Chapter 17 #2
They all nodded at that, and I felt some of my anxiety ease. They were actually thinking this through, treating it like something serious that deserved planning and communication rather than just following instinct and hoping for the best.
“What about boundaries?” Cassian pulled out his phone and opened what looked like a notes app. “Physical, emotional, time commitments. We should establish clear expectations.”
“You’re making a list,” Jace observed, amused.
“I make lists for everything. It helps me think clearly.”
“Actually, that’s smart,” Hollis said. “Especially for something this complicated. What should we include?”
“Physical boundaries first,” I said, because that felt most important. “I’m okay with affection in front of each other, but I think intimate stuff should stay private for now. At least until we’re all more comfortable.”
“Makes sense,” Jace agreed. “What about time? How do we make sure everyone gets what they need?”
“I need some nights to myself,” I admitted. “For the bistro work, but also just for me. I can’t go from being alone to suddenly having three people who need my attention.”
“Fair,” Cassian said, making notes. “What if we aim for intentional time rather than quantity? Quality over constantly being available?”
“I like that,” Hollis said. “And we should communicate about our schedules. I’m flexible most evenings, but I do have book club nights and inventory days where I’m less available.”
“I have patrol schedules that change weekly,” Jace added. “But I can share those in advance so everyone knows when I’m working.”
“And I have client meetings that can be unpredictable,” Cassian said. “But I can try to give as much notice as possible.”
I found myself relaxing as we talked through logistics, actually participating instead of just watching them make decisions.
“I think we should have regular check-ins too,” I suggested.
“All four of us, talking about how things are working and what might need adjustment. Not just letting issues build up until someone explodes.”
“Weekly?” Hollis suggested. “At least at first while we’re figuring things out?”
“Works for me,” Jace said. “Sunday evenings? I’m usually off shift by six.”
“Sundays are good for me too,” I said. “The bistro will be closed Sundays once we open, so that’ll stay consistent.”
“I can make that work,” Cassian said, adding it to his notes.
“What about jealousy?” I asked, because it felt important to address. “How do we handle it when it comes up? Because it will come up.”
“Talk about it immediately,” Hollis said. “Don’t let it fester.”
“And remember we’re on the same team,” Jace added. “Jealousy’s natural, but we can’t let it turn into competition.”
“Agreed,” Cassian said. “If someone’s feeling neglected or overlooked, that’s information the rest of us need to act on, not a failure on anyone’s part.”
We spent the next hour talking through more details, all of us contributing.
How public we wanted to be initially - I voted for honest but not making a big announcement.
How to handle town gossip - Jace said we should just live our lives and let people adjust. What we’d tell friends and family - Hollis suggested being straightforward about pack formation rather than making it seem secretive or shameful.
“What about the bistro?” Cassian asked. “How do we support that without overwhelming you or making it feel like we’re taking over?”
“I need to lead on all the decisions,” I said firmly. “But I appreciate help with the overwhelming stuff like permits and logistics. Just don’t make me feel incompetent or rescued.”
“Noted,” Cassian said. “Consultation, not rescue.”
At some point, Sarah refilled our coffees and brought more pastries. The afternoon sun shifted across the garden outside, and the conversation shifted from logistics to something more personal.
“Can I ask something?” Jace looked between Cassian and Hollis. “I know I have history with Talia from when we were kids, so reconnecting felt natural. But you two have only known her a few weeks. What made you so sure about wanting to try this?”
Hollis spoke first. “Sometimes you just know. The first time she walked into Pine & Pages, I could see she was someone worth knowing. And every conversation since has confirmed that initial instinct. She’s thoughtful, resilient, genuine in ways that are rare.
” He paused. “Plus, my grandmother used to say that the right people make themselves known quickly if you’re paying attention. ”
“And you?” Jace turned to Cassian.
“I’m interested because she’s the first person I’ve met who makes me want to build something permanent.
Who makes me remember what it feels like to care about someone’s wellbeing more than strategic positioning.
” He paused. “Also because she’s brilliant and determined and absolutely refuses to be rescued, which I find incredibly attractive. ”
Heat climbed my neck at the intensity in his voice.
“That tracks,” Jace said. “Talia’s always been stubborn about doing things herself.”
“It’s one of her best qualities,” Hollis added. “Though she’s learning to accept help, which I appreciate.”
“Are we just going to talk about me like I’m not here?” I asked, but I was smiling.
“Yes,” all three said simultaneously, then laughed.
“But seriously,” Hollis said, “I think we should talk about what each of us brings to this dynamic. Because pack formation works best when everyone’s contributing something unique rather than competing for the same role.”
“I’m good at logistics and strategic planning,” Cassian said immediately. “Resource allocation, problem-solving, using connections to make things happen. That’s what I can offer.”
“I’m good at creating calm spaces and emotional support,” Hollis said. “Patience, listening, helping process complicated feelings. That’s my strength.”
“And I’m good at the practical, hands-on stuff,” Jace added. “Teaching, protecting, being present in physical ways. Plus I can actually cook now, thanks to Talia, so I’m not completely useless in a kitchen.”
I looked at the three of them, seeing how their skills and temperaments actually complemented each other rather than overlapped. Cassian’s analytical intelligence, Hollis’s emotional wisdom, Jace’s grounded practicality. Three completely different ways of being strong, of offering support.
“And what about you?” Cassian asked me. “What do you need from us? Beyond the obvious relationship stuff, what would make this work for you?”
The question surprised me with its directness.
“I need space to build my own thing with the bistro. Support without being overshadowed. I need to know that my professional identity isn’t going to get lost in being someone’s omega.
” I paused, gathering courage. “And I need honesty. Complete honesty. If something’s not working, if someone’s uncomfortable, if boundaries need renegotiating.
I can’t go back to trying to read someone’s mind or guess at hidden expectations. ”
“That’s fair,” Hollis said. “And important. We can commit to honesty.”
“Agreed,” Jace and Cassian said together.
“What about you three?” I asked. “What do you need from me? From each other?”
They were quiet for a moment, considering.
“I need to not feel like I’m competing,” Jace said finally. “If we’re doing this, we’re doing it as a team. No keeping score or ranking ourselves against each other.”
“I need clear communication,” Cassian said. “If I’m doing something wrong or overstepping, tell me directly. I’m not good at subtle social cues.”
“I need us to actually like each other,” Hollis added. “Not just tolerate each other for Talia’s sake. Real friendship and respect between the three of us.”
More silence as we absorbed that. Then Jace grinned. “Well, I already like you, Hollis. You gave me that book about forest ecosystems that completely changed how I think about my job.”
“And I’m starting to like you, Cassian,” Hollis said. “Anyone who can quote Thoreau and actually mean it has potential.”
“I didn’t quote Thoreau,” Cassian protested.
“You did. Last week when you came in for those field guides. You mentioned something about wilderness preservation being the preservation of the world.”
“That’s not... okay, yes, I did say that.” Cassian looked slightly embarrassed. “I read Walden in college and it stuck with me.”
“See? Common ground,” Jace said. “We’re basically best friends already.”
That broke the remaining tension completely.
We spent another thirty minutes just talking, learning about each other beyond our relationships with me.
Jace’s conservation work and his frustration with tourists who didn’t respect wilderness.
Hollis’s love of obscure poetry and his grandmother’s legacy.
Cassian’s architectural history knowledge and his quiet passion for sustainable development.
They were actually interesting to each other. That realization settled something deep in my chest. This wasn’t just three alphas tolerating each other for access to an omega. This was three people who might genuinely become friends.
“So,” Cassian said eventually, glancing at his phone. “We’ve been here for almost three hours. I think we’ve covered the basics. The question is, do we want to actually try this?”
“I’m in,” Jace said immediately. “I mean, assuming everyone else is. But yeah. I want to try.”
“I’m in,” Hollis agreed. “With the understanding that we’re committing to trying, not to immediate perfection. We’ll make mistakes and need to adjust.”
They both looked at Cassian, who was studying his notes like they might contain answers to questions he hadn’t asked yet.
“I’m in,” he said finally. “But I need everyone to understand that I’ve never done anything like this. I don’t have experience with healthy relationships, plural or otherwise. I’m going to need patience and clear feedback.”
“We’re all figuring it out,” I said. “None of us have done this before.”