The urge to call them once again rises up, sharp and complicated. I dowantto talk to my family. After all, they’re probably worried sick about me. It’s cruel not to tell them I’m okay.
But the thought of actually speaking to them still makes my stomach twist.
Especially, my mom. The thought of talking to her leaves me feeling wrung out already.
Swallowing hard, I reach for another gummy bear, rolling it between my fingers.
“Beck?”
“Yeah?” He picks a bit of fuzz off his shirt.
“I think,” I say slowly, “I need to call my family.”
Beck’s head snaps up immediately. “Okay,” he says, eyes wide. “Yeah. We can do that.” He already starts shifting, sitting up straighter. “Let’s call them.”
My stomach tightens, nerves fluttering,but I force myself to take a breath. “Okay,” I say, nodding once. And that single motion feels like a decision locking into place.
Beck moves quickly, helping me to stand. I smile at him, but even I can feel the tension on my face. Something thoughtful flickers behind the beta’s eyes, clearly confused by my expression, but he doesn't ask me to explain myself.
Thank goodness.
“Come on.” Beck takes my hand. “We’ll walk to Cass’s office together.”
I step forward, leaving the safety of my little nest, and whatever comfort it gave me evaporates instantly. It’s replaced by a low, growling anxiety that curls tight in my stomach as I follow him to the door.
This is the right thing to do, I remind myself.It’s cruel not to tell them I’m okay.
Beck moves at my pace, walking slowly as we make our way down the stairs and through the house. We stop outside Cass’s office, and Beck lifts his hand. He knocks once, and the door pushes open on its own with a low creak.
Inside, Cass, Grason, and Warren are all standing near the desk. No one is sitting.
Cass’s cane is propped against the desk, his posture rigid. Grason’s arms are crossed tight over his chest. Warren’s jaw is set, his attention snapping to the doorway the second we appear.
The room feels heavy. Focused. Like whatever conversation they were having stopped mid-thought.
Beck freezes for half a beat, then recovers smoothly. “Hey,” he says, light but careful. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt.” He tugs me forward.
Cass’s expression changes immediately when he sees me. The tension in his shoulders eases just a little. “You’renot interrupting anything,” he says, his gaze darting from Beck to me, then back again. “What do you need?”
My whole body feels numb, heart pounding as I take a deep breath. “I was hoping I could call my family,” I say, and to my surprise, my voice is steadier than I thought it would be.
“Of course,” Cass says without hesitation.
Warren and Gray exchange a quick look, both alphas suddenly looking relieved and nervous at the same time. Their similar expressions make my chest tighten.
Cass probably told them about the anxiety that rippled through our bond the last time I was told I could talk to my family. They have to be wondering what kind of omega doesn’t want to speak to her parents, but I don’t have the energy to explain it.
“Here you go.” Cass leans over his desk and reaches for a sticky note hanging off the edge of his desk lamp. He peels it off and holds it out to me. “Your dad’s number,” he says simply. “I wasn’t sure if you knew it by heart.”
I blink, surprised, and take it from him. The familiar string of digits sits there in Cass’s neat, blocky handwriting.
“Um,” I say softly, gripping the sticky note tightly. “Thank you.”
Grason uncrosses his arms, already stepping back to give me space. “We were just finishing up.” He glances at Warren.
“We’ll clear out,” Warren says. “Give you some privacy.”
Relief washes through me.
