Dave had been so kind to me when I was going through the interview process, but now a red-hot rage stirred in my chest. How dare he say that to Clementine?
“That’s not true,” Westin bit out fiercely.
“She’s right,” Poppy said, scowling. “That’s total propaganda. Alphas enjoy knotting, but it’s not a requirement for their health. What bullshit.”
“None of my alphas had knotted anyone before me,” I said. “And I don’t like that he’s making it seem like you’re not good enough for him.”
Clementine sniffled. “But alphas are happier with omegas, right? Betas don’t fit into packs.”
“Why not? You’re so incredible and kind and beautiful. If he can’t see that, it’s his loss,” I said. Now it was my turn to grasp Clementine’s hand.
We sat in silence for a few moments, and it struck me how hard life was for women of all designations.
Eventually, Poppy saved us with light-hearted small talk as we tried and ranked all the pastries.
“None of them live up to Ben’s baking,” I said. “Maybe once things settle down, we could have you all over.” My throat tightened and I suddenly felt vulnerable. What if they rejected my invitation? I had so little experience with female friends.
“That’s so sweet,” Clementine said. “I would love that.”
I looked up to see my three friends smiling at me, and the lump in my throat vanished with the realization that maybe we all needed each other.
We finished up our food and Poppy insisted on paying for us. The guys had given me my own credit card tied to their account, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about spending their money.
I pulled Clementine aside as we made our way out of the café.
“Hey, I was wondering if you got the go-ahead to do the pack inspection.” I was antsy to have it over with.
Clementine looked unsure. “I’ve been meaning to talk with you about that. Things have been pretty scary at the DC. They keep changing rules and procedures. We tried to schedule your home visit, but they keep blocking it for some reason. Amirah doesn’t want me in the office anymore for my safety, but I’m more worried abouthersafety.”
“How worried should I be?” I asked, my chest tightening.
“I don’t want you to worry yet, which is why I didn’t say anything. I mean, there’s a chance they’ll just forget about it and approve your pack.”
I raised my brows skeptically. That seemed too good to be true for the life I’d lived.
“I mean, slim chance, but it’s a possibility,” she said. “The government is starting to fall apart. It can’t happen soon enough.”
The fear I’d often felt that the DC’s downfall wouldn’t be fast enough for me returned. What if we bonded, and then the government took me away from them? I hadn’t heard of them separating a bonded pack, but I wouldn’t put it past them.
I took a deep breath. “You’ll keep me in the loop?”
Clementine gripped my hand. “We’re going to figure this out. It’s one tiny hurdle before you’re official.”
I forced myself to take a deep breath, willing my scent to be relaxed. I didn’t want to stress any of my alphas, especially since I didn’t know if there was anything to be panicked about.
“I’m sorry I don’t have better news for you.”
“It’s okay. Like you said, just another hurdle.”
I forced a smile as I pushed open the front doors.
My heart leapt as I saw my alphas standing next to Poppy’s pack. Poppy threw herself at one of her alphas with long hair. He picked her up and his eyes widened as she whispered something in his ear. I turned away to hide my laughter, pretty sure what she had asked him.
“Did everything else go okay?” Cam asked, pulling me into a tight embrace.
“Yeah,” I said, giving him a soft kiss.
“Did you have fun?” Theo asked, kissing my cheek.
