Page 26 of Building My Pack

"How would you feel having the rug you've worked so hard on all your life being ripped right out from under your feet, and by a person who supposedly loved you for years?" Kit retorts defensively.

Call it alpha senses if you will, I can tell he's more invested than he's letting on. Even if his ocean-beta scent wasn't tainted with worry, it'd be obvious by the way he's talking about her. A night of heavy drinking had led him to spilling his guts about his mom and her pack and why he stays mobile, so maybe having that kind of upbringing just makes him more empathetic than normal. Or, it could just be his beta reacting to her omega-siren call and he doesn't want to admit it. Much like Kit, my mom never wanted to be bonded or tied down to any single pack. When she'd gotten pregnant with me, she'd carried me to birth and saw me through the first couple months of my life then dropped me on my dad's doorstep. Neither of us have heard from her since. I can't say I'm complaining, because a woman who's selfish enough to not even attempt to be in her son's life doesn't deserve his love. Besides, good, ole dad is the reason I even got started in the construction business, following in his footsteps. Not to mention, he was a pretty, damn awesome dad.

For once, Waylen's teasing gets directed at someone other than me as he ribs Kit. "Wow, looks like Mitch isn't the only one prickly this week."

Kit doesn't get angry or even act frustrated on being called out. There's something about the beta that's always calm and gives off that ‘total chill’ vibe. He just shrugs. "I'm just getting restless. I think it's about time to hit the road again."

This catches my attention. As much as I love the life me and Waylen have settled into, it's been nice having Kit around for the past several months. Not just that, but I happen to know a certain omega that's going to be heartbroken if he leaves. He may have been too busy to see the way she was looking at him the other night, but I, for sure, wasn't. There's something there between them. Hopefully, he realizes it before he takes off again. Which is why I bring it up.

"You can't leave, dude. I think you might regret it later if you do."

He's already shaking his head. "Nah, I don't get tied down so that it's easier to leave when I'm ready. Besides, I think I'm wearing out my welcome on the couch I've been crashing on."

"Don't use that as an excuse," I bark with alpha command, accidentally. Then softer add, "You know that you can always stay here with us. You can't sit there and play like we don't have the space for you to crash."

Waylen is smirking and nodding his head, but Kit just shakes his again gently.

"It's her," Way jokes. "She's got you, too. It's why you're trying to run."

For a dude who tends to not be serious hardly ever, Way never holds back the truth. Especially when it needs to be heard.

Kit stands and brushes his hands down the front of his jeans. "I'm going to head out for now. I'll stop and check on Bryce and text you."

"I could always go check on her," I offer with a smirk.

He's already over by the stairs and throws a glance over his shoulder. "I'll go. I think we all know what'll happen if you go over there."

"Better than running from it," I playfully half yell at his back.

Bryce

Sitting at my island having my morning cup of coffee, I think back just a couple mornings ago when Santiago had stayed the night and gotten up the next morning to make breakfast. The sight of him lounging in my kitchen and making himself at home was something I think I could get used to on a daily basis. I could've chosen to come clean right then about everything that's happened and about my lie as a beta. I could've even done it while in the shower a little while later with him washing my back before we'd tumbled right back into bed. There were a ton of opportunities to confess and set things right, but did I? Nope, I chickened out every single time. My final excuse had been that I wanted to tell him and Kennedy together. That's why I'd let him leave after spending a full twenty-four hours with him and not saying a word. We didn't speak yesterday because he said he had business to attend to but that he'd call if he couldn't make it back tonight.

Enjoying the bitterness of my black coffee, I close my eyes as the rays of the sun beam through the windows and bathe me in warmth. I've always been a huge fan of the setting sun, but I might just make an exception for a good sunrise, too. High-pitched chimes break me out of my moment. Getting up to head for the door, I gripe. "This doorbell has rang more in one week than it did in years."

Which is actually kind of sad, but even thoughts of George and the pathetic thing we called life couldn't pull me out of my happy place this morning. Especially as I open the door to Chloe and Thomas's smiling faces.

"Hiya, lovely," Thomas beams as Chloe bounces on her toes beside him.

"Hey," I tell them, swinging the door wide for them to walk through.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what are you guys doing here?"

Chloe's hands are stuffed full of bags and a cup holder with three steaming cups in it. Thomas grabs one of mine and tucks it into his elbow as he dramatically takes in the foyer around us. "Love what you've done with the place, darling. Truly."

Knowing it's as plain as George always liked it with no pictures on the slate-grey walls and the white trim, I can't help but laugh. He grins as we close the door and walk toward the kitchen.

Setting her stuff down on the counter, Chloe passes us both a cup before taking a sip of hers. Smacking her tongue and lips a few times, she warns, "Still super hot. Give it just a second. But in the meantime, we brought brunch."

"It's still early," I tell her incredulously.

Thomas snickers, "Haven't been to work in less than a week and already turning into a lazy bones, huh? It's close enough to being brunch time. Besides, who's going to turn down coffee and all these other fabulous foods we've brought?"

And, boy did they bring it. There's everything from french toast to little cucumber finger sandwiches and even lemon scones with a sweet glaze.

"Okay, what's the catch?" I ask to which they both respond with matching expressions of mock innocence.

Chloe presses a hand to her chest, "What? Can we not come over just to see how our beautiful friend is doing?"

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