Page 85 of Party Girl: How a Naughty Omega Finds Love
ChapterTwenty-Four
WHITNEY
We finally leave the house around six-thirty. It’s hard to believe four hours have passed since Curtis rolled up to the house. It feels like it’s been a week. I ride with Hayden on the way to Asher’s mom’s. Staring out of the window, I move my gaze to the side-mirror, checking to see if I can gauge Avi’s mood. We’re stopped at a stoplight, near a nicer part of low pack territory, and Asher’s behind us. Avi’s hand rests over his mouth, and he’s looking straight at me. I smile a little, but he doesn’t return the gesture. I didn’t expect him to. He dips his head slightly and I sigh, glancing at the homes with warped chain-link fences.
There are no white pickets in low pack neighborhoods. Maybe a split rail fence if you’re lucky. I try not to react when we turn into a neighborhood with two-story houses. The homes are all well-kept and the grass is green, no brown patches in sight. Chewing on my lip, I breathe deeply to settle my nerves. The chances of his family being like mine are low, but not impossible. I realize not everyone grew up like me. I try to give his family the benefit of the doubt rather than assuming the worst.
We park outside a cute house with white siding and blue shutters. The front door is bright yellow and has a pink flower wreath in the middle of it. It’s all so cheery. Hayden leans over and glances at the house through my window.
“Yeah, his mom likes to decorate.”
“It’s cute,” I say, meeting his gaze.
“Melanie is sweet.” He kisses my cheek.
My stomach flutters. “His dads?”
“They’re hilarious. But don’t worry, we’ll be in the back house. You won’t have to see them unless you want to.”
I nod and unbuckle. Behind us the guys are already getting out of their cars. Hayden shuts off the car and we meet them at the short sidewalk that leads to the front door. Taking the spot next to Avi, I brush my fingers over his. He hooks his index finger around mine for a second, squeezing gently. Trev zeroes in on the contact, and we break apart like we just got caught fucking in public.
“It’s fine. You’re our omega, remember?”
“She is?” Avi asks, voice light and hopeful. He seems more like himself now.
“Only for our stay,” Trev says at the same time I say, “Yes.”
I press my lips together and hold Trev’s stare as he clears his throat.
“For our stay,” he pauses to make sure we all get the point, “Whitney is our omega. It’s the only way this works.”
“You can pretend,” Asher says with a heavy sigh. “I’ve never been a good actor.”
I frown, but he swoops in and gives me a side hug before my insecurities can eat away at me.
“Welcome to Pack Cocker.”
“Cocker,” I repeat, trying not to laugh.
“It never fails,” Trev says with a light chuckle. “Let’s stick with Whitney being new to our pack. The last Compatibility Ceremony matched us together. We didn’t tell Asher’s mom because we didn’t want a big celebration.”
We all nod in agreement.
“She’s going to be so annoyed.” Asher straightens his shoulders. “I’ll go first.”
“Probably best since this is your family,” Hayden mutters.
“Shut up.”
“Children,” I scold, earning a tiny grin from Avi. He’s resurfacing, and it makes my heart swell with gratitude. “Don’t make me send you to your rooms.”
“Will you spank me?” Asher asks, turning and walking backward up the sidewalk.
“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” I tease, loving the way his bark of laughter makes Avi’s almost-grin turn into a full smile.
Hayden’s shoulder brushes against mine and his lips touch the shell of my ear. “I like when you flirt with my pack.”
My stomach flips. “I’m not—” I stop trying to defend myself. I was flirting with them.
