Uriah: Shut up, Atlas

Kendall: Are we really fighting over this?

I put my phone down with a huge smile on my face just before Rory appears in my doorway. I raise a dubious eyebrow at the hesitant look on her face. “What’s up, Cranny?”

She walks in, gnawing at her lip. She shuts the door very slowly to avoid any noise before she sits down beside me.

“Your parents are here,” she whispers so softly that I almost didn’t hear her.

My heart immediately starts to race. I dart my eyes to the door like they could burst in at any moment.

“Here?” I hiss at her quietly. “Like our home?”

She nods. Rory is rarely nervous, but right now I can smell the burned edges of her cranberry scent.

I stand up in a panic and look around my room. “Shit, what do I do?” I look around for nothing and then start to change my clothes.

“I don’t know, but they’re in our living room, claiming you have plans for dinner.”

I shake my head with exasperation. “Of course they are. They’ll probably blame me and say I forgot ‘like usual.’” I’d normally question whether or not I did forget something, but I never forget plans when they involve my parents. I open my closet and start to sniff through my clothes.

“What are you doing?” Rory asks with her eyebrows raised.

“I need something that isn’t covered in my scent or I need a stronger descenter, because my mom will comment on my smell.”

“Stacia, that’s fucked.” Rory crosses her arms. “For two people who are so concerned about proper etiquette, you’d think they’d learn some fucking manners when it comes to omegas.”

“I know.” I let out a breath. “Can you please tell them that I’m almost done getting ready? This is going to be a fucking nightmare.”

She nods softly before exiting my room. It takes a second to collect myself, but I finally breathe a bit easier when I have on scent canceling underwear and recently washed clothes. I put on as much descenter as I can before a chirp sounds from my bed.

Uriah: Fine, we can all agree to disagree.

Uriah: But I’m right.

I giggle and respond to the group chat before they can keep bantering.

Stacia: Major Alert Guys. My parents just showed up and are forcing me to dinner face vomiting. I’ll be back as soon as I can.

Kendall: That’s horrible news. Do you need help getting out of it?

Ciro: We could show up to the restaurant and whisk you away like charming knights

Uriah: Please tell me you’re joking

Ciro: I’m not. I’m picturing bulky metal and everything. The whole nine.

Stacia: It’ll be okay. Thank you for thinking about me.

Atlas: We’re always thinking about you. Please text us as soon as you’re done. We’ll come get you.

I beam and send one final heart emoji before sighing with relief. I can get through one dinner with my parents. I can. Because these boys are everything I never knew I needed and they’ll be waiting for me.

It’s been twenty minutes of complete hell.

I was met with scowls as my greeting when I finally emerged from my room. My mother not only sneered at my outfit, but she very obnoxiously sniffed the air around me before pulling a descenter from her purse. I’m convinced that she does it to undermine me. They were in my living room, for fuck’s sake. There’s no way she didn’t already smell me. My father commented on my tardiness, but I couldn’t even respond before my mother was putting her own two cents in. You know how she is, Robert: clueless and selfish.

Loretta Kelmeckis is what you would describe as the typical detached trophy wife. She’s beautiful, but her eyes lack warmth and her nails are always extra sharp. Literally and metaphorically. I sometimes try to think of what my mother was like before she married my father. Was she free spirited? Did she have a rebellious phase? Or was she always this callous, calculated woman who was destined to hate her only child?

The what-ifs are always unproductive. It just saddens me that both of them are as cold as they come. My childhood would have been a lot more meaningful if at least one of them had shown me they cared.

I instead found the love I craved in stories and books.

The entire car ride is silent except for their persistent narcissistic ramblings. Their scents bring back terrible memories. At some point, my body goes numb and their voices become muffled as I stare out the window, pretending I am anywhere else.

I don’t recall how we got here, but we’re suddenly sitting at a table. The lights overhead are too bright and the table-cloths are a deep red. I peer down at the menu in my hands and the letters blur together. Is this even English? Did we get on a private jet and I just don’t remember?

A waiter comes by and speaks in English. Okay, I’m not losing my mind then.

I look over the menu, my parents’ voices still muffled and far away. I can’t assemble the energy needed to interact or even placate them today. I think I hear my mother mutter dimwitted omega under her breath after I ignore her again. It’s all too much; my skin feels like it’s on fire but I’m frozen in my spot.

I imagine seeing my mates later. What kind of evening we’ll have, and who will try to pull me away first. It’s normally Kendall or Ciro. Uriah and Atlas are a bit more patient for my attention. I like both dynamics immensely.

While I’m still trying to decide what I want, the menu is abruptly snatched out of my hand. I look up in surprise to see the waiter has taken it and is making his way back to the kitchen. I raise my brows in disbelief before interrupting my parents’ chatter for the first time since we left my house.

“What just happened?” I ask, and they look at me with such contempt I want to crawl under the table and never come out.

“Now she decides she wants to be present. Lucky us,” my mother states in a flat tone. “We ordered for you. You obviously eat too much junk. Your fridge was full of it.”

“You ordered for me? I’m an adult.”

“Then act like it,” she sneers, her teeth clenched. “You’ve just been sitting there acting stupid this entire time. This is a nice establishment, it wouldn’t hurt to not be your usual dense self right now, Stacia.”

I emotionally flinch at her words but my body stills.

“What’s going on with that hockey player you were dating? Darren something?” my dad asks as he sips on something dark in a Glencairn glass. The question catches me off guard. He’s never once asked about my love life. Even now he looks bored.

I swallow harshly before taking a sip of my water. I really don’t want to talk about him. I don’t even have the care to correct his name.

“I dumped him,” I say, short and simple.

My father nods. “Good. He was a complete scoundrel. I’m not sure what you saw in him.”

My eyes widen in shock. Does this mean somewhere deep down he does want the best for me? At least, in terms of me choosing someone who deserves me in some way?

My lips twitch, a small smile wanting to form.

“Now, you’re free to meet your pack,” he says, a nonchalance in his tone.

I see my boys in my mind just before his statement said fully registers.

“How did you know about my pack?” I ask.

As I say it, I realize this is the first time I’ve referred to them as such out loud and it feels good. They are my pack, or they will be.

Gosh, I can’t wait to be with them for the rest of my life.

“What do you mean?” My mother’s words cut through my thoughts and I’m back at the table, both of them are watching me with suspicious expressions.

I’m hesitant to share this part of my life with them. They can criticize Derek all they want, he was an abusive asshole, but my boys are kind and deserving. I definitely don’t want them on my parents’ radar. But I know they probably won’t let it go until I tell them anyway.

“I met my scent matches.”

As I say it, a bright smile finds its place on my lips. It feels good to say, but then I look at my parents and my smile falters.

My father looks annoyed, but my mother is laughing under her breath. I’m confused by their reactions.

“What’s going on?” I ask, feeling embarrassed all of a sudden.

“Dear, scent matches are extremely rare,” my mother says patronizingly. “Are you sure they’re your scent matches?”

I raise my eyebrow. Is she serious?

“Yes, I’m sure. And they are, too.” I sit a bit taller and push my shoulders back.

My mother looks surprised by my response, but my father just shakes his head.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s real or not,” he says before looking back at me with stern eyes. “We’ve already chosen your pack. It’s been settled for a while. We’ve just been waiting for you to drop that loser you were dating.”

It takes me a second to process his words, then I rear back.

He keeps talking. “They’re very nice boys. Sons of one of my associates.”

“I’m sorry, what?” I still can’t believe what I’m hearing. My body is shaking. The realization of what they are trying to force me to do hits me hard, but my mind wants to hold onto the denial that this is happening at all.

“Keep your voice down,” my mother snaps in a hushed voice. “You will bond with them because that is what good omegas do.” She whirls around the liquid in her martini glass and then mutters, “It’s all they’re good for: letting others benefit from the inconvenience of their designation.”

I feel tears threaten to spill over but I try to blink them away. I’ve heard them say things like this my whole life, spit about what omegas are “good for,” but I was optimistic that this day would never come. I was hoping that my parents were just trying to appease their equally pretentious friends.

“But…” My scent matches.

I think about my mates, see each one of their faces in my mind. My omega refuses to lose them.

I feel a burning in my face. The fire living inside me burns its way up my throat before I slam my hand on the table and bark, “I will not.”

“Stacia Marie,” my mother hisses, before looking around for any onlookers.

“I refuse to be used as a pawn for your business. I am not a political chip. I have fucking scent matches. I won’t bond with anyone but them.” My omega stands strong in my chest, willing me out of my seat.

“Enough,” my father growls. “Sit down.”

I wane on shaky legs but ultimately stay standing.

My father’s eyes are full of ice. I never should have thought he cared about me at all.

“We pay for your education,” he puts out his index finger before continuing down the row. “Your rent, your phone bill. If you even think about pulling out of this deal, you will be cut off, and you will be brought home. Forcibly, if need be. Do you understand me?”

My blood runs cold, and my omega whimpers inside me.

“This is important. Way more important than your fantasy of a perfect life with your so-called scent matches. You will grow up and do your duty, or you will be forced to.”

I stare at my father, and the ire in his voice stomps out the fire in my mine. He’s serious. He’s going to force a bond on me, and there’s nothing I can do about it.

The fight in me withers and dies. I silently sit back down, my body feeling numb once more. Their hatred of me and my designation finally seeps in. They continue to talk about it, but I don’t hear anything that’s said. I just go through the motions. Get food, mechanically eat, nod when needing to, breathe through my nose and exhale on repeat.

I finally see them for who they are. They were never going to love me. I wasn’t aware of it, but the little girl inside of me had hope that they would one day wake up and see what was right in front of them. She was hoping that they’d want to be a real family, full of compassion and support. It’s impossible now. That rose-colored window has shattered, and my heart is broken. I didn’t think it was possible that they could break it anymore than they already had.

I try not to think about my mates. The sadness will only pull me further into the numbness, so far down that I’ll lose autonomy.

They are literally the perfect pack and the universe gave them a broken omega with the worst family in the world. So, I try not to think about them.

Breathe in, breathe out. Don’t think about them. Don’t think about them. Don’t think about…

Them.

FORTY-SIX

Playing: Help Me Out by Alicks

The human walks around mindlessly. The area is unfamiliar to us, the loud noise of party-goers echoing throughout the city streets. I ache for home, cozy sheets and those wax melts she knows that I like. She ignores me, or maybe she doesn’t hear me. Her mind is daydreaming, heedless to her surroundings entirely.

She knows that she is floating outside of our body, still contemplating the events from earlier, still believing that this life meant for us will not be a choice of our own.

I try to push her to not accept defeat. I’m growling with all my sentience for her to muster up the courage that we both know she has. This body was meant for this. We were meant to come together, demand that our life be ours. But instead she is thinking of her father through the lens of the little girl inside her that didn’t turn out to be a little beta like he wanted. She hears his voice, full of venom and hatred, demanding her to do what she must all because biology said it must be so. He now deems her worthy only as stock, so she must see herself as such and accept it.

No! Wake up! I try to scream at her, but she’s ignoring the feeling in her gut.

I’m starting to worry that she is no longer in this body with me.

At some point, our shell interacts with others on autopilot. Some of them look at us with hesitant smiles, while others have the same half-lidded eyes.

She accepts the pills when they are offered. I can’t do anything but watch her hand bring them to our mouth. She has taken these before, but never in a dissociative state, and never so many at once.

It’s not a surprise, though. Whenever the spineless alpha would spew evil words at us, she’d take them. The first time was brutal. He apologized a few days later right before hurting us again. He’d gotten flowers, told her that he loved her and that he was the only one who would ever love her that much. She didn’t have the energy to realize the bullshit, still numb and confused. She wanted to pretend it didn’t happen, that it was something she imagined from one of the books she was reading.

She didn’t listen to me then, and she’s not listening to me now. No matter how many instincts I send up her spine, she feels better disconnected. She feels safe this way.

I love her. I don’t blame her for wanting to feel that way.

The verbal beating before the pills was brutal. I felt every sensitivity poked and prodded at by that craven. Something inside my human had turned off that day, and it had stayed off. Until we ran into a pretty beta outside Alpha Xi.

There’s a fogginess now, setting in heavier by the second. She’s brought us to a green clearing now, her footsteps faltering. She freezes as something cold spreads over us. In the confusion, I can hear her thought clearly:

What is happening to me?

Our body falls backwards, but we never hit the ground. I am confused by the sensation. We are sprawled out, but nothing hurts. The body has become completely numb.

It’s a beautiful feeling of nothingness. I feel relaxed, no longer worried about anything or anyone.

Deep in the crevice of our mind, there’s a few faces and names I can’t quite remember.

I am finally experiencing what I’ve been searching for. Complete bliss. I am fully letting go.

I agree with her. We feel on equal ground again, feeling and wanting the same thing. I feel her close our eyes, and a dark abyss chases us.

Then I see their faces. Blonde hair, lightning earrings, the smell of chamomile tea with a good book, the sound of a bass strumming softly in a dimmed room…

My mates…

I panic, sending shock into the body.

Wake up! Stacia, please!

I am banging from the place deep within her. She can no longer hear me, let alone herself. She’s forgotten that I know what we need, and now we are here, dying in the sunken earth.

My mates. I plead…

I’m so sorry.

I remember each of their scents one more time before I succumb to feeling once again, and let it drag us under.

FORTY-SEVEN

Playing: I Will Follow You into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie

We haven’t heard from Stacia. All of our texts have gone unanswered and it’s been hours since the dinner with her parents.

Our instincts are riding us hard, but Atlas stays firm.

“We have to give her space to come to us,” he reminds us for the ten-millionth time. “This is still a lot for her.”

Ciro puts his phone back down after checking it yet again. “I just wish I knew she was safe. And happy.”

“We would if we were bonded,” I mutter, more to myself than them, but when I look up, they’re all staring at me.

Atlas gives me that prime alpha sternness. “That is the opposite of patient.”

“I don’t feel very fucking patient. I feel like my omega needs me,” I spit at them, feeling my anger pivot exponentially. “We all know something is wrong. It’s just that the 1 percent chance that she’s okay is screwing with you. They’re called instincts for a reason, and we need to fucking follow them.”

More than her needing me, I need her. I need to see her, remind her of her worth, hold her securely in my arms.

“We’re all just tense because we know how she feels about her parents,” Kendall says diplomatically. He’s playing with the string of his hoodie, the compulsive motion helping keep his brain occupied.

His mention of Stacia’s parents causes my teeth to grind. From everything she’s told us about them, they are the last people I’d ever want around my omega. She deserves the absolute world, and they don’t deserve to be a part of it.

My body is shaking with anger. I’m trying my hardest to rein in my alpha, but he’s out for blood.

Specifically from a couple of prejudiced beta-parents.

“Uri.” Atlas’ voice disguises itself as calm, but I see the fury in his eyes. He forgets that I know we’re cut from the same cloth.

I’m the scary intimidating alpha, just not to those that know me.

He’s the calm studious alpha, but only us closest to him know of the misfit underneath. The devious nature residing in him is from a vulnerable place, reserved for pack only.

And I see the darkness he wants to unleash. Which makes me even angrier.

“You cut the shit,” I hiss at him, which makes his eyes harden. “You look me in the eyes and swear to me that you don’t feel this urgency. Go ahead. Fucking lie to me.”

My response sets off a chain reaction. Atlas steps up to me, prompting Kendall and Ciro to immediately try to find their way between us. They’re trying to calm us as we yell at each other. Half of the words don’t even land because of the wrath coursing through me.

My alpha is nearly screaming. The intensity is almost too much to bear.

The shouting ceases as my phone begins to ring. The air gets sucked out of the room as we all look at it in silence.

Nobody ever calls me.

When I look at the caller ID, my heart sinks and I answer frantically, “Rory?”

The tension rises even more

I hear a few deep breaths, almost like our mate’s friend has been crying. It makes my stomach ache.

“Put it on fucking speaker,” Ciro hisses in his most powerful beta bark.

I put it on and angle the phone between us. “Rory, what’s wrong?” I ask as gently as I can. My panic is normally occupied by anger, but my mate’s favorite person in the world doesn’t deserve that right now.

“Uriah, I’m so sorry,” she finally speaks, huffing heavily between her words. “Where are you? Are you with the others? Oh god⁠—”

We all hear her descent back into her tears. Uncontrollable sobs pierce through the speaker as we’re all frozen with fear.

“What’s happening?” Atlas cuts in, his voice only partially betraying the anguish within it.

“Stacia… she was out for so long. I tried to text and call her, but she wouldn’t answer… I had a bad feeling. I always have a bad feeling when it comes to her parents, they’re the fucking worst.” A growl seeps into her words when speaking about Stacia’s parents, but then she sniffles. “Her location is still shared with me, so I checked it. I traced it and she was so far away…” She’s talking slowly, trying to get out the words amongst her distress but then she starts screaming. “I found her in a fucking bush! She overdosed! We’re on the way to the hospital right now…”

Rory keeps yelling, but all I hear is ringing. My body locks up, and I’m falling into a pit.

The phone is taken out of my hand. I look up and see my prime speaking into it, a serious look on his face. His words are blurred as my body tries to overcome the anxiety.

There’s a few moments where I’m suspended outside my body. I feel my heart pounding, but I’m not grounded. Everything else is pushing me out, willing me to turn off, but then I feel a hand on my shoulder. It’s heavy, giving me a significant squeeze. I can’t move at first, my body paralyzed with fear. Then, I look up into my prime’s eyes and they are soft in contrast to his grip that’s holding me firm and steady.

“You were right.” He speaks just above a whisper as his forehead finds mine. “I am sorry. I am so sorry.”

I feel his anguish. His pain. The feeling hits me in the gut, and it leaves me breathless that we’re connected this deep despite there not being a bond between us.

I cradle the back of his head and give him an affectionate squeeze.

I should be angry. My alpha should be angry. But I know he’s beating himself up way more than I ever could, so the moment is already gone and forgiven.

Atlas lets go and takes one final breath before settling. I can see the moment his alpha decides to take the reins, proving once and for all why he’s the prime we chose.

“Kendall, go get my keys. Ciro, get something that has all of our scents on it. Then, we need to go. Immediately.”

We all disperse and then congregate by the front door. We step out in silence, but it’s not uncomfortable. This is how a pack works, and this is the first real test we’ve had as one. When one of us starts to fall, there’s another to lift us up.

And right now, we all need to be prepared to lift up our omega. Together.

FORTY-EIGHT

Playing: There You Are by Zayn Malik

It’s a wave of emotions the second I open my eyes.

The first is relief. I feel light, floaty. A little bit hungry. Then I’m so incredibly sore.

I pinch my eyes closed, my brain trying to determine where the discomfort is coming from. I reach up and feel my head, noticing the slight pressure in my skull.

The lights in here are way too fucking bright. Like I’m on stage or under some cartoon-style police interrogation.

“Stacia?” I hear, and there’s movement around me, more than one body letting out breaths of relief.

“Fuck, go get a nurse,” I hear someone say.

“Stacia, baby, we’re here, everything’s okay.”

My vision focuses, I turn my head towards the sound, seeing dark hair and intense eyes. “Uriah.” My voice is scratchy, but bearable. I feel him tighten his hold around my hand, which I didn’t even realize was being held.

The room comes into focus and the white is blinding. The overhead lights are giving me an instantaneous headache. My hand gets snagged when I go to scratch my nose. I look down to see an I.V. is attached.

Oh shit. I’m in the hospital.

“What”—I pause, forcing myself to swallow—“happened?”

My omega inside of me feels like she’s curled up into a ball. I clutch my hand to my chest, feeling suddenly disappointed. In what, I’m not sure. But the feeling is immense and impossible to ignore.

I look back at them, and they’re all looking at me with hesitant glances. I notice my blond alpha is missing seconds before he’s returning, a pretty beta with a clipboard following behind him.

“Hi, Stacia. Can you answer a few questions for me?” I give her a nod. “What year is it?”

“2024.”

“How old are you?”

“Twenty.”

“And lastly, what is the last thing you remember before waking up?”

I hadn’t really thought about it, but now that I am, I feel my bones go cold. My father’s voice rings in my ears.

You will grow up and do your duty, or you will be forced to.

“Dinner with my parents.”

Uriah’s growl is so low, I think I’m the only one who hears it.

The nurse writes something down. “So, you don’t remember how you got here?”

I try to, I really do. But all I remember is how I felt after my father said those horrible things.

And the whining of my omega inside me. Yelling at me.

“No, I don’t,” I regretfully say.

She nods. “That’s okay, Stacia. It might come back in time. I’m going to get the doctor so we can discuss next steps.”

“Wait,” I say, halting her retreat. “But… what happened?”

She opens her mouth to tell me, but Atlas puts a hand up. “We’ll tell her.”

The nurse nods with a polite smile before leaving the room.

I look up into the eyes of my alpha, my prime. He looks sorrowful, but also every bit as strong and mischievous. Just like he always does. He watches me, hesitant.

“Please, At,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

He closes his eyes and sighs deeply. “Rory found you unconscious,” he starts before walking closer to me. “You… You overdosed, Stacia.”

I hear the words, but they don’t make sense.

“I what?”

“They had to pump your stomach.” This time it’s Kendall, so I whip my head to look at him. “They also think you have a mild concussion from the fall.”

“From the fall?” I don’t even acknowledge the part about pumping my stomach. No wonder I feel so physically empty. “Where was I?”

“Central park. They think you wandered there from downtown.”

Despite the emptiness, I feel nauseous. I close my eyes, willing the memories to appear. I clench harder, trying to remember anything.

“What happened at dinner, Stacia?” Atlas asks.

I don’t want to remember that.

“Nothing,” I say, very unconvincingly.

“Stacia.” My beautiful beta steps up next to me, sincere seriousness in his gaze. “There’s two possibilities here. One, someone drugged you enough to almost kill you, and if that’s the case, we’re about to become a pack of criminals. Or two, something happened at dinner. You dissociated to the point of blacking out and did what you normally do when you’re emotionally triggered. You looked for drugs.”

I swallow heavily. Is that what happened? Did I do this to myself?

“Do you think your parents would drug you?” Uriah asks. I shake my head immediately.

“No. Definitely not.” Because they want to sell me and they can’t do that if I’m dead.

“Please tell us what happened at dinner, baby.”

The heaviness of his hand around mine grounds me. I give it a squeeze, holding on for dear life.

“My parents were as awful as ever,” I admit, “but this time, it was worse. They had some news for me.”

“What did they tell you, angel?”

I shake my head. I don’t want to tell them, because what if they realize I’m too much trouble to handle? There’s nothing we can do when it comes to my father, he means what he says and that terrifies me.

“That they have a pack for me, they were just waiting for me to dump Derek so they could introduce us. I told them no.” My voice ramps up, tears suddenly welling into my eyes. “I told them I had scent matches, I wouldn’t bond with anyone else. I was ready to throw it all away, but they told me that it doesn’t matter. That you being my scent matches doesn’t matter, because I’m an omega so I have to do what omegas are born to do. They’re trying to force me to bond with a pack from my dad’s company and I don’t know what to do.”

The sobs are out of control now, tears soaking my face. I couldn’t break down like this at dinner.

I must have shut off instead, to protect myself.

Uriah puts his arm around me and tugs me as far as I can go into his body. They all close in towards the bed, their mingle of scents attempting to calm me but the tears only come faster.

“He said I didn’t have a choice. He said they would force me, cut me off, take everything away. I wouldn’t put it past them to kidnap me and take me back home. I see it now, who they really are. I wouldn’t let myself see how bad it was before, but they’re nasty people and I don’t know what to do.”

They let me cry it out, and I do. I’m exhausted by the time it all comes out, my face a wet, blubbering mess. I only stop because I realize I’m not hydrated enough to cry anymore.

“Here’s some water, baby.” Uriah gives me a small cup, sticks the straw to my lips. I inhale the water quickly.

“I know it feels heavy, Stacia.” Atlas leans down beside the bed, giving me soft eyes that make me whimper. “But we will find a way around it, I promise. Nothing is going to happen. We are your scent matches, your mates, and we will be here for you no matter what. Until this blows over, one of us will be by your side, okay?”

He makes it sound so simple. He’s magnificent, and so reassuring. And he’s mine.

I reach out and place my palm on his cheek. His eyes flutter closed as he nuzzles it, placing a kiss to my palm. “You are perfect,” I whisper, another tear falling down my cheek.

He places his hand on top of mine, his eyes never leaving my gaze. “And so are you, Stacia. We’ve waited for you for a long time. The universe will have to do a much better job than this to keep us apart.”

“Amen to that,” Ciro says, clapping his hands together. “I’m not much of a fighter, but I’m down for a throw-down.”

His enthusiasm makes me laugh.

“What are you on about over there?” Uriah asks, his eyes narrowed in confusion.

Ciro only shrugs. “I’m the only person who hasn’t punched someone for Stacia, and I feel like I should get to. And if I get to choose, I’d like to punch her father. Right square in the nose.”

Atlas tries to hide his amusement. “We probably shouldn’t be discussing this in a hospital.”

I let out a soft giggle before looking back at Atlas. “You said Rory found me,” I start, and he nods.

“She’s still here, Stacia. We’re back here because we’re your scent matches. Bonding or not, that means we’re family.”

“Is that really what it means? Legally?” I ask. Scent matches are so serious, they’re recognized by the law without actual bonds?

They all nod, and I’m dumbfounded. I should have done my research on scent matches after realizing I had some.

Before I can ask them more questions, there’s a knock at the door and a dark haired beta enters the room. My mates all huddle to one side of the bed so the doctor can stand on the other. He gives me a kind smile.

“Hey, Stacia. I’m Dr. Jenson. How are you feeling?”

“Sore. Really empty, but it’s not terrible.”

He looks at the chart in front of him. “And emotionally?”

I feel a bit uncomfortable discussing it, but I give an honest answer anyway. “A bit ashamed. Embarrassed. But I’m a thousand times better now that my scent matches are with me.”

He nods, giving my pack a happy glance. “I’m glad. I want to talk to you about the drugs. The nurse said that you don’t remember taking them.”

I shake my head. “I tend to dissociate heavily sometimes. I don’t think I was present when I took them.”

He looks thoughtful, then serious. “The next question I have for you is sensitive, Stacia. Would you like to speak alone?”

I shake my head. “No, I’m okay with my mates being here.”

He nods. “I know you can’t remember, Stacia, but I have to ask. Do you think you were trying to kill yourself?”

I flinch at the question. That’s not something I’ve ever thought about, not seriously. At dinner, I felt trapped. Dismissed. But enough to feel like dying?

Drugs are always a way for me to step away from my life, away from the problems I don’t want to deal with. But do I want to die? That answer is clear.

I swallow before speaking. “I have some trouble… coping with stuff in my life. But I’ve never thought about dying. It’s more of… stepping out for a moment temporarily, not permanently.”

“That’s good to hear. We still have to keep you for observation. Only a day or two. Have your mates talked to you about your options?”

Ciro laughs. “We didn’t really have time to, doc. There was so much to discuss already.”

Dr. Jenson flashes a look of surprise, clearly taken aback by Ciro’s lightheartedness. I crack a laugh myself just before the alphas join in. The glorious sound breathes life back into the room.

“Sorry, Doctor. It’s been a long day,” Atlas apologizes, although he’s finding it hard to swallow his own amusement.

“That’s okay,” he responds, finally cracking a small smile at us. “I’m glad you have such a good support system, Stacia.”

I give him a happy nod. “So, my options? What are they for?”

Atlas clears his throat. “We talked to the nurse a little about your dissociation, and we all thought it would be beneficial if you started going to therapy.”

“A therapist that’s also a psychologist,” Dr. Jenson adds. “So you can see them for a while, figure out what exactly triggers your dissociation, and discuss potential treatment plans.”

The thought makes my stomach churn, but I think that’s because therapists weren’t talked about very highly in my house growing up. In fact, psychology as a topic was seen as extremely taboo. That kind of makes sense now, though.

“I’m not really sure how to find a good therapist.”

The doctor grins. “We have very good resources to help refer you. And, if you find that it’s not a good fit, we can always find someone else. But, I’d like for you to consider it before we discharge you.”

I nod, looking at the floor as the doctor keeps talking. I almost zone out, but then I feel a small squeeze around my hand. I look over at Uriah, who’s looking at me like I’m everything. It takes my breath away. He holds my hand firm in his, intending to keep me in the moment.

“Okay, let’s do it,” I agree while staring at my alpha. I feel more tears well up but blink them back. “I’ll go to therapy.”

“That’s excellent, Stacia.”

The doctor starts to discuss other things, like how to nurse my concussion and what I can’t eat for the next 24-48 hours because of my stomach being pumped. I’m listening, but I’m mainly taking in my mates. How they listen intently. Uriah is jotting down notes in his phone. It’s a sight to behold. I feel extremely lucky, both for waking up and for having the support that I do.

I am ready to do whatever I need to in order to keep them, no matter the consequences. They are mine, and I’m ready to claim them.

FORTY-NINE

Playing: She Used to Be Mine by Sara Bareilles

“Stacia?”

I blink a few times, my eye sight coming back into focus before I look around. I’m in a room that I’ve become quite familiar with these past few weeks. There’s a soft blue rug under my feet, and a sound machine in the corner that’s playing ocean waves on its lowest volume. It smells a bit like rose oil with a hint of descenter.

I meet the eyes of my therapist. She’s wearing a patient smile, her hands resting in front of her.

Therapy is different from what I expected. I actually look forward to my appointments. Mrs. Abrams is so kind and validating, even when I’m being closed off or insecure.

The first few sessions were hard. I spent a lot of the allotted time spaced out, not wanting to recall the difficult moments where I had felt the most out of control. She reminded me that we could talk about anything I wanted, or nothing at all. She also reminded me that honesty would help her figure out the best possible treatment plan possible.

So I told the truth.

I spoke about my parents and everything I could ever recall them saying during my youth. I recounted my entire relationship with Derek, all the way up until I finally called it quits and the harassment that started after. I told her about my scent matches and how it’s been a journey to accept them, because I ultimately felt like I was not worthy of their affections.

My memory from a few moments ago returns. I had just finished recalling my hospitalization. I explained that I didn’t remember taking any drugs or even leaving the restaurant after dinner. Only the pain on my mates’ faces when I woke up in that hospital bed.

I swallow roughly. “I’m sorry.”

“There’s no need to apologize, Stacia. It’s a difficult memory, one that you obviously want to forget. I’m honored that you shared that with me, thank you.”

I give her a solemn nod.

“I noticed that you used your senses to come back to the present. Has that method been helpful to you?”

“Yes.” The husk in my voice causes me to cough. “It’s been helpful, yes. I’m working hard on grounding when I feel myself slipping. My mates bought all kinds of essential oils so I can use them to ground.”

She gives me a genuine smile. “And these, what you call, ‘smaller’ episodes… have they been happening while you’re with your pack or mainly during therapy?”

“Definitely therapy, but they might happen if I get too deep in my head no matter where I am or who I’m with. I could be in the middle of a conversation that I’m enjoying, but if a certain memory resurfaces…”

“Can you pinpoint any specific memories?”

I cringe. “Any memory with Derek, even the earlier ones because I look back and feel… naive. And a lot of childhood memories. The most painful one is probably—” I hear my father’s voice in my head, disappointed and angry all in one. “When I designated as an omega.”

“Why do you think that memory resurfaces so often?”

The hangnail beside my index finger suddenly looks really interesting as my heart rate speeds up, but I wiggle my toes against the carpet to find my center. “I think that was the first time I really… understood that my parents weren’t typically strict like other parents. They had this real hatred in their hearts… and I had become the thing they hate. Before, I thought if I could just be better, they would show some kind of humanity towards me. But it only got worse after that. It was the biggest red flag being waved in my face, and I still ignored it. Still thought that maybe, one day, they would start being real parents. Loving ones…”

I trail off. Mrs. Abrams goes to write a few notes, and I ask what I’ve been curious about this entire session. “Do you know what I have? Or… do I have something serious? Is that why this happens to me? Why I dissociate?”

She gives me a thoughtful expression before putting her pen down. “It’s a bit early for a diagnosis.”

“But it’s not impossible?”

She shakes her head, her kind smile still present. “Nothing’s impossible. Dissociation is a spectrum, and you do tend to dissociate often, but I’m not confident enough yet to say whether or not you have a disorder. It’s a coping mechanism. This is how your body reacts under extreme stress. From what you’ve told me, you’ve experienced this your entire life and you’ve been condemned by your parents for it for as long as you can remember, but that doesn’t tell me if you were born this way or if their constant criticism caused this mechanism to develop early on.”

Her words hit me hard. “So… I may be this way because of external circumstances?”

I’d never thought of that before. I always assumed it was a part of me, an extension of my identity.

“Correct. It could be a form of PTSD from emotional abuse. Both from your parents and your most recent relationship. I’m almost positive that the abuse and harassment you suffered this past year has re-triggered this fight-or-flight response, which is making your dissociation seem much more difficult to handle. Drug abuse can also trigger more episodes.”

“It can?”

She nods. “Using drugs under distress is a form of escapism, much like dissociation is.”

“Do you think the drugs I took made me blackout before overdosing?

“I considered it, but I think there’s another possibility. I think dinner that night with your parents was so stressful that you had what’s called a blackout episode. It’s a form of dissociative amnesia. It explains why you don’t remember leaving the restaurant or taking the drugs. While you weren’t in your body, your body did what it was used to, which was find a party and substances to disappear into.”

My thoughts scramble. That’s a scary thing to consider, especially if I have to prevent it from happening again. “But… why this time? Why was this time so extreme that I blacked out instead of zoning out?”

Her expression is cautious as she thinks about how to word her next sentence. “Your parents are an obvious trigger for you. I think they hold a lot of power when it comes to how you feel about yourself. From what you just told me, you’ve always hoped they would eventually become what you need them to be, parents who love and cherish you. Every time there’s a moment where they show you who they really are, it shatters that illusion, and—bit by bit—the child inside of you that didn’t get the love she deserved feels more alone. It’s hard to come to terms with that new reality, one where that hope is completely gone. It started falling apart when you designated, and it’s been crumbling ever since. I think the stress was too much, and you did the only thing that you could to feel safe. And since it was an extreme situation, your dissociation became extreme to reflect that.”

I slump my shoulders against the couch, feeling suddenly exhausted. “Do I need medication?”

She tilts her head in thought once more. “Medication is an option, definitely, and that option is up to you. Whether you decide to start medication or to continue cognitive therapy, your dissociation seems very manageable considering your willingness to practice mindfulness. Not to mention the support system you have with your scent matches and best friend.”

I can’t hide the smile at her mentioning my mates and Rory. My new family. Family that I chose.

“You’re doing splendid work, Stacia. And remember, your dissociation isn’t the enemy, it’s just how you cope. Realizing what causes it is the first step to identifying the root so you can start to heal.”

I smile at the praise, reminding myself to feel the carpet under my feet and to smell the rose scent circling around us.

“Are you ready to dig further?”

I give her a confident nod. As long as I remember I have my soulmates behind me, I can do anything. Despite both the necessary and difficult work ahead, I have people in my corner, and I finally have myself in my corner too.

There’s nothing that can stop me.

FIFTY

“Fuck,” Stacia pants. I am trying to catch my own breath, but can’t help but admire the state she’s in. Blissed out, flushed, and absolutely beautiful.

I maneuver her body so she can comfortably lie on top of me. She clenches around my knot, causing an inhuman sound to leave my mouth.

Ciro comes up to kiss her neck and shoulders, grinning feverishly. “I think we should put the alpha on clean up duty, what do you say, omega?”

I narrow my eyes at him over her shoulder. “I don’t know if you missed your autonomy lessons, but we are currently bound. I’m not going anywhere for a while.”

He playfully rolls his eyes. “I obviously meant after.”

Stacia giggles between us. “I don’t care who does it or if it even gets done at all.” She rubs her face into my chest. “I love the way we all smell together.”

A prominent purr begins in my chest. “Then we’ll clean later.” Ciro settles onto his back as we all lie there, basking in the afterglow.

It’s been a transitional time these past few weeks. Stacia seems lighter, happier. Therapy has helped way more than any of us could have expected. But even though it’s been good, we still expect good and bad days. Healing isn’t linear, and we know there will be times when Stacia feels the heaviness she once did. Atlas has kept us afloat and continues to facilitate the healthy communication we all need. The most important thing is that Stacia knows that we want to be here for everything, all the ups and downs. There’s nothing she can do that will turn us away. We are all in.

Speaking of the devil, my bedroom door opens to show my prime’s face. He also looks happier and less burdened. Seeing our omega safe and happy always does that for him, no matter what else there is to worry about.

“You certainly look comfy,” Atlas says affectionately, leaning down to kiss Stacia’s cheek. Uriah steps in behind him.

“I am,” I say, leaning my face towards him. “Where’s mine?”

He kisses my cheek right before flicking me hard. I laugh as he settles onto the bed beside us.

Uriah stays standing, something our omega notices right away.

“Alpha,” she pouts.

He crosses his arms, unrelenting. “I can’t, baby. I have practice and I refuse to let those knob-heads smell you.”

Oh, thank god. Nova, their guitarist, is the most hedonistic person I’ve ever met.

Stacia smiles, obviously happy with the response. “Fine. I hope it goes well. And you know that song you showed me? It was awesome, make sure to tell them I thought it was sick.”

Uriah grins. “I won’t be telling them that, baby. Maybe Phineas, because he’s the only one that has morals and won’t use it to irritate me for weeks on end.”

She snorts, but lets it go.

Atlas clears his throat. “Now that we’re all here, I think we should go ahead and ask her.”

A big grin appears on my face. What a thing to do while she’s strangling my cock.

“Ask me what?”

Atlas leans in, his hand going to caress her cheek. “How would you feel if you had your own space… here… permanently?”

Her eyes widen. “Like… move in?”

We all nod, feeling anxious but giddy at the same time. I don’t need to have a bond with them to know my brothers are just as nervous and excited as me.

“Yes, doe. We’d like you to move in with us, officially. And… we’d like to bond.”

Her eyes widen even more, her lips stretching into a massive grin. “Shut up. Are you serious?”

Her perfume emanates through the room, and we all groan as Atlas turns her face back to him. “We are serious. You are our omega. Forever.”

“Yours,” she murmurs, a different type of happiness taking over her features. She looks so free, and it fills me with so many emotions. “Yes. I’d love both of those things.”

I put my thumb under her chin and turn her to me, taking her lips because I want to remember this moment. The moment when my omega agreed to be ours forever, all while sitting on my knot and accepting my kiss first.

“We should celebrate,” Atlas says.

“Hazelnut M&Ms?” Stacia asks. She always has chocolate on the brain after sex.

“And charades!” Ciro adds.

She groans slightly before giving me a flirty smirk. “As long as my alpha lets me win.”

I give one of her ass cheeks a punishing slap. When she squeals, I feel my cock pulse inside her. “Maybe my omega can convince me.”

She bites her lip and I am done for.

FIFTY-ONE

Rory taps a knuckle against the door. She smiles wide at me before taking a look around my room. My belongings are scattered across the space. The way in which I decided to pack is definitely questionable, but I can’t even be bothered by the chaotic mess because of the happiness I feel. It’s like nothing can pull me down.

Instead of remarking on the mess, a happy sheen builds in Rory’s eyes. “I’m really going to miss you.”

“Aw, Cranny.” I stop what I’m doing and make my way to her. “I won’t be very far. It’s not like I’m moving across the country.”

She fake pouts. “I know. I don’t know why I’m having this reaction. I’m so happy for you, and this has nothing to do with me. I’m just feeling… unsettled.”

“That’s a normal omega response to have, Rory.” I quirk an eyebrow at her. “It’s okay to feel how you feel even if it doesn’t make sense. Our hormones do that to us sometimes.”

Rory tilts her head at me, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “Is that something you learned in therapy?”

I shrug slightly. “Amongst other things. Sometimes we don’t have to figure out or fix the thing that caused the emotion, we just have to feel it in the moment and let it pass.”

I watch my best friend process what I said, which is probably what I looked like the first time I heard it. It can be strange, feeling like a victim to your own biology. I know Rory feels this way more than most omegas. “May I say something even though it may sound hypocritical?”

Rory gives me a curious look but then nods. “Of course.”

“Please promise me you’ll cater to your omega more. Give into more of her needs. We’ve both been ignoring ours for so long… but trust me, it feels so much better to let them live. It’s like… welcoming home a piece of yourself that you didn’t realize you’d been neglecting.”

A dose of emotion pokes through my words, causing my lower lip to tremble slightly. “Sorry,” I apologize, realizing I had said that not only for her, but for myself.

“Stacia.” Rory gives my shoulder an affectionate squeeze, “I promise I’ll try, only because I’ve seen what it’s done for you and your happiness. I’m not even sure I have the same omega needs as other omegas. I’ve certainly never felt them.”

“There’s that Sagittarian stubbornness I know and love.”

That has her laughing before she pulls me into a hug. It’s one of mutual adoration, and it has me feeling extremely grateful for a friend as amazing as her. Even if she never discovers her own omega needs, I’ll be here for her every step of the way.

She was there for me when I wasn’t even there for myself, and that’s a debt I’m not sure I can ever repay. But damn, I’ll certainly fucking try.

“We’ll still have our girls’ nights, right?”

I clasp her hand in mine. “Of course. We can even have them more often. And Opal can join them now since she’ll be taking over my lease.”

Opal was very excited for me to finally take the next move with my pack, but she was also excited to learn that a spot in an off-campus house would become available for her to take. Especially one with a roommate she already knows.

She’s been a breath of fresh air these past few months. She understands her authentic self more than anyone I’ve ever met, and it’s been an absolute delight to watch her embrace it. She’s timid, but sarcastic. She’s a homebody, and very proud of it. One afternoon while we were hanging out, she described herself as a “goblin hermit.”

“I’m so glad I don’t have to live with a stranger,” Rory says with a relieved sigh. “Also, she has the most impressive mug collection I’ve ever fucking seen. They’re all either pastel or shaped like a cartoon character. I’m jealous. I hope she lets me use them when she moves in.”

“I’m sure she will,” I laugh, going back to packing. “She’ll give you a lot less trouble than I did, that’s for sure.”

“Stop that.” She flicks me in the head, making me laugh. “You were going through stuff. It was an honor to help you.”

“Just let me help you, too, when the time comes.”

She scoffs. “You can help me read lines, because I’ll have that Shakespeare class, remember?”

“Oh gosh, how could I forget? You don’t even like anything historical, but god forbid there’s a genre you haven’t mastered yet.” She gives me an exasperated look, which causes me to erupt into laughter.

“How dare you point that out.” She joins in my amusement. “It’ll be fun. If I can pull off a historical role, then my contemporary ones will be that much easier. It’s as simple as that.”

“You don’t have to convince me. I’m glad you have something you’re so passionate about, Cranny.”

There’s a moment of comfortable silence. I’m in the middle of putting my extension cords away in the same box as my candles when Rory speaks up again.

“Stacia… I know you’re excited about moving in with them and bonding, but I have to ask… are you scared?”

I hear what she’s not directly asking. It’s a bit of an unspoken thing for most omegas. We’re built for it, yes, but we all experience it at different ages. If an omega doesn’t bond with anyone at all, they never experience it. Still, I feel both exuberance and anxiousness crawl through me at the thought of it.

My very first heat.

“I’m terrified,” I admit, meeting her eyes. “I trust my mates completely, so it’s not about that. It’s about… ironically, how mindless I’ll be. That lack of control scares me. I’m guessing it’s something that scares you too.”

She gives me a solemn nod. “But I also can’t imagine trusting anyone enough to help me through something like that. It’s really beautiful that you have it.”

Her expression is pinched. I’m sure most newly-presented omegas discuss their inevitable heats with their friends, but Rory and I have been running from our designation for so long. It’s only ever been something we’ve talked about in code. Just another scary thing that loomed over us because of what we were. Something we couldn’t choose or control.

“I think I’m worried my brain will associate my heat with being dissociated and that once it’s over, I’ll convince myself that I’ve regressed.” I shrug. “It’s something I’ll bring up in therapy before we lock ourselves away, but I’m curious how it will feel. Or if I’ll feel anything at all. I’m also worried that I’ll give them a hard time about taking care of me. Atlas will probably panic if I refuse to eat.” The thought makes me giggle.

“That’s a lot to think about.” Rory smiles with me. “I bet it’ll be amazing, and not nearly as scary as we’re imagining. I’m here for you, if you want to talk about it afterwards.”

“Well, I’d hope so. You’re my best friend. And as you stated a long time ago, we don’t have privacy anymore. You’re required to know everything that happens.”

She rolls her eyes at me. “Don’t hold that against me.”

Rory tries to help me sort through the chaos when we hear a truck pull up outside. “That must be your pack with the U-Haul.”

I try and fail miserably not to beam at the words. We grab a few boxes that are already full and sealed. When I get to the door, however, it’s Opal on the other side.

“Holy shit! You came after all,” Rory exclaims behind me. Our new ginger friend gives us a sassy grin before grabbing the box from my hands.

“I wanted to see you off. I feel like it’s proper, seeing the recipient of my future room hauling off her belongings. It’s very… symbolic, I think. And anxiety-inducing, because I’ll be the one hauling items next.”

Rory and I try to hide our amusement and fail miserably.

Opal’s expression changes into something vulnerable. “And I also, maybe… just wanted to be here. For support.”

My heart melts at the uncertainty in her features. I look at my two friends and feel all the platonic butterflies.

“Oh, you,” I say vaguely. I also don’t know how to be vulnerable in casual settings. We’re working on it in therapy.

“Did you drive here, Opal? I didn’t know you drove,” Rory cuts in.

Opal shakes her head timidly. “No. My friend dropped me off.”

Rory narrows her eyes. “The same horrible friend that set you up on that blind date?”

Her expression is instantly guilty. She shrugs casually and waves it off. “It’s all good now. She feels bad about that.”

I can feel a protective anger start up in Rory, so I step in between them and give Opal my own stern look. “Just let us know if she gives you any more trouble. You’re our friend now, too.”

The sentiment makes her smile and almost fumble the box in her hands. Before we can continue the conversation, I hear tires against asphalt.

“Now, that must be my pack. Or maybe Sam.” I’m certainly not expecting anyone else.

“Sam?” Opal asks.

“He’s the president of Alpha Xi,” Rory answers. “I thought you met him at the fundraiser?”

The confusion makes itself known with a scrunch of her eyebrows. “What’s he look like?”

“Blond hair. Blue eyes. Smells like green apples.” I think of more descriptors, “He was dressed casually that day, but he’s normally dressed really nice. Loves charity work. Has a sarcastic streak if you know him, according to my mates.”

“Hm.” Opal looks like she’s thinking really hard. “I was so overwhelmed while we were there, all the scaly creatures.”

She uses her fingers to mimic pinchers, which causes me to snort.

“We should get moving or this will take all day.” Rory continues speaking through the side of her mouth. “Opal, you should see the state of Stacia’s room.”

I scoff loudly at her. “And here I thought you ignored the mess to be polite. What the fuck?”

We all crack a laugh as we head to the door. It’s not until we’re opening it that we hear it… these familiar screeching voices.

“We’re here to see our daughter.”

“Who are you?”

Oh shit. My parents.

FIFTY-TWO

Playing: Daisies by Katy Perry

“You both have too much testosterone. Can you not sweat on me for one fucking day?” Ciro pushes us, trying to give himself more room between Uriah and I in this shrunken front seat.

“You could have hitched a ride with Atlas,” Uriah mutters.

The scoff from Ciro is dramatic. “I thought he was going to take forever. With all the nesting and preparing he’s been doing, you’d think he was the damn omega.”

“Don’t give me that kind of visual. I will throat punch you.”

I cough on a laugh while keeping my eyes on the road. Stacia’s neighborhood is a nicer one, lawn after lawn of perfectly mowed grass.

Do we need to buy a better lawn mower?

Maybe one where our omega can join us, sit on our lap…

I shake away the horny thoughts coming from my alpha as I pull into the driveway. Atlas pulls in behind us.

Ciro crawls out after me—apparently Uriah is taking too long—and takes a dramatic inhale of the fresh air outside.

“You’re not serious. We don’t smell that bad.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “My nose has never felt more violated. I could smell you guys before because we were pack, but the closer we get to Stacia, the more potent you guys become. Is that normal?”

Shit, I have no idea.

It kind of makes sense. Our group is about to add its final member, considerably its most important member. Maybe we’ve unlocked a deeper sense of instinct amongst each other as well. If we can smell each other better, we can certainly indicate distress within each other better as well.

“Just imagine what it’ll be like when we’re bonded.” Atlas appears behind us and Ciro almost flinches. “Did I scare you, Ci? I thought you could smell us better.”

Our beta brother rolls his eyes. “Sorry, I just assumed there was a library nearby.”

Atlas flips him the finger as we start to walk up the driveway to our omega’s front door. “We’re all about to get a lot more smelly from moving Stacia’s stuff, so get used to it—” He looks out on the road just as Sam’s Volvo parks on the road.

And, of course, he’s in a suit of all things.

“How are you supposed to help us in that?” I shout to him.

He’s giving me a full-on smirk as he makes his way to us. “I didn’t have time to change. Do you have a spare outfit on you?”

Atlas shakes his head with a laugh. “We’re just glad you’re here in general, so thank you. Did your mock trial go okay?”

My eyes widen. “Oh shit, that was today! How did it go?”

He gives an appreciative smile before shrugging his shoulders. “It went well. I didn’t realize performance anxiety was a thing for lawyers. It is.”

“Of course there is! There’s anxiety on the ice, in a courtroom, on the stage, in the bedroom…”

“Okay, Ciro. We get it,” Uriah tries to say grumpily, but his warm smile betrays him.

I turn back to Sam. His scent is muted by an emotion that I can’t decipher. “Is everything okay, man?” I try to ask discreetly, but the others hear me anyway.

Sam looks at each of us, like he’s trying to determine how much to say. “I didn’t want to bring this up today because it’s supposed to be your day but… I met my omega.”

“Holy shit!” My worry instantly turns to joy as I think about what this means for our friend. Meeting Stacia was the turning point for us, both individually and as a pack. Reflecting back, there were all sorts of emotions, but the good ones outweighed the bad by a longshot, and it all worked out better than we could have dreamed.

He deserves that same love and care from someone. It’s the best feeling in the world.

Atlas slaps him on the back. “That’s incredible, Sam! When did this happen?”

“A few days ago. We met in the quad. We just walked by each other and… his scent was unmistakable. I knew he was mine.” He’s trying to school his alpha giddiness, but it’s beaming out with pride.

“We’re so happy for you, man.” Uriah surprisingly gives Sam the first congratulatory hug, and we all look at him with surprise, including our president.

“Sorry about that Sam,” Ciro starts, “finding our mate has turned Uriah into a total softie.”

The laugh that escapes me only amplifies as Uriah sends him a death glare. Ciro continues, completely ignoring him, “So, I guess we’ll be helping you move out soon, too, huh?”

“I hope so, but I’ve got to find a place first and then there’s Thatcher⁠—”

There’s a sudden disturbance as we watch another car abruptly pull up and stop in front of the house. I look closer and see that it’s a Porsche.

A fucking Porsche.

The couple that steps out look at us with disdain. The man looks cold, his hand on his wife’s back robotic and on autopilot. The woman is sneering behind her Gucci sunglasses, some ridiculously expensive handbag hanging from her forearm.

Don’t they know we’re in Massachusetts, not upstate New York?

“Excuse me,” I hear Atlas say as the pair gets closer. “Who are you?”

They scoff in rich person, like they are above us and don’t have to answer basic questions.

“We’re here to see our daughter,” the man says as the woman exclaims, “Who are you?!”

There’s an immediate tension that spreads between us. I can suddenly see the resemblance. The same freckles across the woman’s nose. The same blue eyes and brown hair. These aren’t random pretentious people, these are very specific ones that we’ve only heard about through horror stories.

Horror stories involving our omega.

“Where is Stacia?” They ask with annoyance just as she comes through the front door in a panic.

I already don’t like the way she feels the need to mediate this situation.

She comes to a stop in front of us and tries to smooth out her anxiety before speaking, but her scent still has a twinge of it. “Mother… Father.” She nods at them, angling herself between us and them. “What are you doing here?”

Her mother gives a mean-looking scowl. “Why are we ever here, Stacia? Because you don’t answer your phone to tell us how you are and what you’re doing. Obviously it’s a good thing we’re here. Who are all these men?”

A.K.A: Who are all these alphas in your front yard?

I look back at my pack. Uriah is growling as quietly as he can. Atlas has a gentle hand on Uriah’s chest, willing him to calm his beast. He looks at me and I can hear what he’s thinking like he’s speaking it right to me.

Let her do this. She needs it to heal.

I give a subtle nod before turning back to our omega. She’s taking deeper breaths, like her next response will take all her energy. She finally looks back at us and the adoration on her face causes a purr to start in my chest.

Stacia looks back at them, more determined than before. Her strength is radiant. “They’re my scent matches,” she says defiantly, “and they’re helping me move in with them today.”

I wish I could take a picture of her parents’ faces for later.

As soon as I think it, a very audibly click happens beside me and I turn to see Ciro holding his phone up, not giving a shit about discretion.

They look at us but there’s no smite, only confusion. They either don’t care that our beta is mocking them or they’re too surprised by this new side of Stacia.

She’s looking at them, embracing the disobedience she would have shied away from as a kid. Even as a teenager.

But now she is a full grown and proud omega, ready to fight for her pack. Ready to fight for us.

“We’ve talked about this.” The words spill from the corner of her mother’s mouth. “You have a pack. A rather rich and… nice pack.”

“Shut it, Loretta,” Stacia’s father says in a harsh whisper, eyeing us suspiciously. Her mother winces but continues talking anyway.

“I’m just saying, there are set plans, Robert.” She turns a hardened eye on her daughter. “You can’t keep making decisions based on your unrealistic whims whenever you want. That’s not how the real world works, Stacia.”

“In the real world, parents actually love their children. Whatever sick and twisted world you live in, Mother, I’m not interested.”

Her mother’s face hardens further, her manicured nails clutching her purse so tight I think she’d going to poke holes through it.

Maybe the expensive material will prevent it though, I don’t know.

Loretta is about to speak again, but shuts it when Stacia’s father steps forward, his face wears a look of bothered annoyance.

“Stacia.” His stern tone is meant to sound menacing, but to all of us alphas, it’s like a mouse squeaking at a cat. “We’ve already talked about the consequences of this. You will be bonding the pack we chose, and if you don’t do it willingly, I will make sure your inheritance is given to your alphas instead of you, do you understand me?”

Now my own growl sounds from my chest. I can feel the aggression bubble up, my control quickly falling away.

I’m not the only one, we all take a step or two closer to Stacia, feeling the instinct to protect her from the nuisance threatening to steal her away.

“I won’t. Unless you drag me away clawing and screaming, that will not happen.”

The look on her father’s face raises the hair on my neck.

“You think I won’t?” he hisses. “I told you before, I will bring you home forcibly if need be. In fact.” He turns to her mother, giving a knowing nod. “Call them, Loretta.”

I can see the panic on Stacia’s face as her mother starts to pull out her phone and turn away. Uriah puts an arm around her protectively, keeping her locked to his chest.

Atlas is trying to control his breathing, although it looks like a struggle. He faces them as he puts his body between us and her parents. “Stop moving,” he barks at them, and her mother halts her movements immediately. They stand still, their body language still full of cruelty and hatred. When they can finally resume their autonomous movement, they look at our prime like he’s an abomination.

“How dare you bark at me!” Robert howls, disgust all over his face. “That’s the problem with alphas. You think you can do whatever you want. You always have to squash us betas beneath your feet. How fucking dare you?!”

Atlas looks calm, but I know there’s an inferno boiling inside. Stacia, however, is shaking, her body in obvious distress. I get as close to her and Uriah as I can, scent marking her shoulder with a soft caress.

Ciro steps away from us and stands proud beside Atlas. He huffs a huge sigh. “Sir, you obviously have a lot of hatred for alphas and omegas. Honestly, it sounds exhausting and I feel bad for you.”

“Feel bad for me?!” Robert sputters in his shock. I would normally laugh at his expense, but I’m full of so much anger that I can’t muster any amusement over this. The entire situation is too fucked up.

“Loretta, call them. We’re putting an end to this right fucking now.” His wife starts to follow his order again, but then another voice speaks up.

“Hold on a second,” Sam says, not with a bark but the tone is commanding enough for the two betas to stop and turn. They tilt their heads at him like they hadn’t seen him standing there the entire time.

“Who are you?” Loretta looks him up and down, probably trying to figure out how expensive his suit is.

“That doesn’t matter. What does matter is that what you’re planning is a crime.”

Robert scoffs. “She is our daughter, she is supposed to do what we say. That is how this works.”

Sam almost looks smug when he replies. “Have you guys ever heard of Reynolds vs. Quincy? It’s a very famous lawsuit.”

Their blank faces look both confused and annoyed.

“It’s also quite old, so let me refresh your memory. Quincy sued her parents for their entire estate after being forcibly bonded to alphas of their choosing. The Supreme Court ruled in her favor, and then went on to implement several new laws that protect omegas’ rights, especially from their parents.” He pauses. “So, yes, it is a crime.”

“Look.” Stacia’s father points a finger, his features less annoyed and more pissed off. “Stacia has already agreed to meet this pack. Weeks ago. We are not forcing anything on her.”

“That’s a crock of shit!” Ciro bellows.

Atlas flexes his hand, willing his alpha to calm. “Literally everything you just discussed was about going against her will. We are all witnesses.”

“Stacia,” her mother says and our omega’s eyes meet hers. “Please. Come with us so we can sort this thing out. This is important.”

Her gaze stays on her mother’s face as several emotions seem to flow through her at once. Her scent has dulled, leaving behind a somber dose of lavender and vanilla, the hints barely noticeable.

“No,” she finally says, her words seeping with exhaustion. “Never. I literally never want to see you guys again.”

Their demeanors change yet again. They have gone through every manipulation tactic in their arsenal and are now left empty handed.

“You’ll never have to, Stacia.” Sam walks closer, and pulls out his phone. He presses a button and a voice from minutes ago speaks out of it.

“I told you before, I will bring you home forcibly if need be.”

Both of their faces pale. Loretta looks to her husband, her eyes wide.

They’ve been bested. I can’t believe it. I look over at our frat brother, our friend. He really went to bat for us.

I’m also a little bit embarrassed. Why didn’t we think of that?

Atlas tries to hide his breath of relief. He looks to them, holding their scared gazes. “I think it’s time for you to leave. You don’t have to worry about Stacia anymore. We’ll take care of her.”

They look between all of us, noticing the togetherness between us, and then accept their defeat. They go back to their fancy car with their tails between their legs, and the visual is rewarding.

But not as rewarding as knowing our omega is safe.

She lets out a whimper as they drive away, like all the strength she mustered for the interaction depletes. I pull her into my chest as the others crowd around. We all supply as much comfort as we can, alternating between hugs and touches. Atlas pulls her lips to his before scent marking her cheek.

We all collectively take a breath, finding our emotional baseline and letting the anxiety ebb away, before turning to our friend.

Our brother.

Atlas has a look of regret on his face, but Sam just waves it away. “You all know I’m studying law, but what I haven’t told you is that I’m specifically studying designation rights.” He gives a casual shrug, like he didn’t just help us out of the biggest bind ever. “What I said about the Supreme Court was true, they have been a lot better with administering rights for omegas, but there are still a lot of loopholes. The recording was the only way to cover all bases. There’s, unfortunately, too many parents and guardians who think they’re allowed to dictate what their omega child does. It’s despicable.”

“Sam.” Stacia speaks up then, her voice blurry. “Thank you. I don’t know how I could ever repay you for that.”

He gives her a small smile.

“You make my friends happier than they’ve ever been,” he states simply. “You are as much my friend now as they are. And nobody messes with my friends.”

She nods, still somber from the stress, but the look of gratitude stays. Atlas takes her hand, interlaces their fingers. “Let’s decompress, my love. We can focus on moving after.”

She looks up at him, the admiration apparent. Her eyes are half-lidded, like she’s focusing really hard on staying present with us.

“Yes, Alpha,” she murmurs, before we all make our way inside, finally leaving the dust to settle on the lawn.

FIFTY-THREE

“Are you comfy?”

Stacia relaxes back into the tub, surrounded by bubbles. She keeps her feet planted, and she’s taking steady breaths while focusing on the scent from the candle on the counter that I lit for her.

“Yes,” she finally says, opening her eyes to meet mine. “Thank you, Alpha. Will you join me?”

I push her still-dry hair behind her ear. “I have to start directing the others so we can get your stuff moved in by tonight. The others will get too distracted if they’re left in charge, but I can send one of them to you. Who would you like to comfort you right now?” Her pout and slight whine makes me smile. “Besides me, angel. I promise you can have my full attention when we get back. I’d love if you’d cover my bed with your scent and stay with me tonight.”

That seems to satisfy her as she gives me a smug expression. “Fine. Send Ciro in, he’ll probably complain more than help so we can knock out two birds with one beta-shaped stone.”

I cough up a laugh at her scarily accurate assessment. It almost feels like we’re now working in tandem when it comes to our pack. We know what the others need and how to provide it.

We’re also pretty good at knowing each other’s needs, too.

I look upon her face. It’s flushed from the heat of the bath and the ends of her hair are dipped in the bubbles. She gives me a self-conscious look, knowing that I’m observing her, watching her intently.

“Can I help you?” she finally says, tilting her head at me.

She’s so beautiful.

“I’m just admiring what life gave me,” I whisper before kissing her forehead. “I’ll send in Ciro. Please try to relax. We’ll be on our way home soon, okay?”

She hums. “Home.”

I make my way into the living room, where everyone else has congregated. It feels much smaller with so many people. I pat Ciro’s back and point my thumb over my shoulder. “Can you go keep Stacia company? We’ll worry about moving everything.”

“You don’t have to ask me twice.” His readiness as he starts for Stacia’s room makes me laugh.

“That’s my cue, too. I’ll have to do some last minute packing for her. Her room… doesn’t look great.” Rory goes by me in a hurry to follow Ciro to her room, leaving the rest of us to start the hard labor.

“Thanks again, Sam,” Kendall states, “for helping us move, yes, but especially for what you did out there.”

Sam waves them off again, pointing to the boxes on the floor. “Are these Stacia’s?”

Opal comes out of the kitchen then, answering his question. “Yes, they are. And so is this one.” She places the box she was holding in his arms, halting once she lets go. Her eyes widen at him, her nostrils flaring. There’s a moment of silence where she seems to work through something in her head before turning to me. “Um, can you please tell Stacia that I’m sorry I can’t see her off like I said I would? I have… an emergency.”

I start to reply but she’s already on her way out the door. When it shuts, we all stare at it for a long moment.

“That was… weird,” Kendall states.

Sam arches a brow. “I hope everything is okay.” He shakes his head a bit and then shrugs. “We should get on it, though. Especially if you guys are planning to get everything done today.”

We all grab a box, marching out with our omega’s stuff in tow so we can finally get her home. The next step of making her officially ours.

A blur of red hair flies around the corner of the neighbor’s hedge, leaving me curious once again. I make a mental note to tell Stacia to check on her friend before I continue on the task at hand.

FIFTY-FOUR

Playing: Angels by The XX

“I want to bond. Right now.”

They all whip their heads in my direction, their faces in different states of bafflement.

Well. That’s one way to make an entrance.

“Like… right now right now?” Kendall asks, obviously not opposed to the idea by how his glowing eyes slide right to my neck.

Atlas is the one who cuts through the chaos I just threw at their feet. “Are you sure, angel? It’s only been a few days, we’re still unpacking your stuff.”

I shake my head. “The more I keep thinking about it, the more it freaks me out.”

“What part, exactly?”

“The heat. I’m nervous about it.” I absentmindedly fiddle my fingers before looking around. “I’m not sure how it’s going to feel or go. I’m terrified of being disconnected from my body again after…” I can’t get the words out, but they all know what I’m alluding to.

The overdose.

Atlas nods, understanding. “I know it’s scary. But we are going to be there the entire time. We won’t let anything happen to you. We promise.”

“I trust you four more than anything, I just want to rip the bandaid off.” I think about it again briefly before nodding. “I’ve talked to my therapist about it, I know what’s going to happen. I just need it to already be here, because the anticipation is making it seem more scary.”

My prime gives me an understanding smile. “Okay, but then there’s your nest. You still need to prepare it.”

“Do we know how long it’ll take her heat to set in after we bond?” Kendall asks.

“Two to three days,” Uriah says from the corner.

We all swing our faces towards him. He pauses at our reactions, before putting his hands up in surrender. “What?”

“How did you know that?” Ciro blurts out.

His cheeks flush the tiniest bit. “I looked it up. I thought you three would have done your research.”

The butterflies in my stomach start up as I think about him researching heats in order to prepare for my own. It’s bizarre being someone’s omega, but I bet it’s even more difficult being someone’s alpha, which is why I am even more smitten with him than I was before.

Atlas looks thoughtful. “Okay, so if we bond you right now, you’ll still have a few days to prepare everything the way you like.”

“More than likely, she won’t get things exactly how she likes until we bond her anyway. The bond ignites the need to nest,” Uriah adds again, and the rest of them groan.

“Can you not be an omega expert for two seconds?” Ciro says with exaggerated hand movements.

Uriah gives a proud grin before shrugging his shoulders.

Atlas tries to stir the conversation back into something productive. He palms the side of my cheek, giving me those serious eyes of his. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

I swallow before peeking down at his lips, then I give a very adamant nod. “Yes, I do. I’ve waited long enough. I want you to claim me, and I want to claim you.”

To have their bites on me, to say that they are officially mine? It’s all I want. All my omega wants. I won’t feel settled until it’s done.

I can’t wait to get their teeth in me.

Atlas watches me closely, so I watch back. I’m getting antsy, my toes pointing mindlessly as my perfume starts to spread between the five of us.

“Please, Alpha,” I whisper, and I already know I’ve got him right where I want him.

He smiles deviously at me, a look only our pack gets to see, as he laces his fingers at the nape of my neck.

“I’d give you anything you want, Omega.” Then he’s picking me up swiftly and throwing me over his shoulder. The squeal that escapes me pierces before I erupt into laughter. He marches out of the room, the rest of them following suit as I squirm in his grasp.

“What are you doing?” I ask between giggles.

“Come on, Omega. Do you really think we’re not going to make you comfortable before putting our teeth in you?” he tsks, and I try to hide the devilish smile on my face. It feels real now as we sail down the hallway, the rest of the pack trailing after us in our impromptu objective to bond.

He turns into my room, the one not fully decorated yet, and playfully tosses me on the bed. My squeal causes some excitement to start among them, but there’s another emotion, too. I can see it on all of their faces, the nervous energy almost palpitating around them.

“Where does my prime want his mark?” I ask, flicking my gaze to Atlas. I adopt a flirty grin, which causes the tension to break as his eyes darken. They roam over me, exploring every available patch of bare skin for a place that feels right.

He crawls over to me, watching me with both heat and adoration. I never want his eyes to look elsewhere. They make me feel powerful, vigorous.

He gently places his index finger on my chin and pushes it sideways, elongating the right side of my neck. He heaves some of his breath there, my skin raising with goosebumps immediately.

“I want everyone to see my mark. I want everyone to know that this omega is mine.” He gives the spot a kiss, which makes my breath hitch. “I want everyone to know that your pretty pussy is mine. Mine and my pack’s. Forever and always.”

I push my neck out further at his words, trying to rub my thighs together to cause some friction between my legs. “It is yours, Atlas. Let everyone know.”

A possessive growl comes out of him just before he closes his lips around the spot, giving it a subtle suck before diving his canines into me. The pressure is instant, a slight pain building just before there’s infinite euphoria. The bite sends unmistakable pleasure through my body all the way to my toes.

It makes me want to lean up and rub against him, but the thought stops short when I feel an overpowering amount of love. It pours from him in waves and makes a home inside my veins. For long, wondrous moments, all I can do is sit and bask in the strong emotions of my prime. I can feel his love for everyone, his subconscious fears, his everything. It is like we are merging into one being. It’s like we are returning home.

With the rush of his emotions hitting me in every possible crevice, I lean over and dig my own teeth into the parallel spot on his neck. There’s a moment of sensual pleasure, then it expands to something much more loving. Our feelings meet each other in the middle and mingle like old friends.

“I love you, Stacia,” he pants, our feelings flowing through each other in waves of elation. It’s overstimulating but in the best way. His chamomile scent sizzles, illuminating stronger than I’ve ever smelled it before. It takes me back to the first moment I got a hint of it in the living room of Alpha Xi. Its calming aura settles over me once more, showing me that this alpha is not only my prime… he is my rock.

“I know.” I feel tears in my eyes. “I-I can feel it. It’s amazing.”

He instinctually rubs his cheeks against mine, scent marking me with a deep groan. “I don’t want to let you go, but our pack is waiting.”

The way he says our pack causes a tear to finally escape. He reaches up, his thumb swiping it away. I give him a subtle nod before he kisses the tip of my nose and finally moves away, letting Uriah take his place.

Every person outside of this house knows this alpha to be grumpy, irritable, and intimidating. But right now, he’s looking at me with the most expressive and joyous eyes I’ve ever seen. His boyish smile shows his anxiousness, his scent slightly spiked from the mutual images we have of finally claiming one another.

“You are every bit the omega I dreamed for myself and more,” he whispers so his words are only for us. “Words cannot properly describe how much I love you, Stacia.”

“Uriah,” I hum, my eyes already filling back up. “You are everything to me. The words are irrelevant. In a moment, I’ll be able to feel it.” He groans under his breath, which makes me smile. “I love you. I love you so much.”

His tears mirror mine, and the show of emotion makes me feel like I’m going to explode with glee. “Where do you want your mark, Alpha?”

He growls heavily, his teeth going into his lip. Then he balances himself with one hand before taking my wrist with the other and bringing it to his lips.

“I want to be by your side always. Is this okay?”

I give him a nod. “Yes, please do it.”

He doesn’t need anymore permission as he sinks his teeth into my wrist. I feel a plethora of sensation the second the bond snaps. Intense love and devotion that I never thought I’d feel in my life starts to pour into me. It’s overwhelming but so incredibly Uriah that it floods me with amour.

There’s pain settled deep into who he is, pain that I’m not sure will ever evaporate. It hugs me like it recognizes the piece of me that feels too deeply, that drowns too easily. It soothes my edges, and mischievously plays with the balance between us.

He pulls his own wrist up to my lips and I don’t wait another second to take it between my teeth, biting down to complete the tether between us.

All the darkness he tries to hide encounters mine and it feels slightly less heavy together. There’s a new lightness inside me, and I can see that he feels it, too. That we made it. We can finally let go now, and live with nothing less than what we both deserve.

“Beautiful Omega.” I give a saturated laugh as he utters the same words from the first time we met. It feels right. So, incredibly right.

Our lips meet in exquisite harmony, and it takes everything in both of us to part.

He whispers I love you a few more times under his breath between kisses to my face before finally moving over and letting Kendall fall into place on top of me.

It feels just as right. More so, now, that the other two are full of love as they watch us together. The happiness I feel in them relieves me. These four have a healthy friendship between them, and I can finally rest easy knowing that I’ll never be able to fuck it up.

“Some may consider this the finish line, but I think it’s just the beginning.” Kendall caresses my cheek, and I can’t help but let a small moan escape. “I can’t wait to learn and grow with you during our life together. I love you so much, Stacia.”

“I love you, too.” I place my forehead on his. “Please, Kendall. I want to feel you.”

His lips turn into a flirty smirk. “With pleasure, Omega.” His hands go to the hem of my shirt just before he yanks it over my head, leaving me shirtless amongst them. The feeling is tantalizing. Goosebumps start to arise on my skin just before he gives me a kiss on the mound of my breast.

“Is this okay?” He looks up at me, still kissing the spot as I nod my head repeatedly. “With words, Omega.”

“Yes, it’s perfect,” I respond.

He gives a small hum. “That’s a good girl,” he murmurs just before he drives his canines into the spot and pierces the skin. I cry out, my fingers sliding into his hair so I can hold him against me. I feel his cheekiness first, then an arousal stirring just below the surface. He pulls off, groaning as he licks over the mark to secure it. Then he pulls himself up and angles his neck towards me.

I feel his anticipation just before I bite into his neck, a lovely adoration mixed with impatient excitement. The second the bond clicks, he grinds into me tenuously. We hold each other, feeling the thrill of each other for the first time. It’s playful, passionate, and completely sensational.

“You have to let me bite her, too. Then we can jump into the sex part of bonding,” Ciro quips very close to us. I can feel my alphas’ amusement and it’s glorious to finally be able to relish in it.

“Sorry, Ci,” Kendall replies but he doesn’t take his eyes off mine. “I can be patient.”

I snicker at him. “That doesn’t feel likely.”

“You’re going to get punished for that one, Kelmeckis.” His smile is full of mischief as he gives me a final kiss. “Now, be good for your beta.”

“Always.”

Ciro moves on top of me as soon as Kendall scoots away, and he licks his lips as a nervous tick.

Betas can bond with both alphas and omegas, but it’s temporary. That doesn’t make this feel any less meaningful, though. If anything, I’m excited for all of our future bondings. It’s something we get to have just for us, something that I hope shows Ciro how special he is to me in every single way.

He leans down to kiss my neck a few times, and when his lips brush against the bond mark from Atlas, a shiver runs through my body.

“Doe, I want you to choose,” he says in a breathy whisper. “One day, you will have had my mark on every single remnant of skin. But I want you to choose the first one. I want it to be special.”

The thought has me arching my back, our bodies molding together.

“Here.” I point to the spot where my shoulder meets my neck. “I want you here. When I ran into you all those months ago, you had touched me here, steadying me after helping me up. It burned into me, even then. I want to remember that always.”

There’s a glossy sheen in his eyes as he cradles my face. “You are the most perfect person. I am so lucky that you ran into me that day. So fucking lucky. I love you.”

He kisses me, and it’s the best kiss I’ve ever had. We almost forget what we’re doing as we get lost in it, but then he pulls back and immediately sinks his teeth into the juncture of my shoulder. The movement is so alluring as he deepens the bite without hesitation, locking us together. He uses his hand to pull me to his opposing shoulder, encouraging me to bite him in the same spot.

The second I puncture the skin, everything clicks into place. My goofy, loving beta is suddenly so much more as I feel his sincere and intense emotions flood me. He’s an array of sunshine with a ton of depth, and all of it is suddenly mine to honor.

“Fuck.” His husky whisper meets my ear as we cling to one another. Beta marks may be temporary, but the way I feel Ciro light up when he runs his tongue over the mark makes it feel anything but. I’m so lucky I get to do this with him over and over again for the rest of our lives.

I have a freaking pack.

“How are you feeling, doe?” he whispers, kissing around the hollow bite.

I hum, a smile painted on my face, my eyes shut with glee. “I feel utterly and completely loved,” I start before pausing to sit up and look at them. “Thank you for being patient with me. Thank you for loving me even when I didn’t know how to let you.”

“Omega,” Atlas hums, “we would have waited years. Decades. You are not only worth the wait, you are everything.”

My eyes begin to well with tears, but now we all know they’re happy tears, my joy shouting from the bonds. It’s overwhelming, but also so breathtaking. I can feel them so clearly, and it’s already becoming my new favorite normal. Something I crave with everything inside me.

I am theirs, and they are mine, and our pack is officially complete.

FIFTY-FIVE

It’s been two days now of Stacia decorating and reorganizing her nest. She loved the room and floor plan. She was ecstatic about the walk-in closet and the black out curtains, and loved that she could make the room her own in any way she wanted. She chose lots of yellows, a mixture of silk and cotton. There’s layers and layers of golden canopy dripping from the ceiling like honey, and what used to be hardwood flooring is now soft and completely covered by memory foam.

Every time we thought Stacia was happy with the way the room looked, she found an issue with it and rearranged everything. This morning, she asked Atlas to go to the store and get a different shade of yellow for a few of the pillows, but it had to be the same pillow. If they don’t have it, that’s okay, she had said but there were tears in her eyes, like she was trying to convince herself it was okay.

If I hadn’t already read so many articles about nesting, I’d be worried, but everything seems to be going according to plan.

Atlas has had the most trouble since the nesting started. As our prime, he’s normally in control. He knows exactly what to do and say when the rest of us are struggling, but he hasn’t been able to help Stacia. She’s hormonal and compulsive, and he wants to make her feel better without much avail.

Then he started reading up on heats and realized it was normal. He’s been amazing with developing new ways of being there for her, helping her feel better.

Unsurprisingly, the answer is a lot of snacks and orgasms.

“She’s already had chocolate today, I know she’ll want something salty,” Kendall comments, grabbing a bag of Stacia’s favorite chips from the pantry. “Trust me.”

I do trust him. He’s a food whisperer, especially when it comes to our omega. Yesterday, she tapped on his shoulder and he somehow knew that she wanted strawberry pancakes. It was bizarre.

And that’s how we end up at the doorway of Stacia’s nest. She’s hurrying along, rearranging things like she doesn’t have any time left. We’ve all been wearing multiple shirts a day since our bonding, making sure that she had clothes with our scents on them. She’s pushing them into different spots now, arranging them in a pattern that guarantees no two shirts from one of us end up beside each other. I think she’s trying to mingle the scents perfectly, which makes me giddy.

“Stacia,” Kendall says softly, admiring her with a grin. She looks up from her array of blankets and pillows, the whole floor one big makeshift bed.

“Can we come inside your nest, Omega?” I ask from the door, holding up the bag of chips up, showing her the goods.

She gives us a naughty grin. “You’ll be coming inside of it a lot very soon, so go ahead.”

That makes Kendall huff out a laugh. It makes me picture the next few days, doing nothing but attending to her in every way possible. My cock hardens in my jeans, already excited about the endeavor we’ll be taking together for the first time.

When we get to her, she stands and nearly snatches the already opened bag out of my hands. When she starts to moan and chew, Kendall gives me a certain look. One that says I fucking told you.

“How are you feeling?” Kendall asks her.

She pauses, her hand halfway into the bag. She looks to the side, her tell that she’s nervous.

“It’s going to start today,” she says, observing the room. “Does it look okay?”

I go behind her, rubbing her shoulders in the gentle way that she likes. She relaxes them and lets me work on her muscles while she continues to eat. “Your nest is beautiful. It was always going to be. What’s more important is how you feel about it.”

She looks over her shoulder at me. “I love it. I love even more that it’s here. I never thought about my future nest before, but it’s everything.”

I kiss her head, continuing to massage her back. Kendall takes a seat, lounging comfortably as we all settle into a beautiful, comfortable silence.

It’s only a few minutes later that Stacia yelps out in pain. “Fuck.” She leans over, clutching her stomach.

“What is it?” Kendall turns toward her. “Was it the chips? Did I fuck up? Shit, maybe we should have gone with something sweet again.”

I hit him upside the head. “No, dude, it’s obviously her heat. It’s starting.”

Stacia grunts. My hand ghosts over her back, trying to figure out how to comfort her without crowding her. Her skin flares hot even without our skin touching. “How bad is it, Stacia?”

“It fucking hurts,” is her only answer as she forces the chip bag into my hand before flinging her clothes off. I turn to look at Kendall, miming for him to text the others. He does so in a blink, just before he’s on her other side.

“Let’s lie down, Omega,” he says gently, as he gets comfortably on his knees in the middle of her nest, helping her shed the rest of her clothes. I go to the door and fling the chip bag outside (I mean, where else do I fucking put it?) and head back to Stacia’s side. I pull my shirt off and add it to the nest in a section that doesn’t have our scent on it yet. She hums, noticing my action before lying on her back fully nude.

“Please,” she whimpers, her hand still holding her stomach. The cramps must be unbearable. Her eyes are closed shut, but her hips are also doing mini thrusts into the empty air.

“Do you need our knots, Omega?” Kendall purrs, leaning down to kiss her collarbones. She whines, her fingers going into his hair. “We’ll take care of you, Stacia. We love you. Now”—he gets a wicked gleam in his eye, one that only ever comes out around our omega—“present.”

Stacia moves so fast, I barely have time to process it. She gets on her knees, spreading her legs out just enough to thrust her ass into the air. She grabs a nearby pillow, resting it under her cheek. Once her face is comfortable, she does the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen and moves her hands behind her, spreading herself to present every bit of herself to us. I feel my cock twitch as her scent literally blooms around us, blinding me with arousal.

Kendall is already behind her, soothing her by rubbing her back and humming underneath his breath. “Good fucking girl,” he breathes, his words causing a moan to fall from her lips. He runs his finger down her spine, then puts it around her entrance, making gentle passes. She gasps with each movement, trying to discreetly move her hips to get more friction. “Already so wet for us, Omega.”

“Please.” She spreads herself further, and I see some of her slick sliding down her thigh. The sight makes me literally drop to my knees, crawling towards her. I can’t stop myself from leaning between them, my tongue catching the fallen slick and trailing all the way up her thigh until it meets her hole, gaping and ready for our knots. Her arousal is potent, clogging my senses as I feast on her, encouraged more by the noises falling from her lips.

“Do you see what you do to your alphas?” Kendall purrs at her. I feel her entrance clenching under my tongue, so I pull back and sit back on my knees. Kendall takes his spot once again and, without wasting another second, lines himself up and slides into her with one single thrust.

She cries out in pleasure, her hands leaving their spots so she can clutch the sheets beneath her. The amount of slick she’s producing now, even this early, is astonishing. Kendall begins his thrusts full force, not having to stop for her to get adjusted.

Her body is preparing itself for multiple knots in a row, and I’m left amazed by how instinctual omega biology is.

Kendall groans, clutching her hips tightly. They move together—him forward and her back—and both moan while meeting in the middle. Their scents are intertwined, dousing the nest in the sweetest tropical aroma. From the corner of my eye I see Atlas and Ciro in the doorway, watching in awe as Kendall’s alpha and Stacia’s omega fall to their most primal instincts, filling the room with their uninhibited pleasure.

“You’re clenching me so much already,” Kendall huffs out, his jaw tensing. Her moans fill the space, and I can’t help myself. I put my hand into my boxers, stroking my cock as I watch. He wraps his hand in her hair, interlacing the strands around his fingers to pull her back. “Are you going to come for your alpha?”

She only groans in response, a long whine pitching through the air. On the next thrust, Kendall pushes in his knot, making Stacia’s body shake as the orgasm takes hold, her thighs pulsing from the weight of it. The scent of her soars through the air as she bellows out a blissful cry. Kendall’s head looks to the ceiling as he comes with her, rutting his knot into her to prolong both of their climaxes.

They fall into a moment of comfortable silence, the only sound being their pants as they collect their breaths. He kisses her back repeatedly, covering her naked skin in affection, soothing the sweat from her body.

“Omega,” Atlas says from the doorway, his tone layered with his dominance. She looks up at him in her post-orgasmic daze, her eyes shining bright. “May Ciro and I enter your nest?”

She whines, her hand reaching out before she nods several times. “Prime,” she whispers. “Beta.” They hear her, their smiles full of pride as they enter and begin to take off their own clothes, ready to give our omega whatever she needs and more.

It’s only a few minutes before Kendall’s knot deflates, her pussy ready for more. As he pulls out, Stacia lets out a sound of protest. She looks back, a tiny pout on her lips. It seems the heat has already completely pulled her into its grasp. There’s sweat all over her body, the fever taking over.

“It’s okay, Omega,” Kendall says affectionately. He pulls her head back towards him, giving her a kiss and swallowing her sound of disapproval. “Your other mates want to tend to you now, okay?”

She looks around, meets each of our eyes and lights up with excitement. Atlas ends up in front of her, leaning down to kiss her. The kiss deepens, and her hips begin to thrust mid-air once again, desperately seeking out what she needs.

“Prime,” she moans into his mouth, “please.” She reaches for his boxers and pulls them down just enough to take him into her mouth. Atlas’ gasp turns into a moan, his fingers immediately going into her hair as she fills herself with his cock.

“Uriah. Ciro.” Atlas uses his fingers to motion beside him. I follow suit, and end up in front of Stacia just as Atlas pulls her off him. “Omega. I’m going to give you my knot while you tend to your mates.”

She hums, looking up at me and Ciro with the most beautiful, trusting expression I’ve ever seen. It makes me feel important. Worthy. It’s the best goddamn feeling in the entire world.

I pull my boxers all the way off and lean back on my knees in front of her. “Beautiful Omega,” I whisper, stroking my cock. Her eyes follow the movement as she pulls her bottom lip between her teeth. The sight is so erotic, I fall victim to it, giving myself over to her immediately. “Use me, my love. Wreck me.”

She laps over me with her tongue then, wasting no time at all. She traces over the piercings, loving them because she knows that she owns them. Owns me.

She pulls me into her mouth, and the feeling makes my eyes roll back into my head. She’s distracted by it when Atlas thrusts into her, causing her to moan around my cock. It gives me an all new sensation that I’ve never felt before.

She pulls back, moving her head over to suck on Ciro’s cock in tandem. He groans, his thumb caressing her face as she gives him the same wonderful treatment.

Her hand goes to my thigh, squeezing slightly before wrapping it around my length. Atlas is fucking her hard, enough for her body to fly forward with each thrust, the only thing here to catch her being our bodies and our cocks. She’s enamored with it, falling into the rhythm of it and letting it take her away in bliss.

She’s becoming aggressive with our cocks, stroking mine while Ciro’s cock slides in and out of her mouth. When she pulls off, I think she’s coming back to mine but then she tugs slightly, beckoning me over. I move like she asks before widening my eyes as she nudges both of our cocks into her mouth at once and moans at the mingling of our tastes that it creates.

I moan loudly, feeling how tight she is as she works us over, her hands coming up to grip the remaining parts that wont fit in her mouth.

“That’s so fucking hot,” Ciro groans, his hand still holding Stacia’s face. His breathing becomes uneven, and he gives a whine of his own before his other hand slides over his abs. “Fuck. I need to come. I’m sorry dude, I’m going to fucking come.”

Stacia moans at that, and seconds later I feel him spurt his come alongside my cock, his whole body shaking. I grit my teeth, trying to control myself as he does because I don’t want her to have too much to swallow, especially in the state that she’s in. When he’s finished, he pulls out and kisses her hair multiple times before collapsing beside us. Her mouth is full of his climax as she continues to work me over, which makes it especially warm and slick like her cunt. I pull out, my hand going to her jaw so I can direct her eyes to mine. They are half-lidded, her moans now flowing out as she gets closer to her second orgasm.

“Swallow, Omega,” I direct, and she does with a moan. When I know she’s got it all down, I stroke my cock again, lining it up with her face. “Is our prime fucking you good, baby?” She nods feverishly, her gaze zeroing in on my hand as I rub myself. She waits, anticipation falling between us.

“Fuck,” she whispers, the sight of her utterly wrecked makes me thrust my cock faster. “Please, Alpha.” Her pleads follow my moans, and her tongue falls out of her mouth, begging me to release myself on her tongue.

“Do you need our cum in both ends, angel?” Atlas asks, clutching her hips tightly as he continues to impale her.

Just as I’m about to come, Stacia squeals loudly. Atlas thrusts his knot into her, his own moans heightening as he swells inside her. He holds her up as her body succumbs to her climax, tensing and shaking as she lets us know how good it feels with her beautiful whines. I fall apart as I watch her face, her expression one of complete ecstasy and bliss. My cum jets out of me, landing on her cheeks and tongue.

I continue to give her every last drop, the orgasm wrecking me from the inside out, which causes the most devious smile to adorn her lips. It pulls a chuckle out of me as I lean down to kiss her, cum and all.

I pull back, meeting her eyes. “You dirty, dirty girl,” I murmur, cradling her face and rubbing her cheeks with my own. “You fucking own me.”

She lets out a giggle, her body going slack as her body relaxes enough for rest. As we help settle her on her side so her and Atlas can lie comfortably, I feel completely satisfied. It’s going to be a long and glorious week.

Scratch that.

It’s going to be a long and glorious life.

FIFTY-SIX

The shower wall is a cold contrast to the warm water falling over me. I feel calm now as my alpha’s hands move over me, collecting suds to clean up all the leftover grum and sweat. I could almost form his name in my mind, like it’s on the tip of my tongue. That thought didn’t bother me, though, because I knew this alpha was mine.

His forehead scrunched in concentration, his large hands meticulous as he focused on taking care of me.

I look down and see a line of rings down his cock. My omega and I both raise our brows, surprised by this. I’m sure I already knew this, but the discovery makes something jump in my bones.

I move my hand around him, and he replies with a guttural groan deep in his throat. He lets me stroke him a few times before he stops me, his jaw grinding hard.

“Sweet mate, we have to finish your shower first. It’s been a few days since you last let us bathe you, and your fever should be breaking soon.”

I can’t hear his words because his scent lulls me, spiking just enough to cause a whine to escape from my throat. I can feel his hesitation, know that there’s something else we have to do first, but my proximity is calling to him and he’s having a hard time resisting it.

Yes, Alpha, give it to me.

“Stacia,” he warns, and I realize he’s talking to me.

I must have said that out loud.

“Yes, you did, baby,” he chuckles.

I let him continue his ministrations, although his hands don’t feel like they’re doing anything but putting me further into a frenzy. The steam from the shower suddenly feels like too much, and a cramp takes over my body as soon as he turns off the water and grabs a towel.

“I’ve got you,” he assures me as he leads me out of the shower and dries me off as quickly as he can. I hiss again as the pain becomes stronger. Before I can even beg for help, he’s lifting me off the floor and placing me on the bathroom counter. My legs spread instinctively, and he’s there at my entrance without any further proposition.

The delicious drag of metal moving inside me causes me to mewl. My body accepts the invasion like it was made for it. As soon as I have the thought, my alpha moans deeply.

“Yes, baby. You were made for me.” He wraps his arms around my body, holding me steady on top of the counter. “Let me take care of you, my beautiful mate.”

His thrusts quicken and I’m suddenly holding onto his body for dear life as the feel of him causes the pain to subside and my semi-consciousness to escape on a wave. Through bits and pieces of awareness, I can feel nothing but bliss and love, my bond to this alpha pulling taut and anchoring me to this porcelain sink. When the feeling comes to a pinnacle, it feels as if he physically rips the pain from my body, smothering it with an overwhelming amount of pleasure instead. The ground has never felt so close as he holds me, our bodies locked like they were always meant to be.

I come back to my body, my limbs sweaty. The alpha above me rubs his face over mine as his knot deflates. His pierced cock pulls out of me with a slow drag.

I whine at the absence of him. My body loses its relaxed state, bringing back the intense insatiable feeling as my stomach cramps again.

More, my omega half shouts.

There’s a tiny moment of clarity as I realized I’m still in my heat. I’m not sure how many days it’s been. We must have slept at some point. I kind of remember being force fed pudding at some point.

Being so entangled as both human and omega is the most exhilarating experience. Better than any drug, better than any avoidance technique. Because here, I am safe. My mates are above and beyond.

I relish the potency of my pack, how my scent lives beside theirs now, how heavenly it fills my nose. It settles the ache, makes it more bearable. But it doesn’t diminish it, my body is still ravenous for their knots.

“Please.” I pull the word from my throat. Suddenly there’s another body hovering over me, and I smell the sweet hints of coconuts as he lifts me into his arms so I can straddle his lap.

When did we get back to the nest?

“Sweetheart,” my blond alpha hums while pushing the sweaty hair out of my eyes.

“We’re here, baby,” my prime whispers over my shoulder, his lips gently touching the shell of my ear. “Do you want Kendall’s knot again, angel?”

Goosebumps erupt all over my bare skin. I want to be like this with them always, naked and basking in our primal need.

I get an image, one that my prime can apparently see on my face because he gives a darkened chuckle. “You’re thinking about that thing we discussed, aren’t you?”

My face breaks out into a sweet smile. Maybe we talked about it, I can’t be too sure. All I know is that I want it, and I want it now.

“You want both of our cocks, my love?” my blond mate asks rhetorically, caressing my face with his thumb. “Then you’ll get them.”

He lies down, pulling my chest to his so my ass sticks out. I arch my back, the movement alone causing a moan to fall from my lips.

“You’ll have to be patient for us, Omega,” the alpha behind me says firmly, his hand stroking down my spine. I give an impatient groan at his words. “We have to prepare you. Let Kendall make you feel good.”

I gasp when I feel something slick and hard against my clit. My first instinct is to rub myself against it, which elicits a strangled noise from the body the cock is attached to.

“You’re so fucking wet. Uriah fucked you good and full, didn’t he, Omega?” I keen at his words, his hands going to my hips and gripping me perfectly. My body halts its movements as I feel something cold at my backside.

“Get inside her, Kendall,” the prime instructs him, which sends the alpha under me into a quickened motion. He pulls me up slightly and angles his cock for my entrance, before letting me sink down on him in a single smooth stroke. We both hiss as our bodies come together, the sensation almost too much as he bottoms out, his knot resting against me.

The sensation almost makes me forget about my prime’s fingers as he probes me, inserting the tip of his index finger before wrapping my hair around his other hand and pulling my head to the side. He licks at his bond mark on my neck, which makes me mewl like a cat as I clench down on the alpha inside of me.

“Fuck, Stacia,” he grunts, his head falling back to rest on the floor. He stays still, letting our pack leader continue his movements. He works his finger into me, pulling delighted noises from my lips. The tiny bit of motion sets my skin on fire as I relish in the feeling of both holes being used, my clit feeling abandoned.

I take my blond alpha’s hand and guide it to the apex of my legs. His darkened chuckle hits my ears as he holds himself just above where I want him, his eyes never leaving my face. “Our omega is so bold in her desires. Your desperate pussy is getting impatient with us, isn’t it, Stacia?”

I give a frustrated moan as his cock throbs inside me, his hand still teasing me with the slightest touches.

“We want you to be nice and ready to take us, angel,” the alpha behind me purrs, the sound going straight to my clit. He works in a second finger, the stretch feeling like the most delicious form of torture that I’ve ever experienced. He kisses my shoulders, the back of my neck, just before the alpha beneath me finally places his thumb where I need him the most. I sigh with relief, immediately feeling my body respond as their ministrations inside me heighten exponentially.

When he works in a third finger, he puts his lips next to my ear. “You’re doing such a good job, Omega.” I whine at his praise, bowing my back so he can graze me deeper. “Now, here’s what’s going to happen. Your beta is going to fuck you with your alpha first, and then I’ll come back to finish you off with my knot. How does that sound?”

I nod my head, my eagerness evident by the noises falling from my lips. “I need it.”

“I know you do, Stacia. You’re aching for it, aren’t you?” He moves his fingers in a way that causes me to clench before he pulls them out. “Now, be a good girl for your mates.”

I nod again as he moves away, then spiced rum and orange fills my nose and I groan at the smell.

“My beautiful doe.” He moves his fingertips down my spine as the alpha underneath me removes his thumb. I whine in protest for only a second before I feel something else touching my entrance, the bulb of him wet and ready as it rests, teasing me before its descent. “I want you to relax, my love. We’re all here for you, to give you every bit of pleasure you want and need.” The tip of him finally, finally, invades me, my muscles relaxing to take him as he works himself in slowly. The pressure is so fucking good as all three of us hold our breaths in anticipation.

It takes several long moments for my beta to work himself inside me. He’s being so careful, you’d think I was a delicate thing. When he finally gets all the way inside, I let out a low moan. I’ve never felt so full in my life, and the sensation leaves me breathless.

“Take some deep breaths, Omega,” my alpha below me says through his teeth. He’s almost as wrecked as me, barely holding onto his self control as his cock sits inside the deepest part of me, waiting, cherishing. His hands come up to my face, holding it like I’m precious, and the feeling causes the same kinds of sparks to explode inside me as if he were touching my clit once more.

I try my best, breathing in through my nose and then out through my mouth. The movement of it seems familiar, so I repeat it again, finding myself more composed and ready.

My mates feel how calm I become, because just as I take my final breath, they start to move. My beta starts, pulling out slightly before thrusting back in. Then the coconut scent fills my nostrils as the alpha inside me pulls out, too. They work in tandem, taking turns stroking my insides as I completely blackout from the nirvana it grants me.

It’s such a blinding pleasure that I come to a pinnacle almost instantly, squeezing both of them as they hiss through their teeth. Their lips and teeth are everywhere they can reach as they continue their thrusts, working me over into another frenzy as soon as the first one comes to an end.

“Your pussy was made for us, Stacia. Fuck.” My mate wraps his arms around me from behind, my back to his chest. Tiny pieces of metal dig into my skin. We’re both sweaty, and my skin turns molten hot. One of his hands finds my breast just before he plays with my nipple, pinching it between his fingers. The alpha below me grasps my hips firmly and adjusts the angle, hitting the spot deep inside me in a whole new way.

“Come with me, my beautiful mate,” my beta whispers, and the way in which he says it leaves me panting. He places his mouth over his bond mark on my shoulder, lavishing it, his pace never wavering. My alpha puts his lips over his own mark on my collarbone. Both of their mouths send a new electric sensation traveling all the way through me as my body tenses, the pressure releasing once more as I howl out, coming hard and violent. My entire body seizes up, their cocks continuing to move in a way that extenuates my climax as long as possible.

My mate bellows behind me, curses leaving his lips as his thrusts sputter. He gives a long groan as he finally reaches his release, coming inside me as he holds me. His grip is gentle but dominating. It’s intoxicating, how much his touch screams of his affection as he revels in his orgasm before squeezing my breasts once more and kissing my back despite the sweat.

I moan as he pulls out, already feeling his cum fall between my thighs. He rakes his nails down my spine, leaving goosebumps in their wake. “I love you so much, Omega.”

I smile at that. I want to respond, but the heat takes me over once again, a deep pain scorching my insides. It’s the worst one so far, making me feel a tiny bit nauseous as my hole gapes for what it really needs in order to break this fever.

Everything is lit up, and the only thing I need now are knots.

“Alpha,” I whimper just as I feel him take my beta’s place. He puts his hands on my hips, rubbing them gently before giving my shoulder a kiss.

“You’re doing so well, Omega,” he praises, which leaves me preening. My alpha below me has paused his movements, waiting for our prime to join us in order to continue. He grunts under his breath as he tries to calm himself from deep inside me.

There’s a spike of chamomile just before my mate spreads me and blows on me, making me gasp suddenly. He chuckles against my skin as he kisses my back before straightening himself. “We’re going to give you what you need, angel, I promise.”

Then he’s there, pushing in. The pressure is easier than before because of the mess my beta left behind and the thought makes me moan. I arch my back, letting him sink in deeper, my body pushing further into my other alpha. I lace my fingers into his blond locks, bracing myself for the simultaneous drag of them both.

When it finally comes, my entire body vibrates. The pull and push of each of them causes glimmers of pleasure to soar all over my skin. I can already feel the glorious impact this moment will have, so I hold onto it, letting my alphas dance together as they manipulate my body as one.

“Fuck,” I hear someone say, but it sounds far away. I look up, my eyes meeting a glorious dark brown, his mouth agape as he watches us and strokes his pierced cock lazily.

“You like having Uriah’s eyes on you, huh, Omega?” my prime whispers in my ear. I keep my eyes on the voyeur, nodding my head as the first sparks of my climax begin in my core. “He likes having his eyes on you. You’re the most beautiful omega, and he’s touching himself for you. Only ever for you.”

His words pull a wild sound out of my throat as their pace increases. I bite my lip, but then there’s a thumb there pulling it free. “We want to hear you, Stacia.” He pulls my lips to his own, giving me a loving nip that leaves me dizzy. “Please, tell us how good we’re making you feel with our cocks.”

I lean in to kiss him, the heat burning me so bright it’s almost blinding. He moans into my mouth and leaves me panting when we part.

“Stacia. You’re driving your alphas insane,” one of my alphas groans in my ear. I can feel myself pulling taut, tethering on a very inevitable edge.

I look up at my peeping alpha just as he groans and leans his head back. The sight of it makes me mewl.

“Fuck, please. Please, Alphas. Now.” I watch as my alpha’s cum hits his stomach, barely missing a pierced nipple as something starts to blaze into an inferno in my core. “Now.”

In the next second, I feel their knots pushing into me, one after the other. The simultaneous drag in all of the right places pushes me over the edge. I scream out, clutching whatever muscle I can get my hands on as my entire body tenses. A scorching intensity pulsates through me and it’s only heightened by the release of my alphas as they belt out their own pleasure, all while holding me secure and rutting me to complete ecstasy. I’m left in suspension as the feeling courses through my body just before I collapse on top of my mate.

Then I feel cold, the fever leaving me just as quickly as it came.

My body relaxes as they maneuver me, laying me down between them in a heap of their scents. Their clothes in my nest cling to me. I feel one of their hands on my forehead just before a strong vibration sounds from another’s chest.

I feel hands all over me, purrs so loud you’d think they were all gigantic cats. It calms me, makes me feel less insecure as bits and pieces of the last few days come back to me. There’s an overwhelming surge of shame before it completely passes, and all that’s left is immense relief.

“Is it over, angel?” Atlas asks, gently swiping my hair behind my ear. I can only give them a small exhausted smile before nodding. “How about we run you a bath and get some takeout? Then we can nap as long as you want.”

I groan slightly. I just want to sleep. I’m exhausted, but I know that these moments right after the fever breaks are important. After most first heats, omegas need a lot of love and attention. I know they want to give me that, remind me that they adore me in every way and that they enjoyed themselves.

I guess I kind of want that, too. The reminder that my heats won’t be a burden. That they want to do this with me.

“Only for a short time,” I finally agree, barely able to keep my eyes open. “No bath bombs or candles. Just your scents.” That makes them all smile.

When we’re finally able to, Atlas pulls out and gets up, determined to get me in the bath. I expect to feel clingy, beg him to not leave the nest just like I did the last couple days, but it’s easier to let him go. It’s easier to remind myself that he’s leaving the room and not me. My omega agrees with me, confidence shining in our chest.

“Is there anything else you might want, Stacia?” Uriah is watching me with soft eyes as he gently massages one of my shoulders. His expression says that I could ask him for anything and he’d give it to me. The weight of it doesn’t scare me anymore. Now, I feel soothed by it. I treasure it.

I place my palm on his cheek, returning his tenderness. “There’s nothing else that I need. Nothing at all.”

FIFTY-SEVEN

Our house is packed.

I don’t think I’ve ever stopped to think about how many people we interact with as a pack, but the evidence is astounding. Every frat brother, teammate, and peer that we’ve ever known is piled into our house as we wait for Atlas to come home.

He’s expecting a small pack-only celebration when he returns, but Stacia wanted something bigger for his birthday, something special. Our prime is always being cautious during the school year with hockey and classes, and now that the school year is over, he deserves at least one night where he can relax, enjoy being around friends, and drink a few more shots than normal.

We all agreed that he would love this and let Stacia take the reins. She even allowed us to spray the house down with scent neutralizers so the mingled scents wouldn’t linger in her space. She agreed it was for the best, but demanded that we let her take our clothes over the next few weeks. Which is something we already do willingly.

Beside me, Kendall and Dax are arguing about something going on in the NHL while I pour punch into an array of different colored solo cups. It’s a strong citrus-y concoction that Stacia wanted, because ‘Atlas loves limes.’ It’s actually pretty good, with ice cream floating in it to make it more of a punch-float.

“He’s here!” Stacia whisper-yells from across the room. Nobody hears her but Rory and I, so the party goes on as people mingle with their sherbert drinks.

My omega looks slightly defeated, but then Rory cups her hands around her mouth. “Everybody hide!”

Her scream flies through the crowded space, halting every conversation. There’s no confusion, everyone starts to move on instinct.

“Who is that?” Dax whispers to us as we go behind the wall connecting to the living room. “With the blue hair?”

Kendall gives a low chuckle. “That’s Stacia’s best friend, Rory.”

“Rory,” he says her name like it’s a lullaby. “She seems like a real ball buster, huh?”

Kendall snorts. “She’d tear you apart, Dax.”

He gives us a bold smile. “I fucking hope so.”

I try to hide my snort and fail but the conversation ends as the front door opens. Kendall hits Dax and shushes him. He hits and shushes him back. Why did I decide to hide with these two?

I look across the room to see Stacia hiding with Ciro. She’s keeping a watchful eye on the doorway for Atlas. I can feel her excitement through the bond. For the millionth time since meeting her, something pinches inside my chest. She loves to surprise us, provide for us.

She is the most caring partner any of us have ever had. It makes me feel warmth where I used to only feel sorrow.

Atlas finally walks through the door, and we all jump out and surprise him. He doesn’t look very surprised—I think Ciro was hoping he’d catch a flinch on camera—but he does look very happy. He hugs our omega first, and I think I hear him thanking her for thinking about him. It’s a cute moment to witness.

“So, what’s the plan for next year? Atlas is going to qualify for the draft, right?” Dax asks.

“Yeah, of course,” I reply.

“Won’t Stacia have another year left of school?”

We both look at each other, remembering the conversation we had with our omega sometime after her heat. Stacia decided she won’t be returning to school next semester.

After being cut off from her parents, she can no longer afford tuition. Instead, she’s been discussing diving headfirst into her writing so she can finally start her career as an independent author. She also wants to do something small, a part-time job that she was never allowed to have under her parents’ roof.

She’s excited to work and write, and she’s happy that we’ll all be able to move in together next year after Atlas gets drafted. She says she doesn’t even care where we end up, as long as we’re all together.

Before I can respond, I see movement behind Atlas and Stacia, a hooded figure moving suspiciously. The moment I see his eyes, a growl bursts out of me. “Kendall, call 911.”

He calls out to me as I start to walk in their direction. “What do you mean? What do I tell them?”

“Tell them that our girlfriend’s ex just violated his restraining order.”

I march over just before Derek can put his hand on Stacia’s shoulder. I grab his wrist and pull it up, twisting it in the process. He cries out in pain just as my omega and prime turn to us.

I thought Stacia would be stunned in fear at seeing him again, but her response shocks me. Her lips stretch wide before she belts out in laughter. Atlas, Ciro, and I look at each other in amusement before turning our attention back to the stunning girl who’s currently howling in hysterics.

“You must be really stupid and desperate, huh?” she says to him, head held high with confidence. “What are you doing here, Dickwad?”

Derek growls but I twist his wrist a little bit more to shut him up. He gives a whine that causes his face to redden with harsh shame. “I only want to talk. To ask you to drop the restraining order.”

“Oh yeah? And why would I ever agree to do that?”

He narrows his eyes at her, obviously disliking this new brazen omega. “Because I need to get back into Alpha Xi. My dad can’t find out, I need a way back in. I figured you owed me anyway, for leading me on for so long.”

Atlas laughs. “Sam would never let you back in after what you said. And you have a really warped recollection of your relationship with my omega. You hurt her. You abused her. And now you want there to be no consequences for your actions.”

Derek scowls at him. “I wasn’t talking to you.”

Stacia’s smile turns evil as she steps forward a few paces. “Let’s get one thing straight, Derek. I’ll never accede to your commands again. You can yell, beg, bark at me, but it will never happen. You made this bed that you’re lying in. In fact”—a blue and red light starts to flash through the window, illuminating the entire room—“I think you might as well tuck the covers all the way in because you’ll be in said bed for a long time.”

Derek’s eyes widen as the sirens come through clearer. He panics and tries to run away but forgets that I have his wrist in my grip and gets tugged back to us like a slingshot. “Please let me go. I’ll never bother you again, I just need to get out of here.”

I sneer at him. “You should have never come here to begin with. You violated the order of protection. In the state of Massachusetts, that means prison time.”

The fear on his face is glorious to witness. I look up to see Atlas and Ciro pull Stacia between them just as Kendall comes up behind us, police in tow. I finally let go of Derek, but it’s too late for him to do anything as our pack brothers explain the situation. There’s a lot of expletives as they put him into handcuffs. The crowd around us bursts into cheer as they haul him away, the energy in the atmosphere morphing back into one of celebration and joy.

My omega is clutched between all of us, a smile planted on her face. She catches my eye, her own sparkling. I frame my hands around her face. “I’m so proud of you, omega.”

She preens at that. “Life is too short to let that asshole have any more of my time.” She looks over at Kendall. “When can we cut the cake?”

He practically bounces into the air. “Can it be right now? Atlas, this is the best cake I’ve ever made. You’re going to love it.”

Atlas finishes typing on his phone, more than likely sending an email to our attorney to update her on the situation. “I really doubt it’ll beat the one you made for Stacia’s birthday.”

Ciro scoffs. “Please don’t get him started again.”

I can’t wipe the smile from my face as they continue to banter as we make our way through our house together. This is my pack, the family I always wanted but didn’t think I deserved. They are right here, tangible in front of me. I am so grateful to whatever force is out there for gifting me this light in what seemed like a life of murkiness. The love we have found is inconceivable and completely fucking nuts, but it’s ours.

I’ll hold onto it for the rest of my life.

EPILOGUE

10 years later

“You’ll be here next week though, right?” Rory’s voice has undertones of worry in them, so I balk at her.

“I don’t think I’m allowed to skip out on it, Cranny. It’s inspired by my book after all.”

She huffs out a sigh. “Good. I know it’s an adaptation but I really want to do your character justice.”

I laugh, not worried at all about her ability to bring my character to life. “Stop worrying, Rory. This is a dream come true. Imagine if we were to tell our twenty year old selves that you’d one day be starring in an adaptation of my book. They’d keel over.”

She gives a hearty laugh. “Isn’t that the damn truth.”

A small noise comes from her side of the call before she gives a slight groan. “I’ll have to call you back. There’s apparently a hole in our roof.”

I try to silence my giggle in my hand. “Tell your pack I said hello.”

“Always. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Just as I hang up, the back door swings open and my alpha walks out holding a plate and fork. I give a little excited yip, my hands already reaching out to take it from him.

“Sera keeps asking when she’ll be able to feed the baby cake.” Atlas hands me a slice before taking a seat next to me.

“I don’t know how any of us didn’t see this coming. Her obsession with cake rivals her father’s.” I take the plate, digging in immediately. The first bite is heaven, the beautiful raspberry lemon a burst of flavor in my mouth. Kendall makes it every year for my birthday, but I never get tired of it. It reminds me of that feeling I got that very first time. The hope it poured into me.

A happy squeal cuts in. Our four year old daughter runs out of the house while chased by her three other dads, the happiness palpable from where I’m sitting. Kendall catches her and then proceeds to fly her around like an airplane. Ciro is mimicking the noises, and Uriah is watching with a gigantic smile.

He’s always smiling these days.

“Maybe this one will get our love of reading,” Atlas says. His hand falls upon my stomach, rubbing it with affection. He gives me the same smile that he’s given me for years. The one that communicates how much he loves me without having to say it. It still gives me butterflies.

“Maybe. Or maybe he’ll get your love for hockey.”

“There’s still time with Sera, too,” he quips, still admiring my belly. I know he won’t be disappointed if neither of our children take up hockey, but if they do, they’ll have three dads who can teach them everything they know.

Atlas retired from the Washington Capitals a couple seasons ago. He had the potential to do many more, but with the arrival of Sera, he was worried about the risk of being traded. He wanted Sera to grow up in one place, to have a stable home. So, he said goodbye to his first love so he could protect his latest one.

We all changed after having Sera.

After giving birth, we all mutually decided that it would be best if I went back to therapy. The overpowering emotions that came with becoming a mother was too much for me at first. It brought back a lot of my earliest memories, times when I was nurtured by nannies instead of my parents. Times when I wondered what I had done wrong to deserve being disregarded by them.

The wounds left in me from childhood caused a rift. I tried extra hard to not be like my parents, to the point where I was a bit too hands-on, never accepting help when it was obvious I was exhausted. They were all worried about me, about my moments of spacing out that I hadn’t had in years.

It was a tough spell to get through, but the outcome was damn rewarding because we raised such a joyful child. She loves baking, listening to her papa’s music, running around in the yard. She’s full of energy and never lets us rest for a moment. Even with five of us raising her, it’s still a whirlwind.

But it’s because of how she turned out that made us want to try for a second. This time, I’ll be better prepared for the unexpected emotional rollercoaster. This time, I’ll let my pack take some of the load off. It won’t be perfect, I remind myself, but it’ll all turn out okay. I know that now.

There’s good days and there’s bad days. There’s moments where I have to remind myself that healing substantially doesn’t mean I will always be happy and joyful. It’s healthy to have both positive and negative emotions. It does not mean I am retreating back into old habits, it just means I have a new opportunity to try again.

I haven’t seen my parents since that day I moved out. I haven’t even spoken to them. It’s bittersweet, both relieving and frustrating. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever completely remove that wound, the curiosity of why my parents couldn’t love me like parents are supposed to. But every time it comes up, I remind myself that it doesn’t matter why. It was their choice. Just like it’s my choice to be done with it all.

There’s never a solid answer. Sometimes, all you have to do is focus on where you are in the moment, the tangible present. This is real, what’s in front of you right now. And as I watch my beautiful husbands wrangle our four year old up in their arms and run around with her through the lush green yard, I realize I don’t want to be anywhere else.

“Where’d you go, angel?” I feel Atlas caressing my cheek, his beautiful scent trailing over to me.

I give him a smile and put my hand on top of his, fully content. “Nowhere. I’m happy right where I am.”

THE END

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

First off, I wanted to thank every person that decided to take a chance on Patiently Yours. I am filled with joy that you were interested enough to open up my book, much less to get to these acknowledgments. Thank you so, so much.

To my alpha reader, Chloe. You were the first person to read Patiently Yours and therefore, you were the first person to give me imposter syndrome anxiety! Hahaha. Your feedback helped me turn the book into what I needed. You pointed out things I would have never caught myself in a million years, so thank you! When you finished it and gave me feedback/praise, it meant everything to me. Keep being a rockstar.

To my beta team members: Ash, Mckayla, and Jenna. Thank you guys so much for not only reading my story, but for providing wonderful feedback and showing the utmost enthusiasm for my story/characters. It was your reactions and commentary on Pack Pearson that helped me realize… this is it. I’m publishing a book, one that I hope people who love Omegaverse will enjoy! You three really made me realize that reality was possible. Thank you for using your precious time to help me. I am so freaking grateful to you.

Thank you to my good friend and fellow OV author, Fallon English! While I was editing Patiently Yours, there was a moment where I felt like my story was lacking but I couldn’t figure out what was missing. I messaged you to ask a silly question about the series name; it didn’t even have anything to do with the book itself. Not only did you answer my question, but you gave me A LOT of information about fraternities and Greek life that I didn’t know about. This info definitely helped me elevate the story in many ways. Not only that, but you have just helped me a lot in general. You make me feel like I have a genuine place in the Omegaverse world, so thank you so much for being an amazing friend.

To the wonderful Domina Easton, thank you for reaching out and helping me at my most anxious moment. This book is out in the world because you were kind enough to use up your precious time to help me, and I cannot thank you enough for that. Also, you’re just really awesome and I’m so glad we’re friends now. Thank you for coming into my life!

To my proofreader, Kai. You were the last person to read Patiently Yours before ARC readers and oh my gosh! I am so thankful to you. Thank you for helping me finalize the draft and perfect it as much as it could be perfected. I can’t wait to work with you again in the future.

To my cover designer, Sandra Maldo at Maldo Designs! Thank you so much for the wonderful cover. It was a dream come true to work with you on my debut novel. I had seen you work with some of my favorite OV authors before, and I was so excited that I was able to work with you! It’s everything I wanted and more, I’m so grateful. And the cover is STUNNING.

To my family, who have always known that I would do this even when I doubted it myself. Thank you for cultivating the creative inside of me from a young age. Thank you for protecting me when I needed to be protected, and loving me when I needed to be loved. Thank you for saying you’re going to read my book, even though I’m still begging you not to! Thank you for everything you’ve given me; you’ve made pursuing my dream possible and I will never forget that.

And last, but certainly not least… to my partner and best friend, Cephas. The dedication itself isn’t enough. Thank you so much for everything you’ve done and everything you are. You have shown me real love; one full of support, healthy communication, and silly fun. You are my safe place, and you have my heart. This is the first of many to come, and it’s your unconditional encouragement that has helped me see it through.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Layney Jones loves to write sweet, spicy, and angsty love stories with unique and eccentric characters.