When a soft, sweet chuckle escaped him, his cheeks blooming with red, I couldn’t help but grin.
“You two are a lot alike,” I said, nodding toward the doorway.
He shook his head. “Everyone always says that, but I don’t see it. I’m hardly built like him.”
“That’s about the only thing you got from your mom,” I said.
His beta father had red hair and a splash of freckles. The laugh lines that crinkled around his eyes and mouth told me that he was a genuinely happy person.
The third father, another alpha, spotted us first, his face breaking out into a huge smile.
“There’s my boy!” he called out, rushing over and practically pushing the other two dads aside to get to North. He pulled him into a hug. Then he frowned, studying his son. “Something’s wrong.”
North’s cheeks burned bright, making it very obvious that this man was right.
“We’ll talk about it later,” he promised, likely in hopes to appease his father.
The man narrowed his eyes but thankfully, didn’t argue.
For now.
“Your mother brought her famous chocolate tarts, so I hope you brought your appetite today,” he said to change the subject.
“I always do,” North agreed quickly before pulling me closer. “Dad, I’d like you to meet my omega, Aspen. Aspen, this is my father Lawrence. The one with red hair is my father Jasper. And Damien is the one that you think looks just like me.”
“Right?!” Jasper said as he pointed at me. He had a look of pure vindication on his face.
“I keep trying to tell them, and they both deny it.”
“We refused to get a DNA test,” Lawrence said. “But there are signs.” He rolled his eyes at both of them before turning his bright smile back on me.
“And this,” North said as his mom moved closer to join the introductions, “is my mother Madeline, who also happens to be my best friend.”
Karina moved to our other side. “Madeline, you’re going to absolutely adore this omega.”
“If she makes my son happy, then I already do,” Madeline said firmly. “Aspen, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And you,” I said, meaning it.
Karina started detailing the antique mall and all the things she found. She was beyond thrilled that I had joined her, and I couldn’t help the blush as they all turned their attention back to me again. I wasn’t used to being any form of the center of attention outside of my pack.
It was also a little intimidating that they came from such good families. I felt a bit out of place and uncertain, two things I did not enjoy.
“Aspen, tell us about yourself,” Madeline said as she sat down next to her mates. The kitchen staff swept out of the doorway, arms loaded with plates. The Chrismtas gods must have been looking out for me.
I hesitated a minute before answering as a plate was put in front of me. Was I absolutely stalling? Yes. I hated talking about myself. But for my men, I would try.
“I actually work with Cole. I’m a journalist. I currently work in the lifestyle portion, however, I just spoke to Grady today about a position here in Pine Ridge,” I explained.
“Oh my goodness, that is great news,” Madeline gushed. “Does that mean—?” She glanced around at the rest of us, hoping we’d fill in the blanks.
“We’re trying our best to figure out this whole pack thing, but yes, I believe we’ll be staying.” Cole’s words had her letting out a watery cry.
“Oh, baby, I bet you’re so happy,” Madeline said, turning to look at her son now. She was tearing up again, letting out an exasperated laugh. “Oh my goodness, look at me blubbering like a little baby. I’m just so relieved. We always thought that youwould become a pack. The timing just never seemed right for you guys.”
“Well, it wasn’t exactly the timing,” Jack said, giving me a soft smile. “We were just missing a piece of the puzzle.”
My chest warmed as the words sank in. I never had to worry about fitting in again, because with them I knew where I stood. They reminded me constantly that I was part of them, and I believed every word they said.
