/Erin's POV/  As the question washed over me, I shifted on my feet. Suddenly the room turned hot, toes curling as sweat clung to my skin. My chest heaved, chin raising defiantly to meet the Alpha's accusing stare. He appeared a lot closer than before, making my heart pound.    "It's my family issue, Rowan." I crossed my arms against my chest, making sure to emphasise on the 'family' part. His face fell for a second, inhaling sharply.     "Are you serious right now?" His brows rose in utter disbelief as if the Alpha couldn't believe that I would even have the nerve to say something like this. "We have known each other for years, Erin. My brother and I expect you to inform us of such critical matters, especially if we are going to be mates."&nb

/Rowans POV/  I closed my eyes tighter in hopes that it would stop, the images of the omega and her sharp piercing eyes. She always had that power to leave an impact, a long-lasting one at that, so it wasn't a surprise that I couldn't stop thinking about her. With too many layers in the way, it's far from the effortlessness we were both used to, but the sheer urgency of it made my insides curl.     Her lips were chapped and nose cold when it brushed against my cheek, but the inside of her mouth felt warm and wet, tasting sweet and faintly like coffee.    It's different; the last five years palpable in the hesitation of her hands to travel anywhere but my shoulders and in the slight tremor that kept a firm hold on her body. But it's also the same beca

/Reeds POV/  "Erin..."   She sharply cut me off, pinning me with a blank stare. "Please give it a rest, okay? I don't need you to be upset on my behalf. I am happy with the way things are. Five years is a long time. People change."    As for those words, I couldn't help but hold her intense gaze for a drawn-out moment in which neither of us said anything. The omega quickly looked away, eyes focusing on the grilled chicken on her plate.    Erin had always possessed an ethereal loveliness even as a pup, an enchanting charisma that drew people to her. It made me jealous of how easy it was for her to mingle and make friends, not worry about shouldering responsibilities as the oldest. But, now, as I watched her, smiles reserved and words careful, expressiv

The collective sounds of gasps and murmurs echoed around the room; their eyes widened. I felt my breath hitch in my throat, the sharp smell of vanilla burning my nostrils. The burn of his fingers was the only thing keeping me from collapsing on the floor. Goosebumps prickled along the skin of my arms, body feeling putty in his hold.     Isabella's hand flew to her mouth, face whitening as she stared at me. My best friend appeared too shocked to process anything but mouth the words, "Is it true?"   Guilt swarmed my belly. I couldn't tell her my situation, or she would have gone out of her way to help me. Isabella already did a lot by rejecting offers from other companies to stay with us. I had no desire to burden her anymore.    I nodded my head at her, mouthing the words.

I stared quietly at my father, the corners of my mouth lowering in sync with heart sinking down my gut. For a few more seconds, the silence was cast over the entire room. I could still feel the Alphas intent stare at me, and I wasn't sure what to think of it. Undoubtedly, the both of them could decipher the situation for what it was? There was no need for me to spell the words out, body sinking further into the couch.    Indeed my father must be surprised at the situation, confused even as the news was sprung on him out of nowhere. Even though he did not show it, I knew that my father regretted that night five years ago. He blamed himself silently.    My gaze trained on him, watching as the blank look stretched across his face vanishing, replaced by a glimmer in those eyes. A burst of surprised laughter slipped past his lips, a hand slapping his thigh.