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Omar perks up where he’s leaning against Levi on the couch. “That’s the one I want to meet.”

Levi sighs. “I’m going to be bailing you out of jail.”

“We have a shared fund we add to each month. It’s beenveryhelpful,” I say.

“Send me the details. I’m sure I can convince our accountant that it’s an investment.”

I’m still laughing when the final Barrett walks into the room. Finally back from saving our packmate, Dez nuzzles the top of my head. “Daph, this is my father, Will.”

If Will Barrett is a peek at Dez’s future, I’m going to live a long and happy life. The man is beautiful. Smooth dark skin, kind eyes and the sweetest smile. I can tell right away that he’s a gentle soul, his energy calling me to tell him all my secrets. The faintest smell of eucalyptus relaxes me even more as he inches forward. “Daphne, I hope my kids haven’t scared you off.”

I wave his concern away, shaking his outstretched hand quickly, though not one of my alphas growls athim. Interesting. “I’ve seen crazy families, so they’ll have to try pretty hard.”

“Don’t encourage them.”

“Somehow, I think they get into enough chaos on their own.” He laughs and I give myself a pat on the back. Killing this family thing. “You have a lovely home, Will.”

Where I’m used to mausoleum silence and the empty stares of ancestors long gone, all I see here is warmth. Laughter. Light and sound and comfort in a way that makes my chest and throat tight. This place, beyond all others I’ve ever visited, feels safe.

Will beams. “It’s all my Bailey’s doing. And you call me Pop like everyone else.”

I almost decline, but the man’s eyes are sparkling like he’s waiting for just that. “Thank you, Pop.”

The word feels strange on my lips but not awful. In fact, it’s nice.

Will pulls the guys into a conversation and for the first time since this morning, I decide to take a moment for myself. Connor grabs my wrist before I get too far, reeling me in. “You good, angel?”

“Just need a minute.”

I love the Barretts, but they area lot.Loud and chaotic and so fucking kind. I need a second to find my balance again.

“Call if you need me.” His lips warm me from my cheeks to the soles of my feet and I leave before I decide not to move.

Quiet envelops the little hallway off the front door, a balm to my aching nerves. Photos stretch along the walls, perfectly lined and pristinely dusted, but they’re not fancy portraits of everyone. It’s candid shots of the Barrett kids in various ages. A toddling Dez patting baby Nate’s head with the most concerned look. The two of them lying in puddles in the rain. Later, Connor joins and my heart breaks at how lonely he looks. It changes as the years pass, his smile coming easier as they grow closer.

Then, I see it.

My alphas, dressed to the nines on what has to be Connor’s wedding day. He grins widely, showing off the band fitted snug on his finger to the camera as the others cheer. There’s no bride in the picture, just three blindingly happy boys celebrating this huge milestone together.

“They got married on her eighteenth birthday,” Nate whispers, setting his box on a nearby table to take my hand. “I think Shelby was having a breakdown in the bathroom about the flowers or something when this was taken.”

Yeah, I don’t really want to know that or anything else about Connor’s ex-wife and former omega. “You were fifteen?”

He looks tall and bulky, like he grew too fast for his body, but the strength he’ll grow into is there. The shining joy I’m realizing was Nate’s default back then. I hope one day he gets back to a place where he feels that happy all the time. I hope I’m the reason it happens.

“Yep. The time of raging hormones and yet, I couldn’t give a shit about her.” He grins down at me. “I was waiting for the best. Just took a minute to find her.”

“Are you saying I’m the best?”

“I’m saying you’re the only, kitten.” He wraps his hands around my hips and pulls me in for a searing kiss. “Better?”

I soften at that tug of concern I feel, something that’s uniquely Nate in a way I shouldn’t understand. “Just a little overwhelmed.”

“Family’s hard, but I promise you’re safe here.” When I still don’t move, he wraps an arm over my shoulder and pulls me down the hall, lifting that fucking box with one hand. “Come drop this off with me.”

Sugar sounds perfect right now. “Can I have a bite?”

“Not until after dinner.”