Chapter 17
Safira
Kaden ushered me to the waiting car as the driver opened the door for me. I slid into the backseat, numb after having witnessed the bizarre confrontation. While I’d understood on some level that people here, including me, were controlled by somewhat animalistic urges, I never fully understood until watching the guys face off against two men who were apparently their fathers. I could literally feel the aggression rise in the air as they seemed to physically grow bigger when confronting their fathers at the club. I remembered hearing a low growl coming from all three of the guys, and while it was extremely threatening, it also turned me on that they were so willing to protect me. But I had some very real, very extreme concerns.
Kaden slid in on the other side, and I was thankful that the backseat was closed off from the driver with a dark tinted window. “Don’t worry, he can’t hear us. We can speak freely. And I need to explain what you just saw.” Kaden said, his blue eyes pleading as he looked at me.
“Yes, you do. What was all that about being promised to another omega?” I asked, my voice suddenly shaking and accusatory. When had I become so possessive of them? I felt as though they were mine, and the thought of another woman in their life made me want to fight her, even though they should have been the ones to tell me. Or were they lying about all their feelings this whole time?
“Let me explain. Here, when a pack forms, we seek an omega to balance out the alpha side of our natures. Otherwise, we can become aggressive over time. So, most packs will search for an omega through a registry, or attend formal events like omega balls.” He said quickly, and my mind raced to keep up as I seethed with anger and the feeling of rejection. “We tried to find an omega over the years. We started as soon as we were eligible as a pack. Our parents, two of whom you just saw, were eager to get us bonded. It improves pack stability long term, and helps us to focus our energy with an omega around. They wanted us to have our heads on right before we took over the company.” I sat back with my arms crossed, as far away from him as I could be in the backseat. But it pained me. I wanted to curl up against him, have him comfort me and assure me that they wanted only me.
“The problem was, we never connected with anyone. Usually a pack will smell an omega’s scent, and just know that the person is the right fit. It’s biological, you just feel it.” His words made something click inside of me. Ever since I’d smelled their scents, I’d felt at home. Like I was finally able to breathe and relax. Like I should never be apart from them again. Kaden continued explaining as I sat still, not moving an inch.
“We never felt that way, no matter how many omegas we met. So we never wanted to court anyone for very long. Our fathers figured that since we weren’t choosing anyone, that they would step in and help.” I frowned at his words. Their fathers did seem very pushy and aggressive, at least the two who I’d just seen.
“They wanted to conduct a merger with a competing company, and their pack has a daughter, who happens to be an omega. All of our parents decided that it would be a good idea to have her join our pack. It made sense financially. She would get a well-off pack, and we’d get an omega to balance us out and be able to take the business to even greater heights.” His words rushed out, but I had one concern.
“Don't you feel anything for her?” I asked, scared to know the answer.
“Truthfully, we've only chatted with her over video. We received a scent card from her, and she’s nice enough, but we agreed to it only because we figured we’d never find anyone who we connected with like we did before.” I tensed up.
“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice trembling.
“We felt such a connection with you when we were younger. We always thought that’s what a true bond should feel like - like your best friend, like a comfort that felt right. Like home.” His words described everything I felt for them, down to the last detail. I looked at him, trying not to let my emotions take over. Everything felt so much more intense since I arrived here.
“Kaden, I’ve always missed you guys. I never really liked any men where I’m from. But I think it was because I was always waiting for a feeling that I couldn't describe. It’s the feeling I have when I’m around you all.” I said, choking back a sob. He looked at me with anguish, starting to reach for me, then stopping himself when I squeezed my arms tighter around myself.
“We tried to find you for years. So long that our parents finally told us to get over it and move on. But no one ever felt like you. And now that you’re back, we know why we never connected with anyone else.” He sounded anguished.
“From the moment I saw you, I felt it again. That rightness. And your scent, Safira - it sets me on fire with desire. It's etched into my brain. No wonder we never cared much for other omegas. We met our mate when we were kids. No one can ever compare.” I let out a sob.
“When you confessed to feeling for us in the woods, it confirmed it. We can’t be with anyone else.” He stopped talking, and I sat for a moment, processing everything he’d said. Finally, I looked him in the eye.
“What about the other girl?” My question lingered in the air.
“We will handle it. She doesn’t know us well, and seemed about as unenthusiastic about it as we were. It won't be the end of the world, just the end of the business deal.” He said, and I swallowed.
“Can I trust you, Kaden?” I asked.
“Safira, I will spend the rest of my life making this up to you. We should have told you about this earlier, but I forgot you don’t know what it means when a pack isn’t on a registry. There are so many things about our world that I forget you have no experience with. I really don’t want to lose you. Please let us fix this. We only agreed to the deal right before you came back into our lives.” His words sounded choked, like he was holding back emotions as deep as mine. I slowly reached out my hand, taking his. His body relaxed as I finally touched him.
“I want you to fix it before I see you again. Don’t lead anyone on.” I warned, and he nodded.
“It’s always been you, Safira. I won’t let anyone tell me who to be with. Not now, not ever again.”