Page 74

“Yes, you can,”she cuts in gently but firmly.“And if you really can’t, then order three times as much as you think you’ll need. Extra towels, sheets, snacks, water, energy drinks. And…”She pauses.“Toys. You’ll need those too. Even with alphas around to help, you might want to start with toys. Until you….adjust.”

Heat rushes to my face, and I go silent, mortified by the thought. I’ve had all of one kiss in my life and now I have my older sister talking to me about toys and alphas andsex.

Kill me now.

The idea of buying anything like that makes me want to curl up and disappear. Eva sighs on the other end of the line.“Evie, it’s normal. It’s okay. You’re not doing anything wrong. Your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. I promise.”

I swallow hard, my face burning with embarrassment. The thought of actually going out and buying things like that makesme feel exposed.It’s not normal, I want to say, but I can’t bring myself to voice it. Instead, I just mumble, “I’ll think about it.” The idea of accepting that part of me feels overwhelming, like I’m betraying everything I’ve been trying to avoid.

Eva’s voice softens, like she’s reading my mind.“Eviana, you don’t have to make all the decisions right now. But the first step? It’s just getting things that make you feel safe, that make you feel...at home. You don’t have to go out of your comfort zone all at once, but you need to start somewhere.”

I nod, even though she can’t see me. “I don’t know if I can do this, Eva.”

“Of course you can,”she says firmly, like she’s holding my hand through the phone.“Just start small. Take it one step at a time. We’ll take it one step at a time.”

A lump forms in my throat as I think about everything. “I just...I wish I didn’t feel so lost.” I pause, the weight of it all starting to press down on me. “I wish I could talk to Everly about this. Do you think she’s still alive?”

There’s a moment of silence before Eva responds, and when she does, her voice is filled with conviction.“I know she is. Call it twintuition or quadpathy or whatever, but I can feel it. She’s out there, Evie.”

I nod again even though she still can’t see me. Thinking about Everly always stings and the lump in my throat won’t allow any words to slip free. She was the one I was closest to – the one who understood me better than anyone else. Her leaving tore a hole in me that still hasn’t healed.

“I miss her,” I whisper, the ache in my chest too much to ignore.

“Me too,”Eva says softly, and the sadness in her voice is palpable.“But you’ve got us. Me and Evelyn. And you’re going to be okay, Evie. You’re strong. Stronger than you know.”

The words hang there between us, a reminder of the connection we share, even if we’re miles apart. The ache in my chest doesn’t go away, but it feels a little less sharp.

“Thanks, Eva,” I say quietly. “For everything.”

“Anytime, little sis,”she replies warmly.“I’m here. Always. Just remember – take it one step at a time, okay? And call me if you need anything. Promise?”

“I promise,” I say, my voice thick with emotion.

We both fall into a quiet moment before I finally end the call. My hands are still trembling as I sit in the car, staring out the window at the storm, trying to collect my scattered thoughts. I don’t know what to do, but I know I can’t do it alone. Not anymore.

I glance at the guys, standing in the wind and the relentless downpour, waiting patiently for me. Their lingering scents fill the space around me, pulling at me, steadying me. They’re waiting for me to make a decision, but I don’t know if I’m ready.

I take a deep breath, hearing Eva’s words in my head:You don’t have to make all the decisions right now. Just start small.

Start small. Choose a blanket. Maybe a pillow. Just look if needs be. See what colours or fabrics your omega likes.

Breathe.

I push open the car door, stepping out into the chaos of the storm. It feels like the world is pulling me in all directions, but for once, I don’t want to fight it.

Maybe I’m not ready, but I know one thing: I’m not walking away from this.

Not anymore.

“Are you okay?” Xar asks. I give him a shaky nod.

“Sorry. You should have waited inside for me. You’re all soaked through, and I’ve still got your jacket, Dane.”

“It’s yours, gorgeous. Shall we?”

With one last deep breath, I start walking toward the store, the guys following closely behind, their scents wrapping around me like a shield. The storm might be raging, but there’s something else growing inside me now – a flicker of hope, fragile but there.

And I’m holding on.