“I’ve always presented myself as an independent businesswoman, someone who wants to support omegas and women in all areas, but I never claimed to be a role model. Because I’m not. These past few weeks have been the most challenging of my life, and the only reason I’ve gotten through them is because of my friends, my family… and my pack.”
The room stills. There isn’t a single sound. I swallow, but keep going.
“Yes, that’s right. The independent, anti-pack omega spent her heat with a pack, and somewhere along the way… I fell in love with them. They taught me that being independent doesn’t mean being alone. That being strong doesn’t mean you can’t be vulnerable. That it’s okay to ask for help. That it’s okay to be scared.
“Thank you for all the support you’ve shown me, my staff, and my business. And if this news disappoints you, I hope you one day find a love like I have. Revea Monroe.”
I try to keep my smile in place as I finally look up, but when I see them, all four stare at me. Blank. Every single one of them.
My lips fall.
Sylvan’s gaze drops first, back to his phone. “You said you love us,” he says quietly. “Why?”
I let out a soft laugh. “Because I do?”
It’s silent again. They watch me, but no one moves.
My laugh fades out. “Not exactly the response I expected…”
“You posted that publicly.” Val’s voice is controlled, but there’s a tightness there. “On yourbusinessaccount.”
I smile awkwardly. “Yes?”
“Baby,why?” Luc sounds genuinely distressed, and my smile drops completely. “Ve, it’s not that I’m not happy about this, I am. I’m fucking ecstatic. But you went through hell and back with those journalists, fought every allegation, turned up every day, walked through that crowd every night. You’ve worked so damn hard. I don’t want people taking that away from you.”
“Rescind the statement,” Kaiden orders, voice low. “We’ll say you were hacked. We’ll stay a secret.” He glances at his pack, who all nod, even Sylvan. “We don’t care about being known, Revea. As long as we can have you, we don’t care who knows.”
“No,” I say back, just as stern. “Since we’ve met, everything you’ve ever done has been to help me. Even when I didn’t deserve it. I don’t care what other people think, what the press will say. I don’t even care how this affects my business, because I’m starting to realise what really matters. I made that post because I want to show you how much you mean to me. I’m done being afraid.”
I look each of them in the eyes as I say, “I love you. Luciano, Valentin, Sylvan, Kaiden. I love you, and I don’t want to keep that a secret.”
“You love us,” Sylvan says slowly, like he’s still wrapping the words around his tongue. “Even me?”
“Yes, Sylvan.” I step closer, trying to hide the ache in my heart at his words. I keep moving until my hand lies on his chest, our eyes locked. “I love you—”
His mouth crashes into mine as he lifts me to his height, kissing me hard, deeply, a claim with his lips and tongue.
“No ‘I think’?” he asks against my mouth, but it isn’t a joke; his brows are slightly pinched as he studies my face.
I hold his cheek in my hand, catching my breath with a small smile. “No, Sylvan, I’m sure.”
A hand slides into my hair, and my face is turned, the deep rumble against my mouth telling me it’s Val. His kiss is slower, deeper, claiming in a completely different way. More worship.
Strong hands shift at my waist as Luc catches me against his chest, kissing me harder, breathless, like he’s been waiting for just this moment.
I’m turned again, and Kaiden is there. He doesn’t rush. His hand cups my face, thumb brushing my cheek as he leans in softly, kissing me like he’s memorising it.
“If you thought we were possessive before,” he murmurs against my lips, “you’ve no idea what you’ve unleashed in us now.”
My pulse races as his fingers slip to my throat, gripping me firmly as his kiss deepens.
Still kissing, Kaiden takes me from Luc and lowers us onto the centre of the sofa. The cushions dip as they close in immediately, Luc dropping onto one side, Val on the other, as I straddle Kaiden’s lap. Hands skim my arms, my throat, my jaw. A kiss brushes my temple. Another at my shoulder. Warmth and delicious scents everywhere, all at once.
All except…
I slow Kaiden’s kiss; he feels it, following reluctantly as I glance over my shoulder.
Sylvan is beside the fireplace, leaning against the mantel, on his phone.
