Page 52 of Claimed By My Exiled Alphas
Cassian was quiet for another long moment. Then he turned his hand in mine so our fingers were properly linked.
“I haven’t been part of anything like this before. Pack dynamics aren’t something my family acknowledged.”
“Neither have I. We’ll figure it out together.”
He pulled me up from the chair. We stood close, his height making me tilt my head back to meet his eyes.
“I want to kiss you,” he said quietly. “But I think you should talk to Jace first. Make sure he’s actually okay with this before we add more complications.”
“That’s very mature of you.”
“I’m trying to be strategic.” His smile was wry. “I’ve wanted you since the first time I set eyes on you, which might have been slightly earlier than when we first met. But I can wait one more day if it means doing this right.”
“One more day,” I agreed.
He released my hand and stepped back, putting professional distance between us again. But the air had changed. Charged with possibility and intention.
“I should let you work.” He headed for the stairs, then paused at the top. “Talia? Thank you for being honest. It’s refreshing.”
After he left, I sat back down at my desk and stared at the construction schedule without seeing it.
Three alphas. All interested. All willing to try something unconventional.
I was either brilliant or insane. Possibly both.
But I wasn’t scared anymore. I was ready.
#
Jace arrived at my cottage at six exactly, basket of chanterelles in hand and that infectious enthusiasm radiating from him like warmth.
“Ready to create something amazing?” He set the basket on my kitchen counter and turned to me with a grin.
“Actually, I need to talk to you first.”
His smile faded into concern. “Okay. Want to sit?”
We settled on the couch. I angled toward him, direct and clear.
“I had dinner with Hollis last night. He told me he has feelings for me. That he loves me.” I watched Jace’s face carefully. “And we kissed.”
He absorbed this without visible surprise. “How do you feel about that?”
“Happy. Honest. Ready to see where it goes.” I took a breath. “I have feelings for him, Jace. Strong ones. But I also have feelings for you. And I’m not interested in choosing between you because I think I can finally start to accept that maybe I’m allowed to want things for myself.”
“Good.” His response was immediate and certain. “Because I’m not interested in making you choose.”
Relief made me smile. He’d said it before. We’d been through this back at our special spot but for some reason I still needed to hear. One more time. And then it was time to finally accept it.
“You mean that, don’t you?”
“I grew up here. I’ve seen pack bonds my whole life.” He reached for my hand. “Pack dynamics work when everyone communicates and nobody’s ego is bigger than their omega’swellbeing. So if you have feelings for Hollis, we include him. Simple as that.”
“There’s something else.” I might as well get everything out now. “I told Cassian that I’m interested in him too this afternoon.”
Jace’s eyebrows rose. “You’ve had a busy day.”
“I’m done hiding what I want. Done apologizing for it.” I squeezed his hand. “So I’m being honest. All three of you. If you’re willing. I’m ready to try.”
