28. Chapter 28
Cassie
I woke up feeling the most relaxed I had in years. I stretched, yawning as my limbs bumped into the tangle of people surrounding me, slowly nudging everyone awake. My mind was finally clear, the hormones and desperation from the heat fading away as the reality of the situation settled on me.
I had gone into heat in the middle of a reality show - probably the worst case scenario of all possible outcomes when I had signed up, and yet I was surprisingly unbothered.
In fact, I was certain now of what I wanted.
The heat had been unexpected, dangerous, and should never have happened, but being with these incredible alphas during it made an emergency into something life-altering.
And having Ash with me was the biggest surprise of all.
Having him there as we went through a double omega heat solidified what my heart was trying to tell my mind this whole time.
These were my people. My pack.
I’d never been one to prioritize a pack life.
I’d always been hyper independent, trying to make a name and a life for myself beyond just being an omega in a world where we were always underestimated.
My parents had encouraged my career, not wanting me to be reliant on others just because of my designation.
And I’d been happy with that, not thinking anything was missing.
But now I felt like I could have it all - a career, my independence, but also have a team rooting for me - people who cared about me, and wanted me to be even better. I turned to look at each of them.
Rys, all grit and quiet devotion, who held me like I was priceless. Leo, playful and golden, who made everything feel easier just by being there. And Jace, quiet and steady, who had been right under my nose the whole time.
And then there was Ash. The omega who somehow had become so important to me that I knew I couldn’t bear to let him go.
He was looking at me now, his lids fluttering as he started to awaken. I could see the moment he recognized me now that our heats had broken. His gaze was confused, then settled into a content happiness as he saw me, reaching over to grab my hand as we smiled at each other.
“That… was unexpected.” His lopsided grin looked a little bashful as he squeezed my hand. I smiled back at him, leaning in closer.
“It was perfect.” I replied, then tilted my head to kiss him deeply. Ash quickly fell into me, returning my passion as we rolled onto each other.
“I’m torn between watching or just joining in.” Jace’s deep chuckle let me know he was awake and very happy with what he was witnessing. I felt the mattress sink next to me as an arm curled around my body as Leo cupped me and Ash next to his chest.
“I’m never, ever letting the two of you go!” He said as he nuzzled into us. I giggled, breaking the kiss from Ash as we both looked at Leo, a newfound appreciation warming my heart.
“Me either.” Rys chimed in, his sleepy face looking even more handsome than I thought possible. Their words weren’t just flattery or heat-inspired sweet nothings. They were real.
“Speaking of not letting anyone go, now that we’ve gone through this together, should we talk about what life will look like post-show?” I said, and Ash’s eyes widened.
“Jumping right into it, are we?” Leo teased, and the other alphas sat up slightly.
“She’s right, we should discuss this. We are only on this show until filming wraps or until we get voted off, and we don’t know when that could happen.” Rys added, and I felt everyone sit up a bit straighter now that we were finally going to discuss this.
“Well, I’ll just say it then. I think we belong together.
” Jace blurted out, his brown hair all mussed up from the days of heat.
He propped himself up, the sheet falling off of him and exposing his torso.
Even though the heat was over, I still marveled at how attractive he was.
“I never said what I felt earlier, Cassie. I wanted to be with you ever since we first met.” He looked me in the eyes, and I was shocked at how straightforward he was finally being.
“And Ash, I felt the same way when I met you. I can’t imagine anyone else now. ”
I felt Ash jolt with shock at Jace’s words.
Rys moved closer. “It’s an inherent feeling I have as well.
I feel lucky enough to have just connected with both of you, but on this level - it’s indescribable.
I don’t want to let either of you go.” His face was so earnest that I knew he was speaking the truth.
He wanted both of us. “But, I want to know how both of you feel. Before we put any pressure on you.” He added, looking between me and Ash.
I looked over to the beautiful, intriguing omega next to me.
He took a moment, then cleared his throat.
“I’ve… never been good at talking about my feelings.
” He admitted. I reached over and lay my hand on his arm for support.
He bit his lip and looked up at me. “The truth is, I’ve kind of been closed off because I never thought I could have something like this.
I mean, I knew people wanted me, but not in a caring way.
” He stammered, and I felt a low purr coming from Rys, a gentle comfort as Ash spoke.
“I want to be honest with all of you.” He looked around at each of us, taking us in.
“I’ve never felt like this before. And I’m scared.
Really scared. But I don’t want to let you go.
I’m going to be brave.” He said, and I beamed at him.
“You are very brave, omega.” Jace said, nodding at him as he blushed. Ash looked at me hopefully.
“Look, I didn’t come here thinking I’d connect with anyone.
” I said, shrugging lightly. “Honestly, I thought this was just a silly show. A long shot, at best. But I was wrong. All of you… you just feel right. Whether it was fate or just the producers getting lucky, we found each other. And it’s perfect.
We really are the best team. I don’t want to let any of you go.
” My voice cracked as the truth hit me fully.
I’d actually done it. I’d found my pack.
There was a brief pause before Jace tilted his head, glancing over. “Leo, you’ve been quiet. What are your thoughts?” Leo gave us all his signature slow, casual grin, crossing his arms behind his head as he lay back and stretched out on the very well used nesting bed.
“Oh, I’ve known you were it since the beginning. I was just waiting for the rest of you to realize it.” He rumbled with a knowing tone. I reached over and gave him a playful shove.
“Figures the jock would turn out to be the smartest of us all!” I teased, and he gave a purr before quickly tackling us all into a ball, with the rest of us erupting in laughter as we fell onto the bed.
For a while, we just stayed there, pressed together in the soft mess of blankets and scent-soaked pillows, breathing as one.
But eventually, the world beyond the nesting room called.
With sleepy groans and a few more kisses, we began to untangle, each of us reluctant to leave this little piece of heaven.
Whatever came next, whether it be cameras, challenges, confessions - we would face it together. As a pack.