Page 14

“I’m just looking for someone to have a good time with,” I say, waggling my brows. “Date a little. Other stuff.”

“No desire to pack up, Cam?” Silas doesn’t even bother to look up from cutting vegetables.

I reach for the glass Saint slides toward me. “I’m not against it. I figure it’ll happen when it happens.”

I take a sip, then add, “In the meantime, my heat’s coming up. I’d rather spend it with a pack I know than strangers at the clinic.”

Lark tilts her head which reminds me that I haven’t shared this with her. She’s been sick and we’ve both been busy.

“No more suppressants?” she asks.

“Doctor said I need a break.”

Her face does this weird thing that I can’t interpret. Plotting, I think.

Saint leans back against the counter. “Maybe you and Lucy could go out together,” he says. “She told me she’s ready to start dating again.”

Silas growls.

“I know she’s your baby sister,” Lark says, nudging him lightly, “but she’s ready to grow up.”

“She’s grown up enough,” he mutters.

I snort thinking of the super short skirt and halter top I saw her in two nights ago. “Maybe more than you know.”

Silas shoots me a look. I immediately mime zipping my lips. Then I unzip it to say, “I had hoped she would be here tonight. To celebrate her official remission status. But she said she’s got a big test next week. Another library night for our gal.”

Good for her, honestly. After months of cancer treatments and waiting for remission notification, she's earned every single one of those library nights. Whatever she's actually doing in them.

Silas grunts. “She’s doing good,” he says.

We all sit with that. I’ve known Lucy the least amount of time of anyone in the group, and she’s become absolutely precious to me. I can understand Silas’ pride.

When I look up from my wine glass and thoughts, I see Graham getting all touchy feely with Lark, Saint bumping against her, and Silas making goo-goo eyes over his sauce.

I pour another glass.

“Speaking of heat,” Lark says casually. “Mine may not come as quickly as we expected.”

My brain blue screens then turns back on quickly. Oh my god. I nearly drop my glass. The sickness. I knew something was sketchy about her elongated ‘virus.’

I look around the room. Three sets of alpha eyes looking at Lark like she’s spouting nonsense.

“Fuck, yeah!” I yell. All eyes turn to me. “I’m going to be an aunt!”

The entire kitchen goes dead silent. Then each face turns from confusion to joy. It’s like watching a shadow recede.

They all hover around Lark. Each one wanting to touch her. I get a little teary-eyed when Silas stands with his forehead against hers. But standing there in their perfect kitchen, surrounded by their perfect pack while they celebrate a baby and a coffee empire and groundbreaking research… I feel it. The soft, unmistakable roar of being the very loved, very single fifth wheel.

I pour a little more in my glass. Gotta get a few extra swallows—for medicinal purposes—and then it will be time to bounce. I love Lark and her pack, but there are definitely one too many omegas in the room right now. I take out my phone and request an Uber.

“You’re going to be incredible,” Saint says quietly.

“Damn right she is,” I agree. “And I’m going to be the best aunt this kid has ever seen.” I take three long swallows from my glass. Uber will be here in three minutes.

“Comforting,” Graham mutters.

I wave him off. “It’s not here yet,” I say. Besides, it will be years before the kid knows how much I can drink.