Bee gives really good hugs, some of the best. It’s comforting, putting me at ease in seconds, and I relax into her arms as she squeezes me tight. She’s never been one for words, preferringactions, and somehow, this hug feels like it says all the things she doesn’t. As she holds me extra tight, I sniff, trying to hold back my emotions.
“I missed you,” I murmur softly, and Bee nods, patting my back before releasing me.
She hugged me before even greeting Kai, the boy she raised. The man she now shoots a little glare at before accepting the hug he offers her. I can’t be certain, but I swear I also hear her mumble, 'pain in my ass,' quietly as they hug.
“Mom, you know Nick and Benson, Plum’s boyfriends,” Kai says, as both alphas hold their hands out for Bee to shake.
“Nice to see you again. We’ve kind of met at the pumpkin patch, and I’ve seen you around town over the years. Plum and Sable have said a lot of nice things about you, too,” Benson says as she takes his hand first, looking up at him with a little bit of judgment. Like she’s assessing his character.
“Boyfriends, huh? You didn’t mention that on Halloween, Plum," she says, eyes locked on Benson.
“Slipped my mind…” I mumble.
“Hmm.” She grunts, watching him for a long moment. “How old are you?” Bee asks, lifting her brow before sending me a bit of a judgy side-eye.
“Rhian is a year older than me. I’m twenty-two, Mrs. Berrywill,” Benson answers, and Bee drops his hand, nodding once.
“Good. Young and full of hormones, but not so young you’re dumb. And call me Bee, kid,” she says, turning to Nick next. “You, I know well. You’re ten years older than Rhian, Sable’s mate. Helped raise him and the others.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Nick nods as she takes his hand in hers.
"That's good for her," she decides, releasing him before turning away from us and heading further into the house. Wefollow, and despite my anxiety about coming here, seeing Bee has helped a lot. Even after that little interrogation.
“Dinner should be ready soon,” Bee says as we take our seats at the table. She’s at the head of it, with me at her left and Kai on her right, sitting directly across from me. Benson takes the chair to my left, and Nick takes the one to his, leaving the space next to Kai empty.
The silence stretches on for an uncomfortable amount of time as we all just sit, awkwardly looking at each other. Thankfully, the food is quickly brought out, and everyone focuses on eating, dissolving some of the tension.
It’s awkward but bearable, at least until Bee excuses herself for a restroom break, and Kai opens his damn mouth again.
“So, alphas. What are your intentions with Plum?” Kai asks casually, glancing between the three of us, like he has any right to ask that kind of thing.
“Long term, or just tonight? Because our intentions for tonight are to make Plum scream our names so many times she forgets every man that’s ever touched her before us,” Benson says with a straight face, never looking away from Kai.
For the first time since he returned, I really see Kai react. His muscles flex, and he grips his fork harder, his eyes narrowing slightly. It doesn’t make me think he’s hurting, though. He’s just possessive of things he thinks are his.
“Long term?” Kai grunts, keeping his eyes locked on Benson.
“We’ve been taking things slow. Justenjoyingeach other, but I’m not going anywhere,” Benson tells him, and he’s so convincing that if I didn’t know better, I’d believe him.
“And you?” Kai directs the question to Nick.
“Plum is the first omega to make me think about things like marriage and mate bonds. Something I didn’t think I wanted until her.”
Nick’s words land like a cold bucket of water down my spine, and I have to remind myself it’s all just to get Kai to stop pursuing me. It doesn’t help that Bee’s timing is terrible as she walks in to retake her seat while Nick is speaking. She glances around the table, but I don’t meet her eyes, focusing instead on my plate as Nick continues to answer.
“Plum’s the kind of omega who deserves two devoted alphas, ready to give her the pack she’s always wanted.”
The beta’s reaction to Nick’s words is surprising, as his fork clatters to his plate and he sits back in his chair. He looks half-shocked, half-dazed. Bee is much more positive about it.
“Well, that’s lovely to hear. Plum deserves happiness. I wasn’t sure what your relationship was like, since she didn’t mention dating anyone, but I’m glad to see how much you care for her.” Bee then stuffs a forkful of food into her mouth, thankfully soon distracted by the tasty meal.
“I couldn’t agree more, Bee. Plum deserves all the happiness.” Benson nods, nearly finished with his food already.
He and Nick both look completely unfazed by the beta’s reaction; meanwhile, Kai looks slightly ill, and I’m stuck somewhere between surprised and horrified. Horrified that Bee heard the fake confession and surprised that it seems to affect Kai so much.
Maybe the alphas were right about him hurting?
“Someone shit in your Cheerios?” Bee asks after a long silence, watching Kai with that motherly look she gets when she senses he’s upset. Her confusion morphs into understanding as she sighs. “I tried to tell you, Kai.”
