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I swallow, hating how it feels to be on the other side of this conversation. “I know.”

But those feelings of inadequacy didn’t vanish when Shelby did. I’ll never forget the way I crept back to my room after every date, feeling like a fucking failure. Wondering if I could ever win over my omega.

As certain as I am about Daphne, part of me is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Wondering if she’ll decide I’m not worth the effort.

It’s Nate who shakes my out of my funk. “If you think she’s going to pick one of us over the others, you don’t know her at all.”

Maybe that’s just it. “I haven’t spent much time with her since we got back.”

“You should take her out,” Connor says, sliding me a coffee before sitting back with his own.

Nate nods. “She’d like that.”

But what happens when I have her to myself? If I hurt her again, it would destroy me. “I’m having trouble fighting my instincts right now.”

“Because you’re the one who wanted an omega the most,” Connor says easily. “Shelby’s rejection wasn’t a one-time thing, Dez. Your instincts may need some time to trust that Daphne won’t put you through the same shit. That she’ll choose you.”

“And she will, as long as we don’t fuck it up.” Nate grins. “Don’t worry, though. Our girl likes us a little feral.”

“That’s weirdly comforting to know.” The tension in my shoulders wanes and I realize how stressed I was that Daphne wouldn’t be able to handle this part of me, but if anyone knows her, it’s Nate.

“You’re welcome. Now, I need you both to chill out,” Nate says, ignoring Connor’s death glare. “I’m not trying to be flippant, but we have a miracle on our hands. An omega that’s scent-sympathetic toallof us. The more we think about the past, the more likely we are to fuck things up. Let’s just focus on Daphne and worry about the rest later.”

He's right, but trusting someone’s intentions is really fucking difficult when you’ve been lied to over and over.

Nate softens, reaching over the table to rest his hand on Connor’s, a pack connection. “I get that this is going to be tough for you, but it’s hard for Daph, too. Just tell her you miss her. That you want to see her. That you’re pacing your room every night trying to fight the urge to break in.”

“Shut the fuck up.” I laugh, throwing a wadded napkin at his face, even though he’s not wrong.

He grins, tossing it right back. “I mean it, D. Text her for coffee or dinner or a fucking hug. Whatever you need. Daph’s trusting us with herself. The least you can do is trust her back.”

Why does it sound so simple when he says it like that?

“I just ask her out?” I ask dubiously.

“Yep, but not tonight. I have plans for us all.”

“Is that a good idea?”

“Trust Daphne to know her limits. If she doesn’t want to go, she’ll say so,” he promises.

My fears keep percolating until Connor finally shakes me. “Aren’t you the one that said we let can’t the past ruin our future?”

I hate when I’m right. Scrubbing a hand over my head, I decidefuck it.Not like I haven’t been through the worst-case scenario already.

Me

I want to see you. Can you fit me into your schedule this week?

My instincts have never been this off-kilter. Ineedthis woman to want me the way I already want her. I need her in my life, in my bed, at my side.

I need her to say yes.

Her response comes immediately.

Daphne

Absolutely. Is everything okay?