Page 26 of Hunting Their Omega

“In the pack hall. That’s where all major meetings take place.”

I glanced around as we made our way through the house. The spacious corridors were neat but bare. There were no pictures on the walls, and I couldn’t tell if that pleased me or set me adrift.

Where would I fit in here? And how?

Bishop told me I could choose how I contributed to the pack. The problem was that I wasn’t sure of my interests or capabilities. I liked to draw, but I doubted that was useful. They needed practical skills, not art projects.

I scented them before they appeared, and I was taken aback by the strength of my need. I wanted to be near them, to inhale their scents and take comfort in their presence. My wolf whined, urging me to leap into their arms as three sets of eyes settled on my face.

They were in the middle of a discussion, but their voices faded as I entered the room. A low, rumbling chorus filled the air, and my core ached at the sound. The distance between us was excruciating, and I panted, craving their touch.

“Well, I never thought I’d see the day. All three of you are speechless. Praise the Goddess,” Winnie taunted.

Wynn glared at his sister, but his eyes held no heat. The corner of his mouth tilted up in the barest whisper of a smile.

Alaric was the first to break ranks, heading straight for me. He ran his hands from my shoulders to my wrists as if savoring the warmth of my skin. “You are a devil, Winnie. We left her alone with you for a few hours and she comes back looking like his? Your plan is testing the limits of my patience.”

“I figured you’d need to get used to the gawking. The entire pack will be curious about you,” Winnie said unapologetically.

“You look beautiful, Isolde,” Bishop said, and I blushed.

Wynn waited by the door as Alaric led me to the front of the house, Bishop and Winnie hot on our heels.

“Don’t be nervous,” Wynn said when I reached his side.

Easy for him to say.

Chapter 10

Alaric

My hand tightened around Isolde’s as we entered the pack hall. Everyone was already seated in rows of folding chairs, chatting as they waited. The moment they scented us, a hush fell over the crowd. My brows rose. Typically, silence was hard to come by in a pack as opinionated as ours.

The females sat closest to the dais, occupying the left side of the room. Their spines were ramrod straight, which was not a good sign. I had no doubt Isolde would be tested today.

I silently reiterated my orders with a glance at the stationed Enforcers, receiving nods in return.

“Relax,” Bishop murmured, keeping his tone low enough that only I could hear.

“I am,” I lied.

He snorted. “I’ve seen you handle challenges with less hostility.”

“This is different.”

“It is. But we’re here together.”

He was right.

Isolde was safe, but my wolf felt better knowing we’d planned for every possible threat. It had been a long time since therewere Omegas in Hidden Creek, and they weren’t allowed to roam free when the previous Alpha was in charge. We were changing things, and everyone in the pack needed to understand what was and wasn’t acceptable.

All eyes moved to Isolde, and I had to smother the instinct to growl. Bishop stepped closer and caged her between us. Though Wynn made no move to turn around, his muscles strained beneath his shirt.

Isolde’s heartbeat was steady, but her uncertainty trickled through the bond. I grazed my thumb across the top of her hand as we climbed the stage and sat behind the dais.

Winnie joined the other females. It was a smart move on her part, showing them solidarity while positioning herself to help if needed.

Bishop and Wynn stood shoulder to shoulder on the dais, blocking Isolde from view as they assessed the room.

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