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Ryder flicks Hendrix off. ”Oh, fuck off. We're trying to spoil both of them and Jareth deserves something special too. I want him to know he's not just getting dragged along and accepted because of Moira, but that he's a welcome addition."
Hendrix groans. “Hell, I'm really going to have to step up now. I can't be the only one who's hanging around acting as the comic relief."
I nudge Hendrix, shooting him a scowl. “I have never had as much fun or laughed as much as when I'm with you. You've brought a needed lightness into my life and I'm sure it'll be the same for Jareth and Ryder too."
Ryder nods. “It is. We all bring different things into the pack and you're the perfect alpha for betas like Moira and I. And probably a good choice for Jareth after the things he's been through."
Jareth adds his own agreement. “Yes. We need an alpha like you who isn't so intense and determined to have his own way. You're exactly what we need."
Hendrix looks surprisingly abashed at all our reassurances. "Then let's enjoy this weekend and use it as a test run to see if we think bonding as a pack is something possible for our future."
The kitchen timer screams from the other room, breaking up the intensity of our conversation.
Ryder jerks and rises hurriedly. "That's dinner. You three get comfortable and I'll start bringing things in."
"I'll grab Lexie,” I say.
Ryder shakes his head. “No need. She's already running for the kitchen. She wants to help."
Jareth grabs me around the waist and tugs me down on the pile of blankets and cushions while Ryder and Hendrix leave.
"How are you feeling about all of this?" I ask, wanting to check in with him.
He kisses the back of my neck. “I’m all in. I go where you go. If you want to cram ourselves back in your place above the studio, I'm game. If you want to move in here and start a pack with the two of them, I'll help you move. If you want to find a whole new place to live, in a new country where the entire town is bookstores, I'll follow you."
I lean back to meet his eyes. “I don't want to make all the decisions for you though. Your opinion matters. Which option do you actually prefer? And the truth."
His brow furrows. “I don't want to sway your choice with my preference though."
"Just tell me. If I hate the idea, I'll be honest with you too."
He studies me a moment before answering. “My vote is staying right here, with the two of them. I didn't come here expecting a pack, and it's never even been something I've had much interest in, but I found you here with those two circling and making you happy. I could never ask you to give them up. And even if I could, I don't want to. They're amazing and Ryder smells delicious, and even though Hendrix doesn't appeal to me sexually or romantically, his alpha pheromones will help keep me stable, especially during heats. Lexie will be happier with a pack surrounding her and so will you. So will I."
"So what? We just never leave Ryder's house and jump immediately into pack life so quickly?"
It sounds insane.
It sounds wonderful.
"Packs have been built much more quickly and with much less connection than the four of us. It's not like we have to bond right away. And I'm sure you can keep your space above the studio in case things go poorly."
We're interrupted before I can reply, Lexie leading the charge with her arms filled with plates and silverware. Thankfully, the plates are plastic instead of glass, so if she drops them all, it shouldn't end in disaster.
Once she drops her armful onto the pile, she plops herself into my lap. "This is amazing. I never want to leave."
I snuggle her close. “Itispretty amazing, darling. Ryder has created an oasis here in his home."
"Wait until you see what he made for dinner."
"What is it?" I ask.
She grins. “Our favorite."
I eye her. “How does he know our favorite?"
She shrugs. “He asked in class what everyone's favorite food was. He remembered that mine is bacon mac and cheese, so he made it. Though he added broccoli. You don't usually add broccoli."
"I'm sure it'll be delicious. You love broccoli."
