Gabrielle is nodding. “I know. That’s why I never wanted one.”
Cade gives her an understanding smile. “We’ve learned a lot in the last few years, sweetheart. A true mating bond is something that grows naturally between a pack and an omega over time, if they’re meant to be together.”
Her mouth forms the words silently, taking it in. “So no bitemark?”
“There is, but it’s the final step during heats. Natural heats, not forced ones. And it goes both ways – so you would wear our mark, but we would wear yours, too.”
There’s a flash of interest on her face. “So you think this is what’s happening to me.”
Cade nods. “You’re showing some clear signs of the mating bond growing. Nesting, our clothes, wanting us close… it comes with the territory.”
Her eyes slide to mine, a frown burrowing between those blue eyes.
“So… this. How I feel, how you feel – it’s just biology?”
There’s a resounding set ofabsolutely notandhell nocoming from my pack, but I keep my eyes on our omega.
“Let me make this clear,” I say firmly. “You areitfor us, Gabrielle. We choose you. The mating bond is growing because of that, not despite it. If we weren’t completely comfortable with each other, if something wasn’t right, you wouldn’t be feeling this way now.”
She looks so vulnerable, it shreds my heart into pieces.
“I only ever wanted to choose,” she whispers. “I’ve never had a choice before, Nate.”
I cup her cheek, wanting nothing more than to close the distance between us.
“So choose us, kitten.Choose us.”
ChapterForty-Two
Gabrielle
My hands plunge into the hot water as I attack a pot crusted with some kind of sauce like it’s my own personal nemesis. Bubbles fly everywhere, hitting me in the face and making me splutter.
I’m not focusing tonight. The conversation I had with the pack earlier keeps bouncing around my head, giving me thoughts and feelings that I’m really not sure about.
For five years, I’ve done everything possible to avoid getting a bitemark, to avoid being tied to an alpha forever.
But now… now there’s the Reyne pack. Hudson, with his quiet care from the moment he found me. Axel with his protective nature and quiet sense of humor. Nate’s joyful exuberance forlifeand making me feel that way too. And Cade, with his domineering personality that hides someone who likes to watch shooting stars and link our fingers together.
And now there’s this mating bond, too.
I frown. I’ve never heard of it before.
Maybe I should go to the Omega Center. Find out more about who I am. I feel like I’m stumbling around in the dark, and Ihateit.
I’m actually contemplating it when Veronica stomps up behind me.
“Gabby,” she calls. “We’ll need you out front tonight.”
I swear my whole body shrivels up in horror as I swivel around. “Out… out the front?” I croak.
Veronica gives me a weird look. “That an issue? Hudson told me you had experience, and Daniela and Eve both called in sick, so we’re short staffed.”
Swallowing, I wipe sweaty hands on my apron. I don’t want to let Hudson down when he’s been so good to me. Plus, I don’t want anyone to think I’m getting special treatment.
Forcing a smile, I nod. “Of course I’ll do it.”
Veronica sags in relief. “Thank fuck for that. Grab a uniform from the storeroom and head out.”
