Page 58 of Claimed By My Exiled Alphas
Cassian leaned forward slightly. “For clarity, when we say pack formation, we’re talking about a permanent bond. Not casual dating or some kind of open relationship arrangement. Actual pack bonds that would be legally and biologically binding.”
“Eventually,” Jace added. “Nobody’s suggesting we rush into bonding before we know if this can actually work. But yeah, thegoal would be permanent pack if we all decide that’s what we want.”
Cassian shifted slightly. “I should clarify my position on pack dynamics. I’m interested in Talia. I’m interested in coordinating with both of you for her wellbeing and building genuine friendships. But my romantic and physical interest is solely in her.”
“Same here,” Jace said immediately. “No offense to either of you, but my attraction is very specifically to the omega at this table.”
“Understood,” Hollis said. “I’m in the same position. I think we should establish whether we can actually be friends, though. Pack dynamics where three alphas merely tolerate each other sound miserable for everyone.”
That was fair. I watched the three of them assess each other with new attention, looking for compatibility beyond their shared interest in me. It felt strange to sit there while they discussed me but I wasn’t as uncomfortable as I’d assumed I would be. If anything, the omega side of me was practically purring at the fact that these three alphas were essentially staking their claim and the relief of knowing I wasn’t losing any of them was nearly overwhelming.
“I can work with that,” Jace said. “I mean, Cassian and I don’t know each other well, but Hollis and I have been friendly for years. And from what I know of your reputation, Cassian, you’re someone I can respect.”
“I’ve enjoyed our conversations,” Hollis said to Cassian. “I think there’s friendship potential there. And Jace, I’ve always appreciated your approach to conservation work. We have compatible values.”
Cassian was quiet for a moment, and I could practically see him analyzing dynamics and running probability calculations. “I’ll be honest. I’m not good at friendships. I don’t have alot of experience with relationships that aren’t transactional or strategic.” He met both their gazes directly. “But I’m willing to try. For Talia’s sake, and because I can see value in knowing both of you.”
“That’s fair,” Jace said. “We’re all figuring this out as we go.”
Sarah appeared with Cassian’s coffee and a plate of pastries I hadn’t ordered. “Thought you might want something to eat. On the house.” She disappeared before we could thank her, but I caught her knowing smile.
“So,” I said, taking the pastry plate as an excuse to resettle my nervous energy. “What does this actually look like? Logistically, I mean. Do we all date separately? Together? How do we handle time and attention and making sure nobody feels neglected or prioritized?”
I shuffled awkwardly in my seat. This was the weirdest conversation I’d ever had but it needed to be said. We all needed to know exactly where we stood if there was any chance that we could build something lasting.
“I think we start by continuing what we’re already doing,” Hollis suggested. “Individual time with Talia while also building connections between the three of us. Get to know each other without forcing anything.”
“That works for me,” I said quickly. “I like what we’ve been doing. The cooking lessons with Jace, afternoons at the bookstore with Hollis, working on bistro stuff with Cassian. Those feel natural.”
“Agreed,” Cassian said. “Rushing into cohabitation or merged schedules before we know if we’re compatible sounds like a recipe for disaster.”
“But we should be intentional about building the alpha relationships,” Jace added. “Because if we can’t function as a coordinated unit, this doesn’t work no matter how much we all care about Talia.”
“And I need you three to actually like each other,” I added firmly. “Not just tolerate each other for my sake. I can’t be the only thing connecting you.”
They all nodded at that, and I felt some of my anxiety ease. They were actually thinking this through, treating it like something serious that deserved planning and communication rather than just following instinct and hoping for the best.
“What about boundaries?” Cassian pulled out his phone and opened what looked like a notes app. “Physical, emotional, time commitments. We should establish clear expectations.”
“You’re making a list,” Jace observed, amused.
“I make lists for everything. It helps me think clearly.”
“Actually, that’s smart,” Hollis said. “Especially for something this complicated. What should we include?”
“Physical boundaries first,” I said, because that felt most important. “I’m okay with affection in front of each other, but I think intimate stuff should stay private for now. At least until we’re all more comfortable.”
“Makes sense,” Jace agreed. “What about time? How do we make sure everyone gets what they need?”
“I need some nights to myself,” I admitted. “For the bistro work, but also just for me. I can’t go from being alone to suddenly having three people who need my attention.”
“Fair,” Cassian said, making notes. “What if we aim for intentional time rather than quantity? Quality over constantly being available?”
“I like that,” Hollis said. “And we should communicate about our schedules. I’m flexible most evenings, but I do have book club nights and inventory days where I’m less available.”
“I have patrol schedules that change weekly,” Jace added. “But I can share those in advance so everyone knows when I’m working.”
“And I have client meetings that can be unpredictable,” Cassian said. “But I can try to give as much notice as possible.”
