Chapter 12 Logan
Logan
My brother, his pack, and their friends’ packs have all threatened us at least once before Rose finally reappears with the other omegas.
Sunny takes Cole by the arm, and I’m grateful when she steers him away, promising to explain on the drive home.
The rest of the omegas gather their packs, or their purse, and file out.
We all look to Rose. She just shrugs. “They’re kind of… protective.”
She bites her plump bottom lip and—good lord. The thoughts running through my head should not exist. I’ve already wrecked one important relationship in my life, I don’t need to risk another. Still, there’s something about her I just can’t put my finger on. Something irresistible.
It only gets worse when I realize she’s still in silk pajamas. Tiny shorts that barely cover the curve of her ass and a top that dips scandalously low. I can see every soft roll, every curve, and the urge to sink my hands into them hits hard enough to make me swallow a curse.
I cough, turn, and stride back into the house, hoping to hide my arousal before anyone notices.
The house really is small. But after a night here, I have to admit, it’s… cozy. Warm. The kind of space that feels lived-in, like it has a heartbeat. Fuzzy blankets, worn rugs, patterned wallpaper that somehow works.
Rose slides into a chair at the breakfast table when she comes back in. “I’m so sorry. That was—” She gestures wildly, searching for the word.
As she does, my eyes betray me. Her camisole flashes a sliver of soft stomach when her arm lifts, the lace edge brushing skin. My gut tightens. I want to drop to my knees and taste her, which is precisely why I squeeze my eyes shut, count to three, and then look toward Harlan and Evander.
Harlan’s gathering his things, paying no attention. Evander, though, has his gaze fixed exactly where mine was a moment ago. I let out a breath. Of course. Evander and I have similar tastes. And Rose fits that bill.
Kai’s watching from the kitchen, pretending not to.
If he wants her, he should make a move. It’s not like we haven’t talked about bringing an omega into the pack.
Usually we’d look for someone who fits with all of us, but everyone knows Kai’s thing for Rose.
He’s talked about her for years. Even when he thought she was a beta, he made it clear she was his priority.
We’d never met her but we figured they’d end up together, and we’d find an omega later.
He sought her out two years ago, right after we formed a pack.
But she’d disappeared. He’d said her parents wouldn’t tell him where she’d gone.
He hadn’t mentioned who her parents were, likely knowing Harlan wouldn’t take it well.
He has known conflicts with Enrique Morales.
Now that we know she’s an omega, everything’s different.
If she’s scent-matched only to Kai, fine.
None of us would stand in his way. Scent sensitivity is so rare as to be almost myth.
The fact that my brother found it is insane, and likely means it's statistically impossible for me to find it.
Though apparently this town is lucky in the scent sensitivity department.
Still… she’s intriguing. Too much so.
I wish we knew if we were matched. But until the drug wears off, I’m left guessing and pretending I don’t care.
“Are your friends going to say anything? To reporters, or anyone else?” The question comes out sharper than I intend, but controlling my alpha instincts in this cramped little house, with both my alphas and this growing-brighter-by-the-minute omega, is damn near impossible.
Harlan gives me a sidelong look.
“No,” Rose answers, thankfully oblivious. “They’re going to spread the word that I was always an omega. Just on heavy suppressants. Everyone knows that.” She winks.
Wyatt snorts into his coffee. Harlan almost smiles. Even I can’t help a quiet chuckle.
“Those are good friends,” I say. “I can see why you wouldn’t want to leave them.”
Regret lingers like a bad aftertaste. The alphas in this pack are my friends and my lovers, and I let them down with my arrogance and my secrets.
A hand slides up my spine. Evander. My constant. My forgiveness before I’ve earned it.
Rose glances between us, reading more than I’d like her to. Her smile turns teasing, knowing. I have the sudden, childish urge to stick my tongue out at her, but manage to restrain myself.
“They’re the best,” she says. “I’ll do almost anything to stay here with them.”
The words land heavy. They sound like a confession that hurts to speak.
We scatter after that, each finding something to busy our hands with. But every so often, I catch Rose’s eyes on me. Steady, curious, like she’s trying to figure me out. I hope it doesn't hurt her when she does.