Page 35 of The Beta: Part Three
“Corso Zaphir.” She must not know about our combined packs.
“You left the hospital with the Johnson pack. Is the Zaphir pack a better fit for you? You were very concerned about the Johnson pack’s omega when you were under my care.”
“I’m still with the Johnson pack. The Zaphir pack joined together with the Johnson pack. Corso marked me during my first heat, and it turns out that Jasper and I are mates so we couldn’t be parted. So, we decided to combine our packs in order to keep everyone happy, calm, and well taken care of.”
Silence. And a struggle to keep herself from dropping her mouth open or gawking.
“It’s alright to show a genuine reaction, Doctor Cortez. It isn’t exactly typical. But it’s the best thing for us.”
She squares her shoulders and shakes off her initial response. “So, if I’m understanding correctly, both packs live together peacefully in order for their omegas to maintain their mates status?”
I smile again. “Something like that. I have bonds with every alpha, and Jasper has bonds with all the Johnson pack alphas as well as with one of the Zaphir pack alphas. All seven of us all bundled up nice and tight.”
“You have bonds with seven alphas?” she asks, scribbling onto the papers on the desk.
“I do.”
“How do you feel about that?”
That is exactly the type of question that keeps me from being a good candidate for counseling. I know she wants me to go into a huge overture about how horrible or wonderful it is, or about how wretched I was until the bonds were in place, but that’s not how my brain operates. I work through things step by step until I clear the table, and it isn’t a huge or dramatic process. I’ve disappointed more than one counselor over the years thanks to the center’s training requirements and I’m sure I’m about to disappoint Doctor Cortez.
“It feels right. And settled. I’ve been a beta my whole life, Doctor Cortez. I act and think like a beta. I also, very genuinely, do not feel traumatized by my life; and if I did feel traumatized I have every confidence that my alphas would help me feel more stable.”
Her mouth shrinks into a tight, little line and she raises an eyebrow. “You were fairly traumatized when you were at the hospital. I can see that you are no longer in that place, and I’m happy to see it. I’d like to talk with you a little longer, but I know, first hand, how much bonds help omegas; even omegas who can be too headstrong for their own good.”
I grin at her. Headstrong is a nice way to say stubborn asshole. “We can talk as long as you like. Thank you for taking time with me.”
Then we talk. We talk for over an hour and a half. She gets a full summary of everything that has happened since she last saw me, and by the time she asks me to call in my pack I think I’ve found an actual friend.
“One last question, just for my own curiosity, and possibly paperwork purposes, if you don’t mind.”
“What would you like to know, Doctor Cortez?”
“Will your new pack be the Zaphir-Johnson pack? Or some other combination of names?”
We prepared for this question, because it will be asked many, many times. “Since Devon will have a council seat, and because Corso doesn’t want anything to do with politics, we will be the Johnson pack.”
“And what about kids? Their last names?”
“We will cross that bridge when we get there.”
Doctor Cortez nods as she scribbles on her pad.
“Talia, would you mind stepping out of the room? I’m sure you’ll hear all about what I’m about to tell your pack, but I think they’ll feel more free to speak to me if they’re not worrying about offending you or hurting your feelings.”
“I absolutely agree. Let me get them in here.” I put the text out and am not at all surprised when it takes less than ten seconds for them to file into my room.
“She wants to talk to you guys. I’m going to go make some lunch.” I distribute kisses and cuddles on my way out the door. I even wink at Corso and tell him good luck. He’s not in trouble, but his face takes on this adorable expression whenever he thinks he is.
Chapter thirteen
Corso
“Good afternoon, Doctor Cortez. It’s very nice to speak with you again.”
She looks at me over the rim of her glasses. “Alpha Corso Zaphir?”
“Yes. This is my pack, Reid Scott and Alex Rosen. I’m sure you remember the Johnson pack.”
