Page 46 of Cost of Courting

“Well, Selene’s dad threatened to whoop her ass, and Mael took exception to that threat, and those three descended like some kind of apocalyptic warriors and beat him stupid.”

“The council backed off, and the tree still stands. But they never did end up using it as a tree house.”

“They sound amazing.”

Yeah, they did sound amazing. Too bad it was all a lie.

I slam my hand on the table. “And then, they left.”

“Why? Why did they leave?” Peta shouts. “They loved you. It’s so romantic!”

“They met their omega,” Mary whispers. The laughter dies, and everyone gets quiet. “They left to follow an omega.”

“But…” Peta looks at me. “What about you?”

I swallow the shame and agony of that question. I’ve said it a million times over the years. What about me? What was wrong with me? Wasn’t I enough?

“We were friends. They left. We all moved on. No biggie.”

“And now they’re back,” Cindy says with a sly wink. “To pick up where they left off.”

I glare at them. “Pizza? Or burgers.”

The gaggle of women burst into laughter at my obvious deflection.

“You disgust me.” That just makes them laugh harder. “Fine, you order. I’m going to play.”

A couple of the dads join me, and Evie trots over, looking far too bouncy.

“Ready to play?” She flashes me a white smile.

“Sure, let’s do it.”

Our game isn’t by the rules. It’s a strange mix where we pair up an older kid with a younger one or another kid who has opposing strengths.

I got this idea from Pack Dread, though I will never ever admit it.

It teaches the stronger kids to watch out for the kids with different strengths and shows what they can do together. It increases their community, and it builds friendships and affection.

I’ve been doing it for four years now and have become a mentor to all the kids here and friend of the parents. All it cost me is my time and lunch. It’s my project that helped keep me sane.

To be honest, it eased some of the sting that their rejection left me with, kept me busy, and gave me a few minutes to forget.

My house is open to any of these people. They take care of each other, and I protect them.

I throw my head back and laugh as four of the smaller kids tackle me, sending me to the ground. This is what makes it all worthwhile. This is why I stayed here.

DJ, Paul, Cade, and Misha giggle and demand my surrender.

I hold out as long as I can and then admit defeat. Oh, I’m tired now, so it’s easy to do. How do they have so much energy? It’s been a couple of hours of running about, and I could use a piece of pizza and a drink.

“Food’s here!”

The kids run, and I roll to my feet, dusting myself off. I turn towards the picnic tables, smiling, but the smile drops. Cold fills me, and I wish like hell they weren’t here.

They are sitting with the parents, interspersed with the kids. Invading my territory.

All. Fucking. Four. Of. Them.

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