Page 26 of Stuck with my Pack
The gravel crunches underfoot as I follow the winding path down toward town, the sea sparkling in the distance to my right. The festival is already in full swing, music and laughter carrying faintly on the breeze.
Normally, the sound would excite me, but today, it feels like a distant buzz compared to the noise in my head. My body is vibrating, and no matter how many deep breaths I take, the ache under my skin refuses to subside.
The lively hum of the festival hits me long before I reach the edge of town, a buzzing energy that feels both inviting and overwhelming all at once. At the entrance, amidst the glow of lanterns and swirling laughter, I spot Lily standing by the little food truck coffee cart, her presence a steady anchor in the chaos.
Her familiar smile warms me instantly, and I lift my hand to wave as I approach. She looks…different but the same. Her strawberry blond hair is braided in a thick plait over her shoulder and there’s a glow about her. She’s even more radiant than I remember.
“Sophie!” she calls out, her voice bright as sunshine. She moves toward me, and it’s then that I notice her stomach leading the way. My eyes widen in delighted surprise.
“Oh my God! Lily, you’re pregnant?” I blurt out, my steps faltering as I take her in. A feeling settles deep in my chest that I don’t have words for. It’s envy, jealousy, and sadness but also joy for her.
I’ve never thought of having a family like that. Not until his moment. Before I can stop myself, an image of a toddler flits across my vision. The toddler has dark curls, Tyler’s smile and Ethan’s eyes. I shove the unexpected vision so far down that it will take a backhoe to dredge it up.
Lily laughs softly, brushing her hands over her belly like she’s still getting used to the idea herself. “Surprise,” she says, her tone light but a little guarded.
“Surprise? This is huge! Why didn’t Ethan say anything?” I ask, a mix of excitement and guilt rushing through me. “How far along are you?”
She shrugs, the easy smile staying firmly in place. “Nine months. I guess I’ve been…keeping it low-key. And you and Ethan haven’t exactly been on conversational terms.” She laughs with no censure in her voice.
I blush remembering just how far past conversation we were last night. I can sense there’s more that she’s not saying, but I don’t push. “Well, congratulations,” I say sincerely, stepping forward to pull her into a hug. “You look amazing. Pregnancy suits you.”
She laughs again, patting my back. “Thanks. But I feel like a whale most days.”
We grab our coffee and start walking toward the festival, the sound of children’s laughter mingling with the clinking of game booths and the wafting scent of fried dough. It’s a comforting chaos, and I find myself relaxing a little as we fall into step. I find that I like the energy.
“So,” Lily starts, her tone light but she gives me a teasing side eye as she takes a long drink from her straw. “Tell me about the boys. Seems like you’ve had your hands full since you got back,” she says with a knowing wink.
I flush instantly, nearly spilling my coffee, sure my face is as red as a summer sunset. “It’s not like that. They’re just helpingme with the inn,” I say, though I know the lie is plain on my face. My voice wavers slightly. “It doesn’t mean anything.”
“Mm hmm,” Lily replies, her smirk unmistakable. “Because three Alphas circling you like a pack of horny frat boys doesn’t mean anything.” She raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying my denial. “And in case you forgot, my brother is an open book.”
I roll my eyes, but the tightness in my chest won’t ease. “They’ve been helping me with the inn, that’s all. And Ethan…well, things are complicated,” I mutter, unsure why I’m trying to hide the truth from her. It feels too raw, too new, and I barely understand it myself.
“Complicated how?” she presses, her voice softer now, losing the teasing edge.
I hesitate, taking a long sip of my coffee to stall. How do I even explain the mess in my head and body? How do I explain the way my skin heats when any of them are near, the way my thoughts spin out of control, or the deep ache that’s settled low in my belly and refuses to go away.
“It’s…a lot,” I finally admit, setting my coffee down and fiddling with the hem of my sweater. “I’ve never really felt like much of an Omega before, you know? But lately…” My words trail off as my throat tightens.
Lily tilts her head, her green eyes sharp yet kind. “Have you ever had a pack? Like, while you were away?” she asks gently, her tone careful, like she doesn’t want to push too hard.
“No,” I say quickly, a rush of embarrassment heating my cheeks. “After I left, I just…I never met anyone, and when my nature didn’t really present itself, I kind of stopped looking.”
I can’t meet her gaze, the admission feeling heavy.
Lily stops walking and gently loops her arm through mine, pulling me close. Her warmth is comforting, like a steady anchor. “Soph, have you ever had a heat? Is that what’s happening?”
I nod, feeling my face flush even hotter. “I think so. I don’t know. I’ve never had one before. But it’s like my body’s on fire, and I can’t think straight when they’re around.”
I sigh, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “Fuck, I can’t think straight when they’re not around either. I feel crazy. Antsy. Obsessed.” The words tumble out before I can stop them, and I know I must be as red as a tomato.
Lily’s expression softens, a mix of understanding and sympathy lighting her eyes. “It makes sense, Sophie. You’re surrounded by strong Alphas, and you’ve been ignoring your Omega instincts for years. It was bound to catch up to you eventually.”
Her words hit too close to home, and I glance away, focusing on the colorful festival booths lining the path ahead. I don’t know what to say, so I don’t say anything.
We stroll in silence for a while, the chatter of the festival blending into a comforting hum around us. The scent of roasted nuts and sugary treats wafts through the air, but my focus keeps drifting back to the heat simmering under my skin.
Lily breaks the silence as we pass a booth selling cotton candy, its pink fluff catching the light. “You’re glowing, though,” she says, her voice warm.
