"For what it's worth?" His voice is sincere now. "I'm happy for you. Terrified as your overprotective brother, but happy. Those guys seem solid. Just... maybe tell Mom before she hears it from Maeve?"
"How long do I have?"
"Knowing Maeve? You have until approximately noon today before she 'casually' stops by with muffins and concern."
"Great. Perfect. Love small-town life."
He laughs. "Shower. Now. And open a window. Seriously."
He leaves, and I finally let myself process what he just said.
Formal courting. They're formally courting me. As a pack.
I knew tonight was important. I knew it was a date with all three of them. But formal courting? That's... that's a declaration. That's them telling the whole town they want me. That they're serious.
And apparently the whole town already knows.
I take the coldest shower of my life, trying to get my scent under control before I have to face River. It doesn't work as well as I'd like, but at least I no longer smell like I've been having explicit fantasies about my three?—
Courters? Suitors? Future pack mates?
God, I don't even know what to call them.
By the timeI make it to the hardware store, River's already at the counter ringing up Mrs. Woodbury's order of lightbulbs.
He glances up when the bell jingles, and his eyes do this thing—this slow, appreciative sweep from my face down to my boots and back up—that makes heat pool low in my belly.
"Morning," he says casually, like he didn't just visually undress me in front of the town's biggest gossip.
"Morning," I manage, hoping my voice sounds normal.
Mrs. Woodbury turns, eyebrows rising. "Oh, Bea dear! I heard the most interesting news this morning."
Here we go.
"Did you?" I ask, aiming for polite interest and landing somewhere near strangled enthusiasm.
"Three handsome alphas, all courting the same omega." She leans in conspiratorially, clutching her bag of lightbulbs. "Reminds me of that romance novel Levi recommended last month."
River coughs to cover a laugh.
I want to die.
"That's... nice?" I try.
"I think it's wonderful. About time this town had some excitement." She pats my arm. "You'll be at dinner tonight, I assume? At Bella Notte?"
How does she know where we're eating? HOW DOES THE ENTIRE TOWN KNOW WHERE WE'RE EATING?
"Yes ma'am," I say weakly.
"Lovely! I'll make sure to tell the book club ladies. We're all very invested." The way she says 'invested' makes it clear the entire town is following this like a soap opera.
I'm going to combust right here in the hardware store.
"Have a wonderful day, Mrs. Woodbury," River says smoothly, steering her toward the door with practiced ease.
When she's finally gone, I turn to him. "The entire town knows."
