Page 68

That gets a small laugh out of her, and the sound goes straight to my heart. "Yeah, our meet-cute story needs some work."

"We'll work on it," Felix promises. "Maybe next time we can arrange for something involving libraries and chocolate fountains instead of medical emergencies and severe weather."

"Next time?" Belle asks, and there's something tentative but hopeful in her voice.

"If you want there to be a next time," Theo says. "We're hoping there will be lots of next times, but that's up to you."

The storm outside seems to be intensifying, the wind howling like something alive and angry. But down here in the underground shelter, surrounded by the evidence of another omega's determination to build a safe space for herself, it feels almost peaceful.

"Can I ask you something?" Belle says, looking between the three of us.

"Anything," I tell her.

"That night at the library, when Theo found me. Did you all know what was happening?"

I exchange glances with Felix and Theo, weighing how much truth she's ready for. “No.”

"Belle," Theo says gently, "even before we knew you were ours, you’re still your own person. What happened that night was about you being in crisis and me being in a position to help. The fact that you turned out to be our mate was just... destiny, I guess."

"I don't believe in destiny," Belle says, but there's less conviction in her voice than there was earlier.

"Then believe in choice," Felix suggests. “When you needed help, you trusted Theo enough to let him stay."

"I'm still scared," she admits quietly.

"We know," I say. "And that's okay. Being scared doesn't mean you're weak, Belle. It means you're human. It means you understand the magnitude of what we're talking about."

"What are we talking about, exactly?" she asks. "Because I feel like we're dancing around something big, but no one wants to say it directly."

I take a deep breath, knowing this is the moment of truth. "We're talking about mating, Belle. About pack bonds and claiming and building a life together. We're talking about you becoming our omega in every sense of the word."

Her scent spikes with fear, desire and longing all tangled together. "And if I say yes? What does that look like?"

"It looks like whatever you want it to look like," Theo says immediately. "Fast or slow, traditional or completely unconventional. The only thing that matters is that you're comfortable and happy and choosing every step of the way."

"We're not going to drag you off to some isolated cabin and keep you barefoot and pregnant," Felix adds with a grin. "Though if you want the cabin, we can probably arrange that."

"I like my job," Belle says firmly. "I like my life, my independence, my ability to make my own decisions."

"Then keep them," I say simply. "Belle, we don't want to change you or control you or turn you into someone else. We want to love you exactly as you are, and support you in becoming whoever you want to be."

"Even if I want to keep working? Keep living in my own apartment? Keep making my own choices about everything from what I eat for breakfast to whether I want children?"

"Especially then," Theo confirms. "Belle, the last thing any of us want is an omega who's been forced or coerced into being with us. We want a partner, not a possession."

"Partners," she corrects softly. "Plural."

"Partners," I agree, and the word sounds perfect coming from her lips.

The storm outside is starting to calm slightly, the howling wind becoming more of a strong breeze. But none of us make anymove to leave the shelter. This conversation feels too important, too fragile, to interrupt for anything less than a genuine emergency.

"I need time," Belle says finally. "To think, to process, to figure out what I actually want versus what I think I should want."

"How much time?" Felix asks.

"I don't know. Days? Weeks? However long it takes to be sure."

"Then take it," I tell her. "Take all the time you need. We'll be here when you're ready."