Page 32 of Traded

There’s a reason nobody rejects their scent matches. But I still asked.

“We can do this.” Liam holds out his hands. “I come from a dual-omega home, Rosie. I’ve seen it. I grew up around it.”

I… knew that. Was fascinated by it when we first met. But I’d respected that he didn’t like to discuss his childhood, though the curiosity had strangled me.

It’s not like I like to talk about mine. “But you don’t ever talk about it.”

He shrugs, his response a mild rebuke that sting my exposed skin. “It’s not a show for entertainment.”

I flush. “I just… I can’t see this working.”

“It won’t be easy.” Liam looks over at Carter. “I won’t sugar coat it. But isn’t it worth a try? To stay together?”

I soften enough not to struggle when his hands land on my hips. Liam pulls me in, his forehead dropping to mine. “This pack—you—it’s worth fighting for. That’s what I want to do. I’m fighting for us here, but I need you to fight too.”

Except my fight will look closer to rolling over and playing dead than actual warfare.

“I don’t know if I can,” I admit to him. “Or…”

Do I want to?

“I’ll help you.” Liam smooths my hair back. “Carter will be tied up with the season. But my focus will be you, and the pack dynamics. That’s how we get through the next few months.”

He should be focusing on the season too. “And Jonas?”

Liam hesitates. “Jo?”

“There has to be a balance, Ro.” Jonas swallows. “Liam will be focusing on you and the wider pack, helping you adjust. But… she’ll need someone too.”

“And you and Lauren will have each other.” Rejection rises to my tongue, but Liam’s finger presses against my mouth. “Yes. You’ll be working together at the Furnace. Build your own relationship, Ro. Keeping you apart won’t work. Get to know each other away from the apartment. We’ll slowly work things in here.”

I hate every word that comes out of his mouth. “She’s going to move in?”

“She is.” His thumb drops to my neck, massaging the pulse there. “I’ll help you through it.”

“And…” My eyes burn. “What about my nest? And… and heats?”

He cups the back of my head. “One thing at a time. Neither of you are due for a while yet.”

They know when her heat is due.

I yank myself back, pulling myself free of his hands. “I need to think.”

And possibly to throw up. Acid curdles the back of my throat.

“Well. It doesn’t feel like you need me, so I’ll head out.” Mile shifts into view. “You’re taking this very well, Rosie. I’m impressed.”

Am I?

“I need to confirm that this will be kept under wraps for the season.” He looks at Carter first. “The last thing we need is NOC controversy following you around.”

Carter looks ill. But he shakes his head. “This is Rosie’s decision. I’ll support whatever she decides.”

All faces turn to me. “I…”

Split them up or share them.

Destroy my family or fight for them.