Page 94 of Rejected Beta

Their words soothe some of the guilt I know I need to let go. Regret has been holding me back and informing too many of my choices about my future.

If it weren't for my bad choices in the past, I wouldn't have Lexie and I wouldn't trade her for anything.

“I can’t believe you did this.” I run my fingers over the spines on one of the shelves, already making my own mental list of books I want to check out.

Ryder gestures around the room. “This was originally supposed to be the nest for my old pack. I've had it closed off for a year, refusing to go inside of it. It was actually really cathartic, coming inside and repurposing the place into something I'll enjoy and something the rest of you can enjoy too. I'm also hoping you'll all help me finish it. There's still a lot to do and I'd appreciate your input."

"So once we make this pack official, we're moving in here?" Hendrix asks.

Ryder shakes his head emphatically. “We don't have to. But I have the most space for a pack. If it bothers you that this was originally meant for a different pack, I understand that."

It's strange seeing Ryder still so unsure and nervous. Typically, he's certain and dominant, confident in making decisions for everyone else. I like that he feels comfortable enough to let down his guard with us. He's hot when he's confident, but he's just as hot like this, trying so hard to make the rest of us happy.

"It's perfect, Ryder. You've built a beautiful home here. And it's not like your old pack ever actually lived here with you." I wouldn’t be quite as comfortable with it if he’d shared the space with them.

"No, they never did. Something I find myself finally glad for."

It looks like I'm not the only one who is attempting to let go of regrets and start appreciating them for what they brought us.

I smile up at him. “I'm pretty glad of it too."

"Good." He clears his throat. "Okay, so what do you three want to do today? Food is in the oven, but I also got a basketball hoop and a soccer goal for the backyard. I know you're not really into TV, but I have one and movies."

Hendrix snorts. “Do you really think you're going to be able to get any of us out of this room tonight?"

Ryder nods. “I can definitely bring dinner in here. We can make a kind of picnic on the floor."

"That's perfect. Right in front of the fire? It's finally getting a bit chilly." I can’t believe there’s a fireplace in here too.

I never want to leave.

Jareth nods. “That sounds lovely."

Before I can track what exactly is going on, the three of them spring into action. Ryder heads into the kitchen to check on dinner, Hendrix starts prepping the fireplace, and Jareth starts pulling blankets and pillows off of every available surface, creating a cozy spot for the five of us to share dinner.

"How can I help?" I ask.

Ryder waves off my offer. “Just relax and enjoy yourself. Or go play with Lexie. This needs to be a relaxing break for you with everything else going on. Just enjoy it and let us spoil you."

My brow furrows. “Aren't we supposed to be spoiling the omega? He's been through a rough time too."

Hendrix eyes the currently busy omega. ”Don't worry, we'll spoil you both. I have a feeling Jareth isn't going to be happy with anyone else getting the mini nest set up."

Jareth looks up at us and nods in agreement.

"Speaking of nests, I have an idea for yours too. I know this was originally going to be the nest for my old pack, but that didn't feel right anymore. It'll take some time, but I have a space in the basement I thought we could convert. With Lexie, it felt more appropriate to have the nest a little further away so she wouldn't overhear anything. We could soundproof it and everything."

Fuck, he’s so damn thoughtful.

Jareth’s eyes widen. “You don't need to go to so much trouble for me. I've been in the exchange program so long, I've gotten used to basic blanket forts as a nest."

"You need a proper nest, Jare,” I say.

Ryder nods. ”Definitely. A blanket fort is nowhere near enough. And in the meantime, I've got a room you can make your own however you want, but if we do decide to bond as a pack, I want you to know there's a plan for you to have a real nest."

Jareth ducks his head. ”Thank you. That means a lot to me."

Hendrix curses. “Ryder is winning in the romance department. I guess he took all your grand gestures and romantic speeches personally."

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