“You thought we were going to force you into heat,” I finish hoarsely. Everything clicks together in my head, clarity I’ve been searching for ever since we found Harper in that damn freezer.
“I’m s-sorry. I won’t live like that,” Harper sobs, and I pull her into my arms. She’s trembling, shivers rolling up and down her spine and I run my palm down it as she curls into me, her hands twisting in my jumper as she breaks apart.
“No, I’m sorry, love,” I say, and I feel the pack surrounding us, adding their own apologies. They all look as devastated as I feel.
“I’m so sorry that we made you feel that way. I promise you, there was never a question of us triggering a heat.” I rock her gently in my arms and a purr emerges from my throat, soothing her. She relaxes in my arms, turning to rub her cheek across my chest.
“It’s not your fault. I got it wrong,” she says quietly. “So, so wrong. I nearly…”
I pull her closer until there’s no single space between us, pushing away thoughts of a world without Harper. The rest of the pack gathers around us, desperate to see her. I lean back to give them space and she looks up at Rogue. He’s on one knee with his hand out, uncertainty and heartbreak in his eyes. She nuzzles me one last time before taking his hand and throwing her arms around his neck. Ace scoops her up next, whispering ‘little omega’ into her hair as he breathes her in deeply. Devlin stands uncertainly to the side as Harper turns, searching for him.
He still feels odd in the pack bond, muted, but there’s a warmth there too. It grows a little more as Harper looks around, her eyes landing on him and beckoning. He goes, helpless to resist her. I know how he feels.
“Princess,” he whispers. He shudders as she throws herself into him, his arms closing tightly around her back as she winds hers around his neck.
“No more doubts, little omega,” Ace says firmly. We all turn to face him, Harper with a touch of surprise. Ace’s face is filled with determination. “From now on, you talk to us if you’re worried. Complete honesty.”
Rogue nods in agreement. “We’re all in, love. We’re not walking away from this. If you’ll have us.”
“Yours,” I growl. “We’re yours.”
Harper’s scent washes over us, warm cinnamon and oranges wrapping around me like a gift. She buries her face in Devlin’s shoulder for a moment before glancing back at us, a shy smile on her lips.
“Mine.” It sounds like a vow. One I’ll willingly swear to every day for the rest of my life. “And I’m yours.”
Her words send a thrill through me, so strong I’m surprised I’m still standing. It’s too much for Devlin and he sweeps in, claiming her lips in a long, lush kiss. I watch them both, slight envy wavering through the bond but mostly satisfaction. Harper moans as Devlin sucks on her bottom lip, and the scent of honey makes my cock come to attention. Before we can get too wound up, though, a voice interrupts us.
“Ahem. Sorry to interrupt, but…”
Harper blushes, realizing that Ezra is still here. I suppress a groan of frustration and palm my cock casually through my pants, rearranging myself so I don’t give everyone a show. I catch Rogue doing the same and we exchange a wry grin.
ChapterThirty-Eight
Harper
Happiness fills me as I stare around at my pack.Mine.I can’t believe I got it so, so wrong. One look at the horror in their faces and I just knew.
Way to jump to fucking conclusions, Harper.
Rogue scoops me up and I laugh lightly, linking my arms around his neck. “Well, hello there,” I tease, and his mouth quirks upwards at one side. I poke it gently.
He settles firmly in the chair with me tucked securely into his lap. I wish I had my blanket. This would be the perfect snuggle space. I’ve barely thought the words when Ace appears, a fluffy blanket in his hands. He winks at me as I pretty much snatch it from him. It must be his, and I breathe in his fresh sea salt and driftwood scent as I huddle into it. Between Ace’s scent and Rogue’s fresh grass, I feel cocooned. Ezra clears his throat again and I offer him an apologetic smile.
“I’m glad it was a misunderstanding,” he whispers to me like we’re the only two in the room, and I smile at him in thanks.
“Me too,” I murmur back as Rogue runs his palm over my legs. He tickles lightly, and I kick out with a gasp of laughter.
“Sorry,” he murmurs, kissing my forehead. “I just need to make sure you’re alright.”
My breath hitches and I turn my face to him, raising up for a kiss. His mouth meets mine carefully, gently pressing the top and then the bottom with soft touches. It sends warmth rushing through me and I hope it’ll lead to more later. Way later. When Ezra isn’t staring at us with exasperation.
He shakes his head, a grin lining his weathered face. “I forget how the mating process can get.”
My head pops up as I nearly headbutt Rogue in the chin. Distractedly giving it an apologetic rub, I ask, “What do you mean?”
I have no idea what a mating process is, but I like the sound of it.
Ezra hums lightly as the guys settle down.
