"Our pack takes care of each other," I say as we walk down Millbrook's main sidewalk toward where Nash is waiting with an expression that clearly says he knew this moment was coming and is pleased with how it's playing out. "You're part of that equation now, Reverie. Whether it's temporary based on what you ultimately decide about us, or permanent if things develop and deepen the way I honestly suspect they might, that card is yours. We'll take care of you for as long as you need us to…six weeks, six months, six years, whatever you need."
I lift her hand to my lips, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss to her knuckles.
The gesture is probably old-fashioned, definitely something I picked up from reading too many historical romance novels for research purposes, but it feels absolutely right in this moment.
Her skin is soft against my lips. I can smell her scent stronger here—vanilla and caramel and citrus all mixing with the winter air and horse and my own maple-honey Alpha scent.
"And once we're completely assured you're set up properly—financially stable with good credit, business running successfully if that's what you choose, independence firmly established so no one can ever control you through money again—the card will still be available to you," I whisper against her skin, my breath warming her cold knuckles.
"So if you want to buy any new release books or splurge on signed first editions from your favorite authors, be our guest. Consider it pack resources."
She blinks rapidly, more tears threatening to spill over and streak down her cheeks. She nods slowly, carefully, her voice barely audible when she finally manages to speak.
"Thank you so much. This means the world to me. More than you could possibly understand. More than I can properly express right now."
I squeeze her hand gently, protectively.
"We know. We understand more than you think we do."
Because Nash looked into her past pack but with the tidbits she’s shared, it’s very clear there’s been financial abuse, emotional manipulation, and using her labor without compensation.
We understand exactly what she escaped from and exactly why this matters so much.
Theo moves smoothly to her opposite side, flanking her as we continue walking down the sidewalk.
The three of us create a protective formation around her—me on her right with Snowfall clopping along peacefully, Theo on her left with his gym bag slung over one muscular shoulder, both of us larger and taller and creating an unmistakable shield between her and the rest of the world.
Anyone looking at us would see exactly what we are:a pack.
An Alpha pair protecting their Omega as we walk through town.
"It's time you really see how an Omega is supposed to be treated when cherished by those around her," Theo mutters, his voice low but fierce with absolute conviction.
CHAPTER 26
Unexpected Gifts
~REVERIE~
We find Nash standing outside a shop about three storefronts down from where Grayson stopped us with Snowfall, talking animatedly with someone through the open doorway. The shop has a modern, eye-catching sign that reads 'TechSavvy Electronics' in sleek silver lettering with blue LED accent lighting running around the edges that pulses gently like a heartbeat.
Through the large glass windows—so clean they're practically invisible—I can see displays of phones, tablets, laptops, and various other electronics arranged on pristine white shelving units with professional backlighting that makes everything look both expensive and incredibly desirable. The kind of display you'd see in a big city Apple Store, not a small-town shop.
Everything in there probably costs more than my entire monthly budget used to be with Kael's pack. Actually, everything in there probably costs more than what I made in six months doing odd jobs.
Grayson gestures toward the shop with his free hand, the other still holding Snowfall's leather reins loosely. The white mare has her head lowered, completely relaxed. "You three go ahead and check it out. Take your time. I'll wait out here with this beautiful lady. She's not a fan of tight indoor spaces and there's nowhere to properly tie her up on this street."
He pats Snowfall's neck affectionately, his hand stroking down her white coat with obvious fondness. The mare nickers softly in response, nudging his bare shoulder with her nose. He's still shirtless, apparently completely unbothered by the November cold.
How is he not freezing? It's literally almost December in Canada. There's snow on the ground. My toes are going numb in my boots and he's standing there with his entire torso exposed like it's summer. Alpha body temperature is wild.
Theo and I nod in agreement. I follow him toward the shop entrance, my boots crunching slightly on the salt-treated sidewalk. Nash notices our approach and waves enthusiastically, his expression lighting up with genuine happiness when he sees the three of us together.
"Hey!" he calls out cheerfully, his breath visible in white puffs in the cold air. "Perfect timing! I just wanted to take a quick look around in here. They've got some really interesting setups and displays that might be useful for your content creation."
I step through the doorway and immediately multiple sensations hit me at once.
First, the scent—that distinctive smell of new electronics hits me like a wave. Plastic and metal and silicone and that indefinable scent of brand-new technology that somehow smells like possibility and potential and futures waiting to be built.
