Page 80 of Talk About… Rivalry

“We have to try,” Leo practically begged. The beta needed reassurance, just like I did. I studied him for a moment before giving in, his green eyes begging me to be on his side.

“You’re right,” I agreed, letting out a breath I’d been holding. “We’ll do it over dinner. Is Maverick nearly done?”

Leo nodded. “He took a break to talk to Avery about the baby shower and then went right back to work. I think he’s nearly finished. I’ll go check.”

I pulled the lasagna out of the oven while he went to collect Maverick. Socked footsteps had me turning around once I placed it on the stove to cool, surprised to find Sidney walking in. She looked so unsure it broke my heart.

“Angel, what’s going on in that head of yours?” I asked. My voice was gentle and I held my arms open, giving her the chance to come to me if that was what she needed.

I think we were both a little shocked when she moved forward, nuzzling into my chest and letting me wrap my arms around her. I pressed my nose to her neck and breathed her in, wishing I could scent more than her citrus shampoo.

“I’m just out of my element here,” she admitted into my neck.

“We all are, but we can figure it out together. That’s how packs work,” I reminded her. She nodded against me and held me tight. This moment healed something in me and apparently her, the contented sigh adorable.

“You’re right,” she said.

Coming together as a pack was supposed to be this amazing moment where you find the people you’re destined to spend your life with.

Ours currently felt strained.

The rivalry between Maverick and Leo was starting to dissipate but it was still there under the surface.

Sidney being ready to run was not helping things, either.

“How was the baby shower,” I questioned, trying to lighten the mood before dinner.

She snorted. “Poor Avery looks so uncomfortable. I don’t think I ever want to get pregnant.”

“That’s fair.”

She pulled back and looked up at me. “Do you really mean that?”

I hated that vulnerability in her eyes. Our omega was terrified that we’d be ready to drop her with one ‘wrong’ move.

“We want what you want, Sidney. I promise. Plus, we have time to figure it out. For now, why don’t you help me set the table.”

I brushed another kiss across her forehead and when she leaned back, I pressed my lips to hers.

Sidney let out a happy, little sound that I knew would be burned into my memory. I’d bring it up anytime I needed a reminder of our connection.

By the time I released her she looked dazed. I chuckled a little, loving that I could do that to her.

“Here are the plates,” I teased, tapping the stack on the counter before I gathered silverware. Leo had made a store run earlier, making sure we at least had the necessities to have a normal dinner.

Sidney started setting the table while I took the salad from the fridge and gathered the breadsticks Leo had warming in a basket.

“It smells incredible in here,” Maverick said as he stalked in. He started to move towards Sidney but stopped himself and I cursed under my breath.

He said he wanted to be all in but he was still holding himself back. Nothing was going to build her insecurities up more than avoiding her.

I wasn’t going to call him out here in front of everybody but I made a mental note to come back to that when we had a moment alone. The last thing we needed was another awkward meal.

Apparently, it was unavoidable. The awkwardness continued as we settled around the table. I dished food onto everyone’s plates, taking the lead. Poor Taylor tried his damndest to start a conversation but no one was giving him more than a word or two.

“Okay, this is fucking painful,” Leo finally burst out. He shoved his plate away and eyeballed all of us. “We are all a pack. This is not the time to do small talk and make things weird. We need to come together. I don’t care what you talk about, but getout of your heads. Otherwise, this heat is about to be real fucking awkward.”

Maverick, Sidney, and Taylor all blinked at him but I clapped him on the shoulder.

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