I catch the way Cliff's brows draw in, clearly not happy. “No,” he says firmly. “That’s not?—”
"It’snotup for discussion,” Elowen snips, glaring right at Cliff with those dark eyes.
The omega looks fierce, maybe even angry, while the look on Cliff's face is just as intense.
Everything goes quiet, and I freeze, not sure what to do.
But then I remember…their bond.
They must be having some kind of secret, mental conversation.Is that how bonds work?
I look at Raff, and he gives me the smallest shrug, clearly not sure what’s happening either.
"Fine." Cliff holds her gaze "You can sleep in the guest roomtonight." He picks up his glass of water. "We'll talk about the rest tomorrow."
Elowen nods once, clearly happy it’s settled, then she takes a big bite of her pasta.
I blink, genuinely shocked.
Clifford Durrant. The most immovable man I have ever known in my entire life. Just conceded. To a woman he's known for less than twenty-four hours. Without argument or conditions.
Raff smiles down at his bowl, and Adam sits a little straighter, clearly very happy.
"Does anyone need a refill?" my brother asks,already grabbing the pitcher. “You definitely need to stay hydrated, El.” He reaches across the table and refills Elowen's water without a word.
"Thank you,” she says, her voice bright and sweet.
He looks back at her. Really looks, for maybe the first time since she walked into this house. And whatever he finds there must be enough, because something in his face quietly rearranges itself.
"You're welcome," he says.
It's small. It's so small. But I've known Adam his whole life, and I know what it cost him, and I know what it means.
I reach for more bread and say nothing.
Because I honestly think we might actually be okay.
After Dinner
Elowen
The second thelast plate is empty, I'm on my feet, stacking the dishes before anyone can tell me not to.
"Omega." Cliff's hand closes loosely around my wrist. "You don't have to do that."
"I've got it," I say with a cheerful smile.
He looks at me with those sexy dark eyes and I feel a pull through our bond, like a hand at the small of my back, telling me this isn't my job.
It's weird how I already feel like I've known this man for years.
"You should rest," he says. "You've been through a lot. Come sit on the couch."
I tighten my grip on the plates. "I'm not the pampered-pet kind of omega," I tell him, then pause.It's so weird calling myself an omega."I need to do something,” I say. “Let me wash the dishes."
The alpha holds my gaze for another second, then letsgo of my wrist. "Fine." He looks up at Adam. "How about you, beta?"
"Oh, I'm definitely a pampered-pet kind of mate.” Adam smiles.Wide.
