“Thank you,” I said, looking at each of my alphas. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have them.
“I feel like there has to be something wrong with me, though, because my mom hasn’t been a mother to me, but I still feel sad for her. I can’t remember seeing her happy—she was definitely never happy with me. And I know Jericho and Richard treat her like crap. She’s never stood up for me, never helped me, so why do I feel so sad? Why do I still love her?”
“Because you have a kind heart, beautiful,” Ben said, his eyes shimmering. “You’re so sweet and incredible. They don’t deserve you.”
“Maybe her criticizing you is a way to protect you from repeating what she had to go through,” Theo mused.
“Yeah, maybe,” I said, staring back at my food.
“Doesn’t make it okay,” Cam grunted.
“Of course not,” Theo said easily. “She obviously doesn’t have your strength or compassion.”
The conversation lulled, and I picked at my food.
“Okay,” Ben said, clapping his hands. “Enough sadness.” He handed me his phone. “Pick out some music, precious.”
I looked at the music app, unsure of what to choose. “What do you all like?”
“Nope,” Ben said cheerfully. “Pick something you like. And let’s get these cocktails poured.”
I finally selected an album by a popular female artist. There was speculation that she might actually be an omega. I figured if the guys hated it, we could always change it.
The bass pumped as the melody of the first track started playing through speakers I hadn’t known were hanging on the courtyard wall.
“Excellent,” Ben said. He handed me my martini in a plastic cup and I took a long drink. Cotton candy flavor exploded in my mouth. The energy at the table eased with Ben’s enthusiasm for the food and the upbeat music. I found myself humming along to the songs and eating everything Ben put in front of me.
Theo launched into a conversation about his favorite books, and I eagerly joined in. I saw Cam out of the corner of my eye sneaking sips of my martini when he thought I wasn’t looking. Finally, I turned around fast enough to catch him in the act. His cheeks blushed furiously.
“Next time, you have to order one for yourself,” I laughed. I leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. “But don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”
Cam set down the drink and gripped my chin with his thumb and forefinger. “I guess I just like tasting sweet things.” My body heated at his words and I swayed closer to him. His firm hand on my face guided me into a deep kiss. I could taste the cotton candy on his tongue.
I held back a whimper when he pulled away. His hand returned to my thigh, giving it a tight squeeze.
“Finish eating, baby girl.”
Theo and Ben’s eyes were on me, their deep scents swirling in the breeze. I knew I wasn’t ready to have sex with all of them yet, but a gush of slick soaked my underwear at the thought of all their hands on me.
I cleared my throat, grateful for the de-scenter masking most of my perfume, and continued to eat.
The night turned chilly. The moment I started shivering, the guys announced it was time to move inside. I caught Ben’s hand as he was tidying up.
“Thanks for a great evening,” I said. “I didn’t think I could feel relaxed after everything, but you made it happen for me.”
Ben beamed and pulled me into a tight hug. “You make everything better.” He spun me around, making me laugh, before tugging me inside.
ChapterThirty-Two
Josie
“Look at his hand! He touched her bare hand, and he’s feeling things,” I shouted, pointing at Mr. Darcy from my perch on the den sectional.
“I thought he hated her,” Ben said, his arms wrapped around me and his chin resting on my head.
“Classic enemies to lovers,” Theo said, squeezing my hand.
Cam grunted from his spot next to Ben. “Don’t fucking get the appeal. If they like each other, they should just say it. Waste of time.”
