Page 61 of The Princess and the Pack

He shrugs, calm as usual. “You know why I agreed. This isn’t new to me. My ma is well and happy with four alphas of her own. I’m here now, tied to you. I’m not going anywhere.”

Fuck. I want to scream, to cry. To hug Cillian and slap his beautiful face.

So much time wasted. So many injustices done. So many lives lost.

Hawthorn can’t have known about this. I refuse to accept he would know and let five of his siblings face horrific lives. The fact thatthisand not my father’s philandering that made her ill—there’s so much to process.

“I need to think,” I gasp, my heart beating fast, lungs burning.

“I understand,” Cillian says, somber. “But darling, please know that every choice I made—even though it was wrong—I made with you in mind. I only care about your well-being, and I’m prepared to do anything so you don’t have to go through anything like that. If you agree, I’ll tell the court. Have us all bond with you. And change things—whatever it takes to keep you safe.”

I hear him. I understand his intent, but he isn’t the only one with a terrible father whose actions ruined things on the inside. He still lied, and I need time to separate his actions from his intentions and the hurt I’ve endured because of secrets past.

“I want to go to my nest.”

“Do you want me to go with you, petal?” Sloan asks.

“Yes,” I breathe, relieved I don’t have to ask. Except... “No, actually. I’m sorry. I want to... I need to speak with Oran.”

Sloan smiles, bringing my hand to his lips and kissing it gently.

Cillian deflates, nearly falling onto the floor. If he’s relieved to have gotten the weight off his chest or saddened that I can’t give him assurances at the moment, I don’t know. I just know what my heart wants, and that’s to spend time out with my alpha who looks as though I’ve given him a gift, who’s quiet and eager to be near me. He didn’t ask for this. He simply followed orders, and while I wish he wouldn’t have, I can’t be angry with him over this. Just like I can’t be angry at Sloan.

“You want me in your nest, love?” Oran asks, wide-eyed with wonder.

I nod, clutching the handkerchief he made like it’s the most precious thing in the world.

“Please, alpha.”

He smiles, rising at once and reaching out a hand. I let go of Sloan and stand to join Oran.

“Thank you for finally telling me,” I say, looking at Cillian and his tear-filled eyes. “I know that must have been very difficult to recount, and I’m so angry on your behalf. But I need time, Cillian. I need to process all this information and try to find a way to forgive you.”

Cillian stands, but stays where he is, every inch the gentleman as an omega leaves the room. “I’ll wait forever, Ivy. I just want your heart.”

My heart clenches at that. I know he’s sincere. I know it to be true, and I think I can get there, just not yet.

I give him one last look, then smile softly at Sloan, before turning to Oran.

“Can we go please?”

He squeezes my hand, his palm warm and reassuring. “After you, little mate.”

As I lead my alpha through the secret passageway Sloan showed me, I can’t help but wish I would have asked Cillian to join us.

I’m so on edge with this heat and all their injustice, but I need time with Oran, I need his sweet smoke filling my nose and to feel everything he’s had to keep hidden this last year.

Oran is mine, and knowing he thought I could never want him is one injustice I can fix right now.

My omega chose me.

With so much information to process, she chosemeto comfort her in her nest. Given their new bond, I assumed Sloan would be here in my place. Maybe even Cillian after sharing his misfortunes with her.

But me? I thought I’d fade into the background when up against my packmates who have much more to offer her than I do.

Sloan is so solid—such a good foundation for our mate. He will tend to all her hurts, do things to make her smile. And Cillian is charming—handsome. He can give her everything this kingdom has to offer. I’m still not sure where I fit in, or why she would even want me, beyond Fate making my scent appealing to her.

Ivy leads me into the nest, stepping down to crawl into the large bed. She’s yet to let go of my hand, and when she plops down, she nearly drags me on top of her. I land with a soft “oof,” which makes her giggle.

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