Page 5

It’s not like I thought we’d be celibate, but I never realized my sex life would be outlined so baldly. There’s a clinical nature to it that unsettles me, but let’s be real. Chances are, my pack will beat those expectations easily. It’s already hard to keep our hands off each other.

Still, if Father had to negotiate that on my behalf, I’m going to vomit.

Before I can spiral too far, a grateful Taylorson moves on. “In exchange for everything we’ve discussed, Pack Parker agrees to a generous monthly stipend to be added to an investment portfolio in your name as payment for your work managing the household. They’ll also allow free use of the pack funds, homes and vehicles. Daphne, do you agree with everything I’ve said?”

“I do.”

His relief is palpable as he slides the page my way. I reach for the pen, but Mother snatches it.

“Your father and I will sign as your proxies.”

I’m not sure that’s allowed, but I have to trust they understand the law better than me. My alphas certainly do, since Lance and Jacob just passed the bar exam to become lawyers themselves.

Mother and Father sign the omega proxy line, Taylorson initialing as a witness.

“Wonderful. Now, for Pack Parker. Jacob, Lance and Corey, do you understand you’re responsible for Daphne’s continued health, security and safety? You are required to ensure shehas adequate housing, food and clothing for her standing. This includes access to any clubs or committees she may want to be in and any hobbies she entertains. If she’s unhappy, it’s her job to speak up and your job to foot the bill. Do you all agree?”

Jacob puffs up the way he always does when discussing how well he’s going to treat me. It’s a source of pride for this alpha to know his omega has everything she needs. “We do.”

Taylorson laces fingers together on the desk in front of him as he eyes my men. “Even without this contract, in the eyes of the law, abuse is grounds for immediate pack dissolution. This includes neglecting basic needs like food or shelter, but also emotional and primal ones as well. Omegas are gentle creatures who need care. Do you acknowledge that if you fail in any of those duties, Daphne may walk away without penalty?”

“We do.”

“We would never lay a hand on you,” Jacob promises, arm stretched my way. When I clasp our fingers together, it settles me. The others’ soft smiles are so full of excitement and happiness that I can’t imagine a world where they’d ever hurt me. How could anyone abuse their soulmate?

Pack Parker signs and Taylorson moves on.

“Since the merger of Barnesworth and ParkerTech is contingent on the bonding of Pack Parker and Miss Barnes, there are requirements you must execute. Failure to complete the bond within ten years, any infidelity—including bonds outside the pack—or neglect against the omega will void this contract. After which, Miss Barnes is entitled to renumeration for her work as the Parkers’ omega and half of all pack assets, to be paid within ninety days. If Miss Barnes chooses to leave before the ten-year mark, repayment of the bridewealth or terms to do so will be required at the time of dissolution.”

The merger’s a surprise. I didn’t realize my alphas were interested in the family business, let alone merging our smallersoftware company with ParkerTech’s much larger device brand. Corey once admitted that his brother would rather burn it to the ground than help their father. The hatred is so deep it’s unfathomable, so why are they basing our marriage off a company he couldn’t care less about?

My head jerks back as the last words hit. “Wait. I have to pay if we break up?”

Every eye turns my way and for the first time, Jacob doesn’t watch me like I’m his future mate. He looks at me like I’m a child talking out of turn. “Ignore her. She’s at an inquisitive age.”

The dismissal makes my instincts flare. Maybe that’s why I don’t back down, even when it’s all I know. The dutiful daughter, the good omega, keeping my mouth shut because that’s what’s expected of me.

Well, not this time.

“I’m not trying to be rude, but I didn’t know about any merger or bridewealth. It seems wrong that I should have to pay to leave if things don’t work out.”

Everyone’s eyes stop on me, but Jacob holds my attention. It’s like we’ve never met before. The coldness there unsettles me. “Of course it seems wrong, you’re nineteen. Let the adults handle this, darling.”

Normally, I like when he calls me darling, but this time, it feels wrong. Manipulative. Like he’s just saying without meaning a word. “I just?—”

“Enough, Daphne,” Jacob barks, and my mouth snaps shut. My lips won’t move to speak or argue.

Alpha barks are meant to subdue, to command. I’ve never had one used on me before and it sends my instincts spiraling. Looking around, I wait for help, but no one comes to my defense. Lance’s focus is on his best friend. Corey barely acknowledges anything’s happened at all. Mother and Father just seem disappointed in me. As if I should know better.

I’ve never felt so disrespected. The desire to burrow into my nest and hide tries to swallow me while my instincts beg me to fix what I’ve messed up.

Soothe our alpha. Be a good omega.

Iama good omega. So, why am I being punished? Tears track my cheeks as I bow my shoulders, dropping my eyes to the floor like the perfect supplicant. Anything to end this horrid, frozen standoff.

Jacob lays a hand on my head, like I’m a pet, and they continue as if nothing’s happened.

Omega instincts are a bitch because, while I’ve never felt smaller, I’ve also never been so relieved. My alpha touched me. He forgave me for my outburst. My inability to speak is all that’s left of the warning he offered.