If Stefan is conceding to Kade as Alpha, if his instincts are recognizing Kade's authority over him, that means pack. That means family. That means everything I've wanted for years but never thought possible.
"I don't have an answer for anything you've said," Stefan finally admits, his voice rough. "I don't know what this is or what it means. All I know is that I needed to get Ashton somewhere safe and this was the only place I could think to go."
Kade's expression softens fractionally, some of the intensity fading. "I'm not asking for answers right now. I'm saying that things are complicated and if I find you gone after Solana's heat, before we've had a conversation with our Omegas about all of this, I will hunt you down. Is that clear?"
Stefan nods, his throat working as he swallows hard. "Crystal clear."
"Good," Kade says, pushing off from the desk. "Now, about Morrison's shipment tomorrow morning. I need you coordinating the ranch hands while we're unavailable. Stefan will handle the actual transaction since he's got the documentation ready, but you need to make sure everything runs smoothly on our end."
I blink at the sudden shift back to business, my brain struggling to keep up. We just had a massive revelation about pack dynamics and possible bonds, and now we're talking about horse smuggling?
"Wait," I say, holding up a hand. "Are we just going to gloss over everything that was just said? About Stefan being part of the pack? About Solana potentially bonding with him too?"
Kade shoots me a look that's part exasperation, part fondness. "What exactly do you want to discuss? We've identified a situation that needs addressing. But we can't address it properly until after Solana's heat, when both she and Ashton are in states to have coherent conversations about complicated pack dynamics."
He has a point, much as I hate to admit it. Solana is hours away from her heat hitting full force. The last thing she needs is us dumping heavy emotional conversations on her about expanding the pack and multiple Omega bonds.
"So we just... what? Pretend everything is normal?" I ask.
"We treat Stefan and Ashton as honored guests," Kade says firmly. "We keep them safe, help them heal, and make sure Solana feels secure and happy. After her heat, when everyone has had time to rest and recover, then we sit down and have the hard conversations."
Stefan clears his throat, drawing our attention back to him. "And if Ashton and I decide we need to leave? If this whole pack thing isn't something we want?"
The question hangs heavy in the air. I can see the fear underneath it, the worry that he's somehow being forced into something he didn't choose. Stefan has spent his whole life fighting for independence, for the freedom to make his own choices. The idea of pack, of belonging to something larger than himself, probably terrifies him.
"Then you leave," Kade says simply. "With our blessing and whatever help you need to stay safe. This only works if everyone chooses it freely. No pressure, no manipulation, no forcing bonds that aren't wanted."
He moves back behind his desk, settling into his chair with the ease of someone completely comfortable in their authority. "But I don't think that's going to be the outcome. I think when we all sit down and actually talk about this, we're going to find that what's building between us is something worth exploring."
I watch Stefan's face, seeing the emotions play out there. Fear and hope and longing all mixed together. He wants this, I realize. Wants to belong somewhere, to have a pack and a home and people who care about him. But he's terrified of admitting it, terrified of being vulnerable enough to ask for what he needs.
"Okay," Stefan says finally. "We'll stay through Solana's heat. Help with whatever you need. And then we'll talk."
"Good," Kade says, satisfaction clear in his voice. "Now, about tomorrow morning. The horses arrive at five AM..."
He launches into logistics, detailing exactly what needs to happen for Morrison's shipment to go smoothly. I listen with half my attention, the other half still processing everything that just happened.
My stepbrother might be joining our pack. We might end up with two Omegas instead of one. Everything I've wanted for years might actually be possible.
But first, we have to get through Solana's heat. And something tells me that's going to be complicated in ways we can't even anticipate yet.
Stefan nods along as Kade outlines the plan, his expression focused despite the obvious pain he's in. His leg has to be killing him, and his hand is probably throbbing from the sprain. But he doesn't complain, doesn't ask for pain medication or rest. Just sits there and absorbs the information like the professional he is.
"I'll handle the ranch hands," I confirm when Kade finishes. "Make sure everyone knows to stay clear of the house and to direct any questions to Stefan. What about Solana? She's going to notice all the activity."
Kade's expression darkens slightly. "I'll deal with Solana. Keep her distracted, keep her in the nest. The last thing we need is her wandering outside during the transfer and seeing five unregistered horses being loaded into Morrison's transport."
"She's not stupid," I point out. "She knows something's going on. She made a comment this morning about knowing not everything we do is legal."
"But she doesn't need details," Kade counters. "Especially not right before her heat. We keep this clean, keep it quiet, and we don't give her anything to worry about."
Stefan shifts in his chair again, his discomfort obvious. "You should probably get back to her. Don't want her thinking we're in here plotting to kick her out or something."
He's right, and I know it. Solana is probably finished cleaning the kitchen by now, probably wondering what we're doing locked in the office for so long. Her heat is building, making her more sensitive to our absences, more likely to spiral into anxiety if left alone too long.
"Yeah," I agree, standing. "I'll go check on her. You two finish up whatever business talk you need to have."
I head for the door, but Kade's voice stops me before I can leave.
