Page 42 of Pumpkin Patch Pack
I take a deep breath. This is it—the moment of truth.
“Emma, have you ever heard of scent compatibility?”
She nods. “It’s when an omega can smell their perfect match even through chemical barriers.”
“Yes,” I say.
She swallows hard. “And you think that’s what this is? Between me and…”
“All of us,” I confirm gently. “Rowan, Liam, and me.”
Her hand trembles slightly against Maple’s fur. “How can you be so sure?”
“Because Liam knew from the first day,” I tell her. “Since the moment Maple stole your… personal item. He caught your true scent. He recognized you immediately as our mate.”
“But he didn’t say anything,” she whispers.
“No. None of us knew at first. But then, the more time you spent with us, the more potent your scent became. Rowan figured it out. I only found out a few days ago. They wanted you to feel safe first. To choose us, if that’s what you want.” I reach out slowly, giving her time to pull away, and when she doesn’t, Igently take her hand in mine. “We would never force this on you, Emma. Never.”
Her eyes shine with moisture.
“You don’t have to decide anything right now,” I assure her, my thumb tracing gentle circles on the back of her hand. “We can take things as slow as you need. Or if you want to leave, we’ll help you do that safely too.”
A tear slips down her cheek. “What if I don’t want to leave?”
My heart soars at her words, but I keep my voice steady. “Then you stay. We figure this out together, at whatever pace feels right for you.”
“I like it here,” she admits softly. “I like the farm. I like the work. I like…” she hesitates, then adds in an even quieter voice, “I like all of you.”
“We like you too,” I say, smiling. “Rather a lot, actually.”
She gives a watery laugh, wiping her tears with her free hand. “Even after I nearly poisoned myself with suppressants and caused all this drama?”
“Especially after that,” I assure her. “Though we’d prefer if you didn’t make a habit of medical emergencies.”
Maple bleats, as if adding her vote to the conversation.
A small laugh escapes Emma, “Seems I’m outnumbered.”
“That goat has excellent judgment,” I say, smiling. “And she’s been right about you from the start.”
She squeezes my hand. “I was so scared you’d be angry when you found out, that you’d see me differently. I’m tired of being afraid. Tired of running.”
I nod. “Then don’t run. Stay with us.”
“It’s not that simple.” Her fingers tighten around mine. “I have… a past. Someone who is still looking for me.”
“We can protect you,” I say. “Rowan and Liam—they’re the strongest alphas I know. And I’m pretty resourceful myself.”
She smiles. “And I have a fierce attack goat.”
“Exactly. Who could get past Maple?”
Emma’s smile grows, then falters. “What if… what if I’m not what you all expect? What if this scent compatibility thing is wrong?”
I shake my head. “It’s not wrong. But even if it were—even if biology weren’t pushing us together—we’d still want you here. You fit, Emma. With us, with this place.”
She’s quiet for a long moment, absently stroking Maple’s fur.
