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“Okay,” I said, my voice barely audible as I stared up at him. Riven was fighting for me, even when I found it hard to fight for myself. That thought alone grounded me.
I knew having someone like him by my side meant I wouldn’t drown… I’d always have a lifeline.
If I got angry and needed an outlet, I could see him. And it wasn’t just him. If I needed someone to hold me, I knew Micah would be there in a second. If I needed to laugh, Drew would be there. If I needed someone to talk to, Lake knew me better than I even knew myself these days, and I hoped that we could both find peace.
He’d thrown himself into work, but I knew that Lake was not as carefree as he used to be. I couldn’t wait to see the light come back into his eyes.
He deserved it.
This pack would be as good for me as they were for Lake, and I wanted to be good for them, too. I wanted to stop doubting that I could be their omega and I wanted to stop hating that I had a future.
A weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I hadn’t realized how heavy it all was until I screamed and fought it out at the lake, and surprisingly, the guilt and pain didn’t settle right back in.
It was still there under the surface, and maybe it always would be, but it wasn’t all-consuming.
Riven moved away and helped me into the truck again. He started the truck and pulled out of the parking spot.
My mind swirled with ideas to connect with Lake. We needed to have more than just our past, we needed to find something new that just belonged to us.
My phone beeped in my lap, pulling me out of my thoughts. I blinked at the road, realizing we were almost at Micah’s house before checking my phone.
Unknown: Hey, this is Serenity. I got your number from Micah and added you to the girls’ chat. I changed nicknames so you know who everyone is.
Ellie: Girls and Bear, my omega mate. He joins us sometimes.
Katya: Omega chat. I’m Kat, nice to meet you, newbie.
Serenity: We’re going for Mexican later tonight. You in? 7:30.
Shaye: I’m in.
“You’re smiling,” Riven said as he pulled up in front of Micah’s house. There was no hiding it now as it spread further, and I shook my head.
“Don’t tell anyone. You’ll ruin my reputation.”
“Oh, I’m telling them all that I got you to smile. Maybe we should start a competition to see who wins.”
I groaned, “Oh god, no. I have a feeling that Drew and Lake would be relentless. In fact, I know for a fact that Lake would. He’s always been competitive.”
“Don’t tempt me, baby girl,” he warned as he climbed out and grabbed the food. I hurried to get out before he could help me down, and he narrowed his eyes as I hopped down onto the pavement. I closed the door behind me and shot him a smirk before walking up the sidewalk.
“You’re back,” Lake’s words came in a rush as he threw open the door and crashed into me. I melted into the touch, wrapping my arms around his waist and resting my head against his chest.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you,” I said as we clung to each other. It felt like I had so much to say to him, but I couldn’t figure out what words to tell him that I was glad he was here.
“Seems I didn’t need to worry,” he mused as he pulled away, giving me a flicker of his old smile. “You seem different.”
“I am,” I admitted. “Yesterday felt good, and apparently, it fucked with me. I just needed to get away. I was so mad at Everett for leaving me, for putting me in this weird position, for making it hard for me to open up to anyone. Then I felt bad for feeling that way.”
“I get mad sometimes, too,” he admitted as he squeezed me tighter. “It’s normal.”
“Riven helped,” I said.
Lake shot him a grateful smile. “If anyone gets pain, it’s him.”
He stepped back and led me inside, not letting go of my hand as we walked into the kitchen. Drew and Micah were already there, and Micah rushed forward, pulling me into a hug when he saw me, giving me a quick, gentle squeeze before releasing me, though I noticed his hand hovering over my lower back, afraid to let me get too far.
Apparently, running away had freaked them all out, but I refused to feel bad for it because I needed it. The first step in not punishing myself.
