Page 142 of Mark & Don't Tell

“Don’t leave us hanging,” Linc says, features softening as he studies my face and sees how much those simple words mean to me.

But maybe that’s just it. There’s nothing simple about them. Some words carry weight. Some can wound. Some can break relationships. Some can make you realize that fear’s been holding you back. And some can heal.

Kai brushes a tear from my cheek. “What do you say, pretty omega?”

My eyes find Vic’s again, and he nods, letting me know it’s safe. Letting me know that, no matter what, they’re here. “Yeah,” I say with a shaky exhale. “I think I love you too.”

And that’s enough to make me forget about everything else for a little while.

The thing about finding peace that no one talks about is how you’re always waiting for things to change. Waiting for the moment when chaos trickles back in and threatens to rip you away from your newfound paradise. For me and my pack, it happens on Wednesday, a week after the incident with Marco and him coming to live with us.

My pack’s been nothing but patient and kind with my brother. They bought him more clothes than he could ever need. Kai’s been driving him to school as promised. Linc plays catch with him, and Vic introduces him to some video games he enjoys.

As for me, I’m leaning into my happiness. Love. The funny thing is, I’ve been dreaming about it for so long and thought I knew what it would be like, but the truth is, I had no idea. It shows up in little ways. A soft brush of fingers down my spine when one of the guys passes by me. My favorite snacks always being in the pantry. Kisses on the forehead. Hugs from behind while I brush my teeth. Lunch dates.

My phone buzzes next to my keyboard, snapping me out of my reverie.

Linc

The bistro or the Italian place?

Italian. Always.

Your wish is my command. Let’s go.

I’m busy.

*eye roll emoji* I literally watched you daydream for five minutes before texting you.

Why are you watching me, stalker?

Was it a wet daydream?

You’re insufferable.

“But you love me,” he says from behind me.

I gasp and spin around. “Don’t sneak up on me.” Cinnamon and spice surround me, and I inhale, earning a cheeky grin from my alpha.

“Let me take you to lunch, bunny.”

“You realize people are talking about us.” I lock my computer, frankly not caring what the other employees of Good Vibes have to say.

Lincoln tugs me into his arms, and I tip my head back in surprise, only for him to capture my lips in an all-consuming kiss. I hear a few murmurs and sounds of surprise. Placing my palm on his chest, I gently push, and he relents, nipping my bottom lip before pulling back to gaze into my eyes.

“Let them talk.”

“You can’t just kiss your employee,” I tell him. “That’s a bad look.”

He tips his head. “I guess you’re right.” Taking in the people who are openly gawking at us and our public display of affection, he turns back to me. “You’re fired.”

“Oh my god,” I say with a giggle, dropping my forehead onto his shoulder. “That’s not what I mean.”

He chuckles and smooths his hands up and down my back. “Don’t worry, bunny. I got this,” he tells me before linking his hand with mine and facing the staff. “Can I have everyone’s attention?”

I bravely stand at his side, squeezing his hand and avoiding eye contact with my co-workers.

“I guess it’s clear something is going on between my pack and Daria, and that’s because she’s our scent match. This beautiful omega is our mate.”

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