“Jonah’s family is a lot,” Cole responds.
Jonah doesn’t refute his statement.
“They can be.” He glares at Cole. “But they’ll adore you. You have nothing to worry about.”
“What kind of fundraiser is it?” I ask, because right now I’m just trying to process the timeline of our relationship and how this is all moving so fast. Jonah and his family seem tight knit. If they don’t like me, will they decide that courting is off the table?
“They help Omegas get out of desperate situations, fund their heats at Heat Haven, make sure they have a safe place to live and stay.”
I adjust in my chair, liking that his family does so much good for Omegas.
“I probably need something to wear.” I grimace, thinking about how a cocktail dress is going to look with my foot. At least I’ll be in a boot. It will still be hideous, though.
“We can go shopping this week,” Cole says easily.
“You like shopping?”
“I like the idea of taking you shopping,” he says with a wink.
“We’re eating,” Mack says, tossing a piece of naan at his brother.
After today I feel like I understand Mack better. What I assumed was disinterest, or being standoffish, is really just him trying to figure out his place in this pack and how to navigate me being a part of it.
“Maybe after your doctor’s appointment on Wednesday?” Cole asks.
“That sounds great. So, what do I need to know about your family that everyone is so worked up over?” I ask Jonah.
“They can be invasive, but they’re kind. You have nothing to worry about, I promise,” Jonah says and Mack raises an eyebrow, but continues eating.
Maybe I’ll grill the quiet Alpha more later on about what to expect from Jonah’s family. It’s important that I make a good impression. I’ve never really had anyone’s family to impress, and from my conversation with Mack today, it’s clear that this pack and Jonah’s family are all they have.
Something deep in me wants to prove that I’m good enough for this pack and maybe part of me is also convincing myself. They’re all so kind, attentive, and just seem so damn perfect. It’s almost like they’re too good to be true and the moment I really let myself believe I could be their bonded Omega, the rug is going to get pulled from under me.
I hate that this is how I think. That I’m not sure if I’ll ever be good enough. Old habits die hard.
“You good?” Cole asks, his fingers tenderly rubbing the back of my neck. He leans in my direction, which Jonah and Mack both act like they aren’t eavesdropping, though they totally are. “They’ll love you, but even if they didn’t, it wouldn’t change anything. They’re family, but we’re a pack,” he whispers, his touch not leaving me as he pulls back.
His dark green eyes hold mine for a moment and I take a deep breath.
“Okay,” I reply, even though no matter what’s said, I’m going to panic until I meet them.
I’m getting ready for bed, and I’m contemplating asking either Jonah or Cole to stay in my room, Mack and I aren’t there just yet, as a knock taps on the door.
“Come in,” I say as I rub lotion over my arms and hands.
Jonah enters, wearing nothing besides boxer briefs, and I let myself ogle him. The man is huge in the best way. He might not be as tightly ripped as Cole or Mack, but the man’s body exudes power and strength. He’s beautiful.
“Would you like some company?” he asks.
I pull the comforter back, and he accepts the invitation easily, climbing into my bed and getting comfortable.
“You know, you made me a promise earlier.”
His lip twitches as he places a hand on my hip, his long fingers slightly digging into my flesh.
“You’re going to have to refresh my memory. It’s been a long day.”
“Oh, has it? You know what, I think I might be mistaken then. No promises were made,” I say with sarcasm.
