Hale was playing a drinking game in the backyard with his little sister and some of her teammates. Fiona was with a bunch of omegas.
Dusty had taken over the music and was having the best time. It was entertaining and his face held such joy. Helovedwhat he did. It made him happy.
While I liked what I did, it didn’t bring me joy or happiness. Just the sense of accomplishment you got when you did a job well.
I thought about what I’d said earlier, being vulnerable with him after having another fantastic orgasm. It went against everything I stood for. At the same time, he was my mate. He could feel me and I kept forgetting that. There was no way to hide anything from him. He wouldn’t believe me saying,I’m fine,when I wasn’t.
Also, I knew what happened in relationships when that did happen. Whether it was knowing how to shield emotions from the other, or someone just not caring how their partner really felt.
I’d grown up in that house, and I’d sooner drag everyone off for some serious partner therapy than raise our kids like that.
Still, it rattled me a little. While I did get vulnerable with Fiona, it was different because with her my job was to make her feel safe. That was the whole point of deltas.
I had to keep reminding myself that it wasn't a weakness to trust an alpha.
“Are you okay? You don’t look like you’re having much fun.” Verity, Hale’s older sister came over to me, leaning on her forearm crutch. She was wearing a stunning dress.
“Resting security guard face. I’m actually having a good time.” I scanned the room again, but my pack was all there, safe and having fun.
“You’re watching over them. I see. Hale mentioned that Fiona’s fathers put you in charge of the pack.”
“Temporarily. They don’t know the guys.” I took a sip of my beer.
“It’s one thing to be the most responsible person in the pack, but that also doesn’t make you the parent or babysitter, and there’s a difference. Halecanbe capable when he wants,” she admitted.
“It shows. Any alpha who brings a belt pack with cheesy crackers and bandages to a rave has a little sense of responsibility,” I replied.
She laughed. “That sounds like him. Still, the idea of him having a pack makes me anxious. Not because I don’t think he can do it. Because hecan.It’s because it will be different from the way I would, in a panic-inducing way.” She pinched the bridge of her nose.
A giant guy with a red beard came over and put his arm around her. “Are you doing okay, Kitten? We don’t have to stay until midnight. Mercy isfine.”
It took me a moment to realize that he was an omega, a very large one. Though I knew she was an alpha.
“Can we leave right after midnight? Considering we’ve already been to another party, I’m about done.” Her eyes flickered to the open glass doors to the small backyard. “I know she’ll be fine.”
“You’re part of Carlos’ pack, right? I’m Grif, I’m one of his teammates. He’s a good guy, a little chaotic, but a good guy,” he replied.
“I’m Saoirse. Fiona loves Carlos,” I agreed.
We talked a little longer, then I went to go get another beer, and see if Tegan, the Special Forces alpha I’d met at the game, was here. There was a lack of wine, but plenty of beer and hard liquor. I got a beer out of the kitchen, where a bunch of rugby players were having a card game. I didn’t see her.
I went out into the small backyard, which was full of lights. No, I didn’t see her there either or her mate.
My phone buzzed. My brother? He wasn’t passed out yet?
Tadgh
You and Fiona are topics of interest.
Me
Going viral will do that. Concern?
Tadgh
No.
Me
