“I’m getting married!” She squeals, bouncing in her seat.
Coffee sloshes over the rim of my cup as I jerk in surprise. “Married? To who? Since when are you even dating someone seriously?”
“Well, that’s the thing.” Her smile widens, practically glowing with excitement. “It’s not just someone. It’s a pack.”
I blink, trying to process this information. “A pack. As in multiple people.”
“Three alphas. I met them at that alumni event last month. They’re all successful and established, and they adore me.” She clasps her hands together. “I know it’s fast, but when you know, you know.”
The rational part of my brain—the part that makes detailed spreadsheets and contingency plans—is screaming. My baby sister is dropping out of college to marry not one, but three alphas she’s known for less time than it takes to prep sourdough.
“Josie,” I start carefully. “Don’t you think this is a little... impulsive? You’ve known these men for what, two months?”
“Nine weeks on Thursday,” she corrects, as if that extra week makes all the difference. “And they’re perfect, Trin. They have a beautiful house in the suburbs with a pool and everything. They want me to focus on being happy and starting a family.”
Of course they do. Three alphas with an omega trophy wife who dropped out of college to birth their pups. It’s like a stereotype come to life.
But the hopeful look on her face stops my lecture before it starts. I’ve spent my entire life trying to protect Josie, but I can’t make her decisions for her. And if I push too hard, she’ll just dig her heels in deeper.
I take a deep breath. “Well, I’d like to meet them before the wedding. When do I get to be introduced to my future brothers-in-law?”
Her face lights up. “Really? You’re not mad?”
“Mad isn’t the word I’d use. Though I am concerned.” I reach across the table to squeeze her hand. “But you’re an adult, so if this is what you want, then I’ll support you.”
“You’re the best.” She bounces in her seat. “They’reactually eager to meet you, too. I’ve told them all about my amazing big sister.”
“At least show me a picture so I know who I’m dealing with.”
“Of course.” She fumbles for her phone, swiping through screens before turning it toward me with a flourish. “Aren’t they gorgeous?”
My coffee turns to acid in my stomach.
The world tilts sideways as I stare at the screen. Three faces stare at me, each of them devastatingly familiar.
Egret Mahoney.
Brendin Haxfield.
Saren Bowie.
Also known as my ex-fiancés.
Or more specifically, the alphas who dated me on-and-off for three out of four years in college and then dumped me for being too strong-willed and independent when I actually expected to use my degree after graduation.
I set the phone down again before I’m tempted to throw it across the room.
“Trinity?” Josie’s voice sounds distant. “Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
My lungs forget how to function. Egret’s familiar smirk stares back at me from Josie’s phone screen, the same expression he wore when he told me I was “too much” for him. Brendin’s arm is draped possessively around my sister’s shoulders, his fingers splayed against her collarbone in that proprietary way he always touched me. And Saren, with those intense eyes that once convinced me we’d build empires together, gazes at her with adoration.
“Trin?” Josie waves her hand in front of my face. “Hello? Earth to Trinity?”
I blink rapidly, forcing myself back to reality. “Sorry, I just...they look familiar.”
“Really?” She glances at the photo, head tilted. “Maybe you’ve planned an event for them? They’re pretty big in commercial real estate development.”
Oh, I know exactly what they’re big in. I also know Egret’s tendency to leave wet towels on the bathroom floor, Brendin’s habit of interrupting women mid-sentence, and Saren’s passive-aggressive sighs when dinner isn’t ready when he gets home.
