She nods slowly. "How does it work with three alphas? Like, all three. Together."
I think about Calder's steady presence, Tyler's warmth, Julian's careful attention. "We make it work.”
Maya considers this, chin resting on her knees. "The alphas here, they're not bad. Just... limited. Like they learned one way to be and that's it."
"Millbrook doesn't have omega-specific resources?"
"No. I mean, there's Ms. Park at school, she's nice. But mostly it's just regular health class stuff. Be careful, track your cycle, find a good alpha." She makes a face. "My first heat was terrifying because nobody told me anything real."
My chest tightens with recognition. "Mine too. For different reasons, but yeah. Scary."
"Tyler said you managed yours alone. By choice."
"I did. It's hard, but it's possible. And I had help, people I trusted."
She looks up. "Your pack?"
"Yes."
"Do they..." She hesitates. "Sorry if this is too personal. But do they try to control you? Like, even in smallways?"
"No," I say firmly. "They protect. But they don't control. There's a difference."
Maya absorbs this, her expression thoughtful. "I want to apply to Elderwood. When I graduate. But Mom worries about the cost, and Dad thinks maybe I should stay closer to home, and I just..."
"Want to choose for yourself?"
"Yeah."
I lean forward. "Tell them. Your parents seem like they'd listen."
"They would. They're good." She picks at the edge of her sleeve. "I just don't want to disappoint them."
"Choosing your own path isn't a disappointment. It's growth."
She smiles. "Tyler said you were smart. About more than just plants."
"He's biased."
"Maybe. But I think he's right."
When we return to the kitchen, the alphas are helping clean up from lunch. Calder washing dishes, Julian drying, Thomas putting things away while Catherine directs traffic with the ease of long practice.
"Our omega's been giving my sister life advice," Tyler says, looking pleased.
"Good advice, I hope," I reply.
"The best kind," Mayaconfirms. "The honest kind."
Catherine catches my eye, something warm and knowing in her expression. "Walk with me? I want to show you the bookshop before we lose the light."
The afternoon is crisp but not uncomfortable as we make our way down Millbrook's main street. Catherine tucks her hands into her jacket pockets.
"Thomas is dying to show you his collection," she says. "But I wanted a few minutes first. Mother to potential daughter-in-law."
My breath catches slightly at the phrasing.
She notices, smiles. "Too forward? Sorry. Occupational hazard, I'm a hospice nurse. We learn to say important things while there's still time."
