Page 21 of Golden Omega

Orin sat down and patted the couch, signaling for her to sit. She sat near him, in between me and Orin. “Apparently, there’s never been an omega from our pack. Ever. Not once.”

A bad place to start.

“So once my designation became clear, about a year ago, I was kicked out of my pack. They didn’t want a needy omega to mess with alphas and their scents, and they said I would break up matings and be nothing but trouble. So they made me leave. Gave me a little money and put me out on my ass. I knew very little about being an omega and our biology. I had to learn on my own. Thank goodness for the internet.”

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and tugged her close. Fuck the rules of first dates and being careful. Our omega needed touch and reassurance. She leaned into my hold and rubbed her cheek on my chest. I was right. Our girl was touch-starved. “That was so wrong of them. I hope you know that.”

“I do now but…that’s the reason for swearing off alphas and shifters. I left that place promising myself I would never rely on a pack again. I would avoid alphas and shifters and packs. I did break down and go out on a couple of dates, but that just confirmed my opinions. Until I scented you three. Goddess, that sounds desperate.”

Orin took her hand, threading their fingers together. “Trust us, Hema. It’s not only you. We scented you and went nuts. But that’s just biology. It brings us together but it’s how we care for each other that makes us a pack.”

She nodded. “I didn’t think alphas were like you three. But I talked to Karissa and Tawny and they are so happy. Their packs treat them so well. I want that. But I still have my walls and I get skittish.”

“Go on. Get skittish. Question us. Think and second-guess. We’ll be here, no matter what. We’ll be here waiting for you, no matter how long it takes. One day, we hope you might trust us but there’s no time limit. No one here is in a hurry. You take your time and when you decide, whatever you decide, we’ll respect that.”

“Even if I decide not to be your omega?”

My heart cracked inside me. Did she think our love would end because she didn’t love us? No. My love for her wouldn’t ever end or have an expiration date. “No matter what, we will always be here for you.”

I wiped away her tears and for a long while, we just sat there, pausing to take everything in.

“Can we watch a movie now? I need a distraction. I…you three have given me so much to think about.”

“Absolutely. Let’s choose a comedy. We could all use a good laugh.”

Chapter Eighteen

Hema

We built a fort.

Sort of.

It had no top, so maybe a raft?

When it became clear I didn’t have enough comfortable furniture for the four of us to sit on, it was decided that we’d set up on the floor. So everyone would be equally uncomfortable. But, looking at the three of them looking at the hardwood, I sighed. “Before we settle in, I want a promise. Everyone hold up your right hand.”

They didn’t even question, just did it.

“I want you to swear there will be no funny business tonight. No groping or stroking or caressing or kissing or…” Ohhh. This was going sideways quickly. “You know what I mean.”

“We promise,” they chorused solemnly.

“Even if I beg you,” I blurted out.

“Are you going to?” Altan asked. “Because that would be good to know before we promise anything else.”

“I’m not planning on it, but you all smell incredible and look fantastic and definitely have the ability to sweep a girl off her feet. Look at what you managed to do? Getting me to let you come here and now cuddle on the floor with blankets and pillows?”

“We’re going to do that?” Orin arched one brow. “I’m intrigued.”

“Not unless you swear what…what I told you to swear.”

“I speak for all of us when I give our solemn vow that for tonight, we will not do any of the things you listed.” Altan’s words were echoed by the other’s nods.

I went into the bedroom and came out with armloads of comforters and pillows. They took them from me and I returned for more. It was a weakness of mine, these soft fluffy things. Some girls collected jewelry or porcelain or kitchen appliances. Expensive makeup. I liked comfort.

“Impressive amount of soft things,” Orin said.