Page 68 of Stella

“They want to be.” Ember said around a mouthful of chips. “Julian is practically humping your leg. Think he’s about to go into heat.”

We all looked at Raina for confirmation. Raina’s cheeks reddened. “You know I’m not attracted to him.”

“He’s too submissive for you,” Ember nodded. “We know you have a type, and typical male omega isn’t it. But spill.”

“I don’t spend all my time scenting taken omegas.” Raina made a face.

“Which meansyoushould jump him,” I said, gesturing at Sunshine with my chip.

“Luca said Julian was in heat a month ago.” Sunshine sighed. “If they wanted me, they would have made a move a long time ago.”

“Unless they don’t want to pressure you,” Ember gestured with a nacho, a piece of cheese sliding off. Her red hair was in a bun today and, judging from the loose strands, she had been playing with her hair on and off.

“Or they’re waiting for you to make the first move,” I added.

“So, Stella, you’ve been hot and heavy with Pack Bancroft for weeks now.” Sunshine gave me a pointed look.

I shot her a glare.

She ignored me. “When are you going to make them Pack Sullivan?”

My sisters and cousins turned to me, scenting blood in the water. I glared at Sunshine. “When we decide the time is right.”

“You look happy.” Raina rolled her burrito. “Your scent is settled.”

“Iamhappy. Doesn’t mean I’m going to rush into bonding.”

My stomach twisted. I wanted my guys, more than I was comfortable with admitting. I kept telling myself it had barely been a month, but every time the four of us were entwined in each other’s bodies I ached for a bonding bite.

I’d never ached for a bondmark before. I didn’t know what to do with the feeling. Surely it was too soon. I had dated my old pack for over a year.

Bonding was forever. I could date a pack, sleep with them during my heat, and play at being together but until I was bonded, we were free to break it off.

Most of the time, people spent a few months getting to know each other, and then bonded.

A wiggle of fear put ice in my veins. I’d never wanted to be connected to Brock, Tyler, and Kyle. I always felt like something was off, something missing.

I didn’t feel that way about Jerrick, Evan, and Simon. The idea of not seeing them for a few days much less never again filled me with despair and rage.

I wanted to be bonded, but what if I was wrong? What if I asked for a bondmark, and once our souls were linked together, everything went wrong?

Luna cocked her head. “You really care about them.”

“Yes.” I sighed. “It scares me.”

“They’re not like those other assholes.” Ember waved her hand, gesturing with the same chip.

Raina looked up from her planner. “Don’t do that thing where you try to find reasons things aren’t going well because you’re scared.”

I got up for seconds. “None of you have room to talk.” I pointed at Raina. “You’re “just friends” with Kieran, but whenever he’s in town you two lock yourselves away for a week.”

“That’s because we are just friends,” Raina said like I was thick.

Raina had a friends-with-benefits thing going with an alpha named Kieran who was a Navy Seal, Green Beret, or maybe a spy. We didn’t know, we had bets. But he was out of town most of the time, but when he came back they locked themselves away for a week or more.

I pointed at my older sister. “Sunshine is in love with Pack Kahele and she’s too scared to admit it, and Ember’s got her ‘I’m totally not dating another omega and telling every alpha that shows interest to get bent’ thing with West.”

I paused at Luna. “And you’re so shy and scared of being hurt you’d rather ignore anyone shows interest like your sexy garden boy.”

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