Page 57 of Trick or Heat

He shakes his head, his smile never swaying. “Actually, the guys and I were talking about ordering in from that Thai place you love.”

My eyes widen and my hands scrunch into his hoodie. “And?”

“And… we were thinking about having a cozy night in and having a movie marathon with our favorite holiday films.”

I bounce in my seat. “Oh my god, that sounds incredible.”

When my excitement dies down and I snuggle back into his side, I let out a sigh of relief.

“I knew you’d be happy,” he says, his thumb caressing over my side.

“You know I love seasonal things.”

“I do, because I love you.”

He whispers softly so only I can hear, the forbidden words coasting over my ear as our alphas hoot and holler over their imaginary match.

I curl in closer, my body the most relaxed it’s ever been. “I love you too. I always have.”

For years, Casey and I both struggled with the idea that we wouldn’t be able to be together. We wasted so much time on what-ifs and fear-based thinking.

But we’re not in that place anymore. Everything worked out just the way fate intended, and although we should have never doubted our instincts, we can’t dwell on the past. We’re right here, together, with our scent matches who were meant for us. All we had to do was reach out and accept it, and now that we have, I don’t plan on wasting another moment.

My best friend, our alphas, they’re all I’ve ever needed. I am the luckiest omega in the world.

I look over at Casey, noticing his eyes shimmer as he watches the guys push each other as they get more and more competitive. My lip twitches.

Well, I think. Maybe I’m the second.

EPILOGUE

One Year Later

“I don’t see why we can’t just get it for takeout like we always do,” Casey complains, crossing his arms.

DJ laughs, swinging an arm around his shoulder and speaking low in his ear. “That’s just because you’re horny and want to get right to the post-meal action.”

My best friend’s cheeks redden. “No, you neanderthal. That is not the reason.”

“Yes, it is,” Raivat and I say at the same time.

Brodie grins, scooting closer to sandwich Casey between the two of them. “Your scent has been giving you away, Omega. Ever since Elsie started teasing you back in Concord.”

I chuckle, feeling the power of watching Casey squirm from my touch under my fingertips once again. He catches my eyes now, his glare playful.

“She knew we had a long ride home,” he accuses, and he’s right. I did know. The guys played an amazing game against New Hampshire yesterday, and their coaches let them stay overnight so we could explore the city. I may have added fuel to the flame when we finally left to come home this morning.

Still, I scoff. “I didn’t know the guys would want to go eat the second we got back. I’m not the one giving you blue balls, look at them!”

I point at the three alphas, who all have varying degrees of mischief written on their faces.

“Oh, Elsie. We did nothing of the sort,” DJ protests, biting his lip to keep from laughing.

“We just want to treat our omegas to a wonderful dinner,” Raivat adds as he laces our hands together. The touch causes me to relax as I squeeze a little bit tighter.

“Fine, but this place? We always get takeout,” Casey says.

I nod, agreeing. This has been our go-to for the last year now. Whenever we’d need some comfort food or a quick bite before heading on the road, this was the place to go. Still, I don’t think I’ve ever actually stepped a foot into the establishment.