I smile. I think I’d like anything these alphas cook for me. The difference between Pack Caruso and these guys is staggering.
Not that I thought Teddy or his friends would be anything like Pack Caruso, but now, having experienced life with both of them…
“What are you smiling about, Little Bird?” Ethan asks, his own smile on his face.
“Just thinking about how different it is here than it was with Pack Caruso.” I shake my head. “Just…I was expected to cook and clean for them, but you’re here cooking for me.”
“Realalphas cook for their omegas.” Ethan winks at me, and my cheeks flush as I look down. “We’re here to care for you, not the other way around.”
“I would love to learn how to cook for you all as well, or we could cook together…” I trail off, realizing I’m getting a little carried away. “I’m just…I’m happy here.” A finger lifts my chin, and then I’m looking straight into Brennan’s gaze.
“I think I speak for everyone when I say we’re all happy you’re here.” The corners of his eyes wrinkle with his smile.
I thought it’d be impossible, but I flush even more under the attention of the blonde alpha. I’m saved from having to answer by Teddy feeding me another spoonful of potato.
Despite my non-answer, I can feel the truth of Brennan’s words seeping into me, making me believe for the first time that I may have found men who want me.
Not the prestige that comes from the Messina Family.
Not just an omega to boss around and fuck.
Me.
I grin, looking down at my hand. Triumphantly, I lay down the card that evenIknow is the most hated type in the deck.
“Draw four,” I announce, looking at Ethan, who sits to my left.
His jaw drops, staring at the single card left in his hand. “But—”
“Ain’t no buts ‘bout it,” Teddy grins. “Our girl got you with the classic move.”
“It’s valid,” Maverick nods, holding his cards close, “no foul.”
“Are you sure this is your first time playing Uno?” Ethan eyes me with mock suspicion.
“Ethan.” Brennan rolls his eyes. “I know you’re normally good at everything, but you can’t accuse our omega of Uno subterfuge.”
“Yeah,you got somefin’ ‘gainst koalas, mate?” Teddy teases, reaching over to put my hood over my head. His eyes crinkle when he looks at me. “That’s fuckin’ adorable.”
Ethan grumbles to himself, pulling four cards from the draw pile. His petulant expression reminds me of a toddler, and I have to suppress my giggle.
His head whips toward me, his eyes sparkling with mirth. “Something funny, Little Bird?”
The darkness in his voice sends a thrill right between my thighs, and my scent swirls around the air. I’m getting used to that happening, and now I barely feel a twinge of embarrassment—especially when I see how it affects him. Instead of feeling ashamed, it almost makes me feel…powerful.
Something I’ve never felt in my entire life.
“Never took you for a sore loser,” I say lightly, shrugging, making Brennan’s jaw drop. I’m not sure where this side of me is coming from, but I can’t say I hate it.
“A sore loser?” Ethan arches a brow, and something—I have no idea what—whispers at me to reach over and flick his nose.
And I…listen.
Which is how I end up on my back, a laugh shrieking out of my throat as my hands are pinned on either side of my head, a smirking Ethan hovering over me.
Well, now, why do Ilikethis?
My laughter must clue the other guys in that I’m not uncomfortable, because nobody tries to remove him from me, not even Teddy.
