“We weren’t talking about you, star,” Jett insists, distress laced in his tone that upsets my Omega.
“Then who?”
“We were talking about a film we’re changing the production schedule of, one that came afterKnotting Hill,” Wilder says. “The Omega actor playing the opposite of Jett was already cast.”
My face falls and jealousy rears its ugly head out of nowhere. My Omega growls, the sound low and menacing, one I’ve never made before—at least while coherent.
I force it down and press my lips together in shocked embarrassment. I expect the males in front of me to react negatively to it, but instead the four of them grin at me like that was the best thing they’ve ever heard.
“That’s why we were discussing her part,” Mateo says. “Because none of us feel comfortable with Jett starring opposite an unbonded Omega.”
“Especially so soon after we’ve found ours,” Wilder says.
My gaze meets his and for a time, I don’t know what to say.
“You really all feel that way?”
“Without question,” Augie says.
“But I ruined everything!”
“You ruined nothing,” Wilder declares, tone final. “I’d argue the opposite.”
“He’s right, Iris. You made everything better,” Jett says.
I huff out a disbelieving laugh. “You’re just trying to make me feel better.”
“Omega,” Wilder barks.
My eyes snap to his simmering ones, his gaze zeroed in on me.
“I want you to listen to me.” He holds out his hand and when I don’t stop him, he cups the side of my neck, thumb holding the curve of my cheek.
“I’ll only say this once, and I mean every word. You’re not only our mate, but you’re smart, talented, and perfect. Our pack nearly ruined everything because our idiot asses didn’t push to hire you when we should have. Had we gone with our guts instead of our investors you would have been ours sooner.”
“But—”
“May I finish?” He doesn’t say it in annoyance, but with a wily grin tugging at the corners of his bowed lips.
“Yes, Alpha.”
His eyes darken and his hand on me flexes.
“You shouldn’t have lied about the suppressants, and my Alpha is upset you were on them for so long and we weren’t there to help you before now, but on our pre-production call, you told me this job meant a lot to you and why, so I understand why you did what you did, especially if your prescription was denied.”
I’d forgotten I spilled my guts to him about the role inKnotting Hillbeing my dream, and what it could do for me. But I do remember hanging up and wondering why I’d felt so comfortable with him, and even thinking his voice reminded me of a soothing cup of peppermint tea.
I inhale, leaning into his hand and scent marking it. Wilder’s minty pheromones intensify as he rubs his thumb on my cheek, the adoration and awe in his eyes evident.
“I’m sorry,” I exhale.
“You have nothing to be sorry for. The crew won’t say anything, they’re good people and are under NDAs like all of us are.”
I breathe a sigh of relief. “But the movie?” I look at the rest of the pack but they’re all smiling.
Wilder directs my gaze back to his. “The pack is funding the rest ofKnotting Hill, and production is set to continue in two weeks if that works for your schedule.”
Excitement blooms in my chest. “Really?”
