“Is everyone going to the beach opening festival tomorrow?” Clara asks.
“I guess,” Cali mutters. “If this baby still insists on living inside me.” Her scowl doesn’t budge.
We mostly ignore her mood. It’s completely understandable, and it’s been like this for days now. It’ll probably stay that way until she’s holding an actual baby.
The beach opening festival is the social event of the season in Lakeside Point.
“Yep,” Clara says. “Jack’s bringing a bunch of side dishes, and I think Hunt, Wyatt, and Connor started a group chat just to talk about it.”
Sunny nods. “Apparently they’re coordinating who brings what.”
Clara nudges my arm. “What about your pack?”
I can’t help the broad, almost glowing smile. “They aren't really my pack yet." I protest. Clara rolls her eyes. "They are coming though. We’re all coming in the afternoon. The guys have clients in the morning.”
“Yeah,” Sunny adds. “Cole actually said they’ve been an asset to the hotel. Something about attracting bookings specifically for the tattoos.”
I raise an eyebrow. “I mean, he looked like he was about to have an aneurysm while saying it, but still.”
I sigh. “Do you ever think they’ll actually get along?” It’s something that’s been weighing on me.
Clara chuckles. “Of course they will. They have to. It’s basically a requirement of being mates to someone in the Omega Book Club. All alphas must coexist.”
“Yeah,” Rose says. “Just look at Bram and Harlan. They hated each other at first. Now they’re besties.”
It’s true. The two of them are always deep in book or movie discussions at barbecues.
“And Logan and Seth,” Sunny adds. “Total oil and water. Now they play video games together every Thursday.”
I take a deep breath. Every pack struggled at the beginning. The Blackline pack just needs time. And the beach festival might be the perfect place.
“So have you talked to them about fully bonding yet?” Sunny asks.
The entire circle visibly cringes.
“What?” she adds. “It’s just a question. You don’t have to answer.”
“It’s kind of early,” I say. “We’re still getting to know each other.”
The bond at my center sparks, warm and restless. It’s been doing that more often lately. I’d texted Zeke earlier asking what he was up to, and he replied that he’d gotten some interesting tattoo requests and sent me photos.
I realize the feeling blooming in the bond is passion. I’m getting better at telling the difference now. Guilt feels heavy and knee-weakening. Annoyance is sharp and buzzing. And every night, when he texts me goodnight, calm washes over me so completely it feels like being tucked in.
I’ve slept better these last two weeks than I ever have in my life.
“Earth to Winnie,” Clara says, waving a hand in front of my face.
“Sorry. My mind was somewhere else.” The room fills with giggles and knowing sounds.
“Shut up,” I say, laughing with them. “And no, I haven’t talked to them about bonding.”
Sunny leans forward. “Okay, serious question. Isn’t your heat coming up?”
Before packs, we always checked in on each other so Sunny knows my cycle as well as I know hers.
I do the math and realize I’ve completely lost track of time.
"Three to five weeks." My breathing goes thick. Panic curls low in my gut. “That’s too soon. We barely even know each other.”
