“I’d do it.” Our eyes meet.
Her smile slowly falls into something more serious. “You would?”
“Of course.” She’s not ready to hear it, but I’d do anything for her.
“Thank you,” she whispers. “I feel safer now that you’re here.”
Another growl threatens my vocal cords. She should never feel unsafe—especially not with the men she’s bonded to. This is fucking messed up, and I’m gonna do everything in my power to make it better.
“I’ve got you,principessa.”
Her lips part, breath picking up slightly, scent blooming between us. I’m seconds away from telling her things she doesn’t need to hear when she’s already adjusting to so much change. But Tanner walks back into the room, and I bottle the words.
He stops when he sees us, glaring at me with dark eyes. “Come on, let’s get some breakfast.”
35
RHODES
All four alphas trip over themselves trying to get to the cafeteria door so they can hold it open for Raven. Foster makes it first.
The dining hall is nice, albeit a bit utilitarian. The carpets are a deep grey, while the walls are the same stark white as the dorms. The only color in the room is from the large decal of the Olympic rings on the far wall.
“What do you want for breakfast, birdie?” Vann asks with an eager bounce. “I’ll go get it. You just sit down and rest.”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so excited about breakfast. He usually skips it. I’ve read him study after study about how important it is, but he’s more of a coffee on the go kind of guy. It doesn’t help that he’s always running late.
“The crepes are really good.” Orion points toward a crepe station in the corner.
“I’m really not that hungry,” Raven says. “You all getwhat you want. You’ve got a game to fuel up for. Don’t worry about me.”
“Not a chance. Breakfast is important.” Vann throws me a wink, and my heart flutters at the attention. His arm is around my shoulders a second later. “Everyone, go sit down. Rhodes and I will bring a bit of everything.”
Foster puts his hand on the small of Raven’s back and leads her to a quiet table. Orion and Tanner follow, both looking like lovesick puppies when their eyes land on Raven and angry hounds when they look at the bodyguard.
Vann steers me away, aiming for the crepes. Even with his arm around me, I can’t help but be a little tense. It’s been an eventful night, and I’m still not sure how all of this will affect my place in the pack. One look from Vann tells me he feels how tightly I’m holding myself, trying to push down the little ball of fear that resides in my gut.
“What’s wrong, boo bear?” Vann’s nose scrunches up in disgust. “Nope, that’s not the one. I’ll keep trying. But, seriously, are you okay?”
I chuckle at the alpha’s antics, the fact he’s trying to find a term of endearment for me makes it easier to admit the worries that have been spiraling in my head. “I know it’s too soon, but I can’t help wondering what happens now that Raven’s bitten into the pack. That’s permanent."
Vann looks at me in confusion. “Uh, we win the Olympics, take our girl home, and live happily ever after.”
I hum an acknowledgement, but don’t reply. I don’t want to admit any jealousy or insecurity, but now I really am the only one without any pack bonds. Vann doesn’t need to carry my burdens though.
“Is this about bonding?” Vann asks, and I whip my gaze up to his. Of course this caring, perceptive alphapinpointed what was bothering me without me telling him. We’re almost to the crepe station when large hands grip my shoulders, pulling me to a stop. One of Vann’s hands goes to the back of my neck, squeezing just enough to make my breath hitch when he forces me to look into his eyes.
“I will bite you right here, right now, Rhodes West. You’re pack. You’ve always been pack. We just wanted to move at your pace. Raven’s bonding was a… happy accident, but it doesn’t change how much you mean to us. Mean to me.”
His stare is still intense, but his brows lift, and I manage a nod. That blinding smile breaks across his handsome face, and he slides his hand from my neck down my arm to tangle his fingers with mine. “Good boy. Now let’s go get our girl breakfast.”
When we get back to the table, each carrying two trays piled with food, Raven’s chair is so close to Foster’s she may as well be in his lap. Orion is rubbing her shoulders, and Tanner’s setting five coffee cups in front of her—all different types. Black. With milk. Latte. Espresso. And something fancy with whipped cream. The coffee station has obviously been his favorite part of the cafeteria.
The dedication these three alphas are showing the omega is drawing way too much attention.
“Um, guys,” I set the tray down and motion toward the growing crowd in the room. A lot of people keep glancing over here curiously. And I spotted at least one person with their phone out, probably taking pictures. Raven doesn’t need the naysayers using this against her. “Maybe you should tone it down.”
The omega blushes profusely, a bright red against her pale cheeks.Pretty, I think, startling myself.
