Page 15 of A Pack of Cozy

The formal dining room is down the hall, but we sit on stools around the kitchen island. I sense that this is part of their regular routine, and it gives me an unexpected thrill to be included, even for a moment. The kitchen is stunning. Featuring ten-foot ceilings and custom cabinets that appear new while still fitting the vintage aesthetic of the house. A tall bay window over the sink showcases frost-covered glass, allowing the morning light to filter in beautifully.

The storm has passed, and an unexpected sadness washes over me. I suddenly don't want to leave this warm bubble of comfort with them. We all sit together, and when I try to serve myself, the plate is plucked from my hand and passed around to each of the alphas. They pile it high with the food closest to them before returning it to me. Omegas have basic instincts that are not ignorable. Perfuming, nesting, and seeking out cozy comfort. Alphas have basic instincts too. Protecting, claiming, and feeding. The amount of food is double, perhaps even triple what I can eat alone—and I love to eat.

"Thanks," I say, smiling at each of them.

"Is there anything you'd like more of?" Connor asks, his arm resting on the back of my stool. I notice the dark tattoos swirling up his muscular bicep and beneath the sleeve of his snug t-shirt. Irish knots and other symbols I don't recognize. I shake my head in response to his question. As soon as I say no, they eagerly dive into their plates. I realize why there's so much food on the table. I didn't understand how much alphas needed to eat, having spent most of my time with betas.

"So," Bax starts as we all begin to eat, "we want to apologize. We didn't realize that keeping you here last night would cause you to go into a mini heat. That wasn't our intention." The three alphas look sheepish. I'm confused.

"Mini heats happen when omegas meet scent-matched alphas," I say. My doctor had warned me about mini heats. Specifically, they were most likely around scent-sensitive alphas. I'd never worried about it before because I never thought it would happen to me.

They nod.

"Then it wasn't your fault." I keep my eyes on my plate, picking at the food with my fork. "I'm glad I was here instead of at home, where I would have had to go through it alone, like I usually do." I shudder at the thought. A mini heat can turn into hours of pain if not released by an alpha. Thankfully, it'd only lasted twenty minutes last night because of their help.

The breakfast nook is quiet. I look up, and their faces are a mixture of shock and horror, making my heart race.

Bax's voice cuts through the silence, edged with anger that I instinctively know isn't directed at me. "Do you mean you've gone through all your heats alone?"

I nod, my throat tightening. My ex-fiancé had always shunned my needs during my heats, claiming my omega was far too needy. He would abandon me for hours, vanishing while I wrestled with the intense, physical and emotional turmoil. The memory makes tears sting at the edges of my eyes.

"My doctor just prescribed me pain medication and suggested I seclude myself." I near whisper.

"But you were in a relationship," Seth points out, his voice laced with confusion. The moment he says it, I feel that familiar pang of embarrassment stab at my chest. I know I should know, and do, different things as an omega, but I wasn't raised that way. Bax smacks Seth's arm, casting a look meant to silence him, but it only makes me shrink further into myself.

"He wasn't really interested in my heats," I mumble, the admission tasting bitter on my tongue. I can see Connor's fists curling tightly, the tension in his body radiating off him like a warning sign.

"So your ex knew your medicine was failing and he let you suffer through it?" Connor growls, his voice low and filled with anger that sends a shiver down my spine. I can practically feel the heat of his fury directed at my ex fiancé.

"There really wasn't much else to do. I could have gone to a heat clinic, but I've heard what those are like and…" I shiver. Heat clinics are cold places where omega heats are cared for by hired alphas who aren't scent-matched to the omega and have very little care for their well-being. I've heard horror stories. "That wasn't an option for me."

"He could have led you through your heats like a good partner. That stupid prick—" Connor stops with Bax's hand on his shoulder. I know I've hunched down. I'm staring at my plate. It's pathetic, I know. Now, they'll realize that if I can't even get someone who's supposed to care about me to help me with my heats, there's probably something wrong with me, and they shouldn't court me.

Bax's hand slips into mine, warm and reassuring, and he gently squeezes it. "I'm so glad you're okay," he says, his voice run through with sincerity. I look into his eyes and manage a shaky smile. My heats had been unbearable, but I feel safe here.

"My point is, I'm glad I wasn't alone last night," I say in a small voice.

"We are too," Seth replies. Connor still seems too angry with my ex and my doctor to speak, but none of them appear to question their decision to keep me here last night. It makes me think of my bi annual heat. All omegas go through heat twice a year. Since I just moved I need to find a new doctor to help me get my pain medication perscription. There's only a few weeks left.

Bax clears his throat pulling me from my internal checklist. "Raindrop, we want to know if you've given enough thought to allowing us to court you." He pauses. I look them each in the eye. The calm and thoughtful Bax with his bonfire scent. Connor, with his shocking red hair and kind eyes. And Seth, with his playful smile and relaxed demeanor. These alphas want to court me. But I still hesitate. I feel like I'm standing on a cliff, and if I jump and they don't catch me, I'll splatter all over the ground.

I could splatter even if I don't jump. After just one night, I already feel deeply connected to them, more than I should.

I push the feeling down but still say, "Yes, I'd like you all to court me."

They all grin, and it's the most feral and hopeful thing I've ever seen.

Connor

Calilookssoupsetwhen she tells us about her shitty ex not wanting to be with her during her heats that it breaks something in me. Only Bax's hand on my shoulder keeps me from running to her and sweeping her into my arms, hoping I can hug all the hurt pieces back together.

If I ever meet that man, there would be words if not fists.

As Cali savors each bite, my alpha purrs softly. We're feeding her—caring for our omega. It's like the best dream. By the time she's ready to go, Seth has cracked a few more jokes, she's allowed Bax to rub her back, and I've made her a giant to-go cup with more hot chocolate. Her smile is radiant, and pride swells within me for my pack.

We make our way to her car, a little yellow VW Bug with no business near the snow. I want to hand her the keys to my Jeep and beg her to drive it, leaving this thing parked until the summer months. However, Bax, Seth, and I discussed our approach before Seth checked on Cali in her room. She's skittish, and pushing her too hard or fast might scare our little omega away. We need to maintain a level of calm. Something Bax excels at, but I struggle with, and Seth is incapable of managing while sitting through a movie, let alone with our mate. I notice Seth opening his mouth to speak, probably to offer her his car. Catching his eye, I shake my head, and he reluctantly closes it again.

Seth digs and pushes while Bax rocks the car, and I spread cat litter and push. Eventually, we get it unstuck. While pushing, I notice the shopping bags in Cali's trunk. There are plenty of items with large yellow clearance stickers on them. I'm really looking forward to pampering my omega.

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