Chapter 35: Chapter Thirty Four.

Dinner at the pack house feels different as the weather warms up; we’ve been gravitating outside more and more lately, enjoying the fresh air and the vibrant atmosphere. Micah and I spent the day wrapped around each other, and it felt blissful to be in our little bubble.

As I glance out the window, I see Callum tending to his garden, his hands skillfully digging into the earth. He looks content, and a sense of peace washes over me. Waiting for the Alphas to come home has become more bearable as the day goes on, but as the hour approaches, I can feel my nerves beginning to tingle.

I feel jittery—anxious energy coursing through me. I’m torn between the excitement of seeing Elias and the underlying concern about Theo's reaction to my feelings for him. What if Theo doesn’t take kindly to the bond I share with Elias? I can’t shake the thought, and it gnaws at me, making my stomach twist.

Then there are the questions swirling in my mind: When will Theo have his turn? Will he mark me, too? Do I even live here now? The uncertainty makes me feel like I’m caught in a whirlwind, and I take a deep breath to steady myself.

“Hey, you okay?” Micah’s voice breaks through my thoughts, and I turn to see him looking at me with concern, his brows furrowed slightly.

“Yeah, just thinking,” I reply, forcing a smile. “About… everything.”

He nods, his expression softening. “It’s a lot to take in. But whatever happens, we’re in this together, right?”

“Right,” I agree, feeling a little reassured. His presence is comforting, but the anticipation of the evening still thrums in my veins.

Just then, I hear the familiar sound of the front door opening and voices filtering in. My heart skips a beat. I glance at Micah, who gives me a knowing smile, and I can feel the excitement building within me.

Elias steps in first, his presence radiating warmth, and I can’t help but smile at the sight of him. Theo follows closely behind, his demeanor slightly more guarded. I take a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm.

“Dinner’s almost ready!” Callum calls out, wiping his hands on a towel as he approaches. “Hope you’ve both worked up an appetite!”

“Always,” Elias replies, his gaze flicking toward me, and I feel a rush of warmth wash over me.

As we gather around the table outside, the sun begins to set, casting a beautiful golden hue over everything. The chatter flows easily, but I can’t shake the feeling of tension that lingers in the air, especially between me and Theo. I catch him glancing at me more than once, but whenever our eyes meet, I can see a mix of concern and something else—possessiveness, perhaps?

I try to focus on the conversation, laughing and joking with Micah and Callum, but my thoughts keep drifting back to what I need to address. I want to talk to both Theo and Elias about how I feel, about the bond that’s formed, but the timing feels so delicate.

As dinner progresses, I feel the weight of my emotions settling heavily in my chest.

“Baby girl,” Elias begins, his face focused on his dinner as he cuts his meat. I look up at him, catching the intensity in his gaze.

“You do remember that I can feel everything you feel now, right?” he states, raising an eyebrow at me.

A flush creeps up my cheeks. “Uh, yeah,” I stammer.

“Spill it,” he prompts, his tone gentle yet insistent.

I gulp and nod, feeling the weight of the entire pack’s attention on me. I fidget with my hands, trying to gather my thoughts. “I was just wondering a few things…” I start, aware of the silence around the table.

“Like…?” Elias encourages patiently, his eyes locked onto mine.

“Um, well…” I hesitate, deciding to start off easy. “I was wondering if I live here now? Should I tell Morgan or…?” I trail off awkwardly, but everyone nods in understanding.

Theo clears his throat, finally looking at me properly for the first time. “Yes, you are claimed, so it’s only natural you move in. Tell Morgan, and we’ll help you move all your stuff over here Saturday.” His tone is matter-of-fact, but the distance in his eyes sends a pang to my heart.

“Theo…” Elias begins, glaring at the Alpha. “He’s just jealous and struggles to regulate his emotions,” he states pointedly at Theo.

Theo’s eyes widen, and he looks at me, but I avoid his gaze, feeling a mix of emotions swirling in my chest. I hear him sigh, and before I know it, he’s crouched down next to me, his presence both comforting and intense.

“Baby…” he starts, and I look at him, my breath catching. His gaze flicks to the bite mark on my neck, and I see his expression tighten before he meets my eyes again. “It’s hard…” His gravelly voice is filled with vulnerability. “It’s hard to see another Alpha’s mark on you, even if it’s Elias’s. I’m sorry. I’ll try harder.”

He leans in and gives me a sweet kiss, and I deepen it, wrapping my arms around his neck, feeling the warmth of our connection. “It’s okay,” I whisper, pulling back to meet his gaze.

“Soon, yeah?” I smile at him, my heart lifting at the thought of what’s to come.

He groans and nods adamantly. “We’ll just give you a few days for this one to heal, hm?” He strokes my bite mark gently, and both Elias and I shudder at the sensation, the bond between us thrumming with intensity.

“Thank you,” I say softly, feeling the weight of their care and concern wash over me. As the evening continues, I know that despite the challenges ahead, I’m surrounded by love and support.

Dinner continues and I feel ligher already.

As the night goes on we find ourselves entangled in Micahs nest again.

And with my sleeping pack around me I message Morgan.

Ivy: well it's official I am apparently moving in on Saturday and I've been Marked and claimed hehe 🙈🙈💕

Morgan calling...

Shit

I jump up and gently climb out of the nest.

"Hello" I answer sitting down on the couch.

"Sooooo hi bitch. Just a text???? Tell me everything!" Comes her emphatic reply and I giggle quietly.

My heart full as I whisper with Morgan for hours into the night.