Page 169

“I’m glad.” Dez turns back to Valentino with this charming smile that I want to see him wear more.

Dinner conversation is casual and comfortable, with the guys adding bites of their food to my plate when I’m distracted. But the second I drop my napkin on the plate, all hell breaks loose.

“Can we start the interrogation now?” Mellie’s evil grin spikes my blood pressure.

Travi rubs her hands together. “Oh, I can’t wait for this.”

“No interrogations,” I groan.

“Go ahead, Mel,” Kai says at the same time.

Damn it. We all know she’s going to listen to Kai over me.

I look to Maverick for help, but he just shakes his head. “You knew this was coming.”

True, I just hoped they’d be too drunk or full to really give it their all. My mistake.

Dez slips an arm around my shoulder and squeezes. “It’s okay, Daph. We’ve got nothing to hide.”

Mellie’s eyes narrow, obviously ready to challenge that. “Tell us about your former omega.”

“No.” The word cracks out, startling everyone. Travi and Erin sit back with smug looks while the alphas exchange worried glances. “You can ask about their jobs, their families and their goals for the future, but that’s off-limits.”

“It’s okay, Daph,” Connor says. “We’ll answer.”

“No.”I turn to Mellie, who looks more defiant than ever. “There are limits, Mel. This is one of them.”

I’m prepared for an argument, maybe even a battle, but she restrains herself. “I just want to know if it’s over.”

“It is,” Dez promises. Mel can’t see the shudder in his body, but I feel it. Straight up scent-turning revulsion at the idea of getting back with Connor’s ex.

After a long moment of sizing Dez up, Mellie moves to Connor. “Are you going to treat her right?”

He flinches and I want to throw a roll at her face. My hand itches for it before Nate traps my hand to his thigh. Damn it.

Connor straightens in his seat, looking as earnest as I know he is. “We’re doing our best. I’ve obviously fucked that up already, but Daphne’s been very patient with me. I’m grateful for the chance to fix things.”

“Why am I not surprised he’s the problem child?” Travi mutters. Erin pinches her side, and she yelps, nearly jumping into Valentino’s lap. “Damn, babe.”

“Shut up,” her omega hisses.

“Tell us about your business,” Lacey cuts in, obviously no longer willing to let Mellie run the show. “What are your aspirations?”

Nate answers, thumb smoothing across my skin. “Originally, it was to take it as far as we could go, but I think we’re happywhere we are as long as we can support ourselves and our staff. They deserve to live comfortably for all they do.”

“What about the time commitment? Having an omega is a round-the-clock affair, and owning your own business can be the same.”

Connor straightens. “We’ve taken steps to ensure our schedules are more flexible now that Daph’s here. It’s a work in progress, but I’m optimistic that things will get better once we find our footing.”

Interesting. No one mentioned shifting their schedule to accommodate me. I wonder if that’s Connor’s secret. If so, I’m glad he hasn’t told me yet because I’m not sure how I feel. These men shouldn’t have to uproot their lives for me.

Then again, Pack Morgan is all-in with this relationship. Shifting schedules is a small thing for them.

“And the house?” Kai asks. “A duplex isn’t exactly omega-friendly.”

“Seriously, Kai?” Is this her version of sitting on the porch with a shotgun because if so, I’d like to die right about now.

Maverick drops his napkin onto the table. “Actually, I want to hear this, too.”