I stroke the big guy’s shoulder as I pass. “Thanks for last night, Cole.”
“Anytime, little omega.” He stands, a dazzling smile stretching his mouth. He holds my face in his hands and kisses me hard, taking my breath away.
“Ugh,” Laz groans. “Now I need to go have a cold shower with my Rosie Palm and her five sisters.”
Ren slips his fingers through mine. “Let’s go before you make Laz combust.”
It’s a glorious day, the warm sun beating down on us. Alphas leaving their pack houses stare as we walk down the street, some even wolf-whistle.
“I can’t wait until we can get out of the pack house.” Ren tugs me closer. “I don’t like you being this close to so many alphas.”
“It’s okay.” I squeeze his hand. “I know I’m safe when I’m with you.”
“That you are.” He stands a little taller. “So did you enjoy your first official date with Cole?”
“I loved it,” I gush. “He made me food, and we watched a cute movie.”
Ren laughs. “I can’t believe you got him to watch a chick flick. He usually only watches documentaries and films that are based on true stories because he doesn’t want to rot his brain. Though I’m sure he loved it because it was with you.” He pauses, peering down at me. “How are you feeling about everything?”
“Good.” Ren makes it easy to say what’s on my mind, so I don’t hold back. “But I still feel bad about what happened with Damon. I’d like to talk to him about it, but he won’t even stay in the same room as me for more than a few minutes.”
“It’s not your fault. You reacted exactly how Damon wanted you to. He pushes people he cares about away.”
“It doesn’t make it any easier, though.” A puff of air escapes me. “I thought when omegas courted a pack, everyone was supposed to be on the same page. When I was with Cole…” I can’t believe I’m about to admit this. “I really wanted to … bite him. I had to stop myself. Is that bad?”
“Of course it’s not, baby.” Ren is beaming. “He’s your alpha. We’re scent matches. It’s not just hard on you, it’s hard for all of us.”
“Have you felt it too?” I ask. “The urge to bite?”
“I’ve felt it from the moment we first met.” Ren chuckles. “A desperate need to claim you and mark you as mine. When we’re intimate, the urge gets even stronger. It’s the same for all the guys.”
“Do your teeth ache too?”
“Hell yeah!” Ren laughs. “We had to buy Teeth-Numb gel from Sunshine Pharmacy. That’s helped with the pain.”
“You guys are in pain?!” Guilt spiderwebs through me. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t?—”
“Hey, don’t feel bad.” Ren stops in his tracks to stroke my cheek. “The pain is nothing compared to what you have to go through during your heats. We don’t mind at all.”
“I didn’t realize that Teeth-Numb gel was even a thing,” I mumble.
“Admittedly, few alphas use it.” Ren lifts a shoulder. “Most don’t delay bonding once they’ve found their match, but we’re all happy to go at your pace. We’ll bond when you’re ready, and only if you want to.”
The more time I spend with them, the stronger our connection gets, heightening the urge to bond.
We approach the greenhouse, spotting Amora waiting outside. She’s standing next to an extremely attractive alpha woman with thick hair and rich russet brown skin. Amora waves as soon as she sees me.
“See?” Amora tells the woman as we approach. “I told you I made an omega friend.”
“You must be Faye.” The alpha holds out her hand. “I’m Carmen, and it sounds like you both need a friend in this class.” She screws up her nose in disapproval. “Especially after how Grub behaved during your last class.”
Concern practically radiates from Ren as his grip on me tightens, but I choose to ignore it.
“This is Ren,” I introduce him, changing the subject and hoping Ren doesn’t ask any questions.
“Ren Silverwood.” Carmen looks him up and down as they shake hands. “I know who you are. The Silverwood Pack courting an omega is the talk of SVU.” She sniffs the air then winks. “You smell happy.”
“Carmen!” Amora bats at her arm. “Sorry, she doesn’t know when to shut up. You know it’s rude to scent people.” She shakes her head yet smiles fondly. “I can’t take her anywhere.”
