“Faye’s just telling me how you’re all going to help fix up Blooming Brew,” Delilah responds.
I can’t wait to take them to Clover Hollow to show them where I grew up.
So much has changed since I came to SVU. I was a small-town girl who was afraid of alphas and worried about whether I’d fit in. Now I have a new family. I have the Stellas—my scent sorority sisters and best friends for life—and my pack. The four men who won my heart and showed me what true alphas are. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but I wouldn’t change it.
I take a moment to look around. Laz and Sabs bicker with Kady acting as a referee, Ren flicks through his notes for a class, Damon fills up his plate for a fourth helping while Delilah and Cole swap tips on the best way to clean a burned saucepan.
Suddenly, Damon’s fists ball and his nostrils flare. When he slams his plate down, a warning ripples through me. Something’s wrong.
“What is it?” I ask him.
Cole tenses by my side. “An alpha’s here.”
“I’ll deal with them.” Damon stands, stalking off.
“Did any of you,” Ren looks at the Stellas, “invite anyone to join us?”
“Don’t look at me!” Delilah holds up her hands. “I’m an alpha-free zone, unfortunately.”
“I don’t know any alphas I’d want to see again after one night,” Sabs replies cheekily. “You know me, I’m a knot and run kinda girl.”
“Come on, Sabs.” Laz frowns. “What have I told you about those heat buddy apps? There could be psycho bite-jackers or taggers on there.”
“I don’t use the shady ones. Besides, an omega has needs, Laz!” Sabs huffs in frustration. “I shouldn’t need to tell you that after you helped Faye through her heat. Not everyone is lucky enough to have found their scent match.”
“I’m being serious, Sabs.” Laz clasps her shoulder. “You have to be safe. If you ever go to meet an alpha you’ve only spoken to online, I want to know about it.”
“Stop worrying.” Sabs waves off his concerns with an eye roll. “I can handle myself.”
“Kady?” Cole prompts.
“I’m far too busy to mess around with any alphas,” Kady scoffs. “They’re a distraction.”
“Why can’t you be more like Kady, Sabs?” Laz exhales loudly. “Focus on your studies.”
Sabs snorts. “Says the guy who almost got kicked out of SVU last year for missing so many deadlines.”
Laz gasps in horror. “How did you find out about that?”
She taps her nose. “I have my sources.”
“You didn’t tell our dads, did you?”
“If I had, you’d have known about it by now.” Sabs’s lips spread into a mischievous smile. “You better stay on my good side, big bro.”
Seconds later, Damon reappears. He’s not alone. The alpha at his side doesn’t look like a student. He’s in his forties, balding, with small, circular sunglasses and an expensive suit.
“Warren?” Kady stands up to greet him, clearly knowing each other. “What’re you doing here? Is something wrong?”
“I have a delivery from Mr. Sinclair.” He clutches an envelope like his life depends on it. “He insisted I deliver it to you by hand. Margie told me where to find you.”
“Consider it done.” Kady takes it from him. “And can you tell my father to just call me next time? He should consider reducing his paper usage.”
Warren bows his head. “As you wish, Ms. Sinclair.”
“I’ll escort you out,” Damon growls, keeping his stare laser-focused on Warren. “This way.”
“Sorry about that,” Kady mutters as Damon and Warren leave. “Typical Dad. I swear, he has people do everything for him.”
