Chapter 48
Forty-Eight
DARIA
Kai and I spent hours alone. His love and cuddles warmed my soul, and eventually, when Linc and Vic joined us, I nearly burst with happiness. I hate that my past has been haunting me for so long, but I’m determined to push that aside. This pack has never given me a reason to doubt their intentions. They take care of me in ways I never realized I needed.
They’re truly wonderful, and they’re as worried about my brother as I am. Marco doesn’t come out of his room until the next morning, padding into the kitchen with cautious steps and scrutinizing my mates sitting around the table. I push my seat out and go to him.
A fresh shower this morning washed away the makeup that had previously been covering my marks. Vic’s collar is prominent on my neck, but so is the reddened skin. Three bites that mark me as a claimed omega. Marco studies them with open curiosity.
“Did you sleep okay?”
“Yeah,” he says, eyes straying from my throat to my pack.
This is a lot for him to take in. The last time we talked, he had no idea I was seeing anyone. And now, a month later, I’m packed up for life.
“Do you want breakfast? The guys and I already ate.”
Marco shakes his head. “I can have a toaster pastry.”
“I think not, little bro. Eggs or French toast?” I put my hands on my hips and stare him down until he rolls his eyes and relents.
“Fine, weirdo. French toast.”
I shrug. “Sorry, fresh out.”
He scoffs. “What the hell?”
“No fucking cursing!” I shoot back.
“You’re so annoying,” he says with a goofy grin, the one I’ve been waiting for. The one that tells me, eventually, the trauma of yesterday won’t drown the rest of my beautiful and brilliant brother.
“But you love me,” I sing-song.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Are you going to introduce me to your pack or continue torturing me?”
“I’m still deciding.” I arch an eyebrow and he laughs. “Fine. If you must know—” I turn to begin introductions and stop short. Vic, Kai, and Linc are beaming. Their smiles are so disarming, I have to shake myself. “If you must know,” I begin again. “That’s Lincoln—he thinks he’s the funny one.”
“I am the funny one, bunny.”
I gesture to Kai. “Kai—he’s the papa bear.”
Kai’s eyebrows jump.
“Growly?” Marco asks.
“Nurturing,” I correct with a grin in Kai’s direction. Then my gaze finds Vic’s. “And never least. My beta, Vic. He’s protective. Maybe my favorite.”
Linc and Kai both make disgruntled noises, but the way Vic’s gaze dances with delight and desire is worth their temporary upset. Of course, there are no favorites. They all mean something different to me. They all fulfill a different need.
Vic is my security. He stole my heart first, and he held me when I fell apart. Vic is safety.
Lincoln is a kindred, lonely soul who understands my wounds more than the other two. But he’s more than that. He’s creative and funny. Linc’s heart is pure. He’s warmth.
Kai takes care of everyone. He’d be the first to give you his jacket in the cold. Kai is smart, kind, and patient. Kai is comfort.
“I think Vic is smoldering at you,” Marco stage whispers.
“He does that.” I turn back to my brother. “You can go sit with them, or you can help me make breakfast, whatever makes you comfortable.”
“I’m okay to go talk to them.” He eyes my pack. “Someone has to make sure their intentions are good.”
Before I can tell him that’s not necessary, Marco marches away and takes my seat, crossing his arms over his chest and narrowing his eyes at each of my men. He’s only fourteen, but as he challenges my pack with a single look, I can see the grown omega he’ll become.
“Are you going to break her heart?” Marco asks them.
“Oh my god,” I say, covering my flaming face with my hands. “You don’t have to answer that.”
“It’s fine, little doe,” Vic replies before answering Marco. “You love your sister?”
“Of course,” Marco says.
“You’d do anything to make sure she was safe and happy?” Kai asks.
Marco nods enthusiastically. “Yes.”
“And you’d be there for her if anyone ever hurt her?”
Bristling slightly, Marco says, “Duh. Is this an interrogation, or are you going to answer my question?”
Vic bites back a grin and clears his throat. “All those things you feel for Daria, we feel too. She’s our mate, but more than that, we love her. We will always protect her. We will always give her the world. We will always make sure she’s happy.”
“Always,” Kai agrees.
“Well, I don’t know about always,” Linc says with a smirk in my direction. “I kind of like it when she gets mad at me.”
I flip him off and he chuckles. Marco eyes them and asks another question. I listen to them answer, making sure they’re not frustrated or annoyed, before slowly backing away and grabbing everything I need to make Marco’s breakfast.
My pack is kind to my brother, given his loaded questions. They never make him feel silly and take the time to reassure him that they’re in this for all the right reasons, and as Marco interrogates them, their sure and steady responses floating around me, I realize part of me needed to hear these answers too.
By the time I set a plate in front of Marco, my cheeks hurt from grinning. “Okay, tough guy. Maybe give them a break?”
“It’s okay.” Kai places his hand on my hip. “You can ask us whatever you want,” he tells Marco.
I climb into Kai’s lap, wrapping my arms around his neck and resting my head against his. It’s so natural, I don’t even realize what I’ve done until Marco’s gaze strays over the way Kai’s fingers lace around my middle. It’s not inappropriate, by any means, but this is the first time Marco’s met anyone I’ve dated.
My brother’s eyes drift up to meet mine. “I like your pack.”
A soft smile breaks across my face. “I kind of like them too.”
“Tell an omega you love her, and she says she likes you,” Linc says with a shake of his head.
“Technically, you haven’t said it to me.” The comment is meant to be light and teasing, but it lands like a brick on the table.
Kai’s grip tightens around me, and his lips brush over the shell of my ear. “I love you,” he whispers.
I shiver in response, those three words nestling into my heart. Kai nuzzles my neck and inhales my scent. I close my eyes, chest trembling as he places a delicate kiss over my pulse point, right where he marked me.
“Hey, bunny?” I glance at Lincoln, and he grins. “I love you.”
My stomach flips, and Vic leans forward, catching my attention. “Te amo.”
Crying isn’t a natural response, but that’s exactly what I do. Not sad tears. Tears of relief. Tears of happiness.
Marco takes another bite of his French toast, watching me process their words with a curious expression on his face. This might be the first healthy relationship he’s been around. It’s not what society would deem as normal. They’re my ex-boyfriend’s dads. Vic is technically my step-uncle. They’re at least twenty years older than me and my sort-of bosses. But none of that matters. All that matters is their words ring true, shooting straight to my heart.
“Don’t leave us hanging,” Linc says, features softening as he studies my face and sees how much those simple words mean to me.
But maybe that’s just it. There’s nothing simple about them. Some words carry weight. Some can wound. Some can break relationships. Some can make you realize that fear’s been holding you back. And some can heal.
Kai brushes a tear from my cheek. “What do you say, pretty omega?”
My eyes find Vic’s again, and he nods, letting me know it’s safe. Letting me know that, no matter what, they’re here. “Yeah,” I say with a shaky exhale. “I think I love you too.”
And that’s enough to make me forget about everything else for a little while.
The thing about finding peace that no one talks about is how you’re always waiting for things to change. Waiting for the moment when chaos trickles back in and threatens to rip you away from your newfound paradise. For me and my pack, it happens on Wednesday, a week after the incident with Marco and him coming to live with us.
My pack’s been nothing but patient and kind with my brother. They bought him more clothes than he could ever need. Kai’s been driving him to school as promised. Linc plays catch with him, and Vic introduces him to some video games he enjoys.
As for me, I’m leaning into my happiness. Love . The funny thing is, I’ve been dreaming about it for so long and thought I knew what it would be like, but the truth is, I had no idea. It shows up in little ways. A soft brush of fingers down my spine when one of the guys passes by me. My favorite snacks always being in the pantry. Kisses on the forehead. Hugs from behind while I brush my teeth. Lunch dates.
My phone buzzes next to my keyboard, snapping me out of my reverie.
Linc
The bistro or the Italian place?
Italian. Always.
Your wish is my command. Let’s go.
I’m busy.
*eye roll emoji* I literally watched you daydream for five minutes before texting you.
Why are you watching me, stalker?
Was it a wet daydream?
You’re insufferable.
“But you love me,” he says from behind me.
I gasp and spin around. “Don’t sneak up on me.” Cinnamon and spice surround me, and I inhale, earning a cheeky grin from my alpha.
“Let me take you to lunch, bunny.”
“You realize people are talking about us.” I lock my computer, frankly not caring what the other employees of Good Vibes have to say.
Lincoln tugs me into his arms, and I tip my head back in surprise, only for him to capture my lips in an all-consuming kiss. I hear a few murmurs and sounds of surprise. Placing my palm on his chest, I gently push, and he relents, nipping my bottom lip before pulling back to gaze into my eyes.
“Let them talk.”
“You can’t just kiss your employee,” I tell him. “That’s a bad look.”
He tips his head. “I guess you’re right.” Taking in the people who are openly gawking at us and our public display of affection, he turns back to me. “You’re fired.”
“Oh my god,” I say with a giggle, dropping my forehead onto his shoulder. “That’s not what I mean.”
He chuckles and smooths his hands up and down my back. “Don’t worry, bunny. I got this,” he tells me before linking his hand with mine and facing the staff. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”
I bravely stand at his side, squeezing his hand and avoiding eye contact with my co-workers.
“I guess it’s clear something is going on between my pack and Daria, and that’s because she’s our scent match. This beautiful omega is our mate.”
Taking a breath, I find Terrance’s gaze to gauge his reaction, but my mentor is simply grinning. Everyone is. No one seems mad. In fact, a few people cheer Lincoln on.
“I apologize for kissing her in front of you all and if it made you uncomfortable. The truth is, I love her—we all do—and sometimes we forget ourselves because she’s amazing. Wonderful. Sexy.”
Someone whistles suggestively.
“Lincoln,” I warn.
He smirks at me. “Like I said, we love Daria, and she’s our mate.” As his blue irises shimmer with adoration, my answering grin is goofy as fuck, but I don’t even care.
“Unbelievable,” a sharp, distinct voice cuts through the murmurs and chatter.
Oh, no .
Color and happiness drain from Linc’s face, and his head snaps in the direction of the voice—to look straight at his son, who is watching us with a curled upper lip and revulsion on clear display.
“This is a joke, right? Tell me you’re not seriously dating my ex-girlfriend.” Ryan glares at me and storms over to us. “You fucked my dads to get back at me?”
A few gasps ripple around the office. Only a few seconds ago, I was elated that everyone knew. Now I’m devastated. Our relationship is nothing like Ryan is implying.
“No.” I shake my head. “That’s not what happened.”
He scoffs. “I’m not stupid, Daria. I knew you were desperate for my attention, but I didn’t realize the lengths you’d go to get it.”
“Ryan,” Linc says. “This isn’t her fault.”
“No?” he asks, face reddening. “So, you fucked my ex-girlfriend to make me mad?”
“That’s not what happened,” I say again, squeezing Linc’s hand. “I didn’t even know you were their son until you showed up the other day, and they didn’t know you were my ex until I told them.”
“I don’t believe that for a second.” If looks could kill, Linc and I would be dead. “This is some fucked-up type of power play, isn’t it?”
“Son—”
“Don’t you fucking dare,” Ryan growls. “You have no right to call me that.”
“Please,” Lincoln tries again. “Let’s talk about this in my office.”
“And spare your employees the juicy details of your affair?” Ryan laughs. “No, Dad . You were so ready to tell them about your relationship. Don’t they deserve to know the truth? Don’t they deserve to know that you both stabbed me in the back?” He turns to shout over his shoulder. “Hey, everyone! My ex-girlfriend is fucking my dads to try and hurt me.”
“That’s not how it happened,” I say louder. “You weren’t even a consideration!”
He gives me a haughty once-over. “Sure thing, sweetheart. Tell me, Dad , does she still cry after sex?”
“Ryan,” Linc roars. “That’s enough.”
But the words are already in the open, echoing through the room. I brace myself for how my co-workers will respond. How pity and disgust will fill their faces. Except, as I glance around, it’s not me they’re looking at. Every single look is aimed at Ryan.
He’s oblivious, though, and goes for the jugular, even after he’s flayed the flesh from my bones. “You know what? I don’t even know why I’m mad when she couldn’t even get through a blow job without sobbing.”
Linc lets go of my hand, and in the next millisecond, his fist connects with Ryan’s face. My mouth dropping open, I have to stifle a startled noise with my hand as I take a step away from the fight, but it’s over with the one punch. Ryan staggers back and clutches his nose, crying out in agony as blood gushes from his nostrils.
“What the fuck, Dad?”
“That’s my mate you’re talking about, and the fact that you think her crying after you were intimate is a dig at her is frankly disgusting. I know I raised you better.” Linc grabs the collar of Ryan’s shirt and drags him toward the elevators, angrily growling things in his son’s ear as he goes.
Terrance and a few others rush over to me, forming a protective semi-circle around me. My mentor pulls me into a hug.
“That guy is an asshole.” Terrance squeezes me tight. “Don’t let what he said get to you. Lincoln and the pack love you for you.”
“I know,” I say, hugging my friend back.
Terrance releases me, and Jenna, a co-worker I’ve talked to a little bit takes his place and gives me a quick hug.
“If you ever want to talk about what happened with him, I’m here. I know what it’s like to be with someone like that,” she whispers into my ear.
My heart clenches. “Thanks, Jenna.”
A few other co-workers reassure me, but when a strong thread of cinnamon fills the room, everyone steps away. My eyes lift to meet the storm brewing in Linc’s gaze. He closes the distance between us; every step he takes toward me is in time with my thudding heartbeat, then he’s there, wrapping me in his arms, carrying me away from the crowd and into the private break room. The door snaps shut, providing a temporary haven.
“Bunny,” he says, voice choked. “I’m so sorry for whatever he did. I’m so sorry.” Linc’s hands smooth over every inch of my body, like he’s desperately trying to soothe away the pain from a wound he didn’t give.
“I’m okay.” I lean back and cup his face.
“Did he...” He trails off, unable to voice the question.
“No.” The word comes out sharp, but it’s important for him to know that there are some lines Ryan didn’t cross.
“But he was rough? Careless?” The pain and shame on Linc’s face tears me up, but lying to him isn’t feasible. He’d know.
“Yes,” I murmur, searching his face. “But I’m okay.”
His features crumple. “I’m so sorry.”
“Linc, baby, it’s not your fault, okay? You need to understand that. Ryan did that all on his own.”
“But he’s my son, and I?—”
“Did the best you could to raise a good alpha. You can’t take responsibility for something you have no control over. You are a good alpha. Your pack treats me like I’m a princess, and with you, I’m safe. That’s all I care about now, okay?”
Linc’s eyes strip me down until there’s nothing left but the truth of who I am, of the words I just said to him, and only when he’s certain I’m not trying to hide things does he relent. He tugs me closer and breathes me in, savoring my scent and clutching my waist. “Do you want to go home?”
“I need to finish what I was working on, then, yeah, let’s go home.”
“You have permission to blow it off.” His lips brush over my pulse. A gentle reassurance.
“Thank you, but if I leave it now, I’ll only stress about the fact that I was almost done. I only need like five minutes.” I slip out of his hold. “I’ll be quick.”
As I open the door, I roll my shoulders back and gather as much confidence as I can. The walk back to my desk is met with only kindness and a few muttered fuck that alpha . My co-workers being on my side only solidifies that I didn’t do anything wrong when it came to my relationship with Ryan. He was a terror, and now that I know what it’s like to be with a pack that really cares, I kind of hate that I wasted as much time as I did on them.
But live and learn.
Now, I’m happy.
Now, everything is okay.
And I hope there will never be a repeat of today.