Page 42 of Begrudgingly Yours
“Yeah, Dax and I met at training camp freshman year. We’ve been friends ever since.”
His rain scent scoured the space, but there is something sour in the midst. A smoky citrus that clings to the air. “Cherries?”
Everett laughs before sitting down on what must be his bed. The comforter is an extremely dark navy that reminds me of Rory’s hair.
I take a seat in the computer chair nearby. “I’m sorry if I was awkward downstairs,” I tell him. Those guys are Everett’s friends, and I don’t want to be on the outs with them.
He waves me off. “Uriah just recently started showing his real personality to people. He’s still catching up on his social skills. His omega is best friends with Rory.”
I already knew that, but I don’t let Everett know. I don’t mind talking about our situation with Everett, but now that I’m aware he knows her, I don’t want to put him in the middle. I made this mess, I’ll figure out howto clean it up.
“Dax’s sister is also in that Shakespeare class. Do you know Nicole Monaghan?”
I whip my head around to him. Wow, everything is feeling way too connected right now to be real life.
“Yeah, I know her,” I say, biting my tongue. She’s been extremely rude to Rory lately and it makes my alpha irritable.
The conversation is cut short when a commotion begins downstairs. I wonder if it’s always this loud when people come and go. I guess in a house full of dudes, it’s bound to happen.
Everett smiles. “Speak of the devil.”
I don’t have time to question him as there’s quickened footsteps coming up the stairs. When the bedroom door opens, someone walks in casually, like they’re comfortable in this space.
This must be Dax. He’s got dirty blond hair that falls like a movie star’s. He’s a lot more lean compared to Everett, but the muscle you need for a sport like hockey is still apparent in his smaller frame.
He seems almost too perfect, like a Ken doll.
Our eyes meet, and something snaps in place. There’s a tugging of energy as his blue gaze takes me in, surprise written all over his face.
“Holy shit,” he says. “We’re pack.”
TWENTY-ONE
I nearly choke on air. “What did you just say?”
Even as the words hit my ears, I know they’re correct. There’s a new vitality zipping through the air as I look at Dax. His stunned expression is directed at Jett, but I hone in on the same feeling coursing through me. Like a wrist shot that flies right past me, I feel it snapping into place in my chest: this deepknowing.
The certainty that Dax and I have been waiting to feel finally settles in my bones, and the presence of it sends a surge of emotion right through me.
We’re pack mates. We were always pack mates.
Dax looks at me, showing me the sheen in his eyes before he looks back at Jett with exuberance. “Holy shit!”
“I don’t know what’s going on right now,” Jett says, his eyes wide. “Why do I feel like I know you?”
“Because we’re pack, man! Oh my gosh, it’s so good to meet you.” Dax’s smile is huge as he pulls Jett in for a hug. Our new pack mate rolls with it, but there’s some reluctance or confusion still lingering on his face.
I cough down my amusement. Dax is very open for an alpha, and that can be a lot for someone who isn’t used to it.
“It’s good to meet you, too. Dax, right?”
“Shit, you’re right. We need proper introductions.” Dax pulls away and laughs, mimicking with his hands that his head is exploding. “This is fucking crazy. But yes, that’s me. And you must be Jett, Everett’s tutee I’ve heard good things about.”
A blush creeps up at that. I may have mentioned Jett to Dax a few times, but I definitely didn’t know it was because my alpha knew we were pack. Jett looks at me and his eyes widen even more when he realizes he feels the same pull of energy with me.
I’m right there with you, man.
Dax looks back at me. “Everett A.K.A. my official pack mate!” he hollers as he strides over to me. He pulls me into a hug, too, obviously needing physical affection to solidify his excitement. I squeeze a bit tighter than I should, feeling that rush of sentiment claw back up to the surface. He lets go and turns to Jett while pointing at me. “We’ve known each other for over three years. Ever since training camp our freshman year. We kept saying our bond would click in sooner or later, but it just never came. It’s been fucking torture trying to figure out what was missing, but it turns out, it’s you!Youwere missing! Fuck!”
