44. Epilogue
Epilogue
“A burger. No… two burgers. With cheese. And bacon. Ooh . Chilli jam.”
Flipping the menu closed, I offer Jake a pleading look. “Please?”
Grinning, he presses a kiss to my cheek. “You can have all the burgers you want.”
“Special occasion?” The waitress appears at our table with a pad in one hand and a pen in the other. Her gaze is professional enough. But her eyes widen as they land on me. “Kennedy Traylor?”
I squint. “Uh…Kristen?”
Behind me, Theo groans under his breath. His lips drop to my shoulder in an apology.
Kristen glances between us. Taking in the way I sit, with my back resting against Theo’s chest and my hand in Jake’s. Tucked in between them, with Max and Oscar opposite us.
Her smile fades. But her eyes aren’t cruel. A little tired, maybe. “Nice to see you. What can I get you?”
I watch as she crosses the diner floor, sidestepping an overly handsy group in the corner and disappearing into the kitchen.
“Sorry.” Theo winces. “I didn’t know that she worked here when I suggested it.”
We don’t come into town too often.
“Doesn’t bother me.” I twist to look up at him. “It’s been five years, Theo. Besides, I feel sorry for her.”
Because she looked lonely as hell. While I sit here, surrounded by my pack.
And I know that feeling a little too well. Although it’s been a long time since I felt that way.
Four pairs of eyes shoot to me as they pick up on the thread of sadness threatening to wind around my ribs.
Pursing my lips, I remember a discarded hoodie in a cold grey room. My fingers drum against the table. “Hey. Is the bat still in the back of the truck?”
Panic flashes across their faces, and I can’t hide my snort of amusement. Not that I could. They feel it without me saying a damn thing, thanks to the bond.
Not that I mind the bond. Adore the bond, in fact.
Adore that I can feel every single emotion that my alphas feel when they look at me.
I never feel unwanted. Broken. Not ever. Not anymore.
They fill up every single one of my jagged edges. And our life may be messy, and imperfect, but it’s so beautifully normal that I scrunch up my face in case I start crying.
I can’t cry here. We’re supposed to be celebrating Theo’s college acceptance.
Better late than never.
“It’s the hormones.” I wave a hand. “I have another heat coming up.”
Or so they think. I brush my hand over my stomach.
Jake studies my face. “I’m going to order another burger, okay? Just in case.”
See? They know exactly what I need.
Wait a minute.
Suspicion fills me when none of them look my way. I stare at Oscar.
“You know ,” I say accusingly.
Damn it. I had balloons and a banner planned and everything.
“I don’t know what you mean.” But there’s a lightness in his eyes as he watches me. “Something you want to tell us, mate?”
He definitely knows. But they’re waiting for me.
I narrow my eyes. “An extra burger, and a chocolate milkshake. Extra sprinkles.”
Jake is already on his feet, rushing toward the counter. Max bites down on his lip, hard.
I consider what else I might be able to demand from my alphas.
“Whatever you want.” Theo’s lips brush my cheek. “Always, Kenny.”
I’m holding them to that.