The full weight of Adler’s guilt hits me through our bond like a volleyball to the chest.
“Could you have controlled yourself if Faye asked you to bite her?” I refute.
“That’s…” Laz opens and closes his mouth. “Well, that’s different?”
“You don’t have to defend me, Sabs. Your brother’s right.” Adler steps forward. “I take full responsibility for what happened, and I should have been able to control myself better, but I don’t regret what happened. While I wish it didn’t happen the way that it did, I’m glad that we bonded because I’m almost certain that your sister is my—our—scent match.”
Adler’s need to be close to me hums through our bond. His hand finds the small of my back, his thumb tracing a comforting circle over my skin, making me feel like we can conquer anything together.
Faye squeals in glee while Damon tugs her into his chest to kiss her forehead. Ren’s eyes look like they’re about to pop out of their sockets, while Cole looks at me, seeking confirmation. “Is this true, Sabs?”
“It’s not like there are any tests that can confirm it.” I shrug, but deep in my bones, I sense that my draw to them is more than simply attraction. It’s magnetic. “So yeah… I think we are.”
Ren chews his lip, deep in thought. “That does change things.”
“It changes nothing!” Laz turns on him. “He bit my sister!”
“And Sabs is a consenting adult,” Ren reminds him. Although he’s the quietest of the group, when he does speak, everyone listens to what he has to say. “Are they treating you well, Sabs?”
“They are.” I nod earnestly. “They got me the biggest disco ball for my nest,” I add in a loud whisper for Faye’s benefit.
Before she can reply with what I know will be enthusiasm, Cole jumps in to kill the mood. “Life isn’t all disco balls and blankets. Bonding is for the rest of your lives.” He massages his temples. “This wasn’t part of your plan.”
“So?” I cross my arms. “I can make a new plan. Easy-peasy.”
“See?” Laz yanks at his hair in frustration. “She doesn’t understand the seriousness of this!”
“I know exactly what bonding involves, thank you very much.” I grind my back teeth together. “You can spare me the passive-aggressive lecture.”
“We’ll make sure that Sabs doesn’t miss out on anything,” Orin jumps in before a full-blown fight ensues. “I take my role as pack leader seriously. I won’t let an accidental bonding ruin anyone’s future.”
“And how old are you?” Laz tsks, scanning him up and down. “Y-you’re… going gray!”
“Is that really all you have?” I snort. “He’s not eighty with a saggy knot.” My cheeks heat. “Well, not that I’ve seen it to know, but Iassumeit’s not saggy.”
Drax coughs, trying to disguise a laugh behind his hand, and Faye has to turn away to hide her giggles.
Ren slaps his forehead. “Give me strength.”
“I’m twenty-nine.” Orin adjusts his collar, his lips quirking at the corners.
“That’s almost a seven year age gap!” Laz’s eyes widen.
“So what?” I grumble. “That’s not exactly outrageous, and women are way more mature than men. Besides, an age gap is kinda hot.”
Cole shakes his head. “You’re not helping yourself here, Sabs.”
“If Orin says he’ll take care of her, I believe him,” Damon speaks up. “I can vouch for him.”
“Just because he’s your boss doesn’t mean you really know him!” Laz is clutching at straws now. “You didn’t even know Adler Ace was his packmate until today.”
“I keep my personal affairs private for a reason,” Orin replies.
“And why are you here, Drax?” Laz finally turns his attention to him, now that he’s running out of people to yell at. “I don’t know why they’d let a beta they don’t know join their?—”
“Laz!” Faye gasps, mouth forming a stern line. “Any pack would be lucky to have Drax join them.”
“I didn’t mean it like that, man.” Laz catches himself. “It’s just not something I’ve seen happen before.”
