Page 146 of Puck My Life

He grabs a spoon, scoops up a piece, and holds it to my lips. I open my mouth and moan.

“It’s so good, Deacon.”

“We listen to you, Vae. Even if you just talk about cakes, even if you don’t say anything at all. We hear you. You are our star.”

The world holds its breath. Take a chance. Be brave.

“And I have always loved you.” He pulls me in tight, kissing my hair. His body trembles, and I wonder if he expected me to say no, but then I’m lost in the scent of him, of them. Clinging to that combination of scents that has always been my favourite.

“I’m yours, Pan, for now and always. Let’s go get my stuff.”

“Tomorrow. Tonight, I want to make you feel good,” Deacon purrs as the door opens and the rest of my new pack creeps in.

My scent explodes into the room, and I melt into his arms.

“Vae, are you coming home?” Raynor asks.

I hesitate, letting the tension build. “I am.”

Their smiles are better than any star I’ve ever dreamed up.

Mal

PAST

I walk into the kitchen and find Indy and Vae facing off against each other.

For a moment, I almost turn and walk right out of there. I do not want to get in the middle of this, but I spot the crimson spots on Vae’s cheeks, and I remember well how dangerous she can be.

“Vae? What’s going on?”

“I want her out of this house.”

I shake my head. There is no way I can do that.

“What happened? You two are my most favourite people in the whole world outside of the pack. I don't want you to fight.”

“I’m not your maid!” Vae hisses.

“Of course, not.” But she does do everything for us. The towels just magically appear, my bed linens wash themselves, my meals are always made according to the diet, weighed to exactly what I need to consume.

“Vae, calm down. You can’t yell at Indy like that.”

Vae recoils.

“Let’s just say you’re sorry and make up.”

She shakes her head. “She thinks I’m going to move out.”

I pause, hesitating. “Well, you will one day when we choose an omega, won’t you?” It’s a question that’s been on my mind when it’s just me and my thoughtsin the middle of the night. I don’t mean to ask it. I wish I could take it back, but that’s what everyone says. It’s what should happen. I hate the idea; I despise the idea. Losing Vae is unthinkable.

Vae’s face goes white.

I panic, but she bolts for the backdoor and disappears, even though I call for her.

I think about choosing an omega, and I don’t know why I said that. It’s not like we’re ready. It will be years yet. If we ever do.

PRESENT