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We hated going out on the worst day of the year to eat out, but if it was important to Ember, or West or Alejandro, then we could make it work.

“I really like them,” Rian said softly. “A lot.”

He sounded scared. I poked my own feelings. I wasn’t scared. Just determined to make this work, however I needed to make that happen. I understood my omega’s fears, though. I pulled him against me and kissed his temple.

“I promise, they are nervous about new people too. You are not going to be too much to handle. Not anymore than West or Ember is too much.”

“Alejandro is more laid-back than a beach chair in the Caribbean,” Rian muttered.

“And thank goodness for that,” I said.

We got a quick lunch and went back to work. On the way back, Rian had a few tentative ideas for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.

We arrived home, and shortly after that, West and Ember came in.

Ember’s scent was off, so I immediately went to her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She wrapped her arms around me. Rian hugged her other side.

“A coworker keeps asking her out and being an ass about it,” West said with a growl. “I told him the next time he bothers her, they won’t find the body.”

“And then I told West I didn’t want to have to have heats with him in jail, so murder was off the table.”

“That’s assuming you’re getting caught,” Rian said practically. “We’d help you hide the body so well you’d get off.”

“See, there’s a plan,” West said. He sounded close by, so I reached out for him, my hand landing on his shoulder. I kissed his cheek, scent marking him, and let him lead us to the couch.

“Do you guys have Valentine’s Day traditions?” Rian asked.

“Oh, thank god,” West said, his voice lighting up. “I’m free.”

“You are not,” Ember snapped. “You’re coming with me.”

“Nope, I need bonding time with Ben and Rian.” West sounded gleeful.

Ember chuckled. “No fair.”

“What are we talking about?” Rian pulled blankets around us. My favorite part of the day was when we were all on the couch together, relaxing.

“Every year, Ember’s family does Galentine’s Day,” West said. He adjusted the blanket, and his sweet milk and honey scent teased me. “And every year, I am forced to go.”

“They’re your family too,” Ember said with a huff.

“They are. But Stella, Luna, and Sunshine’s packs are all staying home for Galentine’s Day. You would never leave me home alone, but…”

“But you’ll have Rian and Ben,” she finished. “Alejandro has to work; I already asked. We can do our own romantic dinner on a different night.”

“That sounds good, then.” Rian perked up. “Ember gets to spend time with her family, we get guys’ night out, and…poor Alejandro.”

The alpha in question came through the door. We all looked at him.

He laughed. “What?”

“You have to work,” I said. “On Valentine’s Day. We’re mourning your ability to attend guys’ night out.”

Alejandro’s scent shifted a bit, even though it was subtle.

“It’s okay,” I said quickly. “We’ll do it another night and then you can come.”