“And then what?”
“And then, at the end of the day, if you can’t bear to be away from them and you can see your life blending with theirs, then fight for them. Show up for them. Because if they love you the way you love them, your alphas will be by your side.”
I stare at her. “Is that the way it is with you and Grandpa?”
“Yes, that’s how it’s always been between us.”
I smile wistfully, imagining a life spent with someone that I love. I can see them beside me.
“You just have to listen, think, learn, and then, when all that is there, follow your heart.”
“I know them, though.”
“But do you know them? You changed a lot in the four years you were gone. Have you found out about them? Why is Mack in construction? Why does Elijah work with your dad? When did Devon and Sebastian start drifting apart?”
I stare at her.
“What? Didn’t you think to ask any of this?”
I shake my head while the seagulls scream.
“Ahh, struck dumb by the sight of all those abs, huh?”
I splutter. “No.”
“I mean, no one would fault you, but if you are looking at alphas and bonds, you need to start thinking with your head and not your cooter.”
“I am!” I protest.
“Then do what I suggested and learn your alphas.”
“And if Pack Collins comes looking for me?” I ask quietly, almost afraid that I’ll jinx it just by saying it out loud.
“You tell them to rack off. You’re an omega, not a possession, and you’re not accepting anything less than the damn ocean.”
The front door slams open. “Where’s my gull feed?”
Grandma draws herself up. “I draw the line right here, Seymour.”
“My babies are hungry!”
“Your babies are wild birds who are learning how to be parasites.”
“How dare you!”
“How dare I? How dare you!”
A shrill whistle catches my attention, and we turn towards the front door where Elijah is standing, doubled over, laughing.
“Danger has made friends.”
I leap towards the door, pushing my way out, and find Danger chasing seagulls who land behind him. One grabs his tail and pulls.
Danger yips, goes into a play bow, and makes this adorable rolling bark.
“No,” I murmur but softly because I don’t want to disturb him.
“Come, my darlings, let’s eat,” Grandpa coos.
