“So, not every Pack is like the one I met in college,” I start with.
Vic looks at me, a bit shocked, “No, they’re not.”
Nodding, I add, “Some Packs are supportive and honest.”
“I thinkmostPacks are supportive and honest.”
“You’ve never given me reason not to trust you. Josie is my Match. What the hell am I waiting for?” I ask.
Vic smiles, “I don’t know. What the hell are you waiting for?”
My returning smile falls a little as I look at Vic, “Is it okay if I wait to bond in? Can I be Pack without bonding?”
I’m terrified about his answer, but I need to hear it from him. Vic’s opinion means everything to me.
“Of course you can. You and I are already our own small Pack. We’re just bringing more love into the fold.”
Standing, I walk over to his chair, albeit stiffly and slowly, and gingerly pull him up with me. My arms wrap around him, holding him tightly. He returns the hold, and while it makes me wince, I don’t tell him to ease up.
“I love you, Vic,” I choke out.
“I love you, too, Simon. Always have. Always will.”
thirty-one
JOSIE
It’s been a day since I moved in, and although I’ve tried, I have checked my bond with Vic more times than I should have. He’s been home, mostly, with some time at his office as well. Each time I check, I swear there’s a small wave of reassurance that passes over me. I’m not sure if it’s my own feelings or his, but either way, it’s nice. I haven’t had much time to explore the bond with him, but with Henry closer, we’ve played a bit with sending feelings back and forth.
The experience of having a Matched Mate Bond is otherworldly, and I can only hope that my other two guys come around. Do I want them to, though? I’m so torn on it. My Omega wants them no matter what, but she’s a hussy who thinks of her pussy more than anything. My brain is more logical, realizing that what they did was incredibly shitty, and perilously close to rejection. At least, by my definition.
I messaged Georgie to let her know about my situation, and she reassured me that she and James would cover everything. It was reassuring but daunting to know that I’m dropping all my work responsibilities onto my employees. Thinking on that, I’m extra grateful that we hired someone new to take on a singleclient and paperwork for the time being. Eventually, they’ll take more clients than paperwork.
My feet carry me to the kitchen mid-morning, after letting myself laze in the bedroom since waking, I can no longer ignore my hunger. There’s a pot of hot coffee, some pastries, and some fruit on the counter. Happily, I make myself a plate, then find the creamer and pour a cup of life into a mug. Looking for a soft place to sit, I wander into the living room, full of a large plush couch and a few loungers.
I slowly get myself settled in and cozy in the multiple blankets lying around, then fully relax as I drink my lifeblood and nibble on goodies. My mood slowly sours as I sit on the couch with my treats. Henry will be home by lunch, and he held me all night long, so I’m not feeling alone and adrift. I’m feeling that hole in my heart where two other Alphas should be. It’s easier to ignore those holes if I’m doing something, but when I slow down, the feels take over and it’s hard to get going again.
“You gonna cry?” a voice from across the couch asks.
When I sat, I didn’t see anyone, so I jumped a bit at the voice. Thankfully, I didn’t spill anything. Looking over, I see Ray emerging from a pile of blankets I had thought were just thrown carelessly.
“Oh, hey, Ray,” I reply.
“It’s okay if you do, you know.” She pushes.
I smile, “Yeah, I know, I feel cried out, but I still kind of want to. It’s weird.”
Ray hums, concern threaded through her voice.
“Did Henry tell you?” I ask.
“Just that you guys bonded, but only him and Vic,” she tells me.
“Want to hear some drama, then?”
She holds her hands up, a signal to stop, “Yes! But this calls for chocolate.”
Ray hops off the couch and scurries out of the room. When she returns, I’ve finished my food, but I’m taking my time with my coffee, savoring it as I go. Ray lays her stash of chocolate next to me on the couch, grabs her pile of blankets, and settles in on the other side of her stash.
