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“I’m fine,” I say. “You guys have no idea what your offer means to me. It’s just that...” I hesitate, struggling to find the right words to say to ease their worry.
“What is it, Rory?” Seth asks. “Just tell us and we’ll do our best to make it right.”
“I was wondering whether your family will approve of you moving out of your home for a stranger like me?” I say. “Your dads seem quite strict. I don’t want you guys getting in trouble because of me.”
“First of all, you’re not a stranger,” Oliver says.
“Second of all, our dads aren’tthatstrict,” Simon adds, wearing an identical grin to Oliver’s.
“Our dads might seem cruel after what they did to Seth,” Oliver says.
“But, it wasn’t really their fault,” Simon continues. “Seth-bear could’ve explained that he was helping one of the rescued omegas and they’d have understood the severity of the situation and lessened his punishment.”
My gaze toggles between the twins. It’s incredible how they’re able to finish each other’s thoughts without batting an eye.
“Blame Seth for being a martyr,” Oliver says, drawing my attention back to him.
“Yeah,” Simon agrees. “He could’ve saved his sweet bootie if he’d just told them the truth.”
“Enough!” Seth shouts. “I’m not going to repeat myself again. I was protecting Rory’s secret. No matter what you say, I’d do it all over again.”
“Seth...” Rushing toward him, I place my hand on his mouth. “Don’t say that. I don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”
His hand closes over mine as he gently kisses my palm. “Don’t worry about me, Rory. The aches and pains will heal soon. They’re nothing compared to what you’ve suffered.”
Simon lets out a loud sigh. “Don’t stress over him. Seth’s an alpha. We all heal quicker than others. Give it a week or so, and his bones will mend themselves.”
I look up at Seth. “Is that true?”
He nods. “I’ll be fine,” he reassures me with a warm smile.
“Don’t worry about our parents,” Oliver says. “We’ll be staying right here. Just not in the same house as them.”
“Come on,” says Seth, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. “Let’s go check out our new place.” Simon and Oliver fall in place beside us as he leads me out of the entrance hall.
Evening is starting to set in. A cool breeze blows by, lifting the stray strands on my forehead. I breathe deeply, finally tasting a slice of freedom.
Simon and Oliver know the truth of my past now. They’re willing to accept me despite knowing I belonged to the Black Widow as a sex slave. The easy smiles on their faces are proof they’re happy to have me with them.
Staying at home with Dad and Heather would’ve been suffocating. Pretending to be okay when I was clearly not would’ve eventually taken a toll on me. They’d have seen through the cracks in my façade and forced me to tell them the truth.
With Seth, Oliver, and Simon, I won’t have to pretend anymore.
Just being in the presence of those rescued omegas would’ve given them the idea of the horrors we faced at the hands of the Black Widow. They know what I suffered and where I’m coming from.
“We should go shopping,” Seth says as we’re walking across the grounds. “We should build a proper nest for Rory to make her feel more comfortable in her new home.”
“Oh, you’re making me a nest?” I ask as warmth spreads through my chest.
“Of course,” says Simon. “Every omega needs a nest.”
My cheeks warm. Alphas who’ve chosen their mate usually take an interest in building nests. It’s almost a nonverbal proposal on their end.
Even though I spent months with Jake, he never offered to make me a nest. That should’ve served as a massive red flag but I’d been too blind to care.
My friends saw through his lies and false pretenses and kept warning me. If only I’d listened to them instead of trusting him like a fucking idiot!
Don’t think of that asshole, I tell myself as my anger rises, dimming the happiness I’d been feeling.
