It’s all I ever wanted in a pack. One who valued me. Valued my thoughts. Treated me with respect.
They’ve each asked me about my work and how they could help me. I’m not sure yet, but when the time comes that I need help, I promised I would tell them.
Today, we’re having a group date. A picnic by the lake on the property. I take a look at myself in the mirror. The weather’s nice, so I decided to wear shorts and a tank top. I’ve never had this much of my skin showing, always hesitant of anyone seeing my scars and the Arcane bond mark.
“You can do this, River,” I tell myself. As much as I want to change clothes, cover up the marks, I refuse to. They are a part of me, and if the three of them are really going to accept me, then this is part of who I am.
There’s a knock on the door before I hear Torin, “You ready?”
“Yeah, I’m coming.” I take one final look in the mirror and head to the living room. Torin’s sitting on the couch, flipping through a book I saw sitting on the coffee table earlier.
“Can I borrow this after you’re done?”
“Of course.” I sit down beside him, and put on my socks and shoes. I see him looking at what I’m wearing, but he doesn’t question me. He just smiles.
“Are you nervous about today? About seeing all three of them at the same time?” He doesn’t look at me, just taps his fingers on his thighs.
“Yes. But it’s something I need to do,” I confess to him.
“The guys and I were talking, and we think it’s time for you to be alone with them.” My eyes go wide, and my heart starts pounding at just thethought.
Being alone. With them.
“They haven’t given us any reason to doubt them, and this is an important step for you. You’re going to be on the property, so if you need us just call or hit the panic button on your phone and we’ll be there.”
I rub my neck with my hand, hoping that it’ll ease the throbbing vein that’s threatening to burst. My knee begins to bounce, and Torin places his hand on it to calm me.
“Doyouthink I’m ready?” I ask, glancing over at him, chewing on my bottom lip.
“I do. You’re River McCormick. You can handle everything.”
“No, I’m River McCormick Ashbourne. You’re my family too. You and the guys mean the world to me, and I consider each of you brothers.”
He wraps his hand around my shoulder, pulling me into his side. “And you’re our bratty little sister. We couldn’t live without you.”
“Good thing you’ll never have to.” I tease. He kisses me on my forehead before letting go of me and standing up.
“Guess we should head downstairs then.” I haven’t had them in my apartment yet. We’ve spent our time together at the main house or on the deck. Having them in my space still didn’t feel right. But if today goes well, I think that’s the next step. I’ve been craving their scents, and I’ve been trying to work up a way to ask for some of their clothing.
We leave the apartment and head down the stairs. Much to my surprise, the guys are already here. Tav has them off to the side by the golf cart, and he’s talking to them. Nash sees me first and gives me a wave, a huge smile on his face.
“Can you please tell him that his jokes aren’t funny?” Torin whispers in my ear.
“I can’t. Personally, I love them.”
“Shit. We’re doomed.” He throws his hands up in the air as he pretends to storm off in a tizzy. I laugh, watching after him as Tav turns to look at me with a questioning look.
“He’s just being overly dramatic.” Tav nods and turns around, finishing what he has to say to them, before waving me over.
“I know Torin already told you, and I was just telling them about us letting him go on this date with you alone today. No escorts.” He turns, taking a moment, moving his gaze between each of them. “But we can be there in an instant. We expect you back by four pm sharp. Not a second after.” He gives them a death glare before turning and heading into the house.
“He’s scary. Intimidating. Even worse than Roman,” Holden says softly, causing me to giggle.
“I’m not scary,” Roman growls. And I giggle again.
“Yes, let’s keep her laughing. I love how cute she sounds.” Nash winks at me, and I can feel my face heating up.
“Should we get going? I have salad and sandwiches packed for lunch,” Roman speaks up, holding out his hand to me. Hesitation claws at me, but I extend mine out, slipping my hand into his as he closes his fingers, locking us in place. He brushes his thumb across my knuckles and it feels right. Shocking me. We move over to the golf cart, and he helps me into the passenger seat. Holden and Nash slide into the seat behind us as Roman sits down in the driver’s seat.
