Page 188 of Claiming the Pack's Omega

"Huh? Me? Milo was the one who was hurt," I say, my brows drawing down in confusion.

"Well, what you just went through sounds like it was incredibly stressful." She purses her lips in concern, pausing for a split second as if she's trying to figure out how to word something she doesn't think I'll take very well.

"Just say it, Charlotte," I sigh, wiping my sweaty palms against the fabric of my dress. I play with the torn threads along the slit, internally wincing at ruining such a beautiful, expensive dress the first night I've worn it. "I can handle it."

"Well, stress can make heats... unpredictable. On top of how unpredictable they were already going to be because of the suppressants you were on, tonight's events are a little concerning for me."

I roll my shoulders back and blink at her.

Damn, with the way she's talking, it's like she thinks my heat could start up any second now.

Could it?

Would that be an entirely bad thing if it did?

I glance around at my four scent-matched mates, and my heart squeezes in my chest.

I never dreamed that I would find a pack as wonderful as the Graylock Pack. But what makes things even more special to me is the changes that all of them have made since we've met. They were far from perfect, but they know that. And now, even though I still don't think any of us are perfect, I think they're perfect for me.

They're all workaholics, for their own reasons, but I can see the changes each of them are making. I don't even know if I can call them subtle changes anymore.

Theo works his ass off to prove that he can make something of himself, despite his rocky childhood and time in the foster care system. But I can see the change in the way that he carrieshimself. He knows he's good and he doesn't need to work himself to the bone to prove that.

Stone works his ass off to numb the pain of not being able to save his sister. So he nearly kills himself trying to save everyone he can. But now, he's letting himself breathe a bit more. Letting himself livehislife for himself.

And Milo. God, Milo has such a special place in my heart. He's worked his ass off because he thinks the only value he has is in his expertise. He's come so far from the terrified, scared of his own shadow alpha he used to be. Hell, he tore off another alpha's ear with his teeth to defend me. He's sitting taller than I've ever seen him do so before, with his shoulders back and his chin up.

And finally, there's Killian. We definitely didn't get off on the right foot, but in my opinion, he's surprisingly sane considering the amount of bullshit his family has put him through. I'm lucky that I've had kind and supportive parents and not ones that have basically psychologically tortured me since as long as I can remember.

Now I know that he was a fucking asshole because he's spent his entire life constantly having to prove himself and always falling short. He's needed to be gritty and mean to survive the Riverwell City Council, especially when he's so young, in comparison to the people who have spent our entire lifetimes building enough power to hold their positions.

But he's different, now. I can see it in his bright green gaze. He's cut the ties that have chained him down his entire life. That takes some serious guts.

"We can send the guys away, if you'd like to talk in private about... alternative options?" Charlotte says, her voice a low whisper.

Alternatives? Like different alphas? Or more drugs?

"We'll support you in whatever decision you want to make, Spitfire," Theo says softly.

"No," I shake my head. "No need to send them away."

These men? They're mine. They're my pack. I can feel it in my bones, every single time I breathe in and taste their scents at the back of my throat.

They're nothing like any of the alphas I've dealt with in the past. They'd never intentionally hurt me.

They all stare intently at me and I return their gazes with a bright smile.

"Whatever happens, whenever my heat comes, I want to spend it with my guys. No need for any alternatives," I say firmly.

"Are you sure? This is a big decision," Stone says, leaning forward on his elbows. "Tonight's been a crazy night, if you need time to think about it?—"

"I'm sure," I say. "If anything, tonight's shown me that you guys are willing to fight for me."

It makes me a bit giddy, the fact that they're willing to fight literally tooth and nail to make sure I'm safe.

"Especially you," I say, leaning into Milo. I glance up and see a blush behind his freckles.

"I—I went a bit crazy," he murmurs under his breath.