Chapter 24

Chapter

Twenty-Four

By the time Imade it intothe kitchen, I was sure my face was still a bright red from how close Liam had gotten to me. How much kissed me.

And howI let him.

It seemed that the alpha who didn't like me out of them all sure wasn't thinking the same way anymore.

Liam wanted me.

More than that, he wanted me with his pack.

Or at least, it sure seemed so.

My heart peaked at the thought of it.Of staying here withthemall.I can't believethat Ieven wanted to consider it– if they'd have me.

Liam seemed prettycertainabout it, outright saying so even though no one else didcompletely. Everyone else just wanted to keep me safe.

My omega hummed in my chest with the pleasure of even that little breadcrumb after surviving on less than scraps of affectionand careanddare I say,love,for so long.My omega felt a lot more settled than I think I everfelteven when she was cold and numbed out on medication– out of sight, but notquiteout of mind.

Behind the kitchen island, Marko movedeasily, though his eyes caught mine the moment I entered. A glint in his eye almost reminded me of a smile.

If only his lips would follow suit.

Of course, thinking about his lips made me think of Liam's lipswhichmade me think about the way Demetri's hips fit between mine in the nest–

Cal cleared his throat as he stepped up behind us, catching my attention as if he could see into my head. I sure hoped he couldn't.

I quickly turned towards where the tablewassituatedoff the kitchen near thewidewindowsthat ledinto the backyard.The table was already setwith white plates and pristine silverware.

Cal noticed me staring. "Yeah, we don't eat in the housea lotunless Marko is here to cook. He's a little bit of a health nut."

"One of us needs to be," Marko muttered as he took a pot off the stove and moved it onto one of the hot stonesleft near the center of the table.

Demetri started through the archway as Marko took off his gloves. "Dinner ready."

Marko grunted with a nod.

It was odd. Though I had seenthemall together before, namely after I ran away andtheywere all crowding me in what I now knew was fear for my well-being, I had never seenthemall so natural around each other all at once.

Liam pulled out a chair and dropped onto it while Cal went and sat on the other end. Marko glanced towards me before over my shoulderwhereI noticed Demetri pulled out a chair for me, waiting to sit down before he did.

"Oh, thanks."

"You're welcome," he smiled politely.

Immediately once we sat down, Cal reached for the food, not bothering to hold back. Everyone rolled their eyes and started to dig in, Marko reaching for my plate before I could even move for it and filling it high with pasta and a side of hearty crusty bread.

My mouth was already salivating.

Alphas who? After I took a bite, I moaned.

I was about to bond with this meal.

Everyone stared at me. I covered my mouth, a bit embarrassed– before I reached for another bite. I hoped there would be enough for seconds. I forgot in between my nap in the nest that I hadn't eaten anything since breakfast.

"Homemade pasta?" I asked.

Demetri smiled. "Marko took up the best hobby for us over the years."

"Cal wasn't kiddingbeforewhen they said they wouldn't eat without you."

Marko chuffed and rolled his eyes. "It's not that difficult."

"Sure, it's not," grumbled Liam, as if he had first-hand experience. Everyone went around, talking about all the food Marko made for them over theyearsinspired by different events ortasteseven though itseemed

"After we all met, we went on a trip to Italy. It was the spur of the moment," said Demetri, "So pasta is always a staple."

"Good," I teased softly, eating one of my final bites. My stomach was full, but I'd make room.

"The trip was one of our better ones before we were all out of school and working all the time."

The pack lookedaroundat each other at thetable,as if taking in exactly where they all came from over the years. There was history between them already that I may never understand

Just like there was a home here. Icould feel it in my bones– omega or no.

"Have you ever traveled much, Ella?" Demetri asked. "I know you probably have not been far from what you explained."

I shook my head. "No travel."

I hadn't left the city limits since I arrived. When Rita once wanted togosee a back-to-back Halloween movie featuring two towns over, that was the farthest I ever went, and my heart pounded in my chest the entire time.

"I never did a lot of things," I admitted slowly, watching as they became more aware of what I was saying. Marko set his utensils down entirely, focusing on me while the otherswere debatingwhether to give me their full attention or act casually.

I honestly wasn't sure what I preferred. All I knew was that I needed to tellthem.

"When I was little, I lived with my brotherandit was just us so…."

Everyone paused, and Demetri's eyes turned soft next to me when I met his expression. Open and easy, just like earlier when I feared I upset himandhe looked back at me as if it could never be possible somehow. "We'd be happy to listen."

They would. Wouldn't they? Yet my voice remained restraining. The kitchen table held silent as if they were all on the edge of their seats, waiting for me to say more.

But I couldn't.

Maybe I never would be able to.

"Maybe some other time."