Page 39 of In Control

“I don’t understand,” Rosie says, “I’d be heartbroken if any one of my alphas even looked at another girl.”

“Not going to happen,” Zane says, kissing her crown. She peers up at him and smiles and there’s that twang.

Zane massages his omega’s shoulder, clearly picking his next few words carefully. “Every pack is different, though. Ours is exclusive. We’ve committed to Rosie and I’m not interested in any other woman.” Rosie positively beams. “But not every pack is like that. Some have open relationships.”

“Even when they’re mated and bonded?” I ask. I didn’t know something like that was possible. I’d always been led to believe the bonds between mates in a pack were too strong and impenetrable to anyone else.

Zane shrugs. “It’s not how I’d want to live. But there are a few other packs that operate that way. Gabriel Manchetti, you know the famous ballet dancer, his pack is an open one.”

I stare at Zane. I’m sure I probably pale.

“What, Soph?”

“That’s the pack,” I whisper. “Gabriel Manchetti is their omega.”

“What the fuck?” Zane says, almost jumping to his feet. “That pack is legendary.”

I scowl at him. “Legendary wankers, remember.”

He grins. “Sure.”

I scowl harder. “Out with it. Why are they legendary?”

“Packs are becoming more common now, but twenty years ago they were practically nonexistent, although I’m sure some existed and were simply discreet or secretive about it. Manchetti’s pack was the first high-profile pack to go public about their relationship. I was a kid at the time, I hadn’t presented as an alpha yet, although I was pretty certain I would. I remember reading about them and being intrigued. They really influenced my way of thinking. Made me see there were other ways to live. I’d really love to meet those guys.”

“Wankers, Zane, wankers.”

“Sorry, Soph.”

Rosie sips on the last of her tea. “You haven’t told us about the fight yet.”

“Professor Knobhead found me in the kitchen and blew up.” I frown at the memory, shuddering when I remember his anger and the way it had turned me on. “He thought I was stalking him or something. That I was sleeping with his packmate to get to him.”

“What did his packmate say to that?” Rosie asks.

“I didn’t wait around to find out. I do not want to end up in the middle of some alpha wrestling match. I’ve had my share of psychos.”

Rosie strokes my arm.

“Are you sure?” Zane asks. I begin to talk and he holds his hand up to stop me. “Not about the psychos. I mean about ending up in the middle of an alpha wrestle.” He grins cheekily and his eyes meet his omega’s, making her blush. I’ve heard all about their antics. It’s why I hadn’t run a mile when Liam said he was pack. Perhaps I was curious, tempted. Rosie sure seems blissfully happy since she met her pack.

Not that I could ever have what she has. The protection and the devotion that comes with being a pack omega.

We’re all quiet for a moment and I pick at the last of the cookies.

At last, I say, “What do you make of it all?”

Rosie cocks her head to one side. “You don’t usually come seeking love-life advice from me, Soph.” For a long time it was the other way around. Rosie was hopelessly inexperienced when it came to the dating game.

“I’ve never needed advice about a pack before.” I chew on the cookie, the chocolate melting against my tongue. “I’m right to walk away, aren’t I?”

“Do you want to walk away?” Rosie asks with a slight smile hovering on her lips.

I sigh again, this time dramatically. “The sex was so good!”

“Because it was with an alpha,” Zane says, practically puffing out his chest. Rosie whacks him on his pec with a ‘don’t-be-so-conceited’ look. But I think he’s right. Both these men have my insides spinning simply thinking about them.

“Has being told you can’t have something ever stopped you before?” Rosie says.

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