“Addie, Sweet Girl, are you okay?" Reid asks.
“Huh?” I realized I’d zoned out when I hear Reid’s voice.
“You seem distracted.” He frowns. “Is something wrong?”
We’re having brunch before we have to leave for the airport. I’ve been putting off this conversation to avoid ruining the moment, but either we have it now, or I’ll have to tell them over the phone. A phone call feels like I’d be taking the coward's way out.
If we’re going to start this new relationship, it should be with open honesty.
“I’m not sure yet.” I shift in my seat, eyes flicking between the two of them.
“Okay...” Carson asks slowly.
“So, you know the guys I’ve been playing with online for years now? They are friends of mine.”
“Yeah.” Reid nods.
“Well, you see.” I take a deep breath, pushing down the nausea from my nerves. “I kind of, sort of, have feelings for them. As more than friends. I’ve never told them, though, because I didn’t want to mess with our friendship. Things being online makes it complicated. But yesterday, one of the guys confessed he has feelings for me as well, and it’s weighing on me. I don’t want to turn him down, but I also don’t want to give him hope if it’s something that would upset or bother you.”
They both stare at me for a moment, blinking, before looking at each other.
Reid takes a breath and closes his eyes for a moment before looking back at me.
“Are you asking if we’re okay with adding three more men to our pack?” Reid asks.
“Kind of?” I think I’m going to puke. “But also no. I don’t know. You know what? Never mind. It was stupid of me to say anything. Of course it’s silly. I’ll message him back and tell him I have Alphas already and that I’m sorry–”
“Addie, Addie. Sweet Girl, breathe.” Reid reaches over and grips my chin.
Tears sting the back of my eyes as I start to cry. “I’m sorry,” my voice cracks.
“You have nothing to be sorry about, baby.” His voice is low. He shifts closer and then pulls me into his lap. “You had a whole life before us. We don’t expect everything to change just because you’re with us now. If you want the chance to explore feelings with these guys, I think that’s something we could talk about.”
“Really?” I blink up at him, unsure if I’m hearing him right. “You’re not mad?”
“If they were trying to steal you from us, then yes.” Carson chuckles.
“They could never. It might not be anything. I’ve never met them before, and I don’t even know their real names. I don’t even know if the other two like me. It was only Death who confessed.”
“Death?” Carson asks.
“Yeah, sorry, that’s his nickname. It’s part of his gamer tag. Like I said, I don’t even know his real name. He could be an old man living in his mother’s basement for all I know.” I laugh awkwardly. Now that I think of it, I probably should have at least video chatted with these guys before bringing it up.” I sigh heavily. “I’m sorry for making a big deal over this. It’s just been bugging me for a while.”
“Let’s talk a bit more about this later, okay? Give us a few days to process it. Would that be okay?”
“Yeah, of course." I nod. “Take your time.”
Reid wraps his arms around me, kissing the top of my head. I smile against his chest, glad to have brought it up. I’m not sure what's going to happen now, but I feel better knowing I’m not keeping something from my Alphas. I’m not ashamed of my friendship with the guys, they’re an important part of my life. If I could have a pack with all of the men I care about, that would be the dream.
If it’s meant to be, it will happen. That's what I’m going to keep telling myself.
Chapter 15
Reid
Addie waves goodbye as she heads towards her gate. My heart hurts watching her go, and if I had it my way, she’d be coming home with us.
But we agreed to keep things the way they are, doing a bit of long distance until the hockey season is over. Then we will have more time to spend together, build our bonds, and get to know one another.
