Page 54

Verity

S itting on Jonas’ bed, I scrolled through my phone. My belly sank. Everything was not fine. At least, I didn’t think so, judging from all of the don’t worry, and I have things under control texts I’d gotten from Hale and Dare.

Mercy wasn’t picking up because her location showed that she was at practice.

“What’s wrong?” AJ came barreling in and launched himself on the bed, wrapping his arms around me.

“I think something happened.” I winced as I re-read the texts. “Shit. I’m such a terrible sister.”

“No, you’re the best sister. I’m sure everything is fine,” AJ assured, giving me a squeeze.

“Who knows? Mercy was left in the care of Dare and Hale. I’ll have to wait until after practice, I guess.” I winced. Dare could be quite responsible and punctual.

Hale, on the other hand…

“If she’s at practice, she didn’t break anything too vital,” he told me. “Odds are they wrecked something.”

“If he smashed my car, I won’t be happy,” I grumbled, imagining what chaos could ensue with Hale in charge.

“Jonas will wreck him if he does that.” He tweaked my bun. “I love it when you wear your hair like this.”

“My hair needs to be properly washed and deep conditioned,” I replied. Three-in-one man wash didn’t cut it on my hair, but it was sweet of Dean to clean me. “I… I’m sorry I burst into the nest. I could feel him so much, and my instincts got the better of me–”

AJ kissed me. “It’s okay, Princess. Heats are different circumstances. I didn’t consider that you and Dean would feel him. And, well, the soulmate thing. Thank you for literally protecting Grif with your body. I’m sorry I left your side at the hospital, but Jonas and Dean had it, and Grif needed me.”

“That’s what you should’ve done.” I rested my head on his shoulder. “I don’t remember much. Everything happened so fast. At least Winnie will pay for it.” Though the police still wanted to talk to me.

I felt bad for Chet and Winnie’s kids, though. Maybe they could go live with Mrs. Coach? I remembered her being nice.

How had I missed that Derva was my old coach’s daughter? Or that Chet was married to Derva’s sister?

Also, Derva was in trouble for ruining my research. It was Derva. Shit. I could sort of understand where her hate came from. Still, it was a shitty thing to do even if she was trying to ruin my career the way I’d ruined her dad’s.

Freddie was, of course, somehow innocent of everything, and using the publicity to leverage his way to a new team and agent. Even though he should be implicated in luring me out on the patio.

Whatever. As long as he left me alone.

“I’ll make food soon. Jonas has the hot tub firing up so we can all enjoy it outside in February. But he put a giant bucket of muscle soak in there, so it should feel pretty good,” he told me. “Also, Dean was feeling a little frisky, so he’s with Grif and Jonas.”

“Mmmm hmm, I can feel that.” I had zero interest in that at this moment. Though I had let Dean fuck me medicinally earlier.

AJ kissed my temple. “Do you need anything?”

“Cuddles? Maybe we can put on a game for a bit?” I offered, just wanting to exist with someone for a moment. I could feel the bond pulse between us, between all of us.

“That sounds good. I think we have popcorn and hot chocolate.” He stood and offered me a hand.

We went down the wooden staircase, every step making me ache, and I leaned on the banister because I had no idea where my crutch was.

“So that’s where my shirt went.” AJ looked me up and down. I was wearing one of his button-downs, some leggings, and fuzzy socks.

“Someone packed it for me.” I shrugged as we entered the living room.

Though I’d stolen it a while ago.

The cabin was cute and rustic, if a little dusty, like something out of a snowed-in romance novel. The furnishings were simple—giant sectional, with a TV and coffee table. A farm-style table. A farm kitchen with wood cabinets, granite countertops, and a hanging pot rack over the stove. Adorable. The gas fire flickered in the living room, providing heat.

AJ got down the popcorn. “Um, I hope it’s okay that you bonded with me.”

“I’m happy about it. Though your moms are going to want an even bigger dinner now. Probably invite my family, too.” I grimaced at the thought as I got out the makings for hot chocolate. Though I’d invite them to the wedding, of course.

“Queen Twatwaffle versus my parents.” AJ shuddered as he put the popcorn in the microwave. “Though I know I should fear your match-making grandma.”

“Oh, yes. Though, since I told her I was courting a pack and she needed to stop trying to set me up, she informed me there was an omega gift set aside for me. Look. Dean and Grif will be so pretty.” Taking my phone, I showed AJ the pictures of the ornate heirloom jewelry sets.

“I love how they assume you’ll have a female omega.” AJ laughed. “They’re very nice.”

“Well, someone has to cook for me. Honestly, I might not accept it.” I was still surprised since it had been made clear that I wouldn’t receive the same things my alpha male cousins got.

“Accept them. In fact, see if she’ll send them to you now before she changes her mind. Even if Dean and Grif aren’t interested, they’re still assets and can be listed as what you bring to the pack when you get added. Might as well take advantage,” he told me as he got down a bowl. “If not, no worries. It was worth a shot. But I’m guessing you worry about that.”

“Oh, that makes sense. Sure.” I shot off a text to my grandma.

Yes, they were adding me to the pack. A pack I brought very little to, asset-wise. Though my investments were doing better thanks to AJ’s help. If we were all students or just getting started, it would be one thing, but they were established, and I worried about disparity.

“I’ve been putting off visiting my parents to pick an heirloom gift out for Grif out of the safe. Because my mothers will want to talk about things. I did order a custom watch for him, though.” He leaned against the counter.

“Go when they’re not there. Take something, leave a note, and go? I should get something new for them as a mating gift, too. But I have no idea what.” I thought for a moment. “Maybe a chain for Grif to wear the ring on since he’s using one of Dean’s?”

“Great idea. We can go to my family’s jeweler together. Maybe a sail boat charm or tie tack for Dean? We’ll look together.” He opened the bag of chocolate chips and popped some in his mouth.

I squeezed his hand. “I like that. Ooh, maybe an engraved compass?”

Did I get AJ and Jonas bonding gifts? I wasn’t sure. Hmmm, maybe I could have one of the heirloom necklaces made into something for the four of them. That could be special.

“Fantastic idea. That or one of those spy glasses so he can pretend to be a pirate when we go sailing?” AJ suggested. “Um, back to us bonding? We should get a mate agreement drawn up for the two of us, since it’s always a good idea to have one. While I’ll marry you if you’d like, please don’t make me have a wedding. Unless we’re eloping, and it’s only our pack.”

His words warmed me, and my shoulders wiggled in happiness as I heated the milk in the saucepan.

“As soon as we get back to the city, we’ll get your bond with Dean registered, and that agreement drawn up, too. You and Jonas can sort yourselves out on your own.” He grinned and took more chocolate chips out of the bag.

I measured the chocolate. Someone had gotten the good kind. “Who ordered all this?”

“Me, I figured you’d all come up eventually, and we love your hot chocolate. I even got marshmallows.” Taking out a bag, he threw it at me. “Well, everyone except for Mr. I-Don’t-Like-Chocolate.”

Laughing, I caught it. “I make a very good hot vanilla, but it’s hot pink, and I put sprinkles on it and call it unicorn vomit. One of the littles doesn’t like chocolate either.”

AJ guffawed as he poured kernels into a special bowl and put it in the microwave. “I’ll buy all the ingredients just to see his face when you serve it to him.”

“He might like it. It’s pretty tasty when spiked with bourbon.” I stirred the pot, making sure the heat was low, so it didn’t burn.

“Jonas also brought groceries when you all came down. Mostly prepared stuff. He took the old snowmobile to the store earlier to get a few fresh things.” He sniffed the air. “That smells so good.”

My phone buzzed, and I checked it. “Huh. Grandma already mailed everything. Baba apparently told her to?”

How bizarre.

“The press release.” AJ nodded as he got out the salt and butter. “He must have seen it. That went out while you were in the hospital.”

I scrolled through my texts. “Mama told him. Baba is apparently very excited that I actually listened to him and found a man in finance. Mama wants to meet all of you.”

Hmm, I wasn’t sure what I thought of that. If I let them back into my life, it could be hard to enforce boundaries.

“Hey, since we’re adding you and Mercy to the pack, and Grif is now out, we’re going to change his designation in the charter. Grif’s insistent that he doesn’t need an asset, but legally we need one. Want to help me pick?” he offered as the popcorn popped.

I got busy stirring the pot, anxiety in my belly. Right, Grif’s omega asset. “Um, I… I can’t afford an island.”

“Who’s giving their omega an island ? Never mind, your sister got one, didn’t she?” He laughed as he put some butter in a tiny bowl.

“They wanted to get her a beach house and they let Spencer choose it. So, he picked one that came with its own island. She thought it was ridiculous, but from the pictures, it looks lovely,” I replied, as I kept whisking.

“I was thinking of this.” He showed me a picture of a beautiful piano with elaborate inlaid wood geometric designs on it. “We could put it in the Boston house. It’s an iconic antique and I’ve been watching for it to go for sale for years. Don’t worry about contributing. It’s from the pack, not you and me. There’s a difference.” He kissed my neck, soothing thoughts coming through the bond.

“It’s beautiful.” I examined the photo. Grif would adore it.

He took the bowl out of the microwave, now full of fluffy kernels. Then he poured butter over it and salted it.

“I… I could buy a fancy seat cushion. Perhaps with embroidered griffins on it?” I had a friend from university that could make him something exquisite.

“Absolutely. I’ll set the popcorn on the table and put in an offer.” Taking the bowl, he put it on the coffee table and got on his phone.

I added some vanilla and a dash of cinnamon to the hot chocolate and took it off the heat, pouring it into the waiting cups, then adding marshmallows. One at a time, I brought the mugs into the living room and put them on the table with the popcorn.

My phone rang with a video call. Mercy.

“Hi, are you okay?” My heart raced as I sank into the soft couch, which was full of slightly dusty pillows and blankets.

What had happened? How terrible of a sister was I?

“Are you okay? That was quite the trip to Drillville you had there. Is the poon palace nice?” Mercy laughed. She looked okay and seemed to be sitting in the Maimers’ dining room at the training center.

“Let’s not call the cabin the poon palace. It’s more like the penetration station . I… I’m okay. I ache, but I’ll be fine. Yes, I already scheduled a checkup.” I popped a kernel in my mouth.

“Good. I’m taking care of business here. I haven’t even let Hale take your car.” She looked proud of herself.

“Thanks for that. What happened? I have a bunch of texts from Hale and Dare.” I braced for the worst as I took a sip of very hot chocolate.

She snorted. “Those weirdos. I’ve been fine while you’ve been at the boom boom room. Okay, so Dare had to go back to Boston for some orchestra thing he forgot about. Hale was supposed to come for the weekend and stay with me, but he got delayed because of work. And I awakened as an alpha with both of them gone and now they feel like jerks. But I’m fine. Honestly, it was better that they weren’t there.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry I wasn’t around–and that they weren’t around either. Were you at practice, at least, where there were other alphas?” I remembered how freaked out I was.

“It was Gwennifer. Unlike your teammates back at Marquess, she knew exactly what to do. Because she plays hockey and has been through it a billion times. Anyhow, she was there for me,” Mercy told me. “Don’t you dare feel bad about it. You can take me out for a fancy dinner or something to celebrate.”

Oh, it happened? And I wasn’t there?

At least someone was.

“We will absolutely do that. Any place you want. It can be just us, or we can invite whoever,” I told her as AJ came back to the couch and held up the remote. I nodded as he turned it on and browsed the recorded games.

“Hmmm, I like it being us and the guys. Maybe Hale and Dare? I don’t know. I’ll think about it. Probably I’d rather have a big, blowout, excellent eighteenth party. Maybe with a tattoo artist,” she replied, tapping her chin with a sparkly painted finger.

I blinked. “Um, sure? I mean, I got a tattoo when I awakened.”

“Yeah, that’s where I got the idea. Gwen and I got tattoos like you did. Her artist is amazing. She showed me the flash sheet she was making for a wedding, and now I want her for my party. It’ll be better than a blowjob from a dinosaur.” Mercy sounded very excited.

“You got a tattoo?” My eyebrows rose.

AJ turned and gave me a look. Then he nodded to the screen with the game he brought up. I nodded back. Good choice.

“A little one, like you did. It’s what alpha females do, right? Well, the cool ones. Pretty much every lady alpha on my team got one when they awakened. I got skate smash skates on my ankle. I got Gwen a little ladybug on her foot. The artist is part of the Brooklyn Blankets and did a smash-up job,” she gushed as she moved the phone and took off her sock, showing off the little design.

“It’s cute,” I told her. “It might be a day or two before we get back because of the snow. You’re okay? Do we need Grace or Creed?”

“No. They’ve been sending us food deliveries, though. Also, I have two sets of MASOs who keep bringing food. We’re fine. So. Much. Food. We haven’t messed up the place. Carlos has been taking Lucky clubbing and posting it on his socials, which is hysterical. Anyway, between Dare, Hale, and Rusty, I’m not in breach of contract.” Her voice lowered. “I’m a little tired of my brothers, though. I love them, but they can go home and leave me alone now.”

“I get that.” While she and Hale were close, he knew just how to annoy her. "I’m happy you’re okay. And I’m glad it happened because I know you were getting anxious about it. I’m so proud of you. You’re going to make a great alpha.”

I wasn’t sure if those were the words you said, but they’re the words I wish the parents had told me.

“Aww, that means everything, coming from you. Um, in celebration, Hale, and Dare got me drunk in the living room, and it was bad. I think that’s what Hale was actually apologizing for. I’ll never drink tequila again, but I’m okay. One of Dean’s pillows may not live.” She grimaced, nose scrunching.

They what? I knew it would happen eventually. But I’d figured it would be Kaiko and Jack.

“Hangovers are a bitch. We’ll get Dean a new throw pillow.” Texting my brother and being mad was tempting, but honestly, I’d gotten super drunk, too.

“Oh, I went to my first university house party. It was Gwen’s birthday party at her apartment. I took Dare. I had one beer. Valya, Dimitri’s sister, invited me to one of Dimitri’s parties. But Dimitri said I couldn’t come without your permission because he doesn’t want to get beat up. Next time.” She shrugged.

AJ shook his head. I concurred. A tattoo, getting drunk for the first time, and a university party were enough adult adventures for now. I could practically hear Mumsy yelling.

“Oh. I missed Gwen’s birthday. Do you think I should make her some cake pops?” I had a ladybug one on my recipe board. Maybe I should do something else for her, too.

Mercy nodded. “She’d love that. Anyhow, I need to go because we have a promo thing. Rusty wants to know if you survived your first trip to the bone zone. Oh, sorry, I mean the bone yard. ” She turned as someone said something I didn’t catch. “No, Liv, I’m not saying that to my sister.”

I stifled a laugh. “Please thank her for me. I’ll make her a pie when we get back. Have fun. I love you, and I’ll let you know when we’re coming home.”

“Love you, too.” She ended the call.

AJ plopped down next to me. “It happened. You did think it was close.”

“Yep. Complete with tattoos and getting drunk. I never should’ve told her that story.” I laughed. It was really nice that Gwen was there for her. I guess hockey would have more teammates awakening as alpha than fútbol.

“Your alpha relatives getting you drunk is pretty normal. At least they did it at the house. They could have taken her to a strip club. Wait, never mind, she’s only seventeen. How did she get a tattoo?” AJ took a sip of hot chocolate. “This is amazing.”

“Technically, she’s emancipated.” I grabbed the bowl of popcorn and got comfy.

“She’ll be okay. She has us.” AJ gave me a squeeze and threw a blanket over us. “I put a bid on the piano. Let’s watch the game before they come down and want our attention.”

“Perfect.” I snuggled into him on the couch as we enjoyed our snacks and the game.

Halfway through the match, the guys thundered down the stairs.

“I’m hungry. When’s food?” Grif came over and gave us each a kiss.

“What’s food?” Dean slipped onto my lap and gave the empty popcorn bowl a pitiful look. He wore a sweater as snuggly as he smelled.

“Why’s food?” Jonas stole a kiss. “Everything’s okay?”

“I vote for renaming the cabin the poon palace .” AJ grinned at me.

I gave AJ a little shove and stopped the game. We’d watch the rest later. “Let’s not. Mercy awakened. Gwen took her to get a tattoo, and Hale and Dare got her drunk on tequila.”

“I like poon palace. Do you want me to talk to Ladybug? That’s an overstep on her part?” Dean offered.

“No. It’s nice that Gwen was there for her. Slightly concerned about the party at Gwen’s that Mercy attended. But Dare said it was just a bunch of students drinking beer, eating pizza, and dancing to warehouse music.” I shrugged. It sounded pretty tame.

“As long as it wasn’t one of Dimitri’s parties. She’s not ready for those,” Jonas replied. “I’m going to check on the hot tub.” He gave me another kiss and then opened the door that led to the patio.

“Put on a jacket and shoes,” I yelled.

Jonas smirked as he closed the patio door behind him.

“I’ll start cooking. You cuddle those two.” AJ kissed me, then went to the kitchen.

“It’s movie time.” Dean’s look grew giddy as he took the remote.

I threw the blanket over the three of us and got comfortable. I had a feeling that we were about to watch some childhood movie of theirs that they always watched at the cabin.

But that was okay. Because I was with them.

“See, I told you this would be fun.” Jonas took the marshmallow off the stick and popped it into his mouth.

After dinner, we put together a puzzle, which AJ and Grif turned into a drinking game. Then, we’d pulled the portable fire pit over to the hot tub, and here we were, roasting marshmallows in the hot tub, outside, in February.

“It is nice.” I turned my stick so I could get the marshmallow an even golden color. “Not excited about getting out.”

“I’ll keep you warm, Sweet Girl.” Jonas gave me a lusty wink from his place in the hot tub next to Dean, amber eyes gleaming.

I sat between Dean and Grif. AJ was on the other side of Grif.

Dean looked up at the sky. The snow had stopped, and it was full of twinkling stars. “That’s so beautiful.”

“Mercy would love to photograph it. Stars are apparently hard to take pictures of, but she’s working on it.” I took off the hot marshmallow and ate it. Delicious. I might want another. Even though I was full of the spectacular dinner AJ had made of spiced lamb and rice.

Grif kissed me, licking the marshmallow off my lips.

“If they plow the roads in the morning as promised, I need to head back to the office in the afternoon,” AJ told us. “We have two cars, so if you need another day, feel free.”

“Coach is very much ready for us all to come back.” Grif sighed and leaned his head on my shoulder. “We have a big game in two days, and he needs us. Not to mention the All-Star break is soon.”

I didn’t want to think about all the things I needed to do. Especially if I still wanted to go with them to see Grif play in Boston for the All-Stars. However, Saphira had been taking care of my plants, and Dr. Winters subbed my class, which was probably fun for my students.

“Let’s think about all that later and enjoy each other now,” Dean told us. “Then later, we can enjoy each other.” He winked at me.

“Mmmm, that sounds good.” Grif snagged a kiss. “Yeah, I want to make a Verity sandwich.”

“I think Verity might want to go to bed all by herself after putting up with us for five days.” AJ leaned over Grif and gave me a kiss. Grif smacked his ass, sending water splashing.

“Can we all sleep in a big pile?” I wanted everyone close, though I didn’t want anything more than cuddles right now.

Grif nodded and pulled me close. “I like that idea.”

“Whatever you two want,” Jonas assured. He gave Dean a kiss. “We’re yours.”

“And I’m yours.” Dean gave him a kiss, then snagged my lips and kissed me deeply, his lips tasting of gooey marshmallows.

“Same.” Grif kissed AJ, then me.

They were mine. The realization hit as Jonas put another marshmallow on his roasting stick.

I never thought I’d have one omega, and now I had Dean and Grif.

I had a soulmate.

And a pack.

A pack who loved all of me just the way I was.

I’d stood up for them. Took them.

Now they were mine.

Happiness and gratitude welled up in me. After all the crap I’d gotten from my family, everything I’d been through, I had my fairytale.

Who would have thought?