"I mean multi-alpha packs exist for a reason." Nate's tone is matter-of-fact. "Three alphas, three different strengths, one omega who clearly needs more support than any single alpha can provide. Why compete when you could all win?"
A pack. With River and Grayson.
It sounds insane.
"She just got out of a bad relationship," I point out. "She's not looking for three alphas."
"Maybe not." Nate stands up. "But maybe that's exactly what she needs. And the only way to find out is to ask. Together."
He heads for the door, then pauses. "And Seth? Stop selling yourself short. Any omega would be lucky to have you in their pack. Including Bea Wilson."
The door closes behind him, and I sit there, staring at my terrible coffee.
A pack. With River and Grayson. Courting Bea together.
My phone buzzes.
River Brooks:Hey, you at the station? Grayson and I are grabbing coffee at Maeve's. You should join us. We need to talk.
My heart starts hammering.
This is it.
This is where River tells me to back off. Where Grayson makes it clear I don't stand a chance. Where I find out that dinner last night meant everything.
I should ignore it. Go on patrol. Avoid the whole situation.
Instead, I text back:On my way.
Maeve's bakeryis starting its morning rush when I arrive. The smell hits me first—fresh bread, cinnamon, coffee—and for a moment I'm transported back to simpler times. Before Bea Wilson walked back into town and turned my world sideways.
River and Grayson are already at a corner table. River spots me first, waves me over with that easy confidence that comes so naturally to him. Grayson just watches, those dark eyes assessing everything.
I feel like I'm walking to my own execution.
"Seth." River stands, shakes my hand like we're about to conduct business. "Thanks for coming. You want coffee?"
"I'm fine."
"You look terrible," Grayson observes. Not mean, just factual. "Did you sleep at all last night? After you saw us at Millie's?"
"Yesterday. Maybe." I sit down, already defensive. "Look, if this is about Bea?—"
"It is," River interrupts. His voice is calm. Direct. "We all want her. And unless I'm completely wrong, she's interested in all three of us."
The words land like a punch.
"She told you that?" My voice comes out strangled.
"Didn't have to." Grayson's leaning back, arms crossed. "I've got eyes. You looked like someone kicked your dog when you saw us at Millie's. Brooks here isn't subtle either. And Bea? She's spiraling so hard she can barely think straight. Three alphas, three panic attacks. Do the math."
"So what?" I can feel my defenses going up. "We're supposed to just... what? Draw straws? Let her pick? Compete for her like she's a prize?"
"No." River's voice is firm. "We form a pack."
Silence.
"You're serious." I look between them. "You want the three of us to court her. Together."
