“I need to speak with him as well, as I plan to court you,” Milton adds.
Lastly, I glance over at Korbin. His face isn’t giving me any sign of what he’s thinking. And I’m afraid of the pain of rejection that is slowly building. Then, he opens his mouth.
“The three of us plan to court you. We’re a pack. And we want you to be a part of it. Not to mention, it’s past time for your brother and me to sit and talk about the past. There’s no need for us to be enemies. Especially over an omega who means nothing to us.”
I’m lost for words. A pack. They want to court me.
When we pull into the driveway, my mom doesn’t turn the car off right away. Instead, she shifts in her seat so she faces me.I have to admit it was nice to see her when she picked me up for dinner, after everything that happened. But now, the truth and the reality are staring us both in the face now that Lincoln, Milton, and Korbin have all made it known they wanted to speak to Benton.
My mom is the first to speak, breaking the silence between us that is so heavy, it feels like it could be an entity all on its own.
I like them.
I do too, Mom. It’s just hard with the issues between Korbin and Benton. Not to mention the way the press and fans are talking. Some of the things are so insane. It’s as if they can’t understand that people can be on rival teams but still get along.
She reaches out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear that’s fallen out of my messy bun, then signs. No auditory words, just the ones created with the delicate, intricate movement of her fingers.
I know your brother is upset. But do not let him determine your happiness. I love him, but it’s time he lives his own life and stops treating you as if you are too frail to do so yourself. Now, we’re going to go inside where your brother and father are, and we will sit down and work all this out.
I love you, Mom.
I love you too, sweetheart.
Turning off the car, we both get out. I take a minute to open the back door, picking my bag up off the seat as we both head inside. I can see the shadows of their bodies in the living room through the sheer curtains.
We stop at the door. My mom goes in first as I stand there taking a deep breath, and then I step inside.
My brother stands from the couch, a scowl on his face, his hands moving just as rapidly as his lips.
“It’s about damn time you came home. How dare you, Bay? How could you just run off with them without a?—”
I can feel my heart pounding in my chest, each beat pressing hard against my ribs.
“Stop right there, son,” my father interrupts. “I’ve had enough of you talking to your sister that way. She left because of you, and we knew where she was, and who she was with. It’s high time you get your head out of your ass and stop treating her like a child.”
“Dad,” he starts, but my mother cuts him off this time.
“No, Benton. This has gone on long enough. I know you and that boy have issues because of Gina. And you know what? Both of you need to get over it. That tramp sure isn’t sitting around thinking about either of you. Those three men have treated your sister with nothing but respect.”
They have. Benton, they don’t treat me like I’m different. Or see me as a way to stick it to you for the whole Gina thing.
“They’re just playing you, Bay,” Benton protests.
“How well do you know them, son? Because I’ve been doing some digging on them. I’ve called around the league, and everyone speaks highly of them. The only issues they have with them are the issues with you and Gina. Nothing else.”
My brother just shakes his head, his lips pressed tightly together. I step forward, right in front of Benton, and take his hands in mine. I do the one thing I know will get his attention and maybe get him to listen. To see reason. I speak.
“I like them, Benton.” Clearing my throat, I continue, “They like me too. All three of them. They’re a pack. I love that you care about me and want to protect me, but I’m a grown woman, and you won’t always be here. Please, for me. Drop this.”
Benton freezes. Like his whole body locks up and his brain crashes. His eyes go wide. His mouth parts. His scent spikes sharp with shock, and for a breath he doesn’t even blink.
You… talked.He drags a hand through his hair like he needs to physically reset himself.
“Fine. But if they hurt you, I’m going to kill them.” I can hear the vibrations of his growl. “I’m going to keep watching though.”
“Thank you,” I whisper. Turning away from him, I see my mom start to sign.
“Maybe it’s time you take a page from your sister's book and find a pack, Benton. I’d like to have some grandchildren before I’m too old to play with them.”
