She pulls me into a hug that smells like vanilla and baking and love. Through the bonds, I feel my alphas' relief that she's not mad about us being late.
"Hi, Mom."
"Hi, baby." She pulls back, cups my face. "You're glowing."
"I'm not?—"
"You are." Her eyes get a little misty. "It's good to see."
Dad and Papa emerge from the kitchen, both wearing matching aprons that say "Grill Master" and "Grill Commander." They're ridiculous and I love them.
"Bea-bee!" Dad pulls me into a bear hug. "There's our girl."
"Can't breathe, Dad."
"Good. That means my hug's working." But he releases me, then turns to my alphas with that look. The one that says "I'm a nice alpha but I'll destroy you if you hurt my daughter."
Papa just smiles serenely and offers them drinks.
Dinner is chaotic in the best way. Dad interrogates Seth about his latest case. Papa and Grayson get into a heated discussion about Renaissance art. River helps Mom in the kitchen and comes back with stories that make her laugh so hard she cries.
And Ben?—
Ben is quiet. Watching me with an expression I can't quite read.
"What?" I ask when I catch him staring for the third time.
"Nothing." He shakes his head. "You just seem... happy."
"I am happy."
"Good." His jaw works. "That's good. You deserve it."
Coming from Ben, that's practically a declaration of love.
"What about you?" I lean closer, lowering my voice. "When are you going to find your omega?"
His whole body tenses. "I'm not looking."
"You should be. You're not getting any younger."
"I'm twenty-six."
"Ancient. Practically decrepit." I grin at his glare. "What about Tessa Lang?"
He chokes on his beer. "What?"
"Tessa. You know. Tiny event planner. Always yelling at you about decorations."
"Absolutely not."
"Why not? She's cute. She's fierce. She can definitely handle you?—"
"She's planning the Valentine's Winter Festival," Ben interrupts. "And she's already texted me seventeen times about helping with the setup. Seventeen, Bea. The event is next month."
"So you're thinking about her." I raise my eyebrows. "Interesting."
"I'm thinking about blocking her number."
