Page 140 of Mark & Don't Tell

Because this pack is mine.

And I’m done letting doubt lead the way.

Forty-Eight

DARIA

Kai and I spent hours alone. His love and cuddles warmed my soul, and eventually, when Linc and Vic joined us, I nearly burst with happiness. I hate that my past has been haunting me for so long, but I’m determined to push that aside. This pack has never given me a reason to doubt their intentions. They take care of me in ways I never realized I needed.

They’re truly wonderful, and they’re as worried about my brother as I am. Marco doesn’t come out of his room until the next morning, padding into the kitchen with cautious steps and scrutinizing my mates sitting around the table. I push my seat out and go to him.

A fresh shower this morning washed away the makeup that had previously been covering my marks. Vic’s collar is prominent on my neck, but so is the reddened skin. Three bites that mark me as a claimed omega. Marco studies them with open curiosity.

“Did you sleep okay?”

“Yeah,” he says, eyes straying from my throat to my pack.

This is a lot for him to take in. The last time we talked, he had no idea I was seeing anyone. And now, a month later, I’m packed up for life.

“Do you want breakfast? The guys and I already ate.”

Marco shakes his head. “I can have a toaster pastry.”

“I think not, little bro. Eggs or French toast?” I put my hands on my hips and stare him down until he rolls his eyes and relents.

“Fine, weirdo. French toast.”

I shrug. “Sorry, fresh out.”

He scoffs. “What the hell?”

“No fucking cursing!” I shoot back.

“You’re so annoying,” he says with a goofy grin, the one I’ve been waiting for. The one that tells me, eventually, the trauma of yesterday won’t drown the rest of my beautiful and brilliant brother.

“But you love me,” I sing-song.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Are you going to introduce me to your pack or continue torturing me?”

“I’m still deciding.” I arch an eyebrow and he laughs. “Fine. If you must know—” I turn to begin introductions and stop short. Vic, Kai, and Linc are beaming. Their smiles are so disarming, I have to shake myself. “If you must know,” I begin again. “That’s Lincoln—he thinks he’s the funny one.”

“I am the funny one, bunny.”

I gesture to Kai. “Kai—he’s the papa bear.”

Kai’s eyebrows jump.

“Growly?” Marco asks.

“Nurturing,” I correct with a grin in Kai’s direction. Then my gaze finds Vic’s. “And never least. My beta, Vic. He’s protective. Maybe my favorite.”

Linc and Kai both make disgruntled noises, but the way Vic’s gaze dances with delight and desire is worth their temporary upset. Of course, there are no favorites. They all mean something different to me. They all fulfill a different need.

Vic is my security. He stole my heart first, and he held me when I fell apart. Vic is safety.

Lincoln is a kindred, lonely soul who understands my wounds more than the other two. But he’s more than that. He’s creative and funny. Linc’s heart is pure. He’s warmth.

Kai takes care of everyone. He’d be the first to give you his jacket in the cold. Kai is smart, kind, and patient. Kai is comfort.

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