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“Jasper,” said Davy. “It’s just... we’re stronger together, right? And Ruby can have all of us.”
“Thanks, but hell no,” Jasper’s rejection sliced through the room, stinging through me. “I’m without a pack for a reason, and I’d prefer to keep my freedom.”
“But why?” I asked softly, and he held my hand in silence. I felt a pang of disappointment, but I knew Jasper. Jasper was a lone alpha; his spirit was untamed. He would never be happy taking commands from a pack leader.
“Ruby can make her decisions,” Wayne said. “With no pressure from us or Jasper. We will be okay with whatever you choose.”
My heart thrummed faster as my thoughts raced.
“I need time to think about all this,” I said quietly. It was just too much. I didn’t have the heart to break up with Jasper or Wayne.
“Maybe you should come stay with us for a while,” Rufus suggested. “See how life is with our pack?”
The idea settled within me, causing excitement to go through me. I bit my lip, not sure what to say because it didn’t sound like a bad idea.
It was a chance for me to breathe, to exist without the pressure of choosing right here, right now.
“Alright,” I whispered. “I can try that. But Jasper…”
“Jasper can visit,” Wayne interjected firmly, his eyes never leaving mine. “We have no claim over you, Ruby. You can hang out with him, too.”
I looked over at Jasper worriedly.
“Fair enough,” Jasper agreed, a shadow of a smile playing on his lips. His approval felt good, settling the fights and tension we had. “May the best alpha win.”
“Good,” I murmured, the decision feeling somehow both monumental and yet not enough. I’d spend time with them to get to know the pack. But Jasper’s presence would still be there, and it made me feel better.
“Then it’s settled,” Rufus nodded, the lines of his beard framing a satisfied grin. “Can’t wait to have you home and out of this damn hotel room.”
“Home,” I said. The word lingered, sweet and heady, as I considered what that might mean—surrounded by four alpha protectors. I liked the idea, but it also sent nervous thrills through me at the thought.
“Let’s get you ready for bed, sweetheart,” said Rufus, and I nodded as he slowly unzipped the back of my dress. Jasper watched for a second, and then he placed his hand on my thigh.
I looked at him, and he gazed back with a withdrawn sad expression.
“I’d like to spend the night with you if that’s okay?” he asked slowly.
“Yes, I would like that,” I replied, and he watched as Rufus gently slid my dress down my shoulders, exposing my back and breasts. Sitting in the middle of these alphas watching me made me feel like the sexiest omega alive while getting undressed before them.
The next day,I was lethargic and tired in the van after a night of cuddling with all four of the alphas. Rufus insisted that we leave early in the morning, and I could barely keep my eyes open while he drove us back to my family’s home. I wanted to go back to see my family and calm my father down after everything. Iwould tell him about the agreement, and maybe he would leave me alone about this marriage thing.
“Tired?” asked Wayne, feeling sorry for me as he looked at me sitting in the passenger side with my eyes half-closed.
“Just a little,” I mumbled, trying to get comfortable. A couple of times through the night, I was getting knotted by the alphas. I wasn’t sure when I would get their knots again, so I used last night as an opportunity.
I settled in for the long car ride, taking a nap until three hours later, when we finally pulled up to my family’s house.
My dad was already standing on the driveway with his arms crossed, looking furious. The sun bore down on him, making his bald head shine. My heart sank at the sight of him, knowing that he was going to be primarily angry at me.
“Oof, Benjamin’s not happy,” said Davy quickly. “I’ll protect you, Ruby. We can handle your father.”
“It’s okay. I can handle him,” I said, unable to crack a smile as I slowly got out of the van.
“About time you showed your face,” Benjamin growled, arms still crossed over his chest. The sun glinted off his head, intensifying the fury in his eyes.
“Listen, Dad,” I snapped back, steeling my shoulders. “You don’t get to control my future. I'll mate whoever I want, and nothing you say or do will change that.”
He stared at me, silent and unreadable, for what felt like an eternity. Just when I thought he would explode at me again, his expression softened ever so slightly, replaced by something more akin to concern. “One of the horses is dead.”
