Page 112 of Storm
I love this newfound ease between us, the way she's carved a space for herself in our pack without replacing anyone. Instead, she's expanded us, made room for more connections, more possibilities.
The sound of heavy footsteps approaching draws our attention to the doorway once more. Reed appears, his expression shifting from neutral to assessing as he takes in our little group. Those stormy eyes watching everything. Nothing escapes Reed's notice. It's what makes him such an effective protector, and occasionally, such an intimidating presence.
"What's going on here?" he asks, his voice low and controlled as his eyes move from Alex to me to Frankie, lingering longest on Storm.
"Just making breakfast," Alex replies, gesturing to the abandoned pancakes and fruit. He knows how to manage his packmate's moods better than anyone.
Reed's nostrils flare as he inhales deeply, no doubt sorting through the mingled scents of arousal and amusement filling the kitchen. His gaze settles on Frankie, something calculating in his expression. "The beta is going to touch both my omegas?"
The words come out rough, with a hint of jealousy.
Storm rolls her eyes dramatically. "First of all, I'm notyouromega." She steps closer to Reed, fearless as always. "Second, Frankie can touch whoever gives consent."
Reed's jaw tightens, but he doesn't contradict her. His gaze shifts to Frankie, who looks like he wants to hide under the table.
"And did he?" Reed asks, his voice deceptively casual. "Give consent?"
"We were just getting to that part," Alex says, his tone light but with an edge of challenge as he meets Reed's gaze. "Before we were interrupted."
The tension between the two alphas crackles in the air like electricity before a storm. I move closer to Frankie instinctively, my protective omega instincts rising despite knowing both alphas would never truly hurt the beta.
Storm seems to sense the shift as well. She steps between Reed and Alexander, a tiny barrier of wild curls and fierce defiance. "As much as I'd love to watch you two posture all morning, the pancakes are getting cold and I'm starving."
Her simple statement breaks the tension. Reed's shoulders relax marginally, while Alex's lips quirk into a small smile.
"She has a point," I add, turning back to the forgotten breakfast spread. "Let's eat first, negotiate who gets to touch the beta later."
The moment passes, the kitchen fills with more mundane activity as we gather plates and silverware, arrange food on the island countertop, pour coffee and juice. Frankie stays close to Storm, clearly more comfortable with her brand of teasing than being caught between the two alphas and me.
We settle around the island, the conversation shifting to more neutral topics. The weather, plans for the day, a book Alex has been reading. Reed remains quieter than the rest, though the tension has left his broad shoulders. His gaze frequently finds Storm, something warm and possessive in his stormy eyes when she's not looking. I wonder if she knows, if she senses how the alpha watches her, how his scent shifts subtly in her presence.
"Reed," Storm says, setting down her coffee mug. "I need to ask you something."
He meets her gaze, his full attention shifting to her immediately. "What is it?"
"Harley," she says simply. "I want to know if there's a way to contact her, to make sure she's okay."
The name registers immediately—the other omega who was part of Choosing Day alongside Storm, her friend from the Omega House.
Reed's expression gives nothing away, but I notice the slight softening around his eyes. "It could be risky," he says finally.
"I know," Storm acknowledges, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her plate. "But she's my friend. I need to know if she's safe, if she's happy with her alphas."
"Pack Bentley," Alex supplies. "They're beta-born, respectable. Good reputation."
Reed considers Storm's request, his stormy eyes unreadable.
"I might be able to arrange something," he says eventually. "A secure line, untraceable. But it would be brief."
Relief washes over Storm's face, her dark chocolate scent sweetening with gratitude. "Thank you," she says simply, the two words carrying more weight than any elaborate speech could.
Reed nods once, accepting her thanks without further comment. But I notice the way his expression softens when she smiles at him, the faint shift in his scent that signals his pleasure at having made her happy.
It's fascinating, watching the dynamics between them. The push and pull, the tension and tenderness. So different from what Storm and I have, or what she shares with Alex or Rook. Even Frankie. Unique connections forming within our unconventional pack, each relationship distinct yet part of a greater whole.
"When?" Storm asks, her voice hopeful. "How soon can I talk to her?"
"I'll need a few days to set it up," Reed replies. "But by the end of the week, if all goes well."
