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“Of what?” Skylar takes the seat next to me and wipes flour off her apron. “What could you possibly be scared of, Dev? This is what you’ve wanted.”

“But I wanted it differently. I had everything planned out with Ben, and I wanted it to be special.”

“A mating bite is always special,” she says gently.

“But my first one was in a parking lot, and it wasn’t with Ben.”

Skylar snorts. “So what? How did it feel in the moment?”

I pause. “Incredible. Intense. Perfect,” I admit.

“What about with Ben? How did that go?”

I shift in my seat. “He just…did it, and I liked it, because I’ve been waiting for his bite for forever. Then Connor did it after I begged him to.” I look at Skylar, expecting to see judgment on her face. “Don’t you think that’s weird? Don’t you think I should have made it more special?”

Skylar shakes her head. “Dev, it’s your life and your experiences. I’m going to ask you again. Did. You. Enjoy. It?”

I hesitate and bite my lip. “I liked it a lot,” I admit. “But other people?—”

“Fuck other people!” she exclaims, and I jump, startled. “You’re not other people, Dev. You’re not some vanilla, boring person—you’re the wildest little terror I’ve ever met. The Devyn I love is sweet, feisty, and one of a kind. She eats coffee grounds like a weirdo and screams at random moments. Why should your experience be like other Omegas? Of course, your story would be unique, just like you are.”

I absorb my best friend’s words, knowing she’s right. “Nuh-uh,” I say finally.

Skylar sighs. “Yes. I know you want a family, Dev. I think you forget that family is what you make it, and that families can be messy. Maybe forming your pack was messy, but that’s still your family.”

I stay silent and chew my lip.

“You know you have me, April, and Tammy too, right? We’ll always be family.”

I nod, and tears fill my eyes.

“Damn it, Dev,” Skylar warns. “No crying at work. It’s going to be fine, I promise.”

“I miss them,” I croak as a tear falls down my cheek. “I miss them so much, Skylar. It hurts without them. I…I really care for them.”

Skylar nods. “I know. You’ll be okay. And honestly? I think they’re perfect for you. You were the happiest I’d seen you since you found them. So, it’s time to get them back.”

I wipe away a tear. “I think so. I’m tired of hurting.”

“It doesn’t have to hurt anymore. You have three men that love you deeply. Stop being ridiculous and go to them.”

I look at her and frown. “You really think Connor and Ace love me?”

Skylar returns my frown. “Why do you still think they don’t?”

I blink. “I don’t know.”

“Exactly. Now stop being ridiculous.”

“I’ll try.”

“No. Pinkie promise me.” She holds out her finger. “No more making yourself miserable. You’re the sweetest one of the group, and it sucks to see you unhappy.”

I stare at her outstretched finger.

“Devyn. Pinkie promise.Now.”

So, I hold out my finger and make a promise to my best friend.