Page 59 of The Omega Switch: Part 2

Slowly, we began a plan. This date had to be good - because I wasn’t sure if we’d ever get another shot.

Chapter 29

Ivy

Oh God, what had I agreed to?

I paced, biting my nails as I checked myself in the mirror again. I’d been feeling bold, throwing out the idea of a date when I was talking to Elias. Now that the reality was hitting, I lost all my nerve. But still, I’d always wondered what it would be like, to be courted and cherished as I’d always seen other omegas experience. Lord knows I had been as jealous as humanly possible when they had taken Arabella out. I guess that deep down, I just wanted to know what it felt like. To be treated like a princess by the pack that I had a crush on.

Puff looked up from his bed, gave a sympathetic yip, and went back to chewing on a plush toy.

I looked at myself, wondering if I’d over- or underdressed. The pale blue sundress I chose was simple and comfortable, with tiny embroidered flowers. Before, I never would have worn something like it. I'd have chosen something forgettable. Arabella had always accused me of trying to compete whenever I wore brighter colors.

Now, I was excited to wear whatever I wanted, and in whatever colors I chose. Yet… I was still self-conscious. Despite wanting to keep the upper hand, I also wanted to look pretty and impressive to Pack Vale.

On impulse, I grabbed my phone and snapped a quick mirror picture before I could overthink it, then dropped it into the group chat I had with Nora, Evangeline and Mara.

Me: Too much? Not enough? Be honest.

The responses came almost immediately.

Evangeline: OH MY GOD.

Mara: Absolutely not. You look gorgeous.

Evangeline: Gorgeous is too mild. If those men have functioning eyes, they are DONE FOR.

I laughed, my nerves easing slightly as another message came through.

Nora: That color was made for you. And do not change a single thing. Let them see what they almost lost.

My cheeks heated as I looked at my reflection again, suddenly standing a little straighter.

Evangeline: Also, respectfully, make them suffer a little.

I smoothed down the fabric. This would be my first date ever. And while I was nervous, I couldn’t have imagined it happening with any other pack.

The knock on the door came right on time. Puff barked and raced ahead of me. I took a deep breath and opened the door. Three pairs of eyes immediately found mine. I forgot how to speak momentarily.

Hunter wore dark slacks and a crisp white button-down with the sleeves rolled neatly to his forearms, still dressy but more casual than usual. Elias wore trousers and a sage-green shirt that made his silver eyes stand out. Ronan stood beside them in dark jeans and a fitted black henley that clung to his massive shoulders. His dark curls had been pulled back again, revealing the intricate tattoos winding over his skin. I also noticed that they let their scents out freely - barely any descenter tonight.

Good grief. What had I gotten myself into?

"You look beautiful," Elias said, breaking the silence. I felt my skin heat, and nodded as I looked at each of them.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” I said, and hoped I wouldn't be so awkward the rest of the date. "Come in for just a second, if you’d like. I need to grab my purse,” I said.

Before they could all step inside, Puff ran directly toward Ronan, flying into the air as he got close. The enormous Alpha caught the tiny dog without even looking, automatically settling him against one broad shoulder where Puff licked his face.

"I see I've been replaced," I said, raising my eyebrows. Ronan looked completely unapologetic. “So, where are we headed? Should I change or… or is this alright?” I asked, glancing down at my dress, suddenly second-guessing my choice. When the three of them looked me up and down, heat in their eyes, I suddenly felt even more out of control.

“You look perfect,” Hunter said, his voice lower than usual. I cleared my throat, trying not to think about how I felt with all three of them looking at me like I was a snack. I had to stay focused. I grabbed my purse, and Ronan set Puff down as I locked the boutique behind me.

"So..." I said as we walked toward the car. "Where are we going?"

Ronan offered me his arm. "It's a surprise, and I promise you'll like this one." I took a moment, then slipped my hand lightly around his arm.

"...Okay."