Harper’s [POV]
They’re sharing more of me with them, and it makes my heart ache.
Now that I’m back, and the truth is out, I want to know more.
I want to know everything.
James’s confession broke my heart, but I stayed in his lap as we went through his different art books.
I wish I could remember my time with the foster children, but for now, I have to relive it through James and Beau’s stories.
There’s one person I haven’t spent time with yet.
He’s made himself scarce during the day since I’ve been back, but I can sense his scent lingering in my room.
His guilt is still consuming him.
I plan to rectify that.
I wake up the next morning and wince as a cramp pummels my stomach.
Shit.
I want to talk to Grey before I lose myself and demand he takes me.
I need to show him what’s in my heart before my inner Omega takes over and I’m a writhing, horny mess.
So I slip on a dark grey cotton dress and set out to find Grey.
It’s the weekend, so he’s not teaching.
I follow the smell of bacon and am delighted to see that he’s at the dining table with more than just a cup of coffee in his hand.
The last time it was just him and me here, he was guarded and cold.
Now, the corner of his lip quirks up, and he eyes me as he sips from his mug.
“Are you avoiding me?” I ask as I take the seat across from him.
“What makes you think that?”
His face tells me I’m correct.
“Because I can feel your guilt from across the house. And you need to stop it.”
He places his mug down and sighs, running a hand through his hair. He’s dressed in a simple dark V-neck shirt and jeans instead of his usual suit and tie, and he looks mouthwatering.
My inner Omega is alert and aroused.
But this isn’t about her.
“I’m the reason he took you,” he says. “And the reason you have this.”
He reaches out his hand to caress my cheek gently, his fingers tracing along my scar.
“What?” I ask, turning away from him. “That’s ridiculous. You didn’t run me off the road. You didn’t crash my car.”
“I pushed you too hard,” he murmurs, a shadow crossing his features. “I shouldn’t have pressured you. It made you run.”
I scowl. “You can’t blame yourself for that.”
“I can,” he snarls. “We all wanted you as our mate. But I was the one that brought it up to you. I led the conversation that ended with you running.”
I shake my head. “Of course, you would lead it,” I insist. “You’re their older brother. But, honestly, Grey? I make my own decisions. Whatever happened that night, I chose to leave,” I say. “Whether it was to clear my head, or to get away for a few days, I don’t know. But you’re not responsible for my actions. None of you are.”
I can tell he doesn’t like that answer. His rich, dark scent sours, but I hold my ground.
“Whoever I am-Harper, Evelynn, your omega-I make my own decisions.”
He shakes his head. “If you say so.”
I want to slap the bitter expression off his face. “Grey. I need you to listen to me.”
He nods.
I take a deep breath and find my confidence.
“Ask me again,” I murmur, my heart pounding in my chest.
Excitement courses through my veins, and I wait with bated breath for his response.
There’s a moment of silence as understanding dawns on his features.
“What do you mean?” he says slowly.
Alpha!
“Ask me again. What you asked me two years ago.”
His fingers drum on the table as he exhales.
Nervous. He’s nervous.
“Are you sure?” he whispers. He’s never looked more vulnerable, and it tears at my heart.
“Yes.”
I need him to know I’m ready and how much I want this.
But he needs to get it through his thick skull, and not let the guilt eat him alive.
“May I…can we…” he clears his throat as he struggles to form words.
His arousal swirls with mine, and I dig my fingernails into my palms to keep from drowning in them.
“Let me mate you,” he breathes. “Be my Omega. Beours.”
Oh, my God.
How could I have said no to this before?
I was terrified.
I never had a real family before. I didn’t know what it meant.
It finally makes sense.
Everything has led up to this moment, and finally, finally, I can give all of them the answer they should have had two years ago.
“Yes,” I whisper. “Of course, I will.”
He sighs, and relief washes over his features. His hand reaches out and I place mine in his.
“I love you,” he whispers, and warmth floods my chest. “I’ll spend the rest of my life proving it to you.”
“I love you, too,” I respond automatically. “I love all three of you.”
There’s no question. I should have told Beau and James earlier, but I was so surprised and overwhelmed with joy that I didn’t reply when they said it.
I should have, though.
Grey’s eyes dart away from mine, and he looks past me. I turn to see Beau and James standing in the entryway, watching us.
They all know now and, a weight is lifted from my chest.
Family.
My Alphas.
Another cramp interrupts the tender moment, and I release Grey’s hand to clutch my stomach.
“It’s starting,” Grey murmurs, and I nod in earnest.
Their scents combine, turning into a delicious, irresistible aroma, and I moan.
“Tell us what you need, baby,” James croons, taking a step toward me. Beau kneels in front of me, putting a hand to my forehead.
“She’s burning up,” he says. I clutch at his shoulders, needing him.
“Get her upstairs,” James barks.
Grey scoops me into his arms and carries me upstairs as my hormones take over.