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They backstage at his final bodybuilding competition, one my sister only entered because she lost a bet. The moment she walked in, he knew she was the one. Sol left with a trophy and Sam left with her number. Four years later, they’re bonded and happy.

I’ve been jealous that it was so easy for my siblings to find love, but now I know the timing wasn’t right. Daphne wasn’t ready and neither was the pack. Now that we are, there’s nothing stopping me from keeping my omega.

Sam re-racks the bar and I hug Sol, popping a kiss on her head. “Sorry I dropped off the map.”

“I forgive you.”

My head cocks, eyes narrowing. My sister is a lot of things, but benevolent isn’t one of them. Sam turns away, but I catch the look on his face. Guilt. Straight up, undeniable guilt.

“What did you do?” She gives me this over-the-top innocent look, fluttering eyelashes included, but I shut it down. “Spill it, Sol.”

“Fiiiine. I told Mama about your girlfriend.”

The gears in my head grind to a full stop.She didn’t. She wouldn’t.

I want to grill her about how she even knows anything other thanwe’re seeing someone, but there’s only one explanation.

Nate motherfucking Morgan.

Normally, Mama can pry the man’s secrets out with his favorite snack and a kind word, but this isn’t a new car he’s excited about or a show he’s dying to enter. It’s ouromega.He was probably dying to spill the beans while we were driving to Revelry.

I get it, I do, but the irritation that’s been building since that dinner rises and it’s hard to stop from snapping. “We werehopingto tell you all together, but that’s not an option now, is it?”

“I’m sorry! Mama got on Sam and me about babies again and I didn’t have the heart to tell her we’re not interested.”

“So you blabbed about the omega Ijust fucking found?!Seriously, Marisol. Daphne’s barely agreed to court us and you’re siccing Mama on her.” My jaw aches as I force each word out.

“Oh, don’t be so dramatic. Mama’s not going to meet her yet.” Sol rolls her eyes, and I desperately wish we were younger, so I could chuck her in a pool or something. As it is, I may have to sneak attack her coffee maker with decaf when she’s not looking.

Calling Mama overbearing is putting it lightly. She loves hard, fast and fierce, with little to no boundaries. She’s an amazing person, but with Daphne’s acceptance of the pack so fragile, I’m worried pushing too fast sends her running. She’s predisposed to it not just through her designation but her past, and I’m not willing to risk losing Daph when we just found fucking her.

“This is your fault. You’re supposed to tell her when she’s making a terrible decision.” I glare at Sam, but he’s an unrepentant dick, arms crossed beside his wife.

“No, I’m supposed to hand her the match and take the blame so she doesn’t end up in jail.”

“Aw. Thanks, baby.” Sol swoons. Fuckingswoonswhile I’m losing my mind.

“This is so fucked.” Growling under my breath, I let myself pace, hoping to bleed off some energy. Now would be a good time to get our workout in. I bet I’ll beat every personal record.

“I’m sorry, D. I should’ve told her we’re not interested.” Sol droops and whatever anger I had withers away on the vine. I’m not interested in berating my sister and it’s not her place to keep my secrets.

“Why haven’t you?”

Sol’s known she didn’t want kids since she was one. She gives me this baleful look. “You know what it’s like disappointing Mama. I don’t want her upset with me.”

Damn. It’s hard to stay mad when family’s struggling.“She wouldn’t care, Sol. Mama just wants us to be happy.”

“You can say that because you don’t have a uterus, but when you do and you’re married to that—” she motions toward Sam, who grins, “—someone always wants you to get pregnant and pop out babies. I just want to fight fires and fuck my hot ass husband wherever I want.”

“Please never tell me about your sex life again,” I beg, gagging.

“Help me get Mama off my back and I won’t.”

“Pretty sure I already did.” Again, that guilty look comes over Sol’s face and I fold like a fucking chair. “I’ll talk to Mama about Daphne. You too, if you want.”

She waves me away with a limp hand, gaze downturned. “No, I’ll handle it. Eventually.”

Sam steps between us, rubbing his hands together like some shitty ass cartoon villain. “Now that you’re done, it’s time to work out. We’re starting with burpees.”