My omega is bathed in sunlight and water droplets that shine like diamonds on her skin. She’s the one my soul has spent a lifetime searching for. I knew she was incredibly special the first day I met her, but now that I know she’s my scent match, I feel so fucking lucky she’s here with me now.
The press of her against me is priceless. I want to explore the world with her, and see her smile on every continent. She has become the sun we orbit, shining so bright that a life without her would be near meaningless.
Chapter 24
Madi
Zachary, Hunter, and I walk hand in hand back up to Alric, who is still reading. Always so attentive to my needs, he passes me a bottle of water and I take a few sips.
Zachary pulls out a towel that had been heated from the sun, holding it open for me. He cocoons me in warmth and then sits, pulling me down with him. I curl into his lap, instantly relaxed by his purr. My omega side jumps for joy at the closeness, the tenderness. His scent is taking over my brain, holding me so tight, I’m flooded with gratitude for him, for how he makes me feel treasured and safe.
Unable to resist myself, I rub my cheek against his, needing my scent on him, and he freezes. Oh, no.
Why did I scent mark him like that?
I sit up quickly. “I—” God, I don’t even know what to say, the urge came over me and it felt so natural to follow it. I should have been more careful.
“It doesn’t have to mean anything if you don’t want it to,” he says, but his voice is strained, like he’s forcing himself to say the words he knows I need to hear right now, not because it’s whathe desires. In a calmer tone, he whispers, “You’re experiencing a faux heat this week, it’s causing primal urges you might be unfamiliar with. Like your little puppy bite in the library. Do what feels natural, you don’t have to overthink it. It’s not a bond.”
Unfamiliar urges is an understatement.
I’ve never wanted to scent mark any of them. The fusion of scents from fucking is one thing, scent marking simply because I want him to smell like me is another. His scent is irresistible—all of theirs are—proving how important my rule to always wear blockers was.
He can say it doesn’t mean anything, but we both know that’s not true. It’s a claiming. Not as powerful or life altering as a bond or bite, but it still sends a pretty clear message that he’s mine.
My alpha.
No, not my anything yet.
At least they have each other. Maybe I should ask more about pack life. Just to see.
“You said you’re starting a pack. What does that look like?” I lie back down, resting in Zachary’s embrace. His chest relaxes and he presses his lips to my head, purr returning.
He probably feared I was going to run back to the villa screaming. I would have a few days ago, but now, the idea of being his omega seems less terrifying.
Zachary explains, “Our pack contracts are with our lawyer and we will be signing them next week. Finances will be combined, real estate will be chosen. We have our eye on a place downtown, in the historic district, over on West Willow Way. We’ll tour it when we return and if we love it, make them a generous offer.”
“This is it.” Alric takes out his phone and hands it to me. My breath catches in my throat. It’s one of the most beautifulhomes I’ve ever seen. It’s warm and inviting, surrounded by trees.
The perfect pack house.
My childhood home was nice, but I was miserable there. My mom and I lived in a lovely little place after that, but she resented it, hated her life and made sure I knew it. I’ve lived alone for so long and have been very happy with that, but my apartment is cramped and old.
For the first time, I truly wonder what it would be like to live in a beautiful place, fully loved by those who live there. A place I would want to return to every night. Helping Alric cook dinners. Movie nights with Zach, our cats in our laps. Cuddles with Hunter.
A happy home.
Alric takes the phone back when I’m done. “We’ll be checking it out next week, if you’d like to join us,” he says casually, but the light of hope in his eyes tells me this isn’t a small offer.
A pack wouldn’t buy a mansion like that unless their omega liked it, and against all odds, I guess that’s who I am to them. It’s an invitation to approve their selection, so I offer up honesty.
“That sounds fun.” Now I’m torturing myself, but I’d like to see it.
All three of them try to hide their excitement. It twists my heart. I don’t want their happiness to depend on me. It’s too much pressure.
Hunter breaks through my thoughts. “I could go for some of your amazing Italian food tonight.”
I burst out laughing—time to come clean, I suppose. “I’m sure if you asked Zacharyreallynicely, he’ll buy you some more.”
