Yesterday, our neighbors (the Princeton Pack) came over for a barbecue. We played a rather heated game of volleyball. Damon and Carmen, one of Amora’s alphas, formed an alliance that helped him get over the grudge he was holding after what happened to Faye at their last party. Faye loved catching up with Amora too. We’re all glad she has a friend so close by. As much as we do our best to educate ourselves and understand what Faye’s going through, none of us knows what the changes feel like for a bonded omega.
Laz enjoyed giving the Princeton’s a tour of the house. He’s done an amazing job. As well as spending time with Faye, he’s used the bonding break from his studies to act as an interiordesigner. Faye happily handed control over to him, but he involved her in all the decisions—especially for her nest.
I sigh, putting down my book after reading the same line for the third time. Nothing’s going in. I’m teaching a class tomorrow, yet I still haven’t finalized my lesson plan, and I have a stack of essays to give feedback on. I massage my temples. I’ll try again later.
Despite being insanely happy for my pack, I can’t help feeling like I’m the odd one out. They all seem so much more complete since bonding, yet I’m stuck in a strange state of limbo.
Faye has been amazing. She’s quick to reassure me, but we haven’t spent as much time together as I’d like. It was crucial that Cole and Laz spend plenty of time with her after their bonding. Although I’ve been around to help as much as I can to make sure everyone has what they need.
I’ve noticed a big difference in everyone since bonding. Laz is much less flustered in Faye’s company, and while Cole is still as driven as ever, he’s relaxed a little and actually puts his phone down to be fully present for her. Even Damon’s sulky moods have all but disappeared.
Once an omega bonds with a pack leader, the bond is eligible to be legally recognized. Much like a marriage, all bonds must be officially recorded and filed, and Cole has already completed and submitted all of the relevant paperwork. Because of this, Cole’s father inevitably heard the news. After receiving a few hostile voicemails and following through on his threat of freezing Cole’s accounts, Cole blocked his father’s number and seems more at peace. For years, Cole invested his money wisely, so luckily, he doesn’t need access to his father’s cash. On top of that, Laz and I also come from wealthy families. Between the three of us, none of us need to work unless we want to.
“Ren?” I turn my head in the direction of Faye’s voice. Apparently, she escaped Laz’s advances by sneaking out through his bedroom onto the terrace. “Are you out here?”
“Over here.”
Her face lights up as soon as she sees me. “Can I come hide out with you?”
She’s wearing a floaty, peach-colored dress with a floral garland in her hair, looking positively ethereal.
I shuffle over then pat the spot on the swing seat next to me. “Always.”
She scampers over and snuggles up into me, her head nestling underneath my chin. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve been right here.”
The sun sets before us, casting majestic patterns that dance across the lake surface.
Neither of us speak. We just breathe each other in, embracing the stillness and the beauty surrounding us until she quickly sits up.
“I’ll be right back, okay?” She squeezes my knee.
I nod, my insecurities creeping in. She probably went in to check on one of her bonded alphas.
“What’s this?” I ask when Faye returns, precariously balancing a tray with various snacks. Below us, I hear the rest of the pack leaving.
“I thought it was about time we spent some quality time together.” She places our snacks on the table at our side. “I asked—well, maybe ordered—everyone else to leave us alone for the night.” She bites her lip. “Is that okay?”
“Okay?” How does she know what I’m thinking? “That sounds amazing.”
She sits down next to me and takes my hand. “Are you going to tell me what’s bothering you now?”
“It’s nothing.”
She arches one eyebrow with a look that says, ‘I don’t believe you.’
“I guess…” I exhale deeply. “I just feel a bit left out.” I shake my head. “It sounds so juvenile when I say it aloud.”
“Ren,” She tenderly strokes along my cheek bone. “We may not have physically bonded yet, but you were the first alpha I really bonded with. You know that, don’t you?”
I meet her loving gaze. The woman who made me feel like I was truly wanted, and for the first time in my life, like a real alpha.
“If it wasn’t for you, I’d never be the Silverwood Pack’s omega. All of this.” She gestures around at our new life. “Is because of you. I don’t need you to bite me to feel like yours. I already am. I think I have been from the moment we met.”
“Have we told you lately how lucky we are to have you?
“All the time.” She laughs as I drape an arm around her and pull her against me. “But I’m the lucky one to have four amazing alphas. There is something else I’ve been thinking about lately. About our bond.”
