Page 35 of Bonds and Beasts

"Yeah, I wasn't aware that a lake could look like a goddamn ocean," Dean jokes.

"When I was younger, my family used to take our boat out almost every weekend until it snowed. We probably still own that boat. I need to check with the marina."

Bello's hand finds mine from across the car. "We'll check on that together. See if we can't get it out before it snows this year." Everything in me warms at the thought. Taking them out, having those experiences with them, would be everything.

We pull up to a hole-in-the-wall restaurant in Traverse City. It's not on the main drag, but it’s a well-known spot at a winery that serves small plates and unique tastings. I was nervous about my ability to do this, but when we arrive, I notice that we're the only car in guest parking.

"We rented the place out for tonight," Bello explains as he takes my hand and helps me out of the car. I let out a breath. I know, logically, that the scent neutralizers will work. But there's still some illogical part of me that’s still convinced I'll cause a dangerous situation with my scent anytime I go somewhere crowded.

I look around at each of them. They're wearing outfits that are appropriate for a date, but still stick to their personalities. Dean shows off a black leather jacket over a collared shirt and new jeans, Easton is dressed in a new cardigan and tan slacks, and Bello is draped in a long black coat over a red collared shirt and black slacks. They look like they're ready for the red carpet. I catch my reflection in a nearby window. I chose a strapless, blue, A-line dress with a black belt and braided black ribbons into my hair. I don't look like a slouch, but part of me still wonders if this isn't all some mistake. I don't look like a woman who should be courted by movie stars.

Bello leans down and kisses the pulse point on my neck under my chin. I gasp and clutch the fabric of his coat. "We wanted to make sure you were comfortable," he says as he pulls back to meet my eyes.

"You've been doing amazingly well considering the severity of your touch deprivation, but we didn't want you to have to worry about it today," Easton adds, making everything sound clinical while also ensuring I know that he truly cares. It’s hard to describe, but he makes me feel seen.

We take a seat at the table that's been prepared for us. The chef starts serving a seven-course meal that has been considered for a Michelin star. I wouldn't say it's filling, exactly, but it is entertaining. Froth-covered bits and mousse made from salt and all kinds of foods that don't occur naturally, but are certainly fun.

Partway through, Bello pulls out a slim jewelry box and hands it to me. "Our first courting gift. I hope you like it."

The piece inside is stunning: a necklace with a rose pendant. Golden vines climb from the rose and up the chain, giving it a dynamic look.

"It's beautiful," I whisper, then hold my hair as Easton's careful fingers clasp it around my neck. I can't stop touching it as the meal continues.

We've been talking about movies, their roles and the weather, but during another course, they start to ask about me and I get nervous.

"Can I ask you, Sweetheart, what happened to your parents? How long did Mr. Clocks have control over the estate?" Easton gently inquires.

I turn to the side, at a wall with a painting of the lake on it. I can't look at people when I tell them this. Their faces are always the same, full of pity. Full of sadness for me, and that sadness consumes me until I can't hold back the tears.

"When I was eighteen, they were going to a function in Detroit. I didn't want to attend. So, they went alone. It got stormy. There was an accident." I still remember waking up the next day wondering where they were but not overly concerned I guessed they probably drank too much and decided to get a hotel. I didn’t start panicking until that evening. Mr. Clocks was their emergency contact and the hospital and police finally contacted him. He told me what happened. He was so caring at that time. Like a grandfather. He pretended so well, he should have been an actor.”

Dean's hand slides under mine, his fingers lacing through mine slowly, like he's got nowhere else to be. He lifts my hand to his mouth, lips brushing over my knuckles, and doesn't look away from me while he does it.

"You were alone after that?" Easton asks, looking more upset than Dean, who simply looks determined. Like he's prepared to make it all right for me somehow.

"I had friends. Lisa, Mrs. Portridge. The community was so kind and supportive. I never felt alone… until my designation birthday…" I trail off and catch the alphas looking at each other with the kind of silent communication only packs who know each other deeply understand.

"Beauty, what happened at your designation birthday party?” Bello asks. “That seems to be when this all started, right?"

My eyes find the far wall again, tears burning behind them. My bottom lip slips between my teeth. Fingers find my chin, turning my gaze back, and gently pull my lip free.

Easton meets my gaze. "You understand that you can tell us. We're mates. You can tell us anything and that won't ever change."

So, I open my mouth and decide to tell them everything. I hope it doesn't damn me.

Bello

Adison takes a deep breath. Whatever she's about to tell us is the key to everything that's happened to her over the past year.

"My parents were both alphas,” she starts. “Almost everyone in my family line was. Statistically, my parents were assured that it was unlikely that I'd designate as anything else. So, despite all of my signs—liking soft things and spaces, seeking comfort foods, hiding in nest-like places such as closets lined with blankets—they always assumed I'd be an alpha."

Dean scoffs. "Clearly not." He means it kindly, but it still cuts. He must see it in my face because he leans forward and smooths his palm over my cheek, pulling me in a little so that he can kiss it. "For which we are eternally grateful," he whispers in my ear before kissing the sensitive skin below it.

"I didn't learn the things that most omegas learn before designation. And then my parents were gone. Mr. Clocks proposed a big birthday party for my designation. He said it would introduce me to the world as the head of my parents' vast estates and ensure no one tried to take them out from under me."

I know I'm not the only one in my pack noticing that was Clocks implicating himself.

Adison goes on. "Designation was on the night of my twentieth birthday. We invited basically the whole town plus many of my parents' business associates. About halfway through the night, my designation revealed." She swallows, tears appearing at the corners of her eyes. My hand strokes over her spine in long swipes. "It was really bad."