35. Sloan
G oddess wept. I’ve been given the most boneheaded packmates in all the land. All Oran had to do was keep his mouth shut or pledge his undying love to our omega. Instead, he let doubt ruin his progress with Ivy.
Again .
Cillian is also pulling away now. He may not say it outright, but I saw him retreat into himself when our omega asked to speak to Oran. He needs to practice patience, and Oran needs to do the opposite.
I’m the only one with any sense, it seems—and Ivy, of course. My petal-soft mate is perfect as ever, with her sweet heart so open and trusting, even after the pain she’s endured.
I knew once she was presented with all the facts, she’d understand. There are still matters to work through, and we could have gone about things differently. But Ivy just wants our love and honesty. As her alphas, it’s the very least we can do.
That said, I’m now tasked with tracking down a broody fucking lord so we can continue making progress with our mate. I’ve checked all his usual haunts: his chambers, Cillian’s study, even the stables—no luck. I can think of only one other place he’d go to wallow in his own misery. And that’s to the quarters Fiona and Tiernan occupy when living at court.
Ever since Liam and Fiona secretly bonded, the Dempsey noble pair have visited more often and for longer. Understandably so, as it’s hard for Liam to take leave when he’s got such an important position at the castle. I know the three of them are eager for this secrecy to be brought to light so they too can announce their pack. Hopefully, Liam can then retire from his post and join Tiernan and Fiona in his rightful place in the House Dempsey. For now, though, it’s important they keep up appearances. I know the feeling all too well.
By the time I make it to the north wing of the castle, I’m nearly out of breath—and also decidedly less angry at Oran than when I began my search. He’s hurting himself more than anything, so berating him won’t get me anywhere. Especially when he’s dealt with verbal abuses being slung at him his whole life.
What Oran needs is a fucking hug and some encouragement in order to see the error of his ways and make things right with our omega.
When I reach Pack Dempsey’s chambers, I rap my knuckles against the sturdy wood—three short, familiar knocks. It only takes a minute before the warmth of Tiernan’s amber eyes and his cool, easy smile greet me.
“Come to collect a lost lamb, have you?” he teases, opening the door wide to reveal my somber, redheaded packmate sprawled out on a settee. His long arm is slung over his eyes like he’s fainted and can’t be arsed to move.
The fucking dramatics of this one, I swear.
I chuckle, clapping Tiernan on the shoulder before stepping inside. “You say lamb; I say mopey, feral cat.”
Cackling, my friend shuts the door behind us. “You know, I never would have befriended you lot when we were young if I knew how often I’d be playing counselor.”
I raise a brow, questioning. “You’ve been getting many visitors, have you?”
Tiernan shrugs. “Just Ciaran. He’s been a bit out of sorts over another Lucernian royal. Seems those Bancrofts are sirens, luring all the McKenna heirs in one-by-one.”
“All? Surely not Cal.”
He smirks in answer. A story for another time, then.
“Yes, poor unfortunate you with your perfect scent match and your perfect pack who don’t give you any fuss,” Oran scoffs from his seat. He deigns to grace us with his presence and sits up, looking as miserable as I expected.
“You’re making your life so hard, my friend,” Tiernan says as he joins Oran on the settee.
I choose a seat across from them, where I can look Oran in the eyes. “You really stepped in it, brother. Why?”
He sighs, throwing his hands in the air. “I don’t fucking know. It was going so well. Then she kissed me, and I thought, can it really be this easy? One conversation and I’m forgiven? After all this time, I built up the notion that she’d be horrified to learn the truth about us. I was convinced she’d think we were some animals who wanted to bring her into a life of debauchery. But instead, she just…wanted me. And that made the least sense of all.”
“Oran,” I exhale. Poor lad. His father has fucked his head so badly. He can’t even accept that his own mate would offer him affection. “Ivy wants you. You need to get that through your thick skull.”
He waves his hand, as if batting away the truth of my words. “She wants me because of my scent. That’s all.”
“No, you fucking eejit. She wanted you before she presented—before she had any idea what your scent might be, remember? You’re a good alpha who deserves to be happy.”
Beside Oran, Tiernan throws an arm around him. “He’s right. Grumpy and growly you may be, but you’re a good egg, Rafferty.”
Oran just laughs, dry and humorless. The pink of his freckled cheeks speaks to his discomfort over receiving compliments. “Doesn’t matter, since she hates me all over again now.”
I roll my eyes. “Ivy came crying to me, worried over your heart. I doubt very much that she hates you.”
“I made her cry?” Pain radiates in Oran’s emerald eyes when it registers.
“Yes, you twat,” I scoff. “So what are you going to do about it? Sit here moping or win our omega over? She’s so ready to be loved by you, Oran.”
Tiernan catches my eye, smiling softly. He loves Oran like a brother, just as I do. We’d both like nothing more than to see our friend bonded and happy.
“Oran, you know my pack and I will support you—all of you—when this comes to court. We’re ready to stop hiding too. You have so much love behind you, and even more ahead. Believe me when I say, bonding with your scent match is the most incredible, sacred thing in the world. I was reborn when Fiona let me claim her. You deserve that.”
I agree, nodding along in understanding. Ivy is the reason I draw breath now. Just being able to reach through the bond and shower her with my love is a comfort for my own heart. Oran will feel settled once he bonds with Ivy. So much of his self-doubt will dissipate the moment her warm, tender care wraps around his soul.
“What do I do?” he asks earnestly.
I breathe a sigh of relief, pleased he’s ready to listen. “Just tell her how you feel and be ready to accept what she has to offer. You won’t regret it, brother.”
Oran nods. A small smile tugs at the corner of his usual frown. “I’m ready for her—for everything.”
“Thank fuck for that.” I laugh.
Tiernan joins, clapping Oran on the back. “No time like the present,” he adds.
“Thank you both,” Oran says, standing and taking his leave with little ado. I’m glad to see the urgency in his steps.
“Being prime has aged me,” I groan.
Tiernan hums in acknowledgment. “What would we do without you burly bastards telling everyone what to do? I’d have been lost in all this pack business without Liam to guide me.”
Liam is a lucky man to have Tiernan and Fiona. Lord and Lady Dempsey have been in love since we were young—long before they ever realized they were Fate-blessed. When Liam arrived, he had an uphill battle to fight, with his scent match being a noblewoman who was already married.
But Tiernan, the good man he is, wanted what’s best for Fiona. And what’s best for her is to be surrounded by her mates. Fiona has said she doesn’t feel like their pack is yet complete, but I’m certain when they can finally be open about their situation, the right person—or people—will come along.
“Thank you,” I say, rising to hug my old friend. “For everything you’ve done and all that’s to come.”
Tiernan returns the embrace, patting me on the back. “Of course. Besides, I’m charging the king for all my services anyway.”
We share a laugh full of excitement for what lies ahead.
“If Oran bonds our omega, it’s worth every coin.”