Page 62 of Claiming the Pack’s Omega (Riverwell Omegaverse #2)

Reyna

" Y ou're lucky, Milo, any longer and Killian's brother probably would've done a lot more damage than he did," Charlotte says, sitting back onto the ottoman in her living room.

"Reyna saved me," Milo says quietly. "With a flowerpot and a kick to the head."

"Hell yeah, that's badass as fuck," Charlotte says, shooting me a grin.

She turns back to Milo. "Anyway, there doesn't seem to be any permanent damage.

I don't even think you need to get a CT to check.

You'll probably just have trouble swallowing and talking for the next couple days.

I can get you some pain management and something to help with the swelling, if you'd like? "

"Yes, please," Milo says.

"We've probably got some of my pain meds that I haven't used back at home too," Stone says. "Since all the pharmacies are closed by now."

"Thanks," Milo nods.

Charlotte shifts along the ottoman until she's sitting in front of me.

"Okay now, Reyna, how're you doing?"

"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 carries himself. 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 live his life 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.

"You saved me," I say, reaching over and squeezing his hand. "I don't care how crazy you got. If anything, I think it's crazy hot."

The blush painting his cheeks starts creeping up to his ears.

"I'm serious though," I say, turning back to the rest of the guys. My gaze lands on Killian. "You threw away something you've been fighting for your entire life. That's—that's a big deal."

"I never would have had the courage to do so, if it weren't for you, Princess," Killian says, his voice low. "You gave me that strength."

"I think you've always had that strength in you, I think you just had to finally use it for yourself."

He nods slowly. "You're right. But it wasn't just for me. It was for you. For the pack."

God, is someone cutting onions in here? I think I'm about to burst into tears.

"I'll be a better alpha, a better packmate, a better man for you all," Killian says, looking at each one of us. "I promise."

I can't take it anymore. I throw myself off the couch and up into Killian's arms, almost knocking him into Stone since Killian is perched on top of the arm of the sofa across from the one I was just sitting on.

I bury my face into his neck and let the tears fall.

I don't give a shit about how embarrassing this is or how it's probably ruining my makeup, I just let myself be held by one of my alphas.

As someone who's fought my omega nature ever since I presented, who's fought connection and vulnerability tooth and nail, this is a big deal.

Maybe the guys aren't the only ones who have changed, since we've all met.

"I'll give you a bit of privacy," Charlotte whispers. I hear her soft footsteps as she leaves the living room.

"It's okay, everything will be okay," Killian murmurs into my hair. "I've got you. We've got you."

After wrapping up my cry session and getting a few pointers from Charlotte privately about what to expect from my heat, the Graylock Pack and I head back home.

Home.

The word feels right.

It feels real.

It also reminds me that I haven't spoken to my family in far too long.

"I—I have a question," I ask as Killian parks the car.

"What's up?" Theo asks from beside me, his thumb tracing small circles along the bare skin of my upper thigh. It reminds me that I fucked up the dress he bought for me.

"Sorry for ruining the dress," I say softly, glancing down to where the seam has ripped.

"No need to apologize for that, Spitfire, you had to do what you had to do. My only regret is that I didn't get to see you kicking Maximus's giant head in."

"It was awesome," Milo adds from beside me.

"We can always buy you more dresses. Or get this one fixed, if you really like it. No need to sweat."

I look down at the dress. It's stunning, and gorgeous, and one of the most expensive things I've put on my body. But it was also chosen with Killian's mother in mind and I don't like that.

"Let's get rid of it," I say. "I'm sure there are better dresses out there."

"Perfect, looks like we've got a shopping trip in our future," Theo says, grinning down at me. "Was that your question, though?"

"No," I say, shaking my head. "I was actually wondering if we could have dinner with my family. Together. As a pack. I want to tell them that you guys are my scent match and that—and that I'm serious about a future with you guys."

"Of course," Killian nods, turning around in the driver's seat so he can meet my eyes directly.

"We'll get to tell them that we're serious about our future together, too," Stone adds. "I think this is a great plan."

"I'll ask them if they're free for dinner soon, then," I say, flashing the four of them a tired smile.

"You look exhausted," Milo murmurs.

"I think we all do," I huff, nudging Milo in the shoulder. "Pro tip: don't tell a lady that they look tired."

"I—I'm sorry, I didn't—I didn't?—"

"Relax, I was just joking," I laugh. "You can make it up to me, though?"

"Anything."

"I—I don't want to sleep alone tonight."

The entire car goes quiet as all of my guys freeze.

"Why are you guys acting like this is such a big deal?" I laugh, crossing my arms over my chest. "You guys are literally going to help me through my heat whenever that happens soon, why're you acting all scandalized when I'm just asking you to sleep with me?"

Stone clears his throat.