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“I didn’t even question him. I was so selfish. I worried more about myself and she— what if she doesn’t even want to see me? What if she hates me⁠—”

Soren doesn’t try to talk me down, and neither does Caelan, who’s bracketing my other side, both of my Mates surrounding me in their warmth and strength. I’m thankful for that. Thankful, too, that they don’t dismiss my concerns out of hand. Instead, they simply let me cry, wrapping me in their scents and comforting me as best they can until my tears finally taper off, leaving me wrung out and exhausted.

It’s only been a few minutes, but I feel like I just came out of a blender. I pull out of Soren’s embrace, using my sleeve to wipe the tears from my face and suddenly feeling embarrassed for breaking down. I’m angry at myself for getting so upset. It makes me feel weak, like the only thing I ever do around these males is cry.

I don’t want to be weak. I want to be strong. I want to be more than the Omega human they have to protect and coddle all the time.

Soren’s hands—rough, calloused, and warm—slide up my arms and across my shoulders and neck before cresting on either side of my face, cupping both cheeks in his palms.

“Listen to me,” he rasps, eyes so bright they look nearly fevered. “You were a child. You didn’t leave her, Idril. Your father took her from you. Somehow, for years and years in that hell, you survived. That’s all that matters, and I promise you, it’s all that will matter to her, too.”

“He’s right,” Caelan agrees from behind me. His hand smoothes down my back— slow and deliberate, anchoring me to both him and reality. “The only thing she’ll care about is that her daughter is alive and safe. She’s your mother. She loved you more than anything, and no matter what, I can promise you she’d go through whatever your father has put her through a million times if it meant keeping you safe.”

Soren leans forward until our foreheads are touching. “We’re going to be with you every step of the way. No matter what. I promise.”

Their words are somehow soft and hard at the same time. Soren’s certainty. Caelan’s fierce devotion. The way they let me fall apart in their arms before helping build me back up again. Their love somehow fights back the numbness while reminding me that I have something to fight for no matter what happens tonight.

I exhale a shaky breath and nod. My chest aches, and my eyes are still stinging from my tears, but I can’t deny that I feel steadier somehow, like I’ve been placed back on solid ground.

“I’m scared, but I’m ready to go,” I tell them, trying to muster as much bravery and determination as I can to back up my words. The way they look back at me with eyes full of pride helps to bolster me further, giving me the courage I need to face what’s coming.

Caelan uncurls from his crouch, reaching for my hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

“Then we go,” he agrees, like it’s the easiest decision in the world simply because I’m the one who’s made it.

That, more than anything, begins fixing something inside of me that’s been broken for a very, very long time.

* * *

Daxen, Silas, Vae, and Gav are waiting for us in the foyer, standing in a loose circle and talking in low, hushed tones. The front door stands wide open, and cool night air filters in on a light breeze. The scent of nature grounds me, and I feel a sudden, overwhelming desire to be outside.

The hushed voices cut off as we step into the foyer, and Caelan and Gav exchange a silent, weighted look. He’s the only Alpha Caelan acknowledges. I catch Vae’s hopeful smile fall from his face as Caelan passes him without so much as a glance. I can’t stand the rift between my Mate and his Pack. It’s so obvious, like an open wound that no one knows how to heal.

Caelan’s in front of me and Soren’s at my side, so I’m not expecting Vae to fall in behind me with a nod to Soren. The rest of the group follow, and once we step outside, Caelan lets go of my hand and jogs for the SUV.

“What is he doing?” I ask, as Soren pulls me back when I try to follow him.

“Scouting.”

I laugh, assuming it’s a joke. But when Gavran, Dax, and Vae jog in ahead of us and reform in a line, I realize it’s not a joke.

“It’s like thirty feet between here and the car!” I exclaim, as Vae positions himself directly in front of me. I turn, expecting to find Soren laughing at their intensity, and let out a surprised scream when I slam into his chest.

“Whoooaa there,” Soren grins, and I have to crane my neck back to look at him.

“Is Idril alright?” Caelan shouts as I spin back around. I take a step to the side so I can see around Vaelenor, but he shifts in the same direction right as I do.

Blocking my view.

“She’s fine,” Soren shouts back. “Think I startled her.”

With a growl, I step to the left.

And Vae lunges and drops to one knee, fumbling with the laces of his boots.

“You’re not subtle, you know,” I snap, planting my hands on my hips. “Like… you’re actually really, really bad at subterfuge.”

Vae lifts his head, and his lips curve into a mischievous grin. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’m just tying my shoe.”