Orlando let go of Genesis’s hand, watching her surreptitiously as he spread the blanket on the ground and began to unpack the picnic basket. She wandered closer to the tree, pausing to examine the bright white blooms, before trailing a hand over the back of the bench. When she read the plaque, she turned back to him with a guarded expression.
Orlando patted the blanket at his side. Genesis came to him, slipping out of her sneakers before settling next to him on theblanket with her legs tucked beneath her. Orlando handed her a water bottle, then took one for himself.
After a long moment, Genesis spoke quietly. “Your omega?”
Orlando gazed at the tree. The pack had discussed what to do with Evelyn’s composted remains for a long time before making a decision. It had been Gabe’s idea, and had turned out to be perfect, of course. Evie loved white flowers, and she would’ve adored this garden. It was only right that she be at its center.
“It is important to me that you trust us, Genesis,” Orlando said, choosing his words with extra care. “That requires being honest and up front with you. I thought bringing you here would be a good way to help you get to know us better.”
Genesis nodded, her eyes still wary. Orlando wished he knew what she was thinking. Bringing up his dead mate on a second date might have been an unconventional move, but hopefully not a wrong one.
“I know enough about you as a journalist to be sure I don’t need to tell you what happened to Evelyn. I’m sure whatever wasn’t in Dr. Gardiner’s files was easy enough for you to discover for yourself.” Orlando took a long sip of water, before turning his attention from the Dogwood back to Genesis. “The loss nearly broke us. It has taken many years and lots of therapy and hard work for us to get through the pain. And we’re not all at the same place in the grieving process, as I’m sure you’ve noticed. We loved Evelyn deeply, and I don’t think that ever goes away.”
Orlando paused to sip his water, sorting through his thoughts. He needed to get to the point before he sent the wrong message. But he also didn’t want to frighten her with his seriousness. It was too soon to be discussing feelings and commitment. And Genesis had defied societal expectations to avoid such attachments. Orlando needed to tread carefully.
“I want you to know this because I want you to know us,” he went on. “I want you to know that we are loyal and steadfast, thatwe keep our word. I know that it’s incredibly soon to say so, but I trust my intuition, and it’s telling me you’re special.”
Genesis’s large eyes widened a bit. Orlando could see her pulse fluttering in her lovely throat. He had the fleeting image of his claim mark on her neck and fought down a primal urge at the very thought. It was as though his instincts were clamoring in agreement with his words, as if his body already knew what he was only beginning to understand.
“Loving Evie made us better men, despite how hard it was to lose her. It definitely made us smarter,” Orlando held Genesis’s gaze, hoping she could see his sincerity. “If we find love again, our omega can be absolutely sure that she has our entire hearts. Anything less wouldn’t be worth risking that kind of pain again. So, while Evie will always be a precious part of our past, our new omega would be our priority, our joy, and our future.”
Genesis’s eyes seemed suddenly brighter, glittering with unshed tears. Orlando hoped he hadn’t miscalculated. He opened his mouth to say more but was silenced by Genesis wrapping her arms around his neck and pressing her soft lips against his with a new tenderness. He pulled her close, letting the kiss stretch until it was interrupted by a growl from Genesis’s stomach.
Orlando pulled away just enough to rest his forehead against hers. “That’s enough dessert. You need to eat your lunch.”
Chapter eleven
Genesis
Genesis kissed Orlando feverishly, for several reasons. First, because she was touched by his vulnerability, and honored that he’d shown her something so sacred. Second, because she believed what he was telling her. It was clear Pack Rossi had loved their omega, and that they respected her memory. After her fathers’ behavior, it meant a lot to Genesis to be around men who knew how to mourn their past love properly.
Most importantly, she kissed him to shut him up because his words scared her shitless.
Their incredible physical chemistry was one thing, but considering an emotional connection was another beast entirely. She enjoyed Pack Rossi’s company far too much already. Knowing they might feel similarly put things in dangerous territory. She’d counted on the widowers being determined bachelors. If they were open to more, Genesis would have to make some tough choices that she wasn’t ready to face. The tasteshe’d had of life with Pack Rossi made it clear that she could easily grow hungry for more.
Luckily, after the picnic, Orlando hadn’t said anything else about feelings or possibilities. Over the next week, the four of them began to find their rhythm. Genesis spent her mornings working, usually over some divine breakfast goodies from Marco.
She would walk before lunch, exploring the farm on her own, or joined by Gabriel, who always seemed to be strolling the grounds in search of inspiration. Sometimes, she returned to the cottage alone for lunch, but others were spent watching Gabriel work in his studio or sitting somewhere picturesque with Orlando—and the property had alotof picturesque spots.
In the afternoon, Genesis typically returned to the cottage to work, but sometimes she took her laptop to the main house to read and write in its beautiful library or in amicable quiet with Orlando in his study. Occasionally, when she felt a bit more adventurous, she’d let Luke convince her to help him with outdoor chores. Her favorite activity turned out to be helping groom the horses, even though Gabriel was right that they were kind of terrifying with their huge teeth and powerful bodies. Many of Genesis’s schoolmates had taken riding lessons, but she’d never been interested.
At first, she didn’t know why Gabriel disliked the cows—they seemed like big dumb puppies to her. Of course, like puppies, the things pooped everywhere, and, unlike puppies, they produced massive poop. After a few missteps, and a ruined pair of sneakers, she understood Gabriel’s aversion a little better.
In the evenings, they dined together, and Genesis had to admit it was her favorite part of every day. They always seemed to have so much to talk about, and Genesis usually laughed herself to tears, or ended up in a heated debate, which she enjoyed almost as much. Sometimes the discussions ended with thethreat of a spanking but, after that first night, the alphas seemed determined to take it slow. Aside from a few lingering kisses, there was no more hanky panky during her first week.
Genesis was a little disappointed.
She was sure the guys were waiting, letting her pace herself, but she couldn’t for the life of her remember why she’d requested such a thing. The more time she spent with Pack Rossi, the more their scents, their voices, and their touch called to her. Her body seemed constantly abuzz, and she was wearing out her toys every night…and a few times every day.
“It sounds like you’re driving this boat, Genie,” Avery said over virtual mimosas the next Sunday. “If you want things to speed up, you have to say so. They’re obviously following your lead and obviously want to bone you, but they don’t want to overwhelm you.”
“How am I so smart about so many things, but so clueless about sex and emotions and shit?” Genesis sighed and buried her face in her hands. “How do I explain that I want to be absolutely railed by each of them immediately, but need to take the emotional intimacy at a glacial pace?”
“Oh my god, I have never seen you like this. You’re a fudging wreck!” Avery cackled laughter, cutting herself off abruptly when she turned away from the screen. “What do you want, child? And I clearly said fudge so get that look off of your face.”
Genesis tried to compose herself while Avery and Noah haggled over how much more screen time he could have. She made herself another mimosa, internally scolding herself for not trying temporary packs out sooner. Maybe if she had more experience with alphas, she’d know how to wrangle all the hormones and feelings and such. Maybe then she’d know whether her biology and her libido or her head and heart were in charge.
“Anyway, as I was saying, you’re a fucking wreck!” Avery said cheerfully. “Noah and Xavey have a swear jar now, and they get to split the money when any of us parents slip up. They’re constantly lurking around trying to catch us, so believe me when I say the situation is serious if I’m risking incurring a fee to get my point across.”
