Safe Haven

“Hello, thank you for coming,” I said, offering a bright smile. So long as they played nice, or some small semblance of that, I would try to kill them with kindness. “I’m Briar.”

“Nice to meet you too. I’m Claire,” she said, holding out her hand and waiting for me to take it. I gave her a shake despite not wanting to touch her. Play the game, Briar. Before she could say more, her husband stepped up and put a hand on her shoulder.

“I’m Drake,” he said. There was no smile. All I received was a brief glance before he dismissed me entirely. “Son.” He nodded once at Tallon, that reception even cooler than what I’d been given, then switched to Beckham, his smile widening. “Beckham! How are you doing? Still showing the world that omegas can work in business?”

“Always,” he said, though his voice was strained. “Briar is actually doing the same in her field. She’s a successful graphic designer with her own company.”

“Betas try,” Drake said flippantly, “but they always fall just a little bit too short.”

“Now, that’s statistically untrue. Betas make up sixty-seven percent of our population, meaning they dominate most fields. While alphas do rival them in positions of power, betas make an average income that is in line with what alphas contribute to their packs. Our top surgeons in the country? Betas. Top entrepreneurs? Betas. Take your son, for example. Tallon just landed the biggest client that Crane Enterprises has seen in years.”

They blinked at me when I finished my speech, and it was Tallon who spoke up next.

“You heard about that?” he asked quietly, almost embarrassed.

“Of course, and you should have been yelling it from the rooftops! Graham bragged about you instead,” I reassured him. Because I was proud of him, and maybe a little bit to hammer home how valuable he was to me, I gave him a peck on the lips. I wouldn’t shy away from giving him the recognition—verbally or physically—that he deserved just because his judgmental parents had their eyes on us. “Now, I’m starving. Let’s go find a seat.”

“Alphas easily out-power betas, and the latter have none of the biological benefits that omegas do,” Drake argued, refusing the redirection.

“In strength? Probably, if they keep up with the gym,” I said pointedly, glancing at his smaller, unmuscled frame. “Other than that, I see no difference. Being the face of a company doesn't mean much. A CEO is nothing without an entire board behind them.” After that, I walked away, not wanting their company nor caring if I was on their good side. Tallon and Beckham followed me, retaking their seats, and the moment we sat, Tallon’s hand was on my leg. Every one of my guys and half the table was smiling openly, ignoring the incoming couple.

“That was amazing,” Tallon whispered to me. I grinned over at him, my cheeks heating. I was a little surprised I’d gone all in on that conversation, but I didn’t regret it.

“I couldn’t help it. They were begging for someone to shut that shit down, and I meant every damn word,” I told him vehemently.

“It’s kind of nice having someone so fiercely in my corner. It was kinda hot,” he teased with a wink. Despite him trying to play it off, his hand rested on my thigh and his eyes were a bit glassy for a second. I hated that they couldn’t see him the way I did. Sure, our first impression was rocky, but he’d proven every day since that he was a caring packmate, and he always looked out for the rest of us.

When his parents eventually found their seats, he held his head high. The conversation around the table was light and full of laughter, though his parents remained silent in their spot. Good. Let them see how people should treat each other. Because right now, they were the outsiders, and it was well deserved.

With perfect timing, Alejandro brought out dinner, easing some of the tension because no one could stay mad when they had tacos. Without hesitation, I dove into my plate, Oliver kicking happily as I ate. Once I’d scarfed down a taco or two, I brought Tallon’s hand to my stomach. He seemed remarkably fine considering we’d had to deal with his parents’ bullshit within moments of me meeting them, but I knew this would be a pick-me-up to calm any lingering nerves.

“He’s a fan of tacos, isn’t he?” he said, all hints of shadows gone from his eyes.

“That he is,” I agreed. “Just wait until I give him some cake. It looks amazing, Beckham.”

My omega smiled at me. “They made me promise not to go too crazy, so that was my touch. But just you wait until Ollie has birthdays!”

“They’re all yours.” It was so sweet that he was already looking forward to celebrating our son. Our. I had a feeling that word would never cease to make me smile. When I found out I was pregnant, I’d thought of nothing but a future on my own, no pack or support aside from Liam. Now, I had a pack. Now, I had our. These men had shown me the power a single word could hold, and it was more than I ever could have hoped for.

When we’d all eaten our weight in tacos, well, everyone but Drake and Claire, who looked so out of place it was painful, presents were excitedly shoved into my hands. I had never been a fan of opening them in front of others, but seeing the guys’ joy, I couldn’t be uncomfortable. They wanted and deserved this moment.

“This is amazing,” I gasped. Liam and Cora had put together a practical gift that would be a help to any busy pack. She’d found a huge baby organizer for the nursery. The guys would have to put it together, but they’d also provided everything I’d need to fully stock it—lotions, rags, diapers, blankets, creams, the works. “Thank you.”

“We had to hook up our little nephew.” I wasn’t the only one who melted that time. My brother had a very satisfied and teary-eyed omega sitting next to him, which I totally understood. Men being sappy about babies was my kryptonite as well, so I couldn’t blame her.

By the time we’d unwrapped it all and had dessert, I was full, happy, and ready to put my feet up.

“My sister looks uncomfortable. Someone get her home and rub her feet so they don’t swell,” Liam ordered with a pointed glance downward.

"Yeah, yeah, Doctor." The words were filled with the affection that I only felt for my brother. Sometimes I didn't appreciate his bossiness or alpha tendencies, but this time, I would gratefully accept the out. Although that didn't mean I wouldn't throw a little friendly sarcasm his way.

“We’ll take our leave then,” Claire said, handing Beckham an envelope before walking out. She spared no backward glances for the rest of us, including their other son. The moment the door closed behind them, I turned to the guys.

“They’re not invited to any more parties,” I huffed.

“I was just thinking that. What a heinous outlook on life,” Cora agreed with disgust. “This makes me want to find us a cute beta to add to our pack.”

“Do it! Betas are the best.” I grinned down at Tallon, loving that he actually grinned back. Surly Tallon was more or less a thing of the past, minus the occasional passing grump phase on a bad day. Slowly, I was chipping away at the baggage that others had piled on his shoulders.

“There’s that cute beta that works down at the coffee shop,” she mused. and Liam barked out a laugh.

“I knew you couldn’t love coffee that much,” he accused playfully.

“Uh, can you blame me?” she teased, and he shook his head and pulled her in for a hug. I was just happy she was comfortable around us now. Between her, Wells’ parents, and Chris, I was ready to have more family dinners.

“Let’s get our omega home,” Graham reminded us. The other guys jumped into action, carrying our things out, while Alejandro’s staff cleaned up the dishes and wrapping paper.

“Thank you so much, Alejandro. Tonight was perfect,” I told him. The older man grinned happily.

“Always a pleasure,” he assured as he disappeared in the back. While Graham stayed behind to handle the bill and tips, I followed the guys out to the car. The moment I was in my seat, I was drifting off, happy but exhausted. All I knew was that I was the luckiest omega in the world.