Page 44 of Secrets and S'mores
“That’s why you react so violently during a fight,” Hazel fills in.
My panic swells again, and I rest my cheek against my knees, focusing on Onyx’s stony face. Dark ocean eyes stare back at me, the residual glow of his emotions finally fading.
“I’m sorry,” Jasper says, his voice rough. I can’t look at him, but I can hear Marigold murmuring under her breath and running her hands down his back.
“Onyx is right. If you stay longer, Fisher can work with you to get control over your reactions. But absolutely no fighting any of my wolves.”
“Okay.”
“Thanks,” Slate says, sounding more like a brother than the Alpha of a pack in that moment.
“That was a lot. We should all take a break and decompress.” Marigold stands. Jasper follows her, his face full of tension.
“I think that’s a good idea,” Slate confirms.
Onyx doesn’t release my hand as I stand, anchoring me as I sway on my feet.
“Hey,” Hazel says, giving me pause. “What’s going on with you guys?”
“You’ll have to be more specific,” Onyx says dryly.
“You’re holding hands,” Slate points out.
“Oh.” My mouth parts, but I can’t put words together. This wasn’t something I had picked a label for yet. I didn’t expect anyone else to know, but under the circumstances, I’m grateful he didn’t let me go.
“We are seeing each other,” Onyx says calmly.
My heart skips a beat before it begins to buzz against my ribs.
“You’re dating my sister?” Jasper asks, eyes narrowed.
“Yes, when two adults are attracted to each other and enjoy spending time together-” Onyx says.
Slate cuts him off. “Are you sure this is a good idea? You are from different packs. Unless one of you wants to change that?”
Questioning my actions toward Hazel is one thing, but he has no right to interfere in my relationship with Onyx.
“It’s none of your damn business. Look, I didn’t ask him to be my mate. We are just figuring out how we feel. If it gets serious, I’m sure Onyx will consult you,” I snap, though it’s weak with exhaustion.
“Have you really thought this through?” Jasper questions, looking to Onyx.
“It’s not up to you,” he snarls.
Slate’s jaw ticks, his eyes alight as he rises to meet Onyx’s anger. But Hazel takes his arm, running her hand down it to claim his hand, soothing him. “Guys, this is great. Two people we care about are dating. It’s not an international incident.” The tension breaks, the entire room letting out a breath.
“Okay,” Slate concedes.
“This reminds me of how you guys reacted to Jasper and me,” Marigold says with a laugh. “Everyone needs to relax. One crisis at a time.”
Everyone ambles toward the door, small looks exchanged between partners as we end our meeting. Footsteps slow as we reach the front door.
“How long am I staying here?” I ask, taking the opportunity to question the Alphas.
“I’m not sure. We are waiting to hear from your mother,” Slate says. “We discussed maybe a week.”
“Okay,” I answer, something in the back of my mind reminding me that they are still keeping things from me. But after the emotional turmoil of the last hour, I can’t find the energy to have that conversation.
“I’m glad you’re staying longer,” Hazel says. “I think we should do something fun to get your mind off things. Would you like to join us for a girls night?”
