Chapter 10
Nash
G reen apple and cedarwood hit me square in the chest, stealing my breath as my eyes fell on the male omega next to Wren. I’d seen him at the bar but we hadn’t been introduced and, apparently, had enough space and people between us to buffer the scent.
Holy hell.
He was gorgeous. Just as pretty as the omega by his side. She was looking panicked and he was pulling her tighter to him like he could shield her from this.
I never pictured myself finding my mate in a man, but this omega was exactly my type. He had this soft and wavy, honey blond hair that rested on his head in perfectly-styled chaos. His nose was dusted in freckles like hers was, like the pair had spent time in the sun.
Warm, brown eyes were locked on me, swirling with too many emotions to keep up with.
I didn’t register anyone speaking around us as my world narrowed down to the two omegas in front of me.
“She’s mine. That’s not changing,” he said bluntly. Her lips parted and a soft noise escaped her that was a mix of shock and worry. Those gorgeous blue eyes of hers bounced between the two of us.
“We’ll be out on the porch,” Mama said, ushering everyone else out while we had this awkward staredown.
“I’m fine with that,” I said, stepping even closer. Her scent was just as light as it was at the bar, that hint of watermelon and raspberry that had me craving more of it. The way it mixed with the tart and woodsy scent of the other omega and they were mouthwatering.
My cock agreed as it hardened, pushing against the tight jeans I was wearing.
“Devon.”
So, that was his name. It fit him.
“But we’re not…” Wren trailed off, her chest rising and falling rapidly enough the trance I was in fell away.
“Hey, are you okay? Take a breath for me, sweetheart,” I said, putting my focus on her.
“Wren, baby, breathe,” Devon said, turning her and taking over-exaggerated breaths to coax her into joining him. She tried, her eyes going wild and darting around as if she were trying to find a way out of this.
Barking at her was the wrong move, I knew that without having to be told, so instead, I took control of the situation.
“Kiss her. Now.” It was a demand, one that wasn’t barked but he eagerly followed all the same. She sucked in a shocked gasp, filling her lungs with a breath they desperately needed. I moved in behind her to steady her swaying body as Devon captured her lips. His hand wound around her waist but I was close enough his skin brushed over my shirt. I could feel his heat through the fabric and my cock was painfully hard as my eyes drank in the sight of them.
Her panic was gone as quickly as it came as he coaxed her with his lips to come back to us.
“That’s right. You’re being so good for your omega, aren’t you, sweetheart?” I husked, stroking a hand over the side of her neck. She shivered in response as a moan escaped her.
Fuck, I wanted to take them home with me so I could have a taste. I bet they both tasted as fucking delicious as they smelled.
Devon slowed down the kiss to sweet, tasting her for a moment longer before stepping away. Her wide, doe eyes were stunned and fuck, she looked so fucking beautiful.
My eyes drifted to my mate. His lips were swollen from their kisses, his skin flushed and making his freckles stand out even more.
There was not even an ounce of hesitation in me as I claimed them both.
“You’re both mine,” I said as if it were fact. Of course, she had a say but I saw the way she looked at me that night. “Your scent isn’t as strong as his, but it affects me all the same, Wren. Give me a chance to treat you like you deserve. Both of you.”
“Even if she’s not, she’s not going anywhere,” Devon said, his feisty side coming out as he squared his shoulders and faced off with me. “That may mean sharing her with another pack some day.”
“As long as she doesn’t cast us aside, too, that’s fine with me,” I said. “I always wanted a big family.”
“Don’t you have that already?” she asked, her voice a raspy whisper.
It wasn’t a no.
“I do,” I confirmed with a shrug like this was all no big deal when it was anything but. “However, it could always be bigger.”
She glanced between us and I watched my omega realize her strength all over again. A soft breath escaped her as she stood taller, and forcibly let the tension drain from her body.
“Okay.” Even her voice rang with confidence. Devon’s face went from worried to pure fucking sunshine, a soft dimple popping out as he smiled at her like she hung the moon.
I couldn’t wait to earn that smile, too.
“Let me take you both out on a date.”
“Before we agree, I need something to be very clear. If I’m in a pack, I plan to have everyone. I won’t be cast aside for female omegas,” Devon said, getting it all out in the open now. I loved that he was this honest, blunt, and open. It was refreshing to know where he stood and where we would stand.
“I’m happy to have you both,” I promised him. “You’ll matter just as much.”
“As he should,” Wren added as she snuggled into his chest. I don’t think she realized that she was burying her nose there, breathing in his scent.
I was positive we were mates as well. Maybe those assholes fucked up her scent, too, but I knew in my soul that they both belonged to me.
“Then yes, we’ll go on a date with you,” Devon said, glancing at her for confirmation. She smiled right back before giving me a shy smile.
“I’d like that.”
I knew I’d have to be gentle with her. Take it as slow or fast as she wanted, but I wanted her just as badly as I wanted Devon.
He’d made it clear that he had to matter just as much and I couldn't agree more. Many packs weren’t open outside of sharing heats with their omega. I didn’t want other alphas sexually, but I would worship both of these omegas with equal devotion.
All I’d ever wanted was a pack and it seemed I had to wait longer because I had been blessed with not just one, but two breathtaking omegas.
The patio door slid open and Mama poked her head in. “We can’t stay out forever. You guys good?”
I laughed and nodded. “Mama, these are my mates, apparently. Devon and Wren.”
Her smile was soft and happy. “We told you to be patient, didn’t we?”
Leave it to my Mama to tease me in a moment like this. Wren let out a laugh, shaking her head.
“I can see the appeal of a family this big,” she said as she gave my mom an open smile that was full of hope and longing.
“Do you have a small family?” I asked gently, unsure if it was a tough question. My eyes flickered to Devon, making it known it was for both of them.
“My family thought my designation was the worst thing to happen to them,” Devon answered bluntly. “Fuck them.”
“What assholes,” Mama muttered.
“Mine decided the drama of the trial was too much and they couldn’t handle the pressure of being in the spotlight.”
God, the pain in those words.
“Well, you’ve got a family in the Whitkars,” Mama said firmly. “And this town. Rockwood Valley is where we all come to find where we belong. True peace grows in these mountains and if you’re here, then you were meant to be.”
“I’m starting to realize that,” Wren said right as her stomach growled.
“Oh thank god,” Avery said, pushing past our mom. “I’m starving. Oh, and congrats, guys. Glad we’re officially sisters now, Wren.” She gave her friend a quick hug before focusing on opening the containers.
This should have been our cue to leave, but Mama caught me glancing around for my brothers.
“They left you behind,” Mama said. “Grab a plate and join us but don’t fuck up omega night and make it weird.”
I laughed but secretly I was so fucking grateful she wasn’t kicking me out. The idea of walking away from my omegas sounded like torture.
“You guys can claim the couch,” Grace said with a grin. She looked just as happy as my sister did. Then again, that omega exuded sunshine at all times. Though, there was a little flicker of sadness that I knew was more about losing her roommates far sooner than she thought, and maybe a bit of her longing for her own pack. That was something I could sympathise on. Watching everyone else in my family find their packs was pure torture.
“Sidney is swinging by in a bit, she had to wrap something up and Ori just closed the shop, so leave them some food,” Avery said, eyeing me.
“Rude, sis,” I grunted, not bothering to hold back when loading my own plate. We bought enough food for them to all take leftovers home, too. The two late omegas would be fine.
As we settled into the seat, both of my omegas within reach, I realized just how torturous this movie was going to be.
The lights were low, the movie playing, and all I could focus on was how fucking close they were and how good they smelled. Wren was this gorgeous blend of cute but edgy and Devon was sweet and feisty. She had settled into his side so he was leaning closer to me, her head resting on his shoulder as she watched the TV.
Sidney and Oriana came in at the same time, grabbing food and snagging spots. We got some curious looks but they didn’t say anything, simply focused on the movie.
It felt like hours and hours dragged by until the movie was over. I was wound so tight I knew I’d have to fuck my hand in the shower just to relieve some of this tension because I knew they wouldn’t be coming home with me.
Which meant they were going back together. Fuck. That thought was going to haunt me in the best way tonight.
The credits rolled and then we were the center of attention.
“Okay,” Sidney said, giving me the side eye. “Spill. Why is an alpha here and what did we miss?”
“So subtle,” Oriana joked with a laugh, but she was just as curious.
“So, I have two mates,” I said without hesitation. “Devon and Wren.”
“Shut up!” Sidney gasped. “Both of you? That’s amazing, Nash!”
I was beaming and Devon looked shy. Wren had all but buried her face in his chest while the others gushed over us.
“Seriously, you guys are adorable,” Oriana said. “I’m happy for you.”
“Thanks,” Wren said. “Sorry we kind of ruined omega night.”
“Don’t apologize, this is so much juicier than the usual gossip,” Sidney said as she got up to make a second plate before changing the subject. “Did anyone hear they’re opening up a chocolate shop soon? I don’t know much but Mayor Adams has a big mouth and some old pack is planning to retire here by opening up a shop. I guess they were working in some fancy place in New York or something.”
Town gossip was just the thing to take the focus off of us. Wren fidgeted for a second before standing up.
“I’ll be right back, I need some fresh air,” she said quietly.
“You want company?” Devon asked.
“Sure,” she said, glancing at both of us this time. That was enough to have me standing up and giving Mom a nod toward the door to clue her in. She waved us off, too focused on Sidney’s gossip to comment more.
Night had fallen and the stars were out in full force now. Wren settled into a rocking chair, eyes locked on the view of the stars over the mountains.
“It’s so pretty out here,” she said with a happy sigh.
“I have land out here on the ranch. My dads left it to all four of us, the others have pack houses elsewhere but I hated the idea of not building out here.”
“Damn, just found mates and already planning to move in together,” Devon laughed, looking startled.
I froze, realizing how insane I sounded. Then again, I had no intention of staying alone when I had a pack forming.
“Why wouldn’t we?” I asked. “We’re pack and staying apart is complicated. You’ll need somewhere when your heat comes, right?”
“A shared apartment would make that complicated,” Wren said, fidgeting again. “But I’m not having heats. My omega is dormant.”
It was a confession, one she whispered into the night without looking right at me. Devon had no such reservations, he had an icy glare on me, just daring me to fuck this up.
“That doesn't change anything between us, you know that, right, sweetheart?” I answered. Her eyes flooded with relief. Poor girl was a bundle of nerves. I hoped I could take some of that stress off of her shoulders one day.
“I hope so,” she offered. It was an olive branch, a hope-lined plea to the universe for the world not to let her down again.
I’d rather cut off my own arm than hurt her. I reached out for Devon’s hand, giving it a squeeze. He tensed for a fraction of a second before he relaxed, fingers intertwined with mine. It was my silent stand together that we’d keep her heart safe.
“Trust in your pack, Wren,” Devon said gently. “Because I’m even more convinced that you and I are mates. We just have to give you time to heal before your omega realizes it, too.”
“We start with a date, because even if you’re not ready to move in together, I plan to spend every moment I can getting to know you both,” I promised.
“Why not start tomorrow?” Wren said. “I’m off work and could use a day out.”
“Tomorrow,” Devon agreed with an excited grin. There was that sunshine smile again.
Even if I had to work, I’d figure it out. I had two omegas who needed me and not a damn thing in this world was going to hold me back.
“Tomorrow.”