Page 92 of Follow Your Instincts

She led us to a three-sided booth in the back that she’d reserved, another clue that this bar was more trendy than seedy. Lucas went to get everyone drinks, and we sat in awkward silence for a moment before Ben jumped in to save us all.

“Tell us the most embarrassing story about Maggie in high school you can think of,” he said to Kira with a mischievous grin at me.

Kira launched into a story about the time I’d gotten caught making out with a boy in the backstage area of the auditorium while we were supposed to be rehearsing for a musical. That led to stories about my “goth phase” when I’d worn the only black sweatshirt I had for weeks at a time and so much eyeliner I looked like a raccoon.

I was sitting between Lachlan and Kira, and I let the conversation flow around me. As I suspected, Kira and Ben didn’t need my help to get along amazingly. Lucas, Soren, and even Lachlan also joined in with their own embarrassing stories about each other. Kira had already given me a sneaky thumbs-up of approval.

“You’re quiet,” Lachlan said after our second round of drinks. I was leaning heavily into him, my head on his shoulder. His whiskey scent was making me feel just as tipsy as the beers, and I had never been much of a drinker to begin with.

“Tired,” I said. “And happy. I’m really glad you like her.”

Lachlan kissed my temple. “Whenever you’re ready to go home, love, just say the word.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, are we keeping you awake, Mags? Don’t bitch out on me,” she said, pointing her finger at me.

“If I didn’t bitch out on you, would it be one of our nights out?” I said. “I’m exhausted. It’s been a wild day.”

Kira sighed dramatically, but then smiled at me. “Yeah, yeah, we all know you just want to go home with your pack of dudes.”

We made our way out, but Kira pulled me aside, her face uncharacteristically serious. “You know I love you, right?”

“Yes, and I love you,” I said warily.

“If you do not hold onto that pack, you’re an idiot,” she said and threw her arms around me again. “I know this wasn’t your plan, but I’m happy for you.”

Tears pricked at my eyes. “Thanks,” I whispered. We pulled back and just looked at each other for a moment. For so long, Kira had been my only connection, and the change was bittersweet.

“Love you,” she said and kissed my cheek. “Please call me more often.”

“I promise,” I said.

I followed the guys out, holding Ben and Lucas’s hands, and we made our way home. And it did feel like home.

Chapter 35

Maggie

After a brief respite of two days that didn’t involve screaming or drama beyond the reality shows Lachlan and I both liked, my luck ran out. I woke up feeling a lot like I had the morning I’d presented. Soren’s alarm hadn’t gone off, and I could tell by the light coming in through the window that it was late morning. I had a splitting headache.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” Ben said as I stirred. He was perched on the edge of the bed.

“What time is it?” I stretched, groaning at the dull aches in my joints.

“10:30,” he said. “I wanted to wake you up, but Lachlan said we should let you get some rest.”

I tried to sit up, but the reality of Omega biology slammed into me.

“Ow,” I said softly, doubling over at the sudden wave of cramping heat that hit me low in the stomach. I whimpered and curled back up on my side.

“Sweetheart, are you okay?” Ben asked.

I nodded, gritting my teeth against another wave of pain. “Fine,” I said. “Just hurts. Really bad.”

“Oh shit,” Ben said softly. “Like, crampy?”

“Yes,” I groaned. It was like the worst period crampsimaginable. And unlike the earlier heat spikes, none of the horniness.

“Shit,” Ben said again with a mischievous half grin.

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