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twenty-two

HENRY

I think it’s safe to say that our Pack outing ended in disaster.

It’s been a few days, and while we still have a group chat with the guys, it’s been quieter than usual.

Vic and I are the only ones chatting, and at this point, I’m ready to start a thread with just the two of us.

My heart is still feeling sad and sore from the group talk where I drove Josie home.

She was so heartbroken that my own heart got sad.

She told me that what they said wasn’t a surprise, but it still made her sad to hear.

When we got to her condo, Jesse’s car wasn’t in his driveway, and I could see the disappointment in her body language.

So, as the chivalrous Alpha I am, I offered her snuggles.

She accepted, and I spent the evening snuggling with her until she fell asleep.

It was one of my happiest moments, and I’ll be treasuring it in my heart.

Now, though, Vic and I are trying to wade through the aftermath.

I grab my phone from where it’s sitting next to me on the couch and pull up a new thread with Vic.

Me

You busy?

Vic

Nah, done with work, Si’s still workin. What’s up?

Me

Been thinkin on Pack talk from the other night.

Vic

Oh, is that why we’re not using the group chat?

Me

Partly. Well, mostly.

Okay fine, yeah, it’s the reason.

Vic

Well, what’s on your mind?

Me

Bonding. We should talk. Wanna meet?

Vic

Yeah, how does a beer sound?

Me

Delicious.

We text more before landing on one of the breweries in town.

It doesn’t take long to get there, and we’ve arrived in time for their Happy Hour.

Cheap, delicious beer? I’m totally in. Vic’s already here, and he catches my eye by waving his hand in the air.

My own hand raises in acknowledgement before navigating his way.

I sit on a stool across from him at a two-person high top and settle in.

“Whatcha got there?” I ask, looking at his golden drink.

Vic inspects the glass before shrugging. “Honestly, I told them to bring their best-selling beer, didn’t ask what it is.”

My head tips back in laughter, and when the waitress comes around, I order the same, grabbing an appetizer as well. We make small talk until my beer is delivered, and I decide it’s time to get down to it.

“So, I want to bond with you and Josie,” I spit out.

Vic raises his eyebrows in surprise, “Well, lube me up before you just jam it in there.”

I chuckle, “I figure just get it out in the open and figure shit out, you know? Simon and Jesse are clearly not ready or not willing to join as a Pack, so I didn’t want to waste time if you’re not interested.”

“No, I’m interested, no problems there. I don’t know Jesse very well, but Josie seems like she’s excited about him. I think our last Pack talk hurt her more than she wants to admit.”

“Yeah, after I took her home, we just cuddled. She wouldn’t let me leave until she fell asleep, but she also wouldn’t talk about it,” I tell him.

“She’s always had a bigger heart than she cares to admit. There’s a desire in her to be independent and not need anyone else, and I know there are a few areas that stem from that. Deep down, though? She is more focused on other people’s happiness than her own.”

“So all we have to do is convince the other two to bond with us, and everything’s fixed. Easy.” My voice is laced thick with sarcasm.

Vic just chuckles and makes a noise of agreement.

Our appetizers appear then, and we abandon our conversation for food and more small talk.

Vic is a fun guy, and I can see why Josie likes him so much.

He gives me glimpses into their lives as they met and then were separated.

It sounds like they’ve been enamored with each other since they met, and fuck if my heart doesn’t melt a little at that.

“What if we really do get both guys on board?” Vic asks, swinging back to our serious conversation with no warning.

“Now who isn’t using lube?” I tease him, eyebrow raised.

Vic chuckles, acknowledging the switch in position.

“What do you want to do to get them on board?” I ask.

“Well, I’m not totally sure about Jesse, but I know Simon’s biggest issue is insecurity and fear. He’s scared that we’ll change our minds and leave him behind.” Vic explains.

I grunt, “Something like that takes time to prove. It’s not a short-term solution.”

“You’re right,” Vic sighs, “I think we can get him there sooner, but it’s going to take more time than I want it to. So, what’s your read on Jesse?”

“It almost feels like he doesn’t know how to interact. He seems more comfortable just observing. When it comes to Pack, we need everyone engaged or it doesn’t work.”

Vic hums under his breath, thinking through our conversation so far.

My observation of him so far is that he tends to be more thoughtful in his approach, whereas Simon is a little more impulsive.

Not in a bad way, I don’t think, but it definitely means his emotions drive him more than he’d like to admit.

When the waitress passes by, I order us a second round of drinks.

“Does Simon typically go with how he feels in life? Or does he think things through?” I ask.

“He definitely goes with his feelings more frequently than most with decision making,” Vic replies.

“So if we talk to him, maybe we can convince him to give us a try. Appeal to his feelings and point out that we’re not the same as what he’s gone through in the past?”

“That would be something you need to do. I’ve talked about this with him many times in the past, and I think the problem is trusting new people. He trusts me already. At least, I think he does.” His brow furrows, as if he hadn’t considered that Simon may not trust him.

“I’m sure he does, he looks at you like you’re the greatest thing in his life. Josie is a close second based on how he looks at her, too.”

Vic looks up at me from his glass, “Thanks, man, I think I needed to hear that.”

“Happy to remind you anytime,” I assure him with a smile.

“So, Jesse. I actually think that’s something I can tackle. We’ll do a double-sided approach. You handle Simon, and I can take Jesse.”

It’s my turn to frown now, “How are you planning to approach Jesse?”

“I think I’m going to approach it as getting to know him, honestly. Yes, it sounds silly, but I’m hopeful that if he knows we value him just for being him, he’ll open up more.”

“Well, let’s hope we can put our Pack together, eh?” I say.

Vic smiles and holds up his beer. I hold mine up in salute, and we both drink, my brain whirling with plans. Another idea comes to mind, and I can’t let it pass by.

“Vic?”

“Henry.”

“What do you think about agreeing to bond Josie, even if the other two aren’t in? You’re a Beta, so we’d be balanced. We wouldn’t have to worry about rushing to find another member.” My voice is almost rushing at the end, excitement flowing through me now.

The idea had filtered into my head, but I didn’t expect the excitement to heighten as I spoke.

As I think it through, though, I realize that there’s no reason we should wait to bond Josie if she’s ready.

She already said she is, so now it’s a matter of telling her.

Vic’s eyes light up as he listens to my idea, and I can tell he’s in.

“Yes, I absolutely think we should. It makes sense, and you’re right; we have one of each designation, so there’s no rush to find someone to balance us out. We need to talk to Josie first, though,” Vic agrees.

I pull out my phone in response.

Me

Hey there, sweetheart, are you busy?

Josie

No, I’m just finishing up getting a job posting put together. What’s up?

Me

Are you up for visitors? Vic and I wanted to talk.

Josie

… is everything okay?

Me

Yeah, all good.

Josie

You sure? Cuz you just gave me the “we need to talk” but nicer message.

My eyes move to Vic, my cheeks red, and a smile of embarrassment on my face.

“I think I messed up a bit,” I confess, and pass my phone to him.

Vic grabs it and reads our messages before cracking up. He’s almost crying from how hard he’s laughing, and I cross my arms defensively. He waves me away, trying to dismiss the embarrassment.

“Sorry, it’s not funny, but it’s funny. Can I?” he says.

I shrug, “Sure.”

He types a message back and hands my phone back, certain that he’s now fixed the situation.

Me

Josie Girl, I just grabbed Henry’s phone. Our poor awkward boy and I want to see you because we miss you.

I’m torn between amusement and indignation when Josie replies.

Josie

God, you two are adorable. Get over here.

I look up and grin at Vic, “Bingo, we’re in.”

Grabbing my wallet, I pay for our bill, and we both head to our cars and drive quickly to Josie.

The two of us park on the side of the road and almost race to the door.

Vic beats me with a “hah!” and raises his hands in victory.

He’s busy looking at me and gloating, so he misses when the door opens.

Josie looks at him and smiles in confusion, with her head tilted.

“You good there, Vic?” she asks, mischief clear in her tone.

He turns, arms still in the air, and grins at her. “Yes, yes, I am.”

She laughs and opens the door all the way, inviting us in.

As the two of us file into her condo, we both take the opportunity to kiss her on her forehead and temple.

She’s blushing and smiling furiously as we settle in on the couch.

Vic and I settle in on either side of her, and I can’t stop myself from bringing my nose to her neck and inhaling deeply.

Her head tilts with a smile of contentment, but I pull myself back before I can get lost in her.

“Well, we do have a question for you,” I admit to her as I pull back.

She settles back into the couch so we’re both slightly in front of her, where she can see us.

“Okay, shoot.”

“Were you serious about wanting to bond us the other night?” I ask.

She frowns a little before looking between us. “Yes, I want to bond with all of you, but I’m not sure how we can with Jesse and Simon out. They really don’t seem to want it, and I’m not about to force them.”

“Would you bond with just us?” Vic asks softly.

Josie looks between us, surprise clear on her face. She bites her lip just a little as she thinks before twisting her fingers together.

“I would love to, but it doesn’t seem fair to keep them out. I want all of you,” she says softly.

“We aren’t giving up on them,” I reassure her, “They need time, but Vic and I are ready. So we’re hoping that you’re willing to bond during your next heat, and we can try to convince them before that to join us. If they don’t, we can bring them in later. We have balance with the three of us.”

She nods, thinking through my words.

“Josie Girl,” Vic brings her attention to him, “We don’t want to deny you anything. We want to give you everything. We want Jesse and Simon to join, but we also recognize it may take time.”

A smile finally begins to spread across Josie’s face. “Yeah, okay, I think I can do that. I’m still nervous. It’s a big step. We just feel right, though, don’t we? I can’t feel it physically, but the more time we spend together, the more sure I am.”

“I’m pretty sure I was gone for you the second you knocked on my door and put me in my place for staring,” I admit with a chuckle.

Josie beams at me and grabs the front of my shirt, pulling me in gently.

Our lips meet softly, and I hum happily into her lips, savoring the taste of her on my lips.

She pushes against me gently, and I pull away.

She uses her other hand to grab Vic’s shirt and pull him in where I just was.

Watching them kiss is more erotic than I thought it could be.

I’m aching for her heat, now, and I can’t wait.