“Studies, yes, but I have experience, too,” she says, tilting her head to me. “Finding two omegas in one pack is not as taboo as it once was. I have many clients with packs of varying dynamics, and I’ve had this conversation about mutual heats many times.”
Something about that makes me feel whole, like we’re not freaks of nature. A part of me thought, for a long time, that maybe my condition brought on the uniqueness of my scent matches, but I don’t think that anymore. Not after getting to know these men and finding out just how perfect they are for me, regardless of our scent compatibility.
Without that link between us, I don’t know if I would have ever allowed myself to be courted or loved by them. Fate really decided to be my friend in a moment of need.
Sam seems to be out of questions, so after my doctor refills my prescription for another couple of months, we make our way out of the examination room. The guys walk ahead, but Dr. Wyatt halts me for a moment.
She looks at me, delight shimmering in her eyes. “You found a good pack, Opal.”
My smile is immediate. “Yeah. I really did.”
Since I havea few weeks to figure things out, I feel safe enough to meet Stacia and Rory out for lunch. After everything that has happened, I haven’t had the opportunity to come clean about everything.
Not to mention, they’re my best friends, and I’m tired of hiding from them.
When they see me, huge smiles take over their faces. They stand to greet me, hugging me and cheering for my arrival like a couple of goofballs.
Stacia motions toward my seat. “We got you tea. I think it’s one of your favorites.”
And she’s right. The green tea is still steaming in its little cup.
My heart flutters.To be seen is to be loved, or however that saying goes.
When I sit down, I immediately start to cry.
Apparently, I also get more emotional the closer I get to my heat, so that’s cool, I guess.
“Aw, Opal!” Rory says. “What’s wrong?”
“I—” I calm down the tears, trying to blink them back. “I’m just really glad I have you two in my life.”
That makes them both look at me with shining eyes. Rory gets up and gives me another hug, holding me from the side in an awkward position, but it’s so comforting that it doesn’t matter one bit to me.
“I told you that we were supposed to be a trio,” she replies, her arm keeping me grounded before she pulls away to sit back down.
“I know. But I’ve been such a shit friend.”
“That’s not true,” Stacia protests. “Whatever secrets youkept, it was for a good reason. We’re not owed your entire life story, Opal.”
“Still, friends confide in each other,” I say, wiping my eyes with the restaurant napkin that feels so soft that my omega wants to keep it. “And I was so alone. I just didn’t know how to tell you about everything that was going on.”
Stacia’s hand comes over to mine and squeezes while Rory says, “You can tell us now. We’re all ears.”
I look up and see a waiter finding their way toward us. “In a moment. Let’s order something first.”
The place we’re at has a cute cottage vibe. We order a little cheese appetizer with focaccia, berry jam, and fruit. Then we all order different versions of paninis with sweet potato fries. The creativity of our order makes me giddy.
“Gosh, if one of the guys were here, they’d order a cheeseburger and beer and move on,” Rory laughs.
“I love being a girl,” I agree, taking a sip of my green tea in its cute pink cup.
“Okay, so,” Stacia says after a few minutes. “Tell us the tea.”
“Seriously. That rescue mission was fun and everything, but I’ve also been worried about you ever since. Are you and the guys okay?”
I can’t help the grin that takes over my face. “We’re more than okay. They’re my pack.”
Rory squeals and Stacia smiles. “I had no idea that you were scent matched to Sam and his pack. Rory had to explain to me what happened after that hockey game.”
