Chapter Thirty one.

I take a deep breath and step into the living room, where Theo is pacing back and forth, his expression a mix of concern and determination. The moment he sees me, he halts, his intense gaze locking onto mine, and I can feel the weight of his worry bearing down on me.

"There you are," he says, his voice low and rough, a hint of relief washing over his features. "I was starting to think you'd disappeared."

"I was just getting ready," I reply, trying to sound casual, but the tension in my voice gives me away. "Morgan said you were looking for me."

"Yeah, I was," he says, crossing his arms tightly across his chest, a protective stance that makes my heart race. "You texted me saying you were working, so I came to see you, but you weren't there. Then I called, and you went quiet. That's not exactly reassuring, Ivy."

"I know, I'm sorry," I say, stepping closer. "I didn't mean to worry you or lie to you. I regret it. I just needed some time to gather my thoughts."

"Gather your thoughts?" he echoes, his brow furrowing. "You're not in trouble, are you? Is someone bothering you? Because if so-"

"No! Nothing like that." I flush bright red, my heart racing. "I just want to talk tonight at dinner, with the whole pack there. It's only... it's only fair." I trail off, unconsciously baring my neck to him, hoping to ease the tension.

"Don't," he says, his voice low and firm. I freeze. "What?" I ask, startled.

He steps closer, his hands gently grasping my chin to turn my face toward him. His warm brown eyes search mine, filled with worry. "Please, baby. Never fear me."

I gulp in response, nodding as tears threaten to spill from my eyes. "Sorry, Alpha," I whisper, snuggling into his chest. His arms wrap around me, holding me tight, and I can feel him swallow hard beneath me as he clears his throat.

"I'll let you finish getting ready. We'll see you tonight, yes?" He lifts my chin to meet his gaze. I nod, biting my lip, feeling emboldened.

Gathering my courage, I plant a soft kiss on his lips. He growls in response, a small smile crossing his face. "I have to go now, baby," he almost growls, pulling away reluctantly.

As he leaves, the warmth of his presence lingers in the air, leaving me standing in the lounge room of my apartment, my heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension.

After spending a good two hours on self-care—waxing, moisturizing, a skincare routine, and a deep conditioning hair mask to make my strawberry-blonde curls ringlet-regal—I knock on Morgan's door, hoping she wants to join me for lunch.

“Wowza! Look at the hottie with the body!” she exclaims, wiggling her eyebrows as she opens the door. I can’t help but giggle, feeling a rush of confidence at her compliment.

“Wanna have lunch with me?” I ask, trying to keep my tone casual.

Morgan rolls her eyes playfully. “In other words, you want me to make you lunch,” she states, already making her way to the kitchen.

I nod enthusiastically, jumping with excitement as she gets out a pan, some eggs, sourdough bread, avocado, and a tomato. I watch her work, the familiar rhythm of her cooking bringing a sense of comfort.

“So…” I start, playing with a fidget cube that’s sitting on the bench.

“Hmm?” she replies, focused on chopping the veggies.

I take a breath, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “I have one more thing to ask of you today…” I trail off suggestively, gauging her reaction.

Morgan raises an eyebrow, intrigued. “Mmm, what’s that?”

“Do you think you’d have any lingerie that you think would fit me… and you wouldn’t mind never seeing again?” I look up at her, a hint of apprehension creeping into my voice.

Her expression shifts to one of shock, and I can feel my heart race. “Uh…”

“If it’s too weird, don’t worry about it,” I quickly add, kicking myself for even suggesting it. “Ahhh, sorry! That was probably sooooo weird.” I hide my head in my hands, feeling embarrassed.

She bursts into laughter, and I peek out to see her shaking her head. “Look… I’m not gonna say I’ll lend you my underwear, but I do have an idea to help you...”

As she resumes cooking, I feel a flicker of hope. Her plan unfolds as we finish cooking and eat lunch together, and before long, we find ourselves at Morgan's favorite boutique.

The shop is filled with soft fabrics and vibrant colors, and I can’t help but feel a rush of excitement as I browse. With each piece I try on, I can feel my confidence building, and Morgan offers her enthusiastic input, helping me pick out a few stunning items.

Twenty minutes later, we leave the boutique, bags in hand, and I can hardly contain my excitement. I hope I’ve found enough to make this night special, ready to embrace the chance of finally getting knotted tonight.

As we walk back to the car, I glance at Morgan, her support giving me the courage I need. “Thank you for this,” I say, feeling grateful. “I really appreciate you helping me prepare for tonight.”

“Of course! ” she replies, her smile wide and encouraging.

~~~

Elias arrives at 6 PM with a firm knock on the door. My heart races as I take a deep breath, grabbing my overnight bag and mentally preparing myself for the night ahead. With one last look in the mirror, I assess my outfit—a blue sweater draped over a dark red mini dress I borrowed from Morgan. It clings a little too tightly around my hips and chest, and I can’t help but compare how it looked on Morgan’s tall, slender frame to my own short, curvy one. I slip into my usual black boots, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension.

With a final deep breath, I open the door, and my bright smile meets Elias's warm gaze. His face lights up instantly as he steps forward, reaching for me and pulling me into a hug.

“Mmm, you worried us this morning, baby girl. You okay?” he asks, pulling back to look into my eyes, his hand gently running through my curls in wonder.

“I’m fine,” I reply, nodding with a newfound confidence that surprises me. “Yes, Alpha… I am perfect.”

I reach up, kissing his lips softly, feeling the warmth of his smile against mine. His grin widens, a playful glint in his eyes. “Well then, my baby, let’s go.”

As I step outside, the cool evening air hits me, but Elias’s presence quickly warms me. He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers, and I feel a thrill of excitement. “You look beautiful,” he says, glancing down at me, his voice low and sincere.

“Thanks,” I reply, my cheeks flushing at the compliment. The way he looks at me makes me feel cherished, and the earlier nerves begin to fade.

As we walk to his car, I can’t help but steal glances at him. The way he carries himself, the confidence he exudes—it's intoxicating. With each step, I feel more at ease, and the anticipation of the evening ahead settles into a pleasant excitement.

We arrive at the Mexican restaurant with fifteen minutes to spare. Elias spends the drive holding my hand, and we glide through the streets in comfortable silence, the anticipation building between us.

As we walk in, I see the others are already seated at a long table, laughter and chatter filling the air. Micah jumps up as soon as he spots us, a huge grin spreading across his face. He runs straight toward me, wrapping me in a warm hug before grabbing my hand and pulling me toward the table.

I giggle, feeling a rush of excitement as I’m pulled in between him and Theo. I lean up and kiss Theo’s cheek in greeting, and he grins, wrapping an arm around the back of my chair, providing a sense of security.

“Ivy, you look breathtaking,” Callum states, his eyes sweeping over me with admiration.

I flush under his attention. “So do you,” I wink back cheekily.

He shrugs, a playful smile on his lips. “I know,” he replies, winking as he takes a sip of his drink.

Elias slides into the seat next to Callum, leaning over to grab a menu. The atmosphere buzzes with laughter as we catch up about our day, sipping margaritas and indulging in tacos. The light-heartedness wraps around me, comforting me until I notice the atmosphere start to slow. Elias leans forward, and I know what’s coming.

I bite my lip and take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment settle in. “What did you want to talk to us about, baby girl?” he asks bluntly, and the rest of the table goes silent.

“Well…” I start, looking down at my hand intertwined with Micah’s, remembering Morgan’s words: Be direct. “I was just wondering why none of you have marked or knotted me yet.” My voice is clear, even though my eyes are cast downward.

I feel Theo freeze beside me, tension radiating from him. “Baby girl, look at me,” Elias commands gently.

I meet his eyes, the warmth in them urging me to continue. “I personally haven’t knotted or marked you because I was worried I’d be pushing you. We were letting you lead. Has this been a problem for you for a while?” He reaches across the table, taking my other hand in his.

I shrug, looking away. “I just have felt… you both don’t even want to have sex with me.”

Elias opens his mouth to respond, but Theo cuts in first. He turns to me, a guttural grunt escaping him as he rips me from Micah and Elias, his grip firm as he holds my chin, forcing me to look into his intense gaze. “What. Are. You. Talking. About?” he asks through gritted teeth, his eyes smoldering with a mix of confusion and frustration.

My eyes widen, feeling the heat radiating from him. “All I have dreamed of since I saw you all soft and light—your beautiful face in that book all those months ago—was sinking my knot deep inside you,” he growls, his voice low and filled with raw emotion.

The words hang in the air, and I can feel my heart racing as the realization of his desire washes over me. “But I thought…” I start, my voice trembling.

“You thought wrong,” Theo interrupts, his grip on my chin tightening slightly, but there’s an urgency in his voice that makes my breath hitch.

“Silly Omega,” I hear a chuckle from behind me. I turn to see Callum shaking his head, a broad grin on his face. “These two knuckleheads have been holding back for you!” He bursts into laughter, and I feel my eyes widen in surprise.

“Ohhh,” I murmur, the realization hitting me like a wave.

“Poor Micah has been copping it twice as much since you came—all out of sacrifice for something you wanted?” Callum wheezes, wiping a tear from his eyes as he laughs.

Theo growls a warning, his protective instincts flaring. Elias raises an eyebrow, his voice cool yet firm. “Callum.”

I turn to Micah, who looks genuinely worried, his expression softening as he reaches a hand toward me. “I am so sorry you feel this way, Ives! We were just trying to protect you!”

I smirk, feeling a wave of embarrassment ebbing away. “Oh please, you loved it,” I tease, and he laughs loudly, but then his expression turns sincere as he places a hand on my cheek.

“True. But I’d love it so much more with you. I want to share our whole lives together, Ives, even our big dumb Alphas.” We share a laugh, the tension in the room dissipating.

“Hey!” Elias states, a mock offense in his tone, while Theo grumbles in agreement beside him.

I turn back to them, feeling emboldened. “Why didn’t you tell us, little Omega?” Elias asks, his gaze steady.

I flush, looking down as I gather my thoughts. “I tried to, like when I mentioned my living situation and needing a second job,” I shrug, feeling the weight of their attention. “But I guess it was so vague…”

“Ohhhh, Ives, that was soooo vague,” Micah groans, facepalming dramatically.

The others laugh at my expense, but instead of feeling embarrassed, I find myself feeling ten tons lighter. Their laughter is warm and inviting, a reminder that I’m not alone in this.

“I just didn’t want to pressure anyone,” I admit, glancing at them. “I thought maybe you all had your reasons for holding back. I didn’t want to push.”

Theo grips my chin, his lips pressing against my head. “You could never pressure us, Ivy. We want you to feel safe with us. But you also deserve to be honest about what you want.”

I nod, feeling a swell of gratitude. “Thank you for understanding. I really do want to take that next step with all of you.”

Elias grins, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Then let’s not waste any more time. We’ll make sure you feel included in everything—from now on.”