Page 78 of Vegas Baby!

“Micah told us you’re having some issues adjusting to the new pack structure,” said Amir.

“Oh,didhe?”

“I know it’s not always easy,” Amir continued. “Is there anything we can do to help?”

I shrugged, trying to wrestle down my insecurities. “He just gets under my skin by existing and I don’t know what to do about that.”

“Go out together, just the two of you,” suggested Diego. “Figure out what you guys have in common.”

Miles nodded, crossing his arms and stretching out his legs. “You owe it to yourselves and to your omega to figure your shit out. And quick.”

I knew they were right, but I wasn’t at all excited about the prospect of spending time with Bryce. I could achieve peace without liking him.

Pain zinged up my arm and I yelped, turning a glare to Callie. “Did you just pinch me? Why are all the omegas prodding me lately?”

“Maybe you need prodding. You really think I haven’t learned what your stubborn face looks like by now? Trust me when I say it’ll be better for everyone if you don’t let whatever this issue is go on for too long. There’s gonna be a baby in the house soon. Get your shit together before that.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything to anyone.”

Callie narrowed her eyes. “If you think Ava won’t notice you stewing, you’re an idiot.”

“Not going to deny that,” I said with a sigh. “I’ll invite him out, get things sorted.”

I excused myself to the kitchen, hiding away and eating mini sandwiches. Bryce found me there, and I couldn’t help but notice how thick Ava’s scent was on him.

“Curious choice of activity after getting into a shouting match with your dad,” I commented.

His cheeks flushed. “We all cope in different ways.”

“You doing okay?” I asked. “Did she work enough omega magic?”

Bryce shrugged. “I feel better, but she can’t fix what’s broken.”

“I know all about parents who prefer to break the things they should be taking care of.” I swallowed hard. “I’m…I’m sorry you’re going through it. It sucks.”

“Thanks.” He raised an eyebrow like he couldn’t quite understand why I was saying any of this to him.

“Have you ever fucked up before?” I asked.

“Lots of times. Why?”

“I need examples. Because from where I’m standing, you’re a filthy rich golden boy who’s never done a damn thing wrong inhis life, and I can’t coexist with that. Tell me something that’ll turn you into an actual person.”

“I can’t disregard the rich part,” he said slowly, “but I’m only the way I am because I’ve been desperately trying to make my dad proud of me. After my mom died, it was like he couldn’t be bothered. If I came home with straight A’s or a first-place ribbon, I could convince myself there was pride in his eyes when he looked at me. I didn’t really care about any of the accomplishments; I just wanted him to approve of me.”

Well, I felt like a dick now.

“How old were you when your mom died?”

“Ten. Dad never recovered from losing her.” Bryce tilted his head, examining me. “Where’s your dad?”

I could only shrug. “Fuck if I know.”

Bryce nodded carefully and poured himself some sparkling cranberry juice, probably wishing it was something stronger. “We both have a chance to do things right for the next generation. I won’t pretend I’m not fucking terrified about screwing it up, but no kid of mine will ever have to wonder if I love them.”

I picked up my own glass and clinked it against his. “Cheers to that.”

We stood in awkward silence for a few minutes before Jesse joined us. “You two okay in here?” he asked cautiously.

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