The hairs on my nape rise, aware that he’s watching my every move.
“That looks like some serious reading.” I point at the book next to his laptop. “Do you study law?”
“Law and political science. My dad wanted me to major in finance, but I wanted to do something else. Something that’ll make a positive difference.”
Cole’s a hard person to read, but from what I do know, it’s clear that he cares about others.
“I understand that.” I run a finger along the books lining his shelves. “That’s why I’m studying health botany. To make people’s lives better. Law is kinda the same, right?” I grimace. “Well, unless you work for the bad guys.”
“I’m not planning on doing that.” His rumbling laugh sends a shiver of longing down my spine. “No matter what my dad asks me to do.”
“He’s tough on you?”
“He thinks he knows what’s best for me.” His cheeks puff up before he releases a heavy breath. “He’s planned out my whole life since I was a boy, but I want to forge my own path.”
“He should be proud of you for that.”
“Pride is the opposite of what my father feels for me.” His bitterness changes his scent. “He’s my father by blood, but even that seems to mean nothing to him.”
When his lips part yet nothing comes out, I sense there’s more he wants to say. “Do you want to talk about it?” I’m desperate to get to know him better, especially if we’re doomed to spend eternity together. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to push you. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.”
“No, it’s okay.” He sighs and sits on the bed. “Last year, I found out I had a half-sister.” Something flashes behind his steely eyes. Sadness or regret, maybe? “She’s only seven. I didn’t even know she existed until her mom died unexpectedly. My father had kept her a secret. He hasn’t exactly been a one-woman man over the years.” I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows thickly. “When I found out, I wanted him to take legal custody of her. Dad refused, claiming he wanted nothing to dowith her. So I decided to try to get custody of her instead. I knew it was a long shot. I mean, what would I know about raising a child?” He wrings his hands. “But I couldn’t bear to see my sister go into the system. I was ready to withdraw my offer to SVU, and all the guys were behind me, ready to take her in. But I lost the case. And now, she’s lost. I haven’t been able to track her down since. She could be anywhere.”
“I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to make it better.” I sit next to him. “You’ll find her. I’m sure of it.”
“I hope so.” He inhales deeply, straightening his spine. “Until then, I can try to make sure this kind of thing doesn’t happen to anyone else.” He gestures at his books. “I’m learning to fight for the good guys.”
Cole is a giant mountain of a man, but his heart is even bigger. He isn’t like the alphas I’ve grown up fearing who wreck lives. He wants to keep families together, not tear them apart.
“Although Laz doesn’t make it easy for me.” His lopsided smile reveals he has one dimple on his left side. “I want to kill him at least ten times a day, but that’s what it’s like being in a pack. Packs are even closer than family, and when we bond to an omega that’ll only strengthen us.”
I shift on the spot, the topic of bonding making me hot under the collar.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean…” His back teeth crash together loud enough for me to hear. “We’re not putting any pressure on you, Faye.”
“I know.” I look out the window, avoiding his gaze. “I just don’t know how I’ll fit into your pack.”
His eyes widen in surprise, and his cedar scent engulfs me, making me feel like I’m being cuddled by a thousand trees. Since childhood, I’ve loved roaming around the forest close to Gram’s shop. His smell reminds me of home, making me feel safe butalso homesick at the same time. Everything has changed in such a short time.
To my surprise, my eyes fill with tears.
“You don’t have to hide any part of yourself from me, or any of us.” His sexy, silky voice wraps around me like a snug blanket. “And you never, ever have to worry about fitting in with us. You’re our scent match. You complete us. We’re in this for the long haul, and we all want to get to know you better.”
“Well, maybe not all of you.”
“Damon’s complicated.” Cole exhales loudly, instantly knowing who I’m referring to. “He’s made mistakes in his past that he’s afraid of repeating. Mistakes that have made him question whether pack life is for him. But he’s one of us. I’ll never abandon him. And regardless of how he’s acting right now, I know he feels drawn to you too. But we’ll wait until you’re ready, however long it takes. If you want us to slow down, we can.”
“You’re being so nice.”
He arches an eyebrow. “You say that like you’re surprised.”
“You’re not what I expected alphas to be like, that’s all. My past experience with packs has been ... bad.”
“Did someone hurt you?” A storm cloud has descended over his features, and his voice has a deeper, aggressive edge.
One look tells me he’s ready to put a hit out on them.
“Yes, but?—”
