Page 133

Watching those four little words sink into Daph’s brain is like breathing new life into her. She gives herself one deep breath, then straightens like she’s going off to war. “Okay. Let’s do this.”

We work together to pull her clothes back on, finding my shorts twisted in the blankets. Eventually, there’s no more stalling and I slide my hand into Daph’s, pulling her to the kitchen with silent, steadfast reassurance.

I’m here, little muse. Not going anywhere without you.

Mama’s back is to us as she sets up a plate of desserts on the counter. She’s brought each of our favorites, including those little pecan pie bars she swears she hates making. There’s an assortment of other things too and I just know the next time she comes over, Daph will get something too.

Pulling her into my embrace, I hold her steady as I finally introduce the two most important women in my life. “Mama,this is Daphne Barnes, the omega we’re courting. Daph, this is my mom.”

Mama turns and gives her the biggest smile. “Call me Mama B. Everyone else does. You’re absolutely beautiful.”

“Thank you.” Daph ducks her head, fussing with the edge of Nate’s shirt. I’ve never seen her shy before. It’s adorable. I wish I could send a picture to the guys.

Mama smiles and motions her over. “If you’re up for it, we’re a hugging family.”

“Oh. Then I should warn you, I’m not very good,” Daph jokes, but there’s a kernel of truth there. History she’s revealing.

“Nonsense. There’s no skill to hugging. Come over here.” With a cursory glance, my omega walks straight into Mama’s outstretched arms.

I maintain that a mother’s touch is healing, even if they aren’t yours. The longer they hold, the softer Daph gets until she’s clinging to Mama. Tension fades and there’s just something sorightabout it. I snap a picture because the peace on my omega’s face is something I want to remember.

This woman’s been denied love in the worst of ways, but we’re going to fix that. My pack, my family and our friends, one day at a time.

Though she tries to hide it, Mama’s face creases. “Oh, my girl. You’ve been through it, haven’t you?”

Daph looks at me in alarm, and I smooth a hand down her back. “Mama’s one of those people that justfeelsthings. Emotions and stuff.”

It’s hard to explain because I’ve never really had to. Nate grew up with us and Mama took one look at Connor and adopted him into the fold. They grew up with her weirdness as much as Sol, Levi and I did. As for Shelby, I’m not sure she spent more than five minutes in the same room as our family outside the wedding day.

“People weren’t kind to you, were they?” Mama steps back, hands on Daph’s shoulders to really look at her. My omega stiffens, smile a little strained. “Not to worry, we’ve got more than enough love to go around.”

“Mama,” I warn, knowing exactly what she’s going to do.

“Hush.” She waves me off, pulling Daphne over to her purse where she yanks out her phone. “Put your number in here and I’ll add you to the group chat.”

“Group chat?” Now Daphne’s really nervous. As she should be.

My family is wonderful, but they’re unhinged in the most loving, overly supportive way.

“Mama, please,” I beg. “We just got her to agree to courting. Adding her to the group chat is a surefire way to send her packing and I would reallyloveto keep her.”

Daph shoots me a small, adoring smile while Mama rolls her eyes at me. “Don’t be so dramatic, Dez. Our Daphne’s full of stronger stuff, aren’t you, sweetheart?”

“Absolutely. Don’t worry, Dez. I can handle your family.” Daph’s mischievous side appears again as she inputs her number in, and Mama eats it up.

“That my girl. Now wash your hands, try one of these brownies and tell me everything there is to know about Daphne Barnes.”

BARRETT FAMILY GROUP CHAT

Mama B

Family, welcome Daphne to the chat.

Dez

Be nice or I’ll tell her all the ways to make your lives miserable.

Marisol