"This sounds like those sordid Society stories. I would be your omega mate, exiled to live my life in the country while you stay in the city, galivanting around, partaking of sordid affairs and expensive parties."Ammy laughed, expecting Jason to do the same. Instead, Jason looked...speculative. At Jason' continued silence, Ammy shifted, increasingly uncomfortable."I was speaking in jest and... why are you even here, Jason?"Jason' face was serious and he tipped his head to the side, brushing a hand through his hair."I was curious and...I can't stop thinking about you."The silence that followed was heavy. Ammy was unsure of how to respond or even if she should. They stared at each other, unmoving and Ammy couldn't place the look in Jason' dark eyes. It was an intense emotion, one that Ammy had never received before. It made her skin feel electrified and she wanted to slide from her chair, onto her knees and crawl to her alpha. The smoky scent of cloves and cinnamon reached out and
The next morning Ammy was slow to wake, and Allen was the only reason she rose at a decent hour. She had barely slept, lying awake long into the night, sad and lonely. She was resolved to start the day anew, to push her maudlin thoughts aside and focus on the good. It didn't matter that she was in love with two unattainable alphas. Ammy had weathered much worse in her life and she would do as he always did; keep going forward. Even if her unrequited love hurt her, made her feel flayed open, Ammy would survive, and she was determined to thrive.Allen had requested her presence today at the Will's estate, begging her to sit for a portrait. Ammy was looking forward to a lazy day with Allen, lounging in her studio and chatting while she worked.Ammy was met by the Will's butler and then shown to the receiving parlor. She allowed herself to relax in the room, gazing out of the parlor window to the cobbled drive, watching the servants go about their morning. The door behind her opened and A
"I do not hate you! Please, Ammy, tell me. All I can think about is how much of your heart was sent in those letters that never reached me."Sebestian's voice was hoarse, and Ammy couldn't stop herself from raising her head and meeting Sebestian's burning gaze. Her own face was wet, tears still falling freely."I heard you had presented alpha, and I rejoiced. Surely you would send for me, bring me back home, marry me and...I loved you! Forgive me, Sebestian, I love you still."The hands holding Ammy grew slack, Sebestian's face holding nothing but shock and disbelief. Ammy turned, sobbing, hating herself for her unwanted confession. Sebestian would pity her now and she couldn't bear to stay. She ran from the parlor and out the front door, hearing footsteps pursuing her, too far away to catch her. She didn't wait for a carriage, not wanting Sebestian to stop her. She fled down the drive and to the busy street, ignoring the frantic calls of her name. In her haste, Ammy was almost run ov
Ammy couldn't stop herself from clutching Allen's hand for strength as they walked across the meadow towards the two alphas. Sam was skipping stones at the edge of the lake close to the picnic area. The sun was bright, and Jason was lounging on the blanket, looking relaxed and carefree but Ammy could see a line of tension in his shoulders. Sebestian stood stiffly next to Jason, staring at their approach. It made Ammy want to turn and run. Maybe Jason could tell because he reached over and swatted Sebestian's leg, saying something too low for Ammy to hear. Sebestian dipped her head and began setting up and opening the umbrella for shade while Jason opened one of the baskets and drew out a tall bottle and began pouring glasses of what looked like champagne.The two omegas made it to the edge of the lake and Ammy stopped them next to Sam. They watched him skip stones and Ammy took the time to emotionally and mentally prepare herself. She had no idea what awaited her in this confrontation
Ammy watched Jason take a sharp breath and his eyes tear up. Sebestian gave Ammy a bright smile that Jason mirrored. Ammy's eyes widened and she shook under their warm gazes, inhaling their happy scents. She did preen then, under their shining eyes and happy smiles, feeling warm and content in having pleased her alphas. That thought brought her up short. These were not her alphas, no matter how much she wanted them to be. Her omega needed to get itself together before they figured out how much she craved their approval and touch.Ammy's stomach rumbled loudly, making Ammy blush and Jason smirked before calling the others over to eat. Ammy allowed Jason to usher her to the blanket, well into the shade and they started to set out the food. Bread, smoked meat, cheese, jam, grapes, lemon cakes and Ammy's favorite; strawberries and cream. There was more juice and plenty of champagne. Ammy sat back, content to watch the others pile their plates high and chat with each other. Jason sat besid
Ammy sighed and held herself, hands clutching her sides. Already she missed the warmth of Sebestian around her, the feeling of Jason hand in her. Could she have this? Ammy chuckled. How fast life could change in an instant. She whirled around when she felt the alphas approach, taking in their pained but hopeful expressions. Were they offering her love or were they using her? Taking advantage of her feelings for their own convenience. Ammy postured, straightening her shoulders and lifting her chin, resting her hands on her hips."I don't need your pity. I'm sorry but I won't be your shield against Society. I want a real marriage and pups and..."Sebestian made a wounded sound and stepped forward, reaching out a hand to Ammy."We mean it, Ammy. We want you to be our omega, we'll have as many pups as you want."Jason spoke next."We can live anywhere you want, Ammy. All of us, together as mates. I have properties all over city if you still want to leave. Pick any of them, omega. We can l
Ammy floated home in a deliriously happy daze that evening. Jason and Sebestian had been attentive the rest of the picnic, keeping Ammy between them and lounging by the side of the lake. Occasionally, Mandy and Sam would wander close and sit with them; Mandy hanging onto one of the alphas and listening to them talk until Sam dragged her off again to explore. Sam clearly doted on Mandy, the young man enjoying the wide-eyed enthusiasm she gave him. Allen spent her time across the lake, sketching feverishly and giving the triad soft looks. Ammy had a feeling that she knew exactly what had transpired and was giving them space to enjoy each other.Before they left, she cornered Ammy and showed her sketches from the day. Ammy was shocked and embarrassed, flushing hotly to see that the focus of her talent was Jason and Sebestian indulgently hand feeding Ammy strawberries and cream, gazing at her with an intense, possessive love. She calmly asked for the sketch and when she refused, giving he
"I love you, both of you. I want this more than I can say. I want to mate you and have a family with you both."She could hear one of them stifle a gasp, but Ammy continued on, afraid that if she stopped to look at them that she would never speak of these concerns again. She slumped her shoulders, pressing clenched fists against her closed eyes."I'm no good. The James name is a curse to all those who bear it and I'm no different. My reputation is in tatters, and I will be a burden to you. I can't stand the thought that one day you might come to despise me-""Stop."The command was gentle, but Sebestian's voice contained enough alpha compulsion that Ammy found herself obeying instantly. It shocked her from her emotional spiral, and she turned slowly to find Sebestian right behind her. Sebestian's face was thunderous, a deep frown marring his handsome face and Ammy trembled, feeling sick to be the cause of Sebestian's displeasure. Sebestian took a deep breath and his expression relaxed