Page 81 of Talk About… Rivalry

“Sidney, we had a talk while you were at the baby shower,” I started, looking at Leo to see if he was okay with me continuing. It was his idea after all.

He nodded once and I turned back to her. There was no point in holding back. This needed to be said.

“We all have an appointment to get scent blockers. The Omega Clinic has a few options between pills, shots, or whatever we tolerate best. It’ll essentially mean that none of us have a scent.”

“Why would you do that?” she gasped, looking horrified at the thought.

Taylor took her hand in his, offering her comfort and turning her attention to him.

“Because if we don’t have a scent then there’s no outside distractions. There’s no possibility of anyone ruining our peace. You’re it for us, Sidney, and we’re willing to do whatever it takes to prove that to you.”

Sidney was speechless as she thought it over, a single tear tracking down her cheek. Taylor was quick to wipe it away, the sweet, reassuring smile never leaving his face.

Pride swelled in my chest. He was handling this so well.

“Don’t give up on us, Sidney. We just want you to accept us and let us take care of you.”

Sidney took a shaky breath, her hand clinging to his. “I’m trying,” she admitted. “I really am.”

“We’re patient men,” I promised before tipping my head to Maverick, a wry smile taking over my face. “Except maybe that one.”

That drew a chuckle out of Sidney. I’d call it a win in an intense conversation like this.

“We’ll be here when you’re ready. We are more than willing to ride this heat out with you. In fact, I think we’re all willing to bite you.”

“We’re a pack,” Maverick said, looking at her almost in challenge, demanding for her to argue with him.

“You want me?” she asked as if she was still confused.

Maverick tugged her out of her seat and into his lap, forcing her to let go of Taylor’s hand. I moved his plate quickly and he sat her ass right on the table in front of him, forcing her to straddle his hips.

“Sidney, you have been the only omega I’ve ever wanted. I was an idiot and I should have fucking told you sooner. I love you, Sidney Vance. I want only you.”

“I love you, too, Maverick,” she whispered, her eyes wide. Her heart was pounding so hard I swear I could hear it.

The moment felt like we were intruding, but not one of us interrupted or moved. They were too lost in each other’s eyes to notice.

Then Maverick seemed to come back to himself, pulling her close so he could place a single kiss on her forehead before shifting her back to her seat.

“Eat,” he demanded, his glare swinging from her to the rest of us. “I know damn well you haven’t eaten enough lately.”

“Yes, sir,” Taylor mocked. I let out a small growl, not liking that he was addressing another alpha like that.

Sidney burst into laughter, looking at the other omega.

“I think we’re in trouble Taylor. We’ve got some possessive alphas around here.”

It was insane how those words settled something in me.

“Damn right,” I muttered, stabbing a bite of lasagna forcefully and shoving it into my mouth.

“So, did Avery look as miserable as I assume she did?” Taylor asked, raising an eyebrow.

It was as if the tension melted in a single instance, everyone relaxing and letting the omegas chat back and forth, filling the silence with something that didn’t feel heavy.

Sidney talked about the baby shower and Maverick explained the gifts that he’d given and even shared a few pictures of the nursery that his brothers and her mates had helped finish while she was gone.

By the time we finished eating, Sidney was yawning. The poor omega was exhausted.

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