“I’m going to stay here, but thank you,” I said softly.
Easton clutched at me tighter, but Lars gave me an understanding smile.
“We’ll be back tomorrow,” he said.
I nodded. Finn would also be here. Would they pretend nothing happened today?
Lars finally convinced Easton to let me go, and I walked with them down to the bottom of the lighthouse.
Easton pulled me into his arms, his large body surrounding mine as he pressed his face to the top of my hair. His rich chocolate scent drenched my skin and clothes, and I couldn’t wait to sleep surrounded by it. “Just in case this wasn’t clear, we’re courting you, baby.”
I froze.
“Fuck,” Lars said, pressing his body to my back. “It wasn’t clear.”
“But… What…” My words wouldn’t come out.
Easton pulled away enough to cup my face and force me to meet his gaze. “We’re in this, Olive. We want you, and not just for one perfect afternoon. For every afternoon. And morning. And evening?—”
“Yes, all day long,” Lars said with a snort.
“What about Finn?” I whispered.
“He wants to court you, too,” Easton said.
I scrunched my nose in disbelief. Nothing about Finn’s behavior saidopen to courting. And it wasn’t like I wanted him, anyway.
Liar liar.
“We’ll prove it to you,” Easton said. “We’ll be so good to you, sunshine. We’ll show you that we’ll be the best alphas for you.”
My heart was in my throat as he squeezed me into another hug and then reluctantly released me. I went to take off his sweater to return it, but he stopped me with a wink. “Keep it. It looks better on you, anyway.” He turned to Lars. “I’ll gather up our stuff outside.” With one final kiss, he slipped away.
Before my brain could catch up to what was happening, Lars pressed my back to the wall, blocking my view of the room with his broad chest. His hand collared my throat, squeezing just slightly enough for me to let out a whimper.
“I need you to tell me what happened between you and Finn.” His voice was deep and commanding. Not quite a bark, but enough to make my omega want toobey.
But I locked my legs and stayed strong. “Nope.”
Lars let out a little growl. “He’s my brother, and I love him. I don’t think he’s capable of hurting someone intentionally, but he can be careless, especially with what he’s been going through lately. It’s not okay if he did something to hurt you.”
I blinked. It was clear to see how much these alphas loved each other, but here Lars was, defendingme.
He ran his thumb across my lower lip. “Tell me.”
I let out a shuddering sigh, completely hypnotized by his body, his scent, everything about this alpha.
“He just hurt my feelings,” I said. “That’s all.”
Lars scowled. “That’s not okay. No one gets to do that.”
God, he was so fierce, so protective. My omega fully approved.
“I’ve got it under control.”
“What do you mean?” His nose skated down the side of my face until he was pressed against my neck, scent-marking me. “Does this have anything to do with pickles?”
I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him close. “Maybe. My plan for revenge.”
