Page 112 of Talk About… Rivalry

Even when we had to leave this room, break this spell we were under, that this wouldn’t change.

This pack was mine, all four of them a true part of me now embedded in my very being.

Running was a final act of fear and desperation, but I realized now, it took more courage to stay, and the reward was immense.

I would never be left behind again.

Sidney

My heat felt like it was never-ending. There were flashes of each of their faces and more pleasure than I could comprehend.

Each day was more mind blowing than the last, my body insatiable as my omega claimed her men over and over again.

Now, seven days later I was sore, but myself again. My mind was clear and the fever was gone.

The only thing left behind was the always-present echo of our bond in my chest.

Bennett had even bitten Leo on Taylor’s demand, finalizing our pack bond so I could feel them all.

There were no lingering regrets, though from the looks on my pack’s faces, they were worried I’d be pulling away.

Instead of trying to find the words, I sent my reassurance through the bond, letting them feel how happy I was. My heart was full and my emotions settled.

Honestly, it felt like I could finally take in a full breath.

How long had I been walking around under this mask, pretending to be happy while slowly crumbling underneath?

“Are you ready to go home?” Leo asked as he ran his fingers over my jaw. His expression was so soft that it made my chest ache, not just where his bite mark was, but deeper than that.

They’d somehow broken down all my defenses and settled there, refusing to be ignored.

“Yes,” I admitted. “I need a shower and actual clothes.” We’d each taken a shower this morning but it was quick and easy.

“I don’t know, I kind of like you like this,” Bennett teased as his fingers danced over my naked hip.

“We have our whole lives for you to see that. For now, I need a shower,” I admitted. The room here at the Omega Network was nice, but it was tiny. The bathroom was bare essentials, a single small stall, a sink, and a toilet.

Everything was also a neutral gray or white, a blank canvas, and all wrong.

I breathed in deep, cataloging each note of their scents. I’d been terrified that they’d slip away the moment my heat dissipated, but they were still stronger than ever.

“I’m going to throw on some clothes and see what we need to do to get out of here,” Leo finally said with a sigh. I watched his toned ass as he plucked his clothes from the nest. We’d all come here with nothing so we were about to leave looking like a mess.

As the door closed behind him I stretched out my sore limbs, savoring the slight ache everywhere.

It was a reminder of the past week… of them. Something I knew I’d never get enough of even if they were right in front of me.

Or maybe that was the post-heat glow talking. I knew damn well I savored my independence.

It would be interesting to see how we’d all adjust to the changes, or if we would be one of those packs that simplyworked, falling into place like puzzle pieces, forever changed in an instant and never looking back.

I felt their eyes on me as I pulled my clothes onto my body. When I was properly covered they finally groaned and did the same. We’d all need a few days to recover at this rate.

Leo shoved open the door right as Maverick pulled on his shirt, the last one to cover up. He glanced around before turning.

Dr. Graves stepped into the room, his eyes crinkling with a smile even though his mouth was obscured by a thick mask. The scent blocking material muffling his voice slightly as he spoke.

He handed over a stack of scrubs, a mix of sizes to give us fresh clothes to wear out of here. I didn’t hesitate to pull my size out of the mix, the guys doing the same before giving Dr. Graves our attention again.

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