22. CAMILA

Chapter twenty-two

CAMILA

I'm up before the others, scrambling through the guest bedroom for the perfect outfit. As much as I don't want to go, if I don't show up at the service to at least tell my father I'm not coming back, there will be consequences. What they are, I have no idea. I also need to face Teo and the best place is in public, around people I know. I need them to see what a fucking asshole he is, although I'm sure none of that will turn out in my favor.

I sniff my shoulder and groan when the mingled scents of my mates blast through my perfume. My father is going to have a field day with that too. I struggle to pin up my curls, pulling them away from my neck when I realize that there's a pretty little bruise over my scent gland. Well, fuck. The last two days have been nothing short of wonderful but I need to conform for just a little while longer. Or maybe I don't.

I'm all sorts of confused right now .

My phone vibrates on the nightstand where it's charging and I rush over to see that Reid is calling.

"Hey!"

"Mila, you sound a little too chipper on a Sunday morning. Am I going to church today?" Reid has always been my plus one, giving me a little extra support where I need it. A heavy groan filters through the earpiece and I hold back a chuckle realizing that Reid is probably in Ethan's nest right now. It would explain the reason he sounds like he's half asleep.

"No. I… a lot of things have happened."

"Wait more?"

I don't answer him immediately. God, Zana and Reid are going to have my ass when they find out about Teo. I'm also not explaining that shit over the phone. "Just know that I'm safe." Those are the wrong words to say, the sound of rustling blankets and Ethan whining for Reid to come back reaching my ears.

A few seconds later, I hear a door close and then Reid speaks again. "No, we're not doing that again. Where is safe?"

"Buttercup? What are you doing up so early? You were warm and I liked snuggling into your tits. They're very pretty tits." With no regard for absolutely anything going on, Sasha stumbles into the guest bedroom and lowers his head to my chest. I've already changed into my Sunday best but that doesn't lessen the heat of this moment.

I stay very still, wondering if Reid will say something before Sasha notices I'm on the phone. My scent changing is enough for my Omega to peek up and then see the device pressed to my ear. His eyes widen comically as he straightens up, those few extra inches making me have to angle my head up to see his full expression.

"Mila, who is that? "

I'm still staring at Sasha when I answer Reid. "If I tell you that it was my mate and that I'm safe, can we talk later?" My cheeks flush with heat as a grin spreads across Sasha's face, the Omega pulling me into his chest. His lips attach to my neck as he excitedly kisses up and down the sensitive skin. It's taking everything I have not to moan with my brother-in-law on the phone.

"They're taking care of you?"

"You have no idea," Sasha purrs. I swear I'm going to die of embarrassment but that's enough for Reid to say a hurried goodbye and leave me in a little puddle of anxiety. "Buttercup, why are you dressed? It's Sunday. We have nothing to do until this evening."

Perks of being mates with club owners—their lives usually start in the afternoon or evenings. Unfortunately, I can't miss this church service. "Um-"

I'm saved by my Alphas waltzing into the guest bedroom, equally half-asleep. They both look like Greek gods with their chiseled forms and thick arms folded across their chests. It's the first time I've truly seen them this way, a certain air of domesticity running through the room. It's also the first time I've seen Kolsen without his eye patch. I'm not sure what I expected to see but his scar covers that small expanse of skin, his lid permanently shut.

Kolsen's body tenses beneath my stare as if waiting for me to change my mind. Nothing has changed, though. I'm just truly seeing him for the first time. A few of those scars are on his left side, raised and darkened skin leftover from that incident. I step up to him, running my fingers over the patches, Kolsen flinching with every touch. "You're still beautiful, Kolsen." I press a kiss to the one just below his peck and then another to one farther down. I want to kiss every single one but we don't have time so I settle for pressing a kiss to his scarred cheek.

"Goddess, we don't deserve you," he rumbles before attacking my lips. His arms encircle my waist, my Alpha hoisting me up to wrap my legs around his hips. It might be early in the morning but he's already hard against my ass, Kolsen slipping a hand into my hair to direct my movement. He starts walking until I'm being lowered to the mattress, the realization of what's about to happen finally clicking.

"Wait!" They all freeze as I scramble to my knees. "I… I have to go to church. I'm 100% on board with what was about to happen but I can't be late. Not today."

Kolsen sighs as he sits beside me on the mattress and pulls me into his lap. "You know that Teo is going to be there, right? Why would you want to attend there?"

"I need to say a few things and I need it to be in a public place. I'm not going back. I can't. Not after everything that's happened but they need to hear me before I just walk off." I twist my hands in my lap, feeling embarrassed for an entirely different reason now. I'm ashamed to bring my private problems into this space that is like heaven between four walls. "I need to do this," I say again. I'm not backing down on that point.

Was rushing to leave before they all woke up a terrible idea? Probably. But I just didn't want to have to fight them on this. I'm always fighting someone on something—about my desires, ideas, wants, needs. For once, I just wanted to do this on my own. It's then that I realize I've been so used to catering to my father or Teo or a few of my past boyfriends that I don't know how to lean.

I would have never called Sasha yesterday had I been the Camila from a few months ago.

Amiri steps up to me, crouching so that he's looking up into my face. It's a submissive position for an Alpha, Amiri placing a gentle hand on my thigh where my dress has ridden up. "We're never going to tell you not to do something, sweetheart. You're not here to be owned or commanded. Those two things stay in a very controlled space that come with safe words and limits. You're here because you're our mate and what you want to do is your choice. However, I would ask that you take Kol or I with you. I don't feel comfortable with you being around Teo after yesterday."

"You can come." It's an easy choice between my Alphas. As much as I enjoy Kolsen's attention, he'd be the one to finger me through the service. I'm not even sure we'll be staying long enough to hear the sermon. It all depends on my father's behavior and what he's told everyone else about how I supposedly stormed out of the house. That's not what happened but perception is everything.

My mates start laughing, each of them catching onto my train of thought. Kolsen continues to hold me as Amiri disappears to shower and change, the Alpha squeezing me tight against his chest. "You never have to be afraid to voice your thoughts. Unless they are harmful to you or someone else, we will never bar you from doing it. Your happiness means more than a little discomfort." He presses a kiss to the bridge of my nose. "You made a good choice in taking Ames, though. I would have absolutely had my fingers stuffed up your tight pussy as you tried not to scream. Goddess, are there pews? I'd love to see you holding onto the pew in front of you, your knuckles turning white as you try to hold back those perfect little sounds you make. Fuck, you sure I can't go?"

A giggle slips from my lips as I climb off of his lap, pushing him toward Sasha. "Go take care of your Alpha while I steal Ames, okay? We'll be back before you know it."

"Gladly. Be safe, buttercup." Sasha blows me a kiss before dragging Kolsen down the hall .

It isn't long before Amiri reappears in the same soft stylistic clothing I met him in. The light gray sweater and black dress pants hide the Dom part of his personality. We don't say much as he leads me downstairs and into the car, the silence comfortable for once. Amiri offers his hand for me to hold onto as we drive, the congestion of the small city loosening until we reach the church.

Violet and Sofie sent a message in the group chat asking if I was showing up with a mate or three. I merely texted back ‘yes' to let them stew over what I meant.

He parks across the street instead of in the parking lot beside the building. I want to ask why when he turns to me, a serious expression plastered on his face. "Why are you looking at me like that?" I tilt my head, trying to decipher the emotions swirling in his dark eyes but it's all a mystery to me.

"There's much we still don't know about each other and I want to rectify that. You've stepped into a very different world with us, Camila. One that I hope you get to explore to your heart's content. I want you to be comfortable, though."

"I am comfortable," I push out immediately. I don't want any of them to think that I haven't been. Overwhelmed? A little. But never uncomfortable.

A small smile spreads across his lips as he produces a small box from his pocket. "And I love that, that you've found comfort with us. I just don't want it to get to a point where that changes and you feel like you can't say something. This is somewhat selfish on my part, Camila. I love the way you melt with us, the way you so eagerly submit, the way you listen to my words." He reaches over to run his fingers down my cheek, a shiver running down my spine in response. "But I want you to always be able to voice your discomfort or when it's too much. I will always stop what is going on, whether it is from me or someone else. Always. "

Amiri sees me.

It's a terrifying thought. I can also see that something must have happened at some point with Amiri that he wants to set something in place so it never happens again.

Both Kolsen and Amiri have been able to gauge my comfort pretty well over the last few days. They let go when I need time to think and decompress. They crowd when I need out of my head. Amiri knew that I needed to see myself as he did after the orgy in the living room. Not requiring a conversation afterward as he showered with me was so I could think through everything.

Kolsen's observation is more subtle but it's there. In the car on the way back from the gallery. That moment at the top of the steps the night of Teo's engagement party.

They both understand that I won't readily speak to my comfort level. My face is expressive enough but even then, it's hard to speak up.

Amiri opens the small box balancing on the console, a thin leather strap with a silver chain woven around it staring back at me. It reminds me of Sasha's collar but this one is much smaller. I swallow nervously, wondering what it's for. "It looks like Sasha's."

"Yes, but it's a little different in meaning. Sasha's collar is much like the Alpha bites on his shoulders. He wants to show everyone that he's been claimed. He wants to feel it. Yours is for comfort." Amiri gathers the chain from the box. It looks more like a gift to a lover than a collar if I'm being honest. "You don't voice your thoughts easily, Camila. You do when you're pushed but I want to know long before then. I want to know before your scent reaches my nose or your face scrunches up. This will let me know when you're uncomfortable. Whatever we're doing, you just touch it or pull at it and I'll know. "

He undoes the clasp and holds it out, waiting for me to present my wrist. He's giving me an option but I don't want one. An easy out without having to say a word? This is more perfect than any other courting present Amiri could have given me. I shove my arm toward him, Amiri redoing the clasp. It fits snuggly around my wrist as he turns my hand around so that I can see the top of it.

"So, you'll just stop? Or remove me when I touch it?" I stare at the silver, wondering if Amiri gave it to me before church so that I could use it if needed. It's such a discreet symbol of how much he cares for me.

"Anything you need, sweetheart. Is this okay?"

I pull my hand back, surveying the way it glitters beneath the early morning sun. It's gorgeous and it's even more beautiful for what it represents. "It's perfect," I whisper. Amiri hops out of the car and comes to the passenger side, laying a sweet kiss on my lips before helping me out. His hand encloses around mine, the one with the bracelet, as we walk toward the entrance.

I have no idea what to brace myself for but Violet and Sofie waiting off to the side gives me a little hope. We're half an hour early, mostly because I wanted to speak with my father before the sermon. Maybe I should have come earlier but I don't want to linger here. This place no longer brings the comfort it once did.

"Bitch, seriously? You brought the quiet one? I thought you'd bring the big one to scare off Teo again!" Violet squeals as I lightly punch her arm.

Sofie just looks disappointed. "I always miss the good shit. But yes, hello. Mr. Fox, right?" She sticks out her hand and Amiri lets go of mine to shake it. "Manners, too? Jesus, Camila, you went from like a -2 with Teo to like a gazillion. When do I get my Alpha?" She swoons dramatically into Violet's side, Amiri sparking a smile that I know is going to get me in trouble.

"I have a few Alphas that would be more than excited to know you. I heard that you were quite the life of the party for a bit."

Sofie's cheeks turn a deep red and I slap a hand over my mouth to keep from bursting out laughing. The happy exchange halts as my father steps out onto the steps to start welcoming members. He catches my eye, narrows his, and then gestures inside without a word. My shoulders fall as I realize he wants a private meeting, one that Amiri can't attend. My friends both reach out for a hand and squeeze it before I head into the church, Amiri on my heels.

I wade through the pews, head tucked into my chest until I reach the small alcove by my father's office. "I… he won't talk to me with you in there, Ames but I won't close the door. Just sit here on one of the pews. I'll call you if I need you."

"I'll be right outside, sweetheart."

"He won't do anything to me in the church. It's why I came." At least I hope he won't do anything. My father is nothing if not pressed about his image. However, if he plays off any foul movements as disciplining his daughter and putting a Beta in her place, he might get away with it. God, I should have left a long time ago. I reach up to place a quick kiss on Amiri's cheek before walking into my father's office. He's sitting behind a large wooden desk, a place I used to find comfort in.

Now? This place feels like the principal's office and while I haven't done anything wrong, I'm sure that my father will make it seem otherwise.

"Camila, it's been two days. Two. Days. Your attitude is out of control. Your behavior… Teo's father told me all about the gallery yesterday and while I agree that Teo was out of line, you have been uncooperative. What happened to obeying your father?"

I thought with the hours I was gone, he might have changed his perspective but he hasn't. Teo is still an unproblematic Alpha in his eyes and he only believes and hears what he wants to. No doubt rumors of Teo's behavior has been swirling around for a while, including how he treated Penelope and was hanging off other women that night. None of that matters. I'm not sure why my father keeps seeing that Alpha with rose-colored glasses.

"Dad, this has nothing to do with obedience." I swallow, gearing up to reiterate everything I said the night I left. This will be the first time Amiri has heard the story and no doubt he's going to be even more furious about a problem I'll ask him not to touch. "It has everything to do with the fact that you can't respect my boundaries. You can't respect that I want nothing to do with the Alpha you've been shoving me at for years. I tried to like him, love him even but we want different things."

"You mean like what's in your diary? Teo showed me those vile desires. A Beta should not want. They are there to support. To help. Never to be the center of attention. Those sinful things you wrote in there about what you would want men to do to you-"

I had no idea Teo had gone so far as to show my father my diary. Teo must be desperate for me to return to him but I've never been a Beta that so easily rolls over and allows people to trample on me. I do speak out occasionally. Just not enough. Well, I'm putting my foot down now. "Dad, he invaded my privacy and he should have never shown you that. Regardless, there is nothing sinful about wanting to be loved and touched. There is also nothing wrong about declining to be with an Alpha that has assaulted me multiple times. "

My father just wants me to be a good little pack Beta but I can't do that. I won't disrespect myself like that. I go to add to my previous statements when a familiar presence pushes into the room. I jump out of my chair, my hands raised when Teo comes to stand by the desk. A dark look hovers over his expression, his eyes boring into mine.

"Dad, what is he doing here?"

"I asked him to be here. The differences in your stories are astronomical and I can't imagine that there is this much animosity between the two of you when everything was just fine a few weeks ago. The church's image will not suffer because my daughter and the next pastor are at odds. You are supposed to be a pack. So, you will have this discussion here."

Oh.

Oh.

No wonder my father keeps trying to push me into Teo's arms. The next pastor? Fuck that. He's a hypocrite in every sense of the word and I refuse to listen to one sermon out of that Alpha's mouth. Knowing that my father is disregarding the problems I keep bringing up makes me no longer want to be part of this congregation.

"Pastor? Teo? Since when?"

"He went to school for theology, Camila. It was always something that was going to happen but we wanted to present both of you together. As it is, I'll be presenting Teo this morning without you by his side unless you can come to an agreement."

I take another step back, visibly upset. My gaze darts between the two of them because there's no way they're serious. "An agreement?" My body starts to shake, panic rising in my chest. Just the thought of spending any more time than I have to with Teo makes me cringe. "What possible agreement could I come to with a man who tried to attack me?" Why can't my father understand? "He came into my place of employment and threatened me and Violet. I lost my job!"

Amiri steps inside and saddles up against my side, wrapping a firm hand around my waist. When both my father and Teo stare at him in shock, his explanation tells me there will be no good ending to this conversation. "Camila asked me to wait outside saying that she needed to speak to her father privately. However, with Teo in here, I'm not comfortable leaving my mate alone."

My father stands, his brows furrowing. "Mate? That's impossible. She's only just broken up with-"

"It's very possible and she has told you many times she is not with this Alpha. If you're done trying to gaslight her into an unhappy and abusive marriage, I think we'll take our leave."

Teo leans back against the desk, a wild smirk playing on his lips. "You think you're just so great, Camila. Finding Alphas to play into those desires of yours. They'll get bored, though. And then what? You'll come crawling back. And that settlement discussion we're supposed to have? You're not good enough to negotiate. Just take the money my father is offering and let it be over."

They're both delusional.

I also can't stand this for one moment longer. My body is starting to shut down even though I want to stand here and fight until my voice is hoarse. My hand moves to my bracelet, lightly tugging at it when Teo takes a step toward me. Apparently, he didn't learn with Kolsen not to challenge a mate in front of their Alpha or Teo just thinks Amiri looks less threatening.

My breath catches in my throat as I turn to bury my face in my Alpha's chest. His hold on me tightens, that rich scent enveloping me in a cocoon of calm control. "None of this is going to get settled here, I'm afraid." There's a dark tone to my Alpha's voice that runs straight to my pussy. God, I must be so weird to think that Amiri's anger is hot. "However, threatening my mate in a back room is definitely not a way to start a conversation. Teo, we'll set up a meeting. Ezra, I would say it's a pleasure to finally meet you but it truly isn't. Camila isn't coming back here or to your house."

"You can't keep her," my father growls.

"No. I can't. But she's made it very clear where she wants to be and it isn't here. Excuse me."

He carts me out of the office and right out of the church, not stopping until I'm seated in the front seat again, Amiri hovering over me. "You were perfect in there, sweetheart. So strong and fierce. You didn't back down and I'm proud of you for that." His hands are gently cradling my face, his fingers playing with the hair that's found its way over my shoulders.

"I couldn't do it."

"But you did. You told them that you weren't going back. That you weren't going to allow yourself to be disrespected by standing at his side. I'm proud of you for standing your ground." He places a kiss on my forehead and then my nose before delivering one to my lips. I cling to his arms, dragging the kiss deeper until our tongues are dancing to a tune I've been dreaming of for years. "Such a good girl for telling me when it was too much, sweetheart."

They are words that I need to hear—that not being able to withstand my father and Teo isn't a disappointment. That I did exactly what I was supposed to. I feel better for it, both of them hearing that I'm not coming back to the church, to Teo, or the house. Ethan will be fucking ecstatic. God, I need to tell them everything.

They'll want to meet my mates too. That's going to be a hilarious disaster .

I sigh as Amiri pulls back, a weight off my shoulders. I'm free. Really free. "Can I have more kisses?" I whisper.

Amiri chuckles as he places another soft one on my lips. "As long as you share what was in that diary of yours. I want to know what your father thinks is sinful because while I'm sure he thinks anything other than missionary is downright evil, the way you're blushing tells me it's probably much, much more deviant."

I just bite my bottom lip and turn in my seat to face the front. Amiri's dark chuckles as he rounds the car have me shoving my hands between my thighs. Who knew the church girl would end up with mates like these? I told them before to corrupt me. I really hope they deliver on that promise.