Page 33 of Omega Forged (Hartlock Omegas #2)

Embarrassment churned in my stomach at the thought of admitting what I’d told no one. I’d never said aloud how foolish I’d been. The echo of my naivety shamed me still. I’d given Chase more than my body, and he’d used it to better himself.

“After my parents died, I was lost. This alpha told me I was special.” I swallowed a sharp knot in my throat.

“Promised me his mark, and a place in his pack. Swore he loved me. But he bonded with someone else and wanted to keep me a secret. I refused, of course, but he wouldn’t give up.

Tracked me everywhere and harassed me. Which is how I ended up living with Fenella.

I thought, if I could leave for Astaly, I’d be free of him and my difficulties in Starhaven. ”

“Give me his name, Tully.” Walden’s order rumbled my ribs.

His fingers dug into my thighs, but I welcomed the harsh touch. It meant he still wanted me. My chest felt light for the first time in months.

“So, he can call me a liar?” I scoffed and my insides wobbled. “They’d say it was a jealous, unbound omega who let her emotions get away from her.”

“Let him try. You don’t want to use your name, but it has power,” Ajax argued.

Power I didn’t know how to use. Power that crushed me under its weight. I wasn’t skilled enough to wield the Hartlock name, and the thought of even trying made my stomach flip.

“You seem to think I—”

“Oh, I understand. You don’t want to stay in Starhaven and be some rich alpha’s pet, so you’ll run to Astaly and be one there instead.” Pan curled his hand over Ajax’s shoulder.

It was the first time I’d seen him offer comfort to his brother, and it startled Ajax as well. He shot Pan an open-mouthed look of confusion before turning back to me. He was ready to debate with me. How did I recognize that furrowed line between his brow after such a short amount of time?

“I-I don’t know, okay?” I covered my face with my hands. “Last week I had nothing and no one in my corner. Astaly seemed like it was the best option.”

“Was?” Lloyd whispered, and the hope sparking in his expression could have lit up a midnight sky.

Walden sighed. “That’s not true, anymore.”

“We’re practically strangers,” I protested, wetly.

“Strangers?” Lloyd jumped in before I finished speaking. “Tully, I’ve told things to you I’ve never told anyone.”

I wanted to turn the jangled mess of my insides out and sift through my excuses, my reasons, and build a wall between us. Didn’t they understand how much of a mess I was? But as I searched and searched inside my thumping heart, I couldn’t find anything strong enough. I’d been so sure a week ago.

Starhaven had nothing left for me. But now…

“After that heat?” Pan dragged his finger down my jaw with a hungry look. “You think I don’t know you?”

“My body.” I flushed.

I was being deliberately stubborn and obtuse. But there was my heart to contend with. The one Chase bruised with words, and I wanted to believe Baylark Pack didn’t have it in them to do the same.

“We can tell you a thousand times over how much we want you, which we do, but you don’t trust words. But instead of running, which I can tell you want to, why don’t you give us a chance to show you?” Walden stroked his thumbs down my body and there was tension underneath the soft tone he used.

His offer wrenched my ribcage in two. My heart pounded with a vulnerable beat.

“Give us a chance,” Ajax added.

I searched their faces and found devastation, at the thought I might leave. Could they truly help my insides feel less like a mudslide?

My lungs hurt as I held my breath. I curled my hands on my lap and sank my fingernails into my palm.

I wanted what they offered.

“If— when he finds out I’m here, that alpha might cause trouble. I don’t want you to be ashamed of me.”

The admission was small, but the vulnerability it caused in me was a gulf.

Walden made a noise, leaning forward to drag his nose down my neck.

His breath puffed over my skin and his taut, naked body under mine was a hot, silky promise.

It made me tingle all over. His teeth scraped and I let out a surprised squeak, unable to contain my surprise.

“We’ll take each day as it comes. If this alpha from your past dares come near you? I’ll make sure he wishes he was never born.” Walden pulled back, and I stared into his eyes. So warm with trust and devotion.

“Do you remember my parents' funeral?”

“Of course.”

“I was mortified and ashamed at not being able to handle my emotions. When you left, that was when this alpha introduced himself.”

A crease appeared between Walden’s eyes. “You were grieving, and so innocent about the world. I kick myself that I didn’t stay with you.”

Pan leaned over and bopped my nose. “Not so innocent now, are you, angel?”

Warmth curled in my stomach, but I shook my head.

“I felt so small and useless standing next to you. I-I don’t even know who Tully Hartlock is, and what if she ends up being someone you don’t like? That you're ashamed of?”

“Don’t worry about shame. That’s my job.” Pan winked.

Would it be too much for me to have what I wanted for once? A tangled mess of love and a home where I truly belonged?

“We love you, Pan. Flaws and all. And Tully, if I ever make you feel that way again, tell me.”

I nodded, my throat tight.

“Communication is key,” Ajax added.

“Let me finish washing you and I can show you something I’ve been working on.” Walden dragged the washcloth down my chest.

Their scents and mine mingled with such ease.

“I’ve made a spreadsheet with some ideas. I thought Fridays could be date night. We went about things backward, so I would like to schedule our courting. I think individual dates per week on Wednesdays. I’ve color-coded it,” Walden explained as his hands washed my tender body clean.

“Walden.” Ajax threw his hands up. “Spreadsheets are not romantic. If you need wooing, treasure, we can dazzle you.” Ajax waggled his eyebrow.

“We have a few work dinners coming up as well, and you on our arm would be good practice for reclaiming your name,” Walden added.

I chewed on my bottom lip. Going out in public filled me with dread. But I’d been alone when Chase insisted I become his mistress. Now I had Baylark Pack.

Bright possibilities spread out in front of me. My heart was big and bruised. There were scars it would never heal from. But I couldn’t let that keep me from living.

“I think I’m ready.”

“Also, my sisters want to visit you. I’ll leave that request up to you.”

The tension, which had been as suffocating as a blanket, dissipated as Lloyd slipped, naked, into the bath. His mouth descended on mine, taking with it any worries I harbored.

Maybe I didn’t trust them completely, but in their arms, I felt safe.