Wow, I can’t imagine having so many options.
“I’m guessing you all lived in Saltwave Bay before coming to SVU then?”
He nods. “We’ve always liked spending time with Laz’s family, and I try to stay as far away from mine as possible.”
“So…” I sip my wine, daring to ask a question about the future. “Is that where you’d like to live after graduating?”
“That was the plan,” Cole says. “But we haven’t fully decided yet. If our pack was to expand, we’d discuss it as a group. We’d never force anyone to live somewhere they’d be uncomfortable.” He studies me intently. “Have you given any thoughts on where you’d like to live after college?”
“I haven’t really considered it,” I admit. “Clover Hollow is great. It’s all I know, but it’s small. I came here to start a new adventure, to see more of the world.” I drain my glass and pour myself another. “I know you guys are graduating this year, and I definitely want to finish my studies. Is that … going to be a problem?”
“Absolutely not.” Cole puts his fork down. “We would never expect you to give up on your dreams for us. We’d support you getting your degree. Laz can work anywhere with his graphic design business, Ren will always find a new course to study and could stay on as a TA. I’ve had a few offers for graduate positions, but I’d be happy to stay here, if that’s what you wanted.”
“Really?” I’m dumbstruck. Judging by how quick he was to answer, it’s clear that he and the guys have already had this conversation. “You’d stay here for me?”
“Of course,” Cole replies like it isn’t even a question. “Our number one priority is your happiness.”
“But what about your job offers?” I chew my lip. “I hate the thought of you having to give something up for me.”
“There’ll be other jobs.” He shrugs, unfazed. “It’s not like I need the money. I could study something else or start my own firm. What matters most to me—to us—is you. We’re serious about making this work.”
I’m overwhelmed with a slew of emotions, not used to being the center of someone’s world. I don’t know how to handle it, so I turn my attention back to the food.
“The guys were right about your Bolognese.” I slurp up a strand of spaghetti in a very unladylike fashion. “This is delicious.”
“I’m glad you like it.” The grin he gives me makes me feel all fuzzy. “So tell me more about why you chose to study health botany.”
The conversation continues to flow as we enjoy our meal. Opening up to Cole is easy. He’s a good listener, pays careful attention to what I say, and asks questions about the finer details. He was fascinated to hear about some of the tasks I did in Blooming Brew. I didn’t think it was particularly interesting, but he was enthralled when I told him about herb collecting and how the change of seasons can influence their properties. I also told him about Gram’s work for Omega Unite. He’s the first person I’ve told about this part of my life.
“Wow, your gram is a total badass omega activist?”
“Pretty much!” I nod proudly. “She started her crusade after my mom died, and the momentum kept building. It’s hard for her to run everything from Clover Hollow, but the internet has made it easier. There are Omega Unite groups all over the country. She vets everyone who runs them, and they all report back to her.”
“She sounds like a strong woman.”
“She is.” My heart warms, thinking of her. “She’s my inspiration.”
“I’d love to meet her.”
I smile wryly. The truth is, I’m not sure how Gram will react to the Silverwood Pack. While she knows not all alphas are evil, she’s naturally wary and fiercely protective.
“Sorry, I’m speaking too much about myself.” I glaze over it. “I’d love to know more about you.”
“I could listen to you talk all day.” He’s quick to reply. “But you can ask me anything. What would you like to know?”
“What was your home like growing up?” Stuffed, I lean back in my chair. “From what you’ve said before, I know you don’t get along with your dad.”
“My dad’s the stereotypical cold-hearted businessman with ruthless instincts. He comes from a long line of powerful alphas, so he’s spent his life trying to prove his worth.” Cole scowls downat the table. “He works all the time. When I wasn’t at boarding school, he’d send me to summer camps or hire nannies to take care of me.”
“That sounds kinda lonely.”
“Actually, I preferred school to being at home. Being around my dad long enough would make anyone feel like there’s something wrong with them. Nothing is ever good enough for him.”
“Are your parents separated?” I ask cautiously. Cole’s mentioned his missing half-sister before, but I’ve never heard him mention his mom
“I’ve never known my mother.” He pushes his empty bowl away from him. “All I know is that she gave Dad a baby then left. He insisted on keeping me to carry on the bloodline. I tried tracking her down when I was a teenager, but she clearly didn’t want to be found.”
“Couldn’t your father have helped you?” I query. “He has money and influence.”
