Page 39 of Truth or Pack

“I can’t believe you’re just going to buy it,” I said, a hysterical almost half sob, half laugh, broke free.

“We’d do anything for you, Taryn,” Holt said, his words so sincere and full of conviction that I let it chase away the tumultuous storm of emotions running through me.

“You barely know me,” I said, though it was a weak argument. We weren’t merely friends, there was history here but we were also mates.

His scent intensified, a hint of reassurance mixed in. I didn’t even know emotions could change a scent like this, but I knew I was reading it right.

“We’re in this, Taryn. There’s no going back for any of us now. We’re all in if you’ll have us. Which means, sometimes acting in what we think is the right move, like Ash. Or protecting you from those that bring you down. They’re family, but sometimes the family you find are the ones who mean the most.”

A tear escaped as his words hit me. It felt like he was giving me permission to write off the family that had only put me down or used me. I didn’t realize I needed to hear that so much, but right now all I could do was shift into his arms, wrapping my hands around his middle.

Mathias moved in behind me, hands resting on my hips below Holt’s arms. The beta’s citrus-punch scent mixed with Holt’s blackberry cobbler in a sweet, reassuring scent that was feeling more and more like home every passing day.

Though, right now it was missing Ash.

“Come on, let’s get this finished so we can take you home,” Holt said.

I was shocked when he let me actually help, though he handled the heavy lifting while Mathias and I were given the gloves they’d bought us earlier, to gather the last of the debris.

When he handed me a hammer to knock down the shattered door frame, I was more than happy to do it. They didn’t say a word as I took my frustration out on the weathered wood, knocking it free.

When a woman came into sight, she barked out a laugh. “Well, that’s one way to bash the old one free.”

Holt snagged the frame just as it knocked loose, setting it aside. “She did a fine job.”

“I take it this is the omega you were both gushing about,” she teased, making me blush and duck my head.

“She is,” Holt said with pride. “This is our omega, Taryn. Taryn, this is Deb.”

He introduced the beta with a softness I didn’t expect. It seemed he had taken a liking to this sweet, old beta.

“Don’t worry,” she promised. “All good things. These men are trying hard to win you over, you know.”

“We are,” Mathias agreed, giving me a wink.

“It’s working,” I whispered conspiratorially. Watching both men gasp and smile like they won the lottery was absolutely worth it.

Maybe letting them in wasn’t so bad.

“Okay, let’s talk, alpha to alpha. This is a prime spot and it has… sentimental value,” Taryn’s father said, puffing out his chest.

He may be an alpha, but he was a fucking tool, and half my size. The kind of alpha that thought he was the superior specimen but could never quite stack up.

“Yes, and it’s for your daughter. Though, from what I learned of you both, that might not matter,” I said evenly, losing all sense of nicety.

Her mom’s fake smile fell and her eyes narrowed. It was weird how much older she looked when she wasn’t putting on an act.

“That’s no way to talk to your future in-laws.”

“Look, what you did to her was dirty. I don’t believe for a second you didn’t see her calls and texts. Moreover, the fact you didn’t check on her was terrible. Even standing here, you didn’t give a single ounce of sympathy when her car was totaled. You can't buy class, I guess,” I said, hitting them where it hurts. I’d heard enough to know exactly what their game was.

Her father growled, though it was half-hearted. They damn well knew I was right.

“And you think this little show of bravado will win us over?” he scoffed.

“Oh no, that’s not my game here,” I corrected. “I’m striking a bargain. For you to step back and leave her be, never speak a negative word to her again, and the house, I will exchange a two-year membership to The Haven.”

That got their attention. They exchanged a look, practically salivating at the idea.

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