Chapter 32 #3
I don’t like that comment, nor does my omega. I force my way down from my beta’s arms and spin to meet the gaze of the man. He raises his eyebrows at me, but I just raise mine back. Unsure where I got the will to fight.
Reed sidles up next to me. “Esper.” I ignore him, like they ignored me mere moments ago.
My voice carries easily through the large but mostly empty room. “Unbonded or not, our intentions are clear.”
“But that doesn’t change the fact that no bonds means no Pack.”
“It’s called courting, isn’t it? They are my courting Pack,” I say and he just stares at me.
Those green eyes laser right through me, cutting down my will to fight with each second.
“I’m not saying fighting is okay, but don’t try to denounce my Pack just because we are respecting each other and waiting ’til the time is right.
“Anyway. You may proceed.” I shrink back against Soren as much as I can. He slides his arms over my shoulder, leaning on me. His busted knuckles clasp my hands and as much as I hate seeing him hurt, our hands together almost look poetic. He kisses the top of my head. “Thanks, Trouble.”
The man watches for another moment, then speaks. “Regardless. Beating on a prospect to that manner is not in the rules, and fights must be approved ahead of time. This is an MC, not a jailhouse.” The man clasps his hands behind his back. “Red, what do you think the punishment should be?”
Cyclops sighs, muttering under his breath, his face bloody and nearly unrecognizable.
Red turns to face us in the back, eyes moving between Soren and the prospect. “Cleaning duty. For a week. For the both of you.”
“Are you fucking serious? This is bullshit!” Cyclops yells.
“Or you can leave?” Reed scoffs and Cyclops closes his lips. Staring at Reed then at Soren, then at the other man who by now I assume is President.
… Meaning Reed’s dad.
“Fuck this shit. I’m leaving.” Cyclops stands and kicks his chair over.
The man—the Prez—lets out one booming laugh. “Good, ’cause you weren’t allowed to stay. I heard the Eastern Outlaws are looking for members. Try that shit over there.”
Cyclops doesn’t deign to respond, slamming his way out of the room and from the building.
Silence falls over us. Like taking off a mask, the Prez breaks out into a smile I would have never guessed his face could possibly make.
“Hello, Omega, I’m Ace. Reed’s dad. Nice to meet the omega who Packed up my son.”
I stare at his outstretched hand for a moment. Though I figured out this was Reed's dad, the rapid personality switching is taking me a moment to process.
“I don’t bite as much as you do, sweetheart.” He chuckles and even Neven laughs as I gingerly reach my hand out to shake his.
“It’s… it’s great to meet you, sir.”
“Ace is fine, darlin’.”
“Ace,” I say and he sits up on the desk.
“So what do you think of MC life?”
I can't help but laugh, more out of shock than actual humor. “Um, well, it’s pretty different from the suburban life I grew up in.”
“Oh I bet. Have you met my omega? Queen? She should be around here somewhere. She’d love to meet you. Queen!” he yells and I hear light footsteps heading this way.
Now I get to meet Reed’s mom. Right now. While I’m dressed like… like a bum. Wearing her son’s clothes. After a several-days-long sex fest.
Oh wow. I take a calming breath, trying to keep it together.
Ace swings his legs in an endearingly childlike way, face completely unbothered like he didn’t just preside over some weird MC court. “So what made you choose my rascal of a son?”
“Well, we met and he, well, is a charmer.”
“Him?” he gasps, pointing to Reed. Reed laughs, pulling his white hair up and rolling his eyes.
“Yes! Then we found out, after I’d fallen for him, that we were scent matches.”
At this, Ace looks legitimately stunned. His gaze moves to Reed, something I think is pride in his eyes as he stares at his son.
“Scent matches? Wow, that explains a lot then.”
“I would have fallen for him either way though.” My nerves evaporate faster each second. I’m much happier and more comfortable hyping up my mates than I am talking about myself. Ace laughs, but I’m serious. So serious.
The door creaks back open, drawing me from my mini daydream about Reed to see a smaller woman, about my height, walk into the room.
Queen is a Black woman with polished white nails and a chic brown leather jacket.
Her stride is powerful and graceful. She walks with a purpose and if it wasn’t for her warm smile, I'd probably drop dead of nerves.
“Esper?” she calls, reaching a hand out. I take hers much faster than I did Ace’s. She uses my hand and yanks me in for a hug, patting my back in a way that makes me miss my mom.
Once she lets me go, I smile in greeting. “It’s so nice to meet you.”
“You as well, dear,” she says, taking a step to stand beside Ace, who instantly reaches for her and rests his hands around her waist. “So this is my baby’s Pack.”
“Queen,” Reed groans, but he can’t hide his smile. Or maybe he’s not trying to.
“Yeah, it is.” I reach back to hold Reed’s hand. I stare back at each of my Packmates. One by one, I meet each mate’s gaze, my omega settling and content.
This is my Pack. No matter what anyone says.