Page 167 of Knotting the Firefighters
Supervised intervention.
Still wondering about that particular dynamic.
She departs with a wave, jogging back toward town with renewed energy that suggests medical obligations provide stronger motivation than simple fitness.
Leaving me alone with Hazel.
Perfect opportunity for a conversation I've been avoiding.
Hazel wastes no time transitioning to topics I'm not prepared to discuss:
"How are things progressing with your pack and the arrangement?"
Loaded question.
Seemingly casual inquiry hiding significant implications.
I consider deflecting, maintaining professional distance, protecting vulnerability I'm not ready to expose.
But Hazel is safe.
Another Omega who understands complications.
Someone I can be honest with.
"It's been really good actually," I admit, surprise evident in my own voice. "Better than anticipated, easier than expected, more natural than I thought possible given the circumstances."
Truth.
Uncomfortable truth about how quickly I've integrated.
How thoroughly they've dismantled my defensive walls.
"Hard to know if it's genuinely fake anymore," I continue, articulating confusion I've been wrestling with privately. "Was supposed to be a temporary arrangement, practical solution to legal complications and safety concerns."
Three months.
Trial period.
Except it doesn't feel temporary.
"But I genuinely like being around each of them," the confession tumbles out, bypassing my usual filters. "Even Aidric, though we haven't developed physical intimacy yet. Think he's going to be most stubborn about accepting this situation."
Aidric.
Complicated, wounded, desperately trying to maintain emotional distance despite the bond pulling him closer.
Hazel's expression shifts—recognition flickering across features, like I've confirmed suspicions she'd been harboring.
"Think that's because he experienced rejection, wasn't it?"
What?
Rejection?
What rejection?
My confusion must be evident because Hazel frowns, clearly reassessing what information I possess.
