When I glanced back at Cole, then North, both looked like they’d received terrible news. I knew from the conversation I had with Cole that he was still processing this whole scent-match thing.
He seemed hopeful, curious when we talked, but we promised to talk more tonight. We didn’t want to raise suspicion going in since we’d have to know if we were matches to get to the point of talking marriage.
I thought he was on board, happy even, so why did he seem so scared now?
Whatever tension there was between the brothers, I’d somehow wedged myself right in between it.
Great.
“I’m going to freshen up for dinner. We’re having food sent in from Evergreen Table, so I hope you’re hungry,” she said, giving me a quick, but worried, smile before rushing out.
It was the most subdued I’d seen Karina since I met her. Granted, we shared quite a few glasses of wine in the first meeting, but something was definitely wrong right now.
“Does somebody want to fill me in on why everyone looks like I just kicked their puppy and stole Christmas? I promise I’m not forcing anyone into anything. If you don’t want this, want me. It’s fine.”
I might’ve said it with a little more attitude than I intended, but I didn’t like their reaction. It made me feel likeIhad done something wrong even though I knew I hadn’t.
This wasn’t my first rodeo with a pack that didn’t want me. I would never put myself in that situation again, scent-match or not.
My words seemed to snap North out of it. He ran a hand over his face and gave me a sheepish smile.
“I’m sorry, it just took me by surprise. What’s your name?”
“Aspen,” I answered quietly. The shift was wild.
“That’s a beautiful name,” he said with a small smile that changed his face from stoic, to almost pretty. There was a softness to this beta that struck me, almost more omega in nature despite his lack of sweetness to his scent.
Cole stepped in close, tilting my face up to look at him. His scent wrapped around me in a reassuring way as he leaned in close, forcing me to listen.
“I’m sorry, chaos. I promise, none of this is on you. It’s been a while since I’ve been home,” Cole supplied. “We haven’t exactly had a brotherly relationship in a long time.”
“That doesn’t mean I don’t want you to give me a chance,” Jack clarified. Then his gaze shifted to North then back to me. “Us a chance.”
“Are you two a pack?” I questioned. The beta still looked like he was in shock, and I was trying not to take offense to his lack of answer.
It all suddenly became way too much, like my skin was itching for me to move, to put space between me and the drama unfolding here.
“I think I need some fresh air,” I said, turning quickly and rushing past Cole and through the door again. There was no hope of finding a back door, so I quickly hurried through the front door and onto the porch. With hurried steps, I followed it around toward the back, out of view.
It was so silly that their rejection hurt more than finding out my last pack cheated on me. They said not to worry, but I could feel the tension. It was thick in the air, rippling between us and placing a wedge that didn’t make sense.
Nothing about my love life had ever been storybook worthy. My last pack barely tolerated me. I see that now. I kind of forced myself upon Cole, and we used each other. At least, that was the plan.
But now that his family was involved, he didn’t look thrilled.
What the hell had I gotten myself into?
“There you are.”
The gentle voice had me turning to see North standing next to me. I hadn’t even realized he followed me. I’d been hanging onto the railing, staring at nothing, not even seeing the beautiful landscape out here. Hell, I barely felt the cold.
“Sorry, I just needed a minute,” I said, blinking back tears that were burning my eyes. He seemed to notice, his teal eyes studying me as his frown deepened.
“I’m sorry, Aspen. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” he said gently. “I’m not great with words or people. Outside of Jack, but he’s used to my weird ways. So is the town.”
“Like I said, it’s fine,” I said quickly. “I’ll be okay.”
“No, that’s not what I want at all,” he protested, stepping closer so I was hit with that scent again, only now it was warmer, no longer charred.
