“Maybe, but they don’t want me like that.”
Allison scoffs from the front seat. “Is that what you think?”
“Butt out, Ally.” My best friend somehow manages to wrap her arms around me even with our seat belts on. “Even if you’re right.”
Now it’s my turn to scoff. “You’re both crazy.”
“Mmhm, we’re the crazy ones,” Ruby repeats, rubbing my back. “I think it’s more that we see things you can’t, but that doesn’t matter right now. What matters is you’re hurting.”
I shrug, burying my head into my best friend’s neck and taking comfort in her scent. Since we’re not scent matches or mates, it’s a vague sweet scent that reminds me of Crew’s.
Fuck.
“Where are we going, anyway?” I pull away enough to glance at Allison, swiping away any tears still remaining on my cheeks.
“I figured we’d go grab some food, then do some shopping.” She glances back at us before returning her eyes to the road. “Assuming that works for both of you.”
Ruby nods. “Food and shopping make everything better.”
Snickering, I shake my head. “I’m not sure that’s true, but that’s fine.”
Ruby releases me slowly, resting her head on my shoulder as she twines our fingers together. “It’s going to be okay, bestie. I promise.”
“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” I murmur, turning to look out the window as we approach Main Street.
This wasn’t how I expected today to go. I thought we’d get the truck unloaded, then I’d show Crew around Champagne Falls.
I wanted to experience this with him.
Instead, he’s scent-matched to the Mason’s pack, and I’m jealous.
That’s part of why it hurts so much.
The four of them are the only men I’ve ever wanted—even when they were nothing but boys—and they’re meant for each other.
Why can’t I be made for them?
It’s not like betas can’t have scent matches. It’s just rarer for us.
They’ll be the Kennedy pack, and I’ll be…nothing.
I always knew the chances of my last name becoming Kennedy were slim to none, but I always held out hope.
What I just witnessed is proof that I was an idiot for ever giving myself hope.
Alexander, Davis, and Mason were never meant to be mine—they were meant to be Crew’s. Now, they’ll be the perfect little pack, while my heart is broken.
Allison pulls into a free spot, parallel parking like a pro—another thing to be jealous of.
I need to get over this morose bullshit.
Ruby gives me another squeeze as Allison swings open her door, helping her omega out. I slide out the other side, swiping at my cheeks once more. Not that it’ll take much to be able to tell I’ve been crying.
I’m sure I’m still flushed and my eyes red, but here’s hoping no one looks too closely.
“Where are we eating?”
They join me on the sidewalk, and Allison shrugs. “Where do you want to eat?”