10. Seth
Seth
Cali doesn't say anything for a minute. Her gaze lingers on the snow.
I'm framed in the study's doorway. We, as a pack, are collectively holding our breath.
She turns in Bax's embrace, her body brushing softly against his.
Another wave of perfume washes over us and I want to drown in that perfect scent.
She visibly cringes, but Bax's expression tells me he's in heaven.
He slips his arms from her waist with a reluctance that speaks volumes.
"You're sure you're ok with me staying?" she asks.
I step forward. Not enough to crowd her, but enough to wash her in my scent, hoping it'll convey anything my words can't. "If it was up to us, you'd have a permanent room here.
" It isn't unheard of for scent-sensitive matches to move in together immediately, but it isn't a requirement.
I'm practically vibrating with the need to get to know everything about her immediately but it's late and she looks tired.
Her eyes go wide. "But you just met me. You don't really know me."
Where did this girl come from that she doesn't understand?
For a scent-sensitive omega, everything that her alphas have is hers.
We will willingly forfeit anything she asks if she even shows a fleeting interest. Connor seems to understand her.
To know where the confusion comes from. I remember his origin story, and hope our precious girl's background isn't similar.
"That's true. But I can't wait to get to know you better.
Scent sensitivity doesn't lie, Cali. The science doesn't lie," I say.
I've skimmed those books Bax ordered, and there's whole sections on this subject.
It's not just smells. Mates who find their scent-sensitive matches in blind studies report higher levels of contentment and happiness every time.
Every account says its not just scent. Even without that factor their mates personalities and worldviews would have been a perfect match for the alphas.
"Many people would call it fate," I say, "and I certainly would right now."
I notice how she glances down and bites her lip, as if she can't fully absorb what's being said.
It makes me want to find and confront the person who's instilled doubt about her worth.
When she answered our questions about courting, she didn't express that she didn't want to be courted, or was unhappy with us.
Instead, she implied that we shouldn't want to pursue her , and even suggested that we wouldn't like her.
Her rejections are all about her insecurities and self-doubt.
And I realize I'll do anything to change that.
"That doesn't mean we expect anything, though," Connor clarifies to Cali, his tone gentle. I look at him in confusion, sensing the weight of his words.
He continues, focusing only on her, but with a warmth that fills the space between us.
"We want to get to know you slowly, to give you the time and space you deserve.
There are many traditions about courting in a pack, and we believe in honoring that process.
First, we want to give you a courting gift that expresses our intentions.
Then, we would love to take you on individual dates and, eventually, invite you out with the whole pack.
"It's important to know that the level of physical affection is entirely in your hands. As an omega, your comfort and feelings matter most to us. No alpha would ever pressure you. We're here to support you, and ensure you feel safe and respected every step of the way."
What Connor's doing finally registers with me.
Although Cali probably already knows this, understanding something and being involved in it are very different experiences.
Her last relationship had been with a beta, so she's never had a serious relationship with an alpha.
There's nothing wrong with an omega dating a beta, but those relationships typically don't adhere to the same traditions as those between alphas and omegas.
I've known packs that, due to a scent-sensitive omega's past trauma, went through years of therapy before they became entirely comfortable with each other sexually.
Conversely, I've seen packs and omegas who felt comfortable with their scent sensitivity, and became physically active soon after their first meeting.
The level of comfort really varies from case to case.
It's an alpha's instinctual drive to protect their omega, and this instinct is even more pronounced when scent sensitivity is involved. This protection extends beyond just physical care. It's about supporting her emotionally.
I watch as Connor explains, truly appreciating his patience and the way he engages without patronizing or assuming prior knowledge on her part.
His approach exemplifies the qualities I admire in him, and solidifies why I chose him as a packmate and friend.
This is how a strong and harmonious pack should function, learning from one another, and continually improving together.
"An omega always has the option to reject a pack. The alphas will respect that decision," Connor says.
Those words echo in my mind, a haunting reminder of the choice that could shatter everything. Scent-sensitive rejections? It was a nightmare scenario I never thought I'd have to consider. Panic claws at my chest as I envision Cali turning away from us.
My alpha seethes with fury at the mere thought of it, the instinct to claim and protect raging within.
But deep down, I know Connor's right. We'd have to honor her choice, no matter how gut-wrenching it might feel.
Even if the bonds of our pack didn't bind us to Cali's decision, I couldn't force myself onto an unwilling omega.
It goes against everything we stand for.
Cali takes a deep breath. "I think I understand, " she says, looking cautious.
"If you want to talk or have any questions, ask us okay?" Connor says.
She nods, a soft smile gracing her lips.
Our little omega seems to lose her words under pressure, deepening my desire to understand her unspoken language.
The entryway is awash in her enchanting perfume, a delicate scent that lingers.
I can see how much she likes being asked what she wants, and it makes my heart stutter. I long to know everything about her.
"Would you like to go up to your room?" I ask.
She glances up at me but merely nods, not commenting on my choice of words.
We make our way up the stairs from the entryway landing.
On the second floor, a wide walkway curves around the stairwell and extends along the length of the house.
Three doors are lined up on the right side, while one door at the end of the hall leads to the left.
Connor points at each door on the right as he leads the way. The first door belongs to him, the second to Bax, and the third is mine. He then walks to the only door on the left, opens it, and steps back to let Cali go through first.