Page 156 of Sunshine

I was just really hurt when it felt like you were pushing me out of your life and stressed out about work

I stared at the text for a minute.

“What’s wrong?” Ember barreled over to me like a one omega wrecking ball.

I showed her the text.

“No.” Ember shook her head. “She does not get to jerk you around like you’re her personal punching bag. She’s only sorry because you haven’t texted her or called her. If you let her apologize, she’ll make you feel like she was doing you a favor and you shared in the blame.”

I huffed. “You’re right.”

“Love’s not a pie, Sunshine.” Ember frowned. “It’s not a limited resource and when someone has it all it’s gone.”

I pulled my cousin into a fierce hug. “I love you.” I touched the bonds from my pack. “I can feel my pack’s love, but you and the rest of the family have shown me that my entire life.”

“Good.” Ember gave me a look. The look she had been giving me since we were kids, even though I was older. “Don’t let her make you feel guilty.”

“Yes, Ember,” I said and rolled my eyes. “Let’s go check out this hunky beta of yours.”

“Oh he’s not mine,” Ember said. “But I thought you could use the pick me up.”

I followed my cousin down the hall, trying to decide if I was going to reply to Talia or just ghost her. It would be easier to never talk to her again, but maybe I should give some sortof explanation. Even though it would more than likely lead to another argument.

I made the right noises about the hunky beta guy, but he held no interest for me. I had my pack, and other men didn’t register anymore.

I went home and cuddled in between my alphas and omega. I showed Luca the text I’d received, and he shook his head. “Just say something like ‘our last fight really put things into perspective for me. I feel like our friendship is over, and I don’t see a way to fix this’.”

Julian made a face. “She’s just going to argue with you. Just tell her to stop texting you. She made her feelings clear.”

I looked at Logan. He shrugged. “Whatever you want, darling. I’m just here to make you dinner.”

I laughed and swatted him with a pillow.

I texted Talia back, repeating most of what Luca said. I wanted to be done with this part of my life. I’d tried to make it work with her, and now that I didn’t have to constantly worry about her feelings, I was happier.

I hit send, my stomach clenching up a little bit.

“Time for a movie.” Julian pulled me against him. “You’re stressed. Let’s enjoy the Holiday Baking Show.”

Holiday Baking Show sounded nice and relaxing. Talia texted me through most of the night, ranging from accusing me of being selfish and acting like a martyr to apologizing for how she’d acted.

I ignored her, pulling myself into the middle of my new pack, still feeling soft wonder at the idea that these amazing men were mine.

Forever.

Chapter 38

Sunshine

Icouldn’t have asked for a better night for Mrs. Cullen’s event.

Luca drove us over to the event early. I’d dressed in the fancy gown he’d bought me and gorgeous jewelry. I didn’t want to admit it, but I felt better knowing I looked amazing.

The evening was crisp and clear, only a few scattered puffy clouds in the sky. The sun was setting over the ocean, making everything feel magical.

Mrs. Cullen arrived in a limo, her sparkly silver dress twinkling like the sun. “Goodness.”

The Italian Villa was transformed. I’d worked for hours to get the right amount of rustic Old World charm to accent rather than cover the ancient masonry.

---