Page 66 of The Princess and the Pack

He brings his lips to mine for one final kiss before leaving on a mission of his own. I may be uncertain over what I’ll say to Cillian, but what I do know is Sloan’s devotion to bringing our pack back together; I’m a very lucky omega.

Goddess wept. I’ve been given the most boneheaded packmates in all the land. All Oran had to do was keep his mouth shut or pledge his undying love to our omega. Instead, he let doubt ruin his progress with Ivy.

Again.

Cillian is also pulling away now. He may not say it outright, but I saw him retreat into himself when our omega asked to speak to Oran. He needs to practice patience, and Oran needs to do the opposite.

I’m the only one with any sense, it seems—and Ivy, of course. My petal-soft mate is perfect as ever, with her sweet heart so open and trusting, even after the pain she’s endured.

I knew once she was presented with all the facts, she’d understand. There are still matters to work through, and we could have gone about things differently. But Ivy just wants our love and honesty. As her alphas, it’s the very least we can do.

That said, I’m now tasked with tracking down a broody fucking lord so we can continue making progress with our mate. I’ve checked all his usual haunts: his chambers, Cillian’s study, even the stables—no luck. I can think of only one other place he’d go to wallow in his own misery. And that’s to the quarters Fiona and Tiernan occupy when living at court.

Ever since Liam and Fiona secretly bonded, the Dempsey noble pair have visited more often and for longer. Understandably so, as it’s hard for Liam to take leave when he’s got such an important position at the castle. I know the three of them are eager for this secrecy to be brought to light so they too can announce their pack. Hopefully, Liam can then retire from his post and join Tiernan and Fiona in his rightful place in the House Dempsey. For now, though, it’s important they keep up appearances. I know the feeling all too well.

By the time I make it to the north wing of the castle, I’m nearly out of breath—and also decidedly less angry at Oran than when I began my search. He’s hurting himself more than anything, so berating him won’t get me anywhere. Especially when he’s dealt with verbal abuses being slung at him his whole life.

What Oran needs is a fucking hug and some encouragement in order to see the error of his ways and make things right with our omega.

When I reach Pack Dempsey’s chambers, I rap my knuckles against the sturdy wood—three short, familiar knocks. It only takes a minute before the warmth of Tiernan’s amber eyes and his cool, easy smile greet me.

“Come to collect a lost lamb, have you?” he teases, opening the door wide to reveal my somber, redheaded packmate sprawled out on a settee. His long arm is slung over his eyes like he’s fainted and can’t be arsed to move.

The fucking dramatics of this one, I swear.

I chuckle, clapping Tiernan on the shoulder before stepping inside. “You say lamb; I say mopey, feral cat.”

Cackling, my friend shuts the door behind us. “You know, I never would have befriended you lot when we were young if I knew how often I’d be playing counselor.”

I raise a brow, questioning. “You’ve been getting many visitors, have you?”

Tiernan shrugs. “Just Ciaran. He’s been a bit out of sorts over another Lucernian royal. Seems those Bancrofts are sirens, luring all the McKenna heirs in one-by-one.”

“All? Surely not Cal.”

He smirks in answer. A story for another time, then.

“Yes, poor unfortunate you with your perfect scent match and your perfect pack who don’t give you any fuss,” Oran scoffs from his seat. He deigns to grace us with his presence and sits up, looking as miserable as I expected.

“You’re making your life so hard, my friend,” Tiernan says as he joins Oran on the settee.

I choose a seat across from them, where I can look Oran in the eyes. “You really stepped in it, brother. Why?”

He sighs, throwing his hands in the air. “I don’t fucking know. It was going so well. Then she kissed me, and I thought, can it really be this easy? One conversation and I’m forgiven? After all this time, I built up the notion that she’d be horrified to learn the truth about us. I was convinced she’d think we were some animals who wanted to bring her into a life of debauchery. But instead, she just…wanted me. And that made the least sense of all.”

“Oran,” I exhale. Poor lad. His father has fucked his head so badly. He can’t even accept that his own mate would offer him affection. “Ivy wants you. You need to get that through your thick skull.”

He waves his hand, as if batting away the truth of my words. “She wants me because of my scent. That’s all.”

“No, you fucking eejit. She wanted you before she presented—before she had any idea what your scent might be, remember? You’re a good alpha who deserves to be happy.”

Beside Oran, Tiernan throws an arm around him. “He’s right. Grumpy and growly you may be, but you’re a good egg, Rafferty.”

Oran just laughs, dry and humorless. The pink of his freckled cheeks speaks to his discomfort over receiving compliments. “Doesn’t matter, since she hates me all over again now.”

I roll my eyes. “Ivy came crying to me, worried over your heart. I doubt very much that she hates you.”

“I made her cry?” Pain radiates in Oran’s emerald eyes when it registers.

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