Page 5 of Knot Convenient

“A son?” Marshall asked, reeling back.

We all paused. That was a shock—omegas were rare. I highly doubted there were many single mother omegas out there.

“We have the paperwork on file to show that the biological father relinquished his parental rights. It’s just Summer and her son. She’s been attending school while working a part-time job, but honestly, she’s been struggling on her own. She needs a pack; she needs support. That’s why she came to us.”

“So that’s why she’s asking so little?” I asked, weight settling in my gut.

Callie nodded with a sad smile, clearly feeling sympathetic. “She just wants the safety and security of a pack. Alphas who will look after her and her son, as if he were their own. That’s a commitment everyone needs to be on board with. I know you guys were eager for children, so I wanted to see if you were open to Summer and her son.”

“Does she know about us?” Noah asked.

Callie nodded. “She does, and she liked your basic profile, but I can only give her the full profile once you’ve indicated that you’re okay with her having a son.”

“We will have to think about this,” Marshall grumbled.

“Of course! Take a few days. I want you to think about it and get back to me. If this is something you’re happy to go forward with, then let me know. I’ll reach out to Summer, and if she likes the file—which I’m pretty sure she will—I’ll set up an initial meeting.”

We said our goodbyes, all a little stunned, and I leaned forward, ending the call.

“Does this change things for us?” I asked after closing the laptop screen.

Noah sat back on the couch, scratching his facial hair thoughtfully. “I mean, for me, it changes nothing. It seems like she’s a sweet omega who’s down on her luck and looking for a better life.”

“She’s so much younger than us,” Marshall pointed out. Emmett was the youngest, at twenty-seven, and Marshall was the oldest, at thirty-one.

“From the sound of it, though, she’s had to deal with a lot.” Emmett shrugged, that same sympathy in his eyes. “I imagine she’s mature for her age.”

“Personally, I’m in,” I said. “We want a family; this is just jump-starting it.” Life wasn’t simple. And sometimes there were curveballs. I knew that. Still, I, for one, wasn’t mad at this particular wild throw at all.

“A baby, though? Is that something any of us are ready for right now?” Marshall crossed his arms, ever the skeptic.

“I deal with teenagers every day. I think I can handle a baby.” Noah laughed, and even Emmett sat forward on the sofa, nodding.

“My hours are typical, just like Noah’s and yours,” I said, nodding at Marshall. “Emmett is the only one who might be dragged off to a handful of late nights, depending on the client. There will always be at least one of us here to help out. And I have a leg up on the medical stuff in case Summer needs help with all that. Honestly, I think we’re excellent choices.”

“That’s true,” Emmett added, leaning forward onto his knees. “I know it's a lot to consider right away, but I'll admit that I do want to consider it. At least meet with her. Nothing is solid until we all sign and agree, but we’d be missing an opportunity if we didn’t at least give this a try.”

Emmett, always the lawyer. He was damn good at arguing, pointing out the logic of a situation. And while it could be annoying as hell, I appreciated it right now. Because I was already drawn to the prospect of bringing her in, my eyes landing on her picture again.

There was something about her…about Summer.

Noah perked up, looking between us. “So… we have a mate?”

Marshall narrowed his eyes, getting up from his chair across the couch. “We have the possibility of a mate.”

And, for now, that would have to do.

Chapter 3

Summer

Pack Winters.

My hands shook as I took the folder from the courier, who looked bored with everything. He had no idea that he was handing me information that could dictate the rest of my life.

Callie had excitedly called me this morning, letting me know the profile was on its way and to read it immediately.

The file was heavy, so I padded over to the couch and sank down, flipping open the first page. “Okay, here we go.”