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Tobias shot me a worried look at the twinge in her scent. I could almost hear him in my head, asking, “Does she like us?” Meeting four alphas was daunting enough. The little omega had been pretty damn brave to seek out an arrangement, but at the same time, seeing us for the first time was probably making it very real for her.

“Hello, I’m Marshall.” I stood, her eyes following me up as I towered over her. I did my best to keep my voice soft, which was sort of impossible, and held out my hand. She took it, hers so small and fragile next to mine, which was calloused from manual labor.

The baby on her hip babbled, and I smiled down at him. “And who is this little guy?”

Summer’s eyes widened, and the panic in her eyes was unmistakable. “Were you not told that I… oh no… Well⁠—”

“We were told,” Tobias said, standing and holding up his hands. “I think Marshall was asking his name?”

“Yes,” I confirmed with a nod. “That.”

The relief on her face was instant, flooding her scent. And god, that sweet smell was something else.

“Oh, I-I’m so sorry. This is Milo.” She smiled softly, looking down at her son.

“Why don’t we all take a seat?” Tobias suggested, gesturing to the couches.

I silently thanked him; even though Milo was just a baby, he was probably a lot for Summer to be carrying around all the time. Any one of us would have happily held him, but it was far too early for that.

Summer sat on the couch, looking between us all as she settled Milo in her lap.

“I’m Tobias,” he greeted, his eyes smiling down at Milo, whose plump fists were tangling in Summer’s hair. He was a cute baby, all chubby cheeks and bright blue eyes like his mother.

“Summer.” Her voice was quiet.

I was supposed to be talking. I knew that much. But I was having trouble finding my voice. I was just staring at her, marveling at how an omega like this was on her own. Whoever had the idea to leave her behind was a damn fool.

How could someone have had a child with her and simply walk away?

Shaking myself into action, I cleared my throat. “This is Emmett and Noah,” I said, pointing to each alpha individually.

“It’s nice to meet you,” she said, still smiling.

“I suppose we should tell you a little about ourselves,” Emmet offered. “We’ve all lived here most of our lives. I own a small legal office in town. Noah is a high school teacher. Tobias is a pharmacist—or, as we joke a lot, a legal drug dealer.”

Summer’s giggle was beautiful, and my pulse did something very similar to flip-flopping.

“Then there’s me.” I smiled, leaning back slightly. I was doing my best not to crowd her. The room felt very full with four alphas all looking intently at her. “I own a body shop.”

“That’s a lot of variety.” She bounced Milo on her knee to keep him entertained. “I am… or, at least, I was getting my degree in accounting.”

Was. She was struggling financially; that was why she was seeking out a pack. I remembered that much from the file. Would she want to go back to school? There was no need for our omega to work if she didn’t want to. If she wanted to go back, though, we would definitely support her.

“Ugh,” Emmett groaned. “Numbers are evil.”

Noah snorted, and Summer looked his way. “What about you? Do you have to teach math to a bunch of high school students? Or are you lucky enough to be an art teacher or something?”

“I am, indeed, very lucky. I teach history. No numbers for me.” He paused, furrowing his brow with a little laugh. “Except dates.”

“Oh no”—Summer shook her head, her smile widening—”dates? Uh-uh. Count me out.”

Conversation flowed easily, and eventually, I took my seat, the five of us talking and talking. About everything from our jobs to the unanimous decision that breakfast for dinner, aka brinner, was the best.

After a while, I subtly glanced at the clock. It was lunchtime, and I was eager to get out of this stuffy room and to somewhere more relaxed.

“Do you want to get lunch?” I asked. “It’s entirely up to you. We’re happy to stay here or venture out.” My pack nodded, eager smiles in place.

“I would be remiss if I didn't mention that there is a burger joint in town that is heavenly. Their cheese fries are things of beauty.” Noah grinned.