Page 27 of Truth or Pack

"People really like that?" Holt asked and I noticed that Ash and Mathias sent him a dirty look.

"Yes, there are a lot of book nerds like me out there. I was glad that something I did shut my parents up just for a moment," I admitted. “But what started as petty turned into a passion. I love my job.”

"How'd you end up with such shitty parents?" Ash asked.

"Lucky, I guess," I sighed. "What movie are we going to watch?"

"Smooth subject change," Mathias snorted as he clicked on the TV. "No horror, tonight."

"That's fine with me. I'm more of an action or fantasy type," I said as I snuggled into the couch.

"Oh, what about that new dragon movie? It's action and fantasy," Mathias asked, his mood lightening up even more. He had the type of energy that could hype up even the worst of moods.

Maybe that was why he and Holt worked in a pack together.

"Sounds good to me," I said as the other two nodded in agreement.

Mathias did his magic with the little box, bringing up the movie.

"How’d you do that?" I asked.

"Well, if I tell you all my secrets what would you need me for?" Mathias asked, giving me a charming grin.

I chewed my lip to stop myself from speaking. What I wanted to say was that I could think of a few other things, but we weren’t there yet. Instead, I had to mull over what my answer should be.

"Who doesn't like an independent woman?" I countered.

"You’re our omega, we can't help but take care of you. It’s our purpose. So, you'll have to give us some time to adapt to not doing all the things for you," Holt told me.

I’d never agreed to be their omega, they seemed to forget that. I figured it was best to keep that snarky comment to myself for now. Play nice a little longer and feel them out.

"I'm not saying that I wouldn't like to have support, but books are a passion for me. I love what I do right now and have no plans to give it up," I warned them.

"We may be assholes, but we aren't heartless," Ash started, before casting a wry glance at Holt. "Well, Holt might be. But we will do everything within our power to support you and even help raise you up to the next level if you want."

"Oh, I just had an idea," I said with my cheeks flushing again at the thought.

"Pray tell," Mathias said.

"You're gonna hate it," I warned them, biting back a grin and building anticipation. They were too easy to mess with. Plus, they deserved every bit of my harmless teasing.

"Just tell us already," Holt half growled. My grumpy alpha didn’t have much patience.

"So… I think it would be helpful for my socials if I got videos of the three of you reading books and even helping wrap orders," I finally told them. “If we try this whole pack thing, I’d love for you to be involved.”

"You really think that customers would like that?" Ash asked, not sold but not opposed. I’d call that a win for now.

"You guys must not be on the book side of the apps. There are a lot of thirsty readers. Hot guys with books are a major turn on and will up the rating and views. It might get my page leveled up a bit, which would be huge for sales. Ash on his motorcycle, helmet and all, is a kink. Holt on horseback and Mathias covered in paint? Oh, I have so many ideas." I gushed before I realizedthat the three of them were staring at me. My cheeks flushed and I reined it in, sinking further into the couch like I could disappear. I could already hear mom and my sisters in my head, telling me I’m being a freak again. "Sorry, I got lost in my own head again. I told you, you didn't have to agree. Just an idea."

Now I was embarrassed and they weren’t saying anything. Maybe I wastoo muchfor most people, like mom always accused me of.

"That seems weird," Holt started before Ash slapped his leg.

"It's not for everyone," I said quickly. "Just forget I said anything."

I was shutting down and withdrawing, and the omega inside of me was screaming for them to say something else to fix this, to not make me feel like I can’t be myself around them.

“He’s being a dick, I’d love to hear your ideas. Just because we don’t understand it, doesn’t mean we aren’t willing to give it a go. Plus, we all know Ash will thrive under thirst traps,” Mathias said.

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