The tension between us doesn’t disappear, but it ebbs slightly, leaving room for something that feels almost like understanding. It’s not forgiveness—not yet—but it’s a start.
“Don’t make me regret this,” he says over his shoulder as he turns to leave.
“I won’t,” I reply softly, watching as he walks away.
I stand there for a while after he’s gone, the night air cool against my skin. It’s not perfect, but it’s enough—for now.
As if theuniverse hasn’t thrown enough at me today, I leave the shop after barely getting anything done and steer my truck toward my mom’s apartment. My nerves twist and turn, making my stomach flip. I need to tell her I’ve found my pack.
It only takes a few minutes to pull up in front of my mom’s building. My fingers tighten around the steering wheel as I look up, searching for her window, the one with the sheer curtains she’s had since I was a kid. I pause for a second, taking a breathto steady the nerves still twisting in my gut, then climb out of the truck and head to the door to get buzzed in.
The door buzzes almost instantly, and as I step into the familiar hallway, the scent of my mom’s cooking already drifts down to greet me. She’s waiting in the doorway, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Mason!” she says, her arms opening to pull me into a hug. But as she pulls back, her eyes zero in on the marks on my neck, and her eyebrows shoot up. “Well, would you look at that,” she teases, touching one of the marks gently. “My boy has finally found his omega, huh?”
I chuckle, feeling my face heat. “Yeah, Ma. It just… happened.”
Her grin widens, all motherly pride and affection. “Well, you better be treating them right. Omegas need care, Mason. Make sure they have their favorite things stocked up, never let them feel neglected, and show them love every day. And remember, surprises are nice, too. A happy omega makes a happy pack.”
I nod, the nerves easing a bit under her familiar fussing. “Yeah, Ma, I’ll make sure they know how much I care.”
Her eyes narrow slightly with curiosity. “So, who’s the lucky omega?”
I shift from foot to foot, bracing myself. “It’s Lakelyn… and Chad.”
Her mouth falls open for a moment, and then she laughs, pure delight spilling out as she claps her hands together. “Lakelyn, huh? I thought she was a beta, but I always knew you had a thing for her,” she says, shaking her head with a warm, knowing smile. “And I’m sure whoever Chad is, he's perfect for you.” She pauses for a minute then adds, “Wow. Two omegas?” Her eyes soften, and she reaches up to touch my cheek, her expression turning serious.
“You better treat them right, Mason. Both of them. Remember what I always taught you.” She holds my gaze, hervoice firm and motherly. “Don’t be like your father. Don’t take them for granted. Show them every day how much they mean to you. Respect them, care for them, and never let them feel less than loved. They deserve all the best parts of you.”
I nod, swallowing the sudden lump in my throat. “I won’t, Ma. I promise.”
She searches my face, her eyes misty for a moment before she regains her composure and straightens. “Good. Make sure you listen to them, and if they need something, you make it happen. An omega’s happiness is what keeps a pack strong. And surprises, Mason—don’t forget those. A bouquet of flowers or cooking their favorite meal goes a long way.”
I can’t help but smile, warmth spreading in my chest. “Yeah, I’ll make sure they know how much I love them.”
She beams, her pride evident. “That’s my boy.” Then she pauses, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Now, when will you bring the two who’ve stolen your heart to dinner?”
I clear my throat, feeling the nerves twist up again. “Actually… three.”
Her brows shoot up, and her lips part in surprise. “Three?” She lets out a low whistle. “It must be serious if you’re sharing.” There’s a touch of wonder in her eyes, and she reaches for my hand, squeezing it tight. “Tell me more.”
I rub the back of my neck, feeling my ears heat up. “It is serious. Lakelyn, Chad…and Dean. They’re all mine now, and I’m theirs. It’s… complicated but right.”
She stares at me for a moment, processing, and then the softest smile blooms on her face. “Well, I’ll be damned. That’s a lot of love you’re holding there, Mason.” Her eyes shine, both with pride and an almost protective concern. “You know it won’t be easy, right? Keeping a pack happy is a full-time job.”
“I know.” My voice comes out quieter, more serious. “But I want this, Ma. I want them.”
Her hand moves to cup my cheek, her thumb brushing the corner of my jaw. “Then you better work harder than you’ve ever worked in your life to make sure they know how much they mean to you. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”
I nod, her words settling in. “I will. And... I’ll bring them to dinner soon. Promise.”
Her smile widens, and she pats my cheek gently before letting go. “I can’t wait for them to come over. All of them. But for now, sit yourself down. I’ve got Chicken and Dumplings ready in the pot, just the way you like.”
A rush of warmth fills my chest, and I don’t have the heart to refuse her. “You always know how to get me to stick around,” I say, grinning as I make my way to the kitchen table.
She chuckles, following me. “That’s because I know my boy. A good meal always makes everything feel a little bit better.”
I sink into one of the well-worn chairs, the smell of her home-cooked food wrapping around me like a hug. She busies herself ladling out a steaming bowl, setting it down in front of me with a soft clink. “Eat up,” she says, ruffling my hair. “You need your strength, with all the caring and loving you’ve got ahead of you.”
I pick up my spoon and dig in, savoring the familiar taste. It’s comfort in a bowl, a reminder of simpler times and unconditional love. My mom takes a seat across from me, watching with that same gentle smile, her eyes full of quiet pride.
