Page 124 of Dubious Match
“Are you this rude to everyone who is a guest?” I ask. “Sex workers deserve respect just as much as anyone else. However, I am not a sex worker, nor a madam, and my lips can suckdick just fine. What isn’t going to change are the previous and existing relationships within my pack.”
Up until now, I’ve left some space between Pack Ledger and myself. Maybe it’s how quickly this has progressed, or the fact that I hold space between myself and most people.
I’m messy. Emotionally and mentally. I know I have baggage, but staring down my pack’s family, I can admit that everyone has shit that they deal with. These are my fucking alphas, and I can not believe how terrible the people in this room are.
“It doesn’t have to be them or me,” I rasp, my voice cracking with emotion. “Our relationship has space for all of it. You don’t have to understand it, but the way that you speak about them will end now.”
“Or what?” Alyssa asks. “Take a look around. My brothers are very careful not to touch the other alphas. We all watch for it, and are disgusted with their behavior and lives. Malcom and Brice ruined my brothers.”
“I think you’re right,” I say, curling my fingers into my palm. I really want to punch this sixteen year old. It’s really unfortunate that she’s been indoctrinated into such hateful rhetoric. “If being ruined means they get to love and adore each other each and every day, then thank fuck that I’ve been ruined too.”
“Language, young lady,” Margerie gasps.
“You asked me to peg your sons!” I yell. I don’t enjoy the attention, but I think it’s necessary. “I think the time for being reminded to tone down my goddamned language has passed.”
As if on some sort of cue, my alphas push out their chairs and stand, dropping their napkins on the table.
“Love is being accepting of everyone,” I say, standing as well. “It’s a miracle my alphas grew up to be the kind of men they are when they’ve been surrounded by fucking trash humans. I amnot Pack Ledger’s lavender bond, but their omega through both biology and fate. Don’t cheapen my love or what we have.”
“Guys, what the fuck,” Brice groans. “This was your one chance to show that you weren’t all complete bigots.”
“Brice,” Imelda gasps. I notice his mother is crying, but she doesn’t say anything to attempt to turn the tide of this shit show.
“We wanted you to find an omega to help change your ways,” Sherry says, standing to cross her arms over her chest. “It seems instead that she’s engaging in the delusion that you don’t have to choose.”
“Well, that’s the concept of a poly relationship, isn't it?” Mal asks. “Finding my scent match will not change the fact that I love three other men and a woman.”
My eyes snap to his, and he simply smirks at me.
“I also believe that I heard the word ‘rejection’ in my omega’s mind,” Remy growls. I really am shit at shielding today, fuck me. “She is bonded to the four of us, Alyssa. There will not be any rejection. She is ours, and I believe this is our sign to cut the fat.”
“Did you just call me fat?” Alyssa screeches, making me wince.
“No, dear sister. It means that we’re cutting ties. I’m done coming here and having to pretend that I’m not wildly in love with Mal and Brice,” he says. “It’s not wrong, love isn’t a matter of being this or that. Some of you are great at pretending that we’re four single alphas who live together, while others enjoy making backhanded comments about why we’re together.”
“Just admit that you’re gay,” Alyssa sighs. “I’m looking out for your best interests, Remy. I just want you to be happy.”
“Do you really think I’d chase and court an omega that I didn’t want?” Felix asks. “I’m always going to spoil the fuck out of her because I love her. It’s the reason that I clean and keep our home the way it is too. I enjoy it.”
“They say resolutions are a good way to get out of a rut,” Brice growls. “You are our dead weight. As of now, we are taking our omega and leaving. There will not be any calls taken about this, and when and if there are children, none of you will receive a single photo.”
“Isn’t that what social media is for?” Alyssa asks snidely.
“We’ll block you all and I’ll embed everything so you can never find it,” I whisper.
“Go, out,” Mal says, walking toward me and grabbing my hand.
My ability to deal with bullshit is quickly coming to an end, and I can feel tears filling my eyes. I’m so fucking sad for my alphas.
“Shhh, it’s okay,” he whispers once we’re in the foyer and he helps me put on my coat. “It was a mistake to come. I’m sorry.”
“Wait, you’re turning your back on your family?” Sherry asks, following us.
Malcolm hides me behind his body as he shrugs on his coat and the guys do the same. Tears are falling down my cheeks, and I imagine Sherry is one of those people that can smell blood in the water.
I can be strong about the issues I have in my own family, but this feels different. They have a relationship with their families, even if it’s been a little strained up until now. This is a fissure that can’t be healed. My alphas aren’t going to magically stop loving each other.
“If you actually wanted to be my mother, then you’d accept me as I am,” Mal growls. “The fact that you had to follow me to ask me that shows that you will never understand me.”
