My fingers tighten on the knife. “What?” I ask, dread creeping into my stomach while the need to flee only grows.
He points at the screen and reads out loud. “The Ashbourne Pack and I have shared a long history of friendship, loyalty, and mutual respect. Our relationship has grown steadily and privately over many years.
“I remain deeply committed to the future we have discussed, one grounded in stability, shared purpose, and devotion to Bravonne. I am ever committed to every member of the Ashbourne Pack. That includes Piers Harland.
“Piers has always been an integral part of my vision of the future. His place within the pack has never been in question, and I look forward to the day when our bond—all of our bonds—may be recognized openly and without misinterpretation.
“I am excited for the chapter ahead and for the opportunity to build something enduring, together.’”
He glances up at me like he’s waiting to see what my reaction is going to be, but I’m more interested in how he’s feeling, if this changes anything for him. So I say slowly, “I see.” Even as a part of my heart crumbles to dust.
His fingers tighten on his cell. “I can’t bloody believe her! For years she’s treated me like the redheaded stepchild, like I’m only the pack’s personal assistant and now she pulls this? Claiming me publicly? Giving us the ability to be together in public?” He stares down at the phone, like he can’t quite believe this is the case. Like he wasn’t just given everything he’s ever wanted.
My heart gives a painful thump in my chest. I should be happy for him. This is what I’ve wanted, for Piers to be able to be loved in the open. For the pack to be able to show him off in the way that he’s always deserved.
I swallow and look away from him. “Does this… I know it’s not the biggest issue right now, but does this change things for you?”
“What?” He’s still staring distractedly at his phone.
“I mean, she’s all but given you permission, right? And that would have come from the queen. Isadora wouldn’t dare make a statement like that, claiming you as a member of the Ashbourne pack without her consent. They’ll be able to love you in the open now,” I say softly and his eyes fly to me. It's selfish but I can’t stop the words from coming. “Does that change things for you… with me?”
His phone drops to the floor as he rushes over to me, enclosing me in his strong arms. “Oh, sunshine, no. No, it doesn’t change anything for me. I want you. So bad. More than that Ineedyou. I’ve needed you since the first day I met you.”
I let out a little shuddering breath, my fingers curling into his shirt, my nose burying itself in the fabric and inhaling, deeply. His cut grass scent calms my nerves and the gentle sweep of his big palm up and down my back helps even more.
“Do you think-” I mumble against his shirt, before stopping myself.
“Do I think what, little bird?”
Well, there’s no help for it now. I have to just do it, get it out of the way. “Do you think it’ll change things for them?”
He sighs. “I don’t think so, but there’s only one way to be sure, isn’t there, love?”
I pretend not to know what he means, nestling into him deeper. I feel him grin against my hair, as he pulls me tighter against him. Guilt pinches at my stomach, enough so that I pull back and peer up at him.
“I’m sorry.”
His smile falls and his hand moves to cup my cheek. “Why are you apologizing, Ren?”
“Because I’m an asshole.” I turn my head to press a kiss to his palm. “This is a big deal for you. A big happy deal and I’m making it about myself. How do you feel?”
He stares at me hard for one long moment, then leans forward with a groan and presses his mouth to mine. The kiss is not nearly as long as I’d like, and doesn’t have nearly as much tongue, but it’s soft and sweet and it makes my toes curl all the same.
“Sorry,” he rasps when he pulls back. “Couldn’t help myself. You’re just so bloody perfect.”
“Never apologize for kissing me, Piers.”
“Well, well, well, what have we here?” Court drawls from the door. We both turn to find him lingering there, water dripping down his chest, off his swim trunks to splatter on the floor. His green eyes sweep over my body, taking in my bikini top and shorts. “I was wondering what was taking you both so long to join us.” He saunters forward, pure lazy predator. “Damn, Pixie. I have to say, I’m glad you never went swimming on the show. I’m not sure my alpha would have been able to handle millions of people seeing you like this. Bad enough in the damn yoga pants.”
My lips twitch, almost pulling into a smile, but it doesn’t fully form, and Court's own lazy smirk falls. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
I look up at Piers and wait, giving him the choice to tell his pack mate or not. After a long moment the beta clears his throat. “Isadora released a statement.” A curse comes from the door and we’re suddenly joined by the rest of the Ashbourne pack.
“What did she say?” Forsythe asks, approaching cautiously.
Piers’ fingers tighten on my face, almost as if in apology, before he drops his hand and turns toward them. “She claimed me. For the pack. Said I always had a place in her future. And she’s excited to bond me.”
I wince at that, at the idea of someone else bonding him, bonding my pack, but I know it’s a possibility. Now more than ever.
