Page 14 of For the First Time
I hated to point it out but, “Most betas never join a pack.”
“But they could.There’s no law against it.”
True.It was a social conundrum for why betas weren’t included in alpha and omega pairings.The designation elitists claimed that we weren’tenough.We didn’t match the rate of conception, or the increased sexual drive.According to the elitists, we also didn’t have the basic understanding to tolerate the territorialism or jealousy or whatever other enlarged emotion the other designations felt.
“It definitely seems like he’s protective over you,” Han said.
“Protective?He’s texting me.”
“Yeah, but he’s being, I don’t want to say manipulative, he’s being an alpha.Showing you his food so you’ll share yours.It’s his way to ensure you’re eating.Of watching over you.Caring for you.It’s what alphas do for their pack.”
Hannah nodded her agreement.“It does seem like he’s trying to include you.He’s sending you pictures of his omega.I don’t know any alpha that would do that.It would be different if he was posing, and the pictures were showing off, but they’re not.They’re just candid.I think Han’s right.He’s trying to include you in the pack.”
“What happened at the interview?”Sebastian asked.
“I actually interviewed with Atlas.”
“The omega?”
I nodded.“I didn’t meet Oaks until I was leaving, and my car got stuck.”
“And you gave him your number?”Hannah asked.She finally handed me my phone back and I hid it in my lap, ignoring the need to respond to Oaks.
“No, he got it from Everett who had my application.Oaks was supposed to do my interview, but something came up, so Atlas handled it and then when I was leaving, I ran into Oaks.”
“So you’ve met all the members in this pack?”
“I mean, I haven’t met Everett in person.But I’ve spoken to all three.Why?”
Hannah and her alphas all shared a look, a private conversation seeming to happen between them that I wasn’t a part of.She shook her head, the others raised an eyebrow, a head was tilted toward me, she bit her bottom lip.
It wasn’t until Jackson came over, his arms crossed over his chest as he glared at Sebastian, that the silence broke.“You were supposed to tell them dinner was ready.”
“I became enamored with Eve and her pack.”
Jackson raised a single eyebrow, his gaze turning to me as I blushed.“They’re not my pack.I’m a beta.”
“Koda’s pack thought she was a beta when they met her,” Hannah pointed out.“They still pursued her.”
My lips parted.Nothing came out.I didn’t really have an argument for that.I didn’t know a lot about Koda or her story.I did know that she didn’t present like a typical omega, despite having all the attributes.She was small, liked to nest, could take a knot, was jealous and protective of her mates, and when she did perfume, it was strong like an omega’s.Still, she managed to maintain a beta front to the rest of the world so she could continue taking her college classes without issue.Or withoutthatissue since bonding with three alphas as a perceived beta did have some problems of their own.
Both Koda and Hannah were fairly popular in the media.Magazine articles tracked their status—social media accounts were made in their honor.For all intents and purposes, they were famous.A beta with a pack of alphas.And an omega fighting for designation rights.They caused quite a social stir.
“They already have an omega.”It was all I could think to say.
Hannah shrugged.“I don’t have the answers.”
“Eve.”Jackson glared at me, although I was mostly sure that was just his normal facial expression.“If you want to be part of a pack, you can be.None of us think betas should be ostracized or keep to their own designation.Now, it’s time to eat.My mate is hungry.”
“Starving, more like,” Hannah agreed before climbing over the couch and throwing herself at Jackson.The large male easily caught her and took her away toward the dining room.
The others got up quickly, but I took my time.I packed away the left-over yarn and the little tool kit and instructions, then I chuckled to myself and did the same with Hannah’s kit.I should’ve known better than to think the beginner crotchet kit was a good idea.Hannah was artistic in personality, in clothes.Not in activities.
Just as I was about to follow after them, the nagging sensation in my gut had me unlocking my phone, my fingers desperate to type out a response to Oaks.I shouldn’t.I just wanted to.So I did.Dinner at a friend’s place tonight.A night off from cooking for me.
Then I silenced my phone and set it on the short living room table, finally making my way to the dining room where Hannah was yelling at me to hurry up.
