“That it doesn’t mean anything to me anymore. I think it lost its meaning a long time ago, and seeing it again today just made me realize it even more. I don’t feel at home there; there is nothing that remains for me, just some distant memories from the time my parents were still alive. It also made me realize how much happier I am in your pack, which is my pack now.”
My heart makes a leap at her words. When I met her, I never expected to fall in love with her, and once I did, I never thought she would return my feelings. But now, here we are, being each other’s chosen family and second chance.
“You know, it’s funny,” Martin says. “I realized it too, recently; just how much you all mean to me.”
I look at him, touched by his words. “This makes me realize that I never truly asked you about your family. I’m a bad friend.”
“There is not much to tell. They are constantly traveling and currently staying somewhere in Canada,” Martin explains. “Not much contact between us, and I doubt that will ever change. And, youarea fantastic friend.”
“It’s funny how we all come from broken homes or packs,” I muse. “My family is obviously trash. Rose was all alone with her psycho of a mate. Then, there is you, Martin, and Griffin’s situation is pretty much the same. And Rory.”
“You are right,” Rose says. “As if the goddess knew it and threw us all together.”
“And we took that chance,” Martin adds. “I am really glad you decided to trust me.”
“It was a risk, considering the position we were in,” I say honestly. “But I genuinely wanted to believe in you, and I am glad I did.”
“It goes without saying that you are obviously one of us now,” Rose chuckles. “In case that wasn’t clear.”
My phone lights up. “That’s Griffin,” I say, scrolling through his message. “He and Rory have wrapped things up. Betty has everything covered with the elders. He is asking if he should stay and oversee that your stuff is packed up accordingly?”
“No,” Rose says. “Tell him to get Rory and meet us here. The elites can stay with Betty and help her. I think it’s easier for her if she doesn’t have Griffin and Rory looming over her.”
Martin laughs, “True.” His face softens. “Besides, I don’t think Rory is too eager to stay any longer.”
Rose nods. “I agree.”
I reply swiftly, just as the waitress brings us our food. I order something for Griffin and Rory too, so that they will have something to eat once they arrive, and won’t need to wait for too long.
To our surprise, Griffin comes alone. “You look disappointed,” he grins before nudging Martin with his elbow. “You in particular.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Martin asks.
Griffin winks. “Just saying.”
“Is Rory not coming?” Rose asks, ignoring Griffin’s teasing. She is good at that. It’s like she always remains completely unfazed by his silly remarks.
“Nah, he decided to drive separately,” Griffin explains. “Once he heard that you offered for the omegas and some other chosen pack members to stay with our pack, he dashed off. Said something about an old friend.”
“Oh, Maria,” I say. “She was his old friend, right?”
“Yes,” Rose verifies. “We all thought they were dating, but she was his cover and his best friend. Plus, she saved my life. I’m happy to have her in our pack, that is, if she agrees.”
“Do you know any more?” I ask Griffin.
“Betty talked to some of the omegas already. They were over the moon to come to your pack,” he explains. “From what I know, she also talked to Maria, which is pretty much why Rory took off. He said he will help her pack and then drive with her.”
“If they make it in time and we are still here, tell him to drop by with her,” I say. “They can also have some lunch with us.”
“Well, I for one, am hungry,” Martin says. “I can definitely have a second main dish until they arrive.”
Griffin laughs. “Me too.”
“Then it’s set.”
Our conversation turns to much lighter topics now, with all of us sharing our plans for the next weeks, now that the whole shitshow has been dealt with. Griffin and Martin will both gettheir own offices in the pack house, just like Rose will get her own. Griffin also wants to move to a cottage closer to the packhouse, while Martin tells us he and Rory will probably move in together and renovate Martin’s place—so thatthey aren’t aloneand willhave someone to hang out with.
None of us comments on it or teases him, not even Griffin, but I guess Rose is right that these two will hook up sooner than later, in case it hasn’t happened already.
