The Pack's Hacker (by Cooper) novel Chapter 177

Kier

When Arianna said she had an announcement, my heart stopped. My mate isn’t one to stand in front of people and speak, much less the entire pack. So I knew it was important.

When she turned to look at me, I could barely breathe. I was terrified that I’d miss something or misunderstand something that she was saying. Then, she said she accepted me. She said the words that I’ve been waiting to hear for over a year. She wants me. I can’t even believe she thought she had to ask if I still wanted her.

I probably shouldn’t have kissed her like that in front of everyone, but thankfully, she didn’t seem to notice that the entire pack began cheering for us.

When I finally dragged myself away from the kiss, I brushed the tears off of Arianna’s cheeks. “I have wanted you from the moment I first smelled your lavender and chamomile scent. From the moment that I first laid eyes on you, there has never been anyone else for me.”

I kissed her again, more quickly this time as I could feel the pack pushing in to congratulate us. First was Alpha Quirin and Luna Kennedy. Since Luna already knew about us, she just smiled her knowing smile and congratulated us.

‘We’ll talk more later. I need to get Kennedy settled, but I can’t believe you kept this from me,’ Alpha Quirin said in the mind link.

I wasn’t willing to do anything that would scare Arianna away, and my Alpha can be one hell of a scary man, sometimes without even trying.

After he took Luna Kennedy upstairs, the pack congratulated us. I kept Arianna tucked against me, partly because I’m desperate to touch her now that everyone knows that we’re mates, but partly because I know this is a lot for her and I don’t want her to feel overwhelmed. Even Luna’s family and Henry congratulated us.

We’ve just made the rounds when Alpha Quirin returns.

“Is my daughter asleep, Alpha?” Luna Yara asks.

“She is, Luna. She’s resting comfortably now,” he says, before turning to me. “Take the night off. Go be with your mate.”

I look at Arianna, desperately wanting to complete our bond now that she’s accepted me, but I know that the pack needs a leader and Alpha Quirin still needs to be with Luna Kennedy.

“Alpha, I know Luna needs you …”

“Kier, one thing I’ve learned through all of this, is that you never put anyone above your mate. Kennedy is in the packhouse. I’ll know if she wakes up. Luna Yara is here if I need her. Go be with your mate. You’ve waited a long time for this day. Go enjoy it,” he says.

“Thank you, Alpha,” I say, turning to Arianna. “Will you come with me?”

She nods, looking shy and embarrassed. I take her hand and lead her upstairs. Most of the pack wish us goodnight as we go. It’s strange feeling the difference in the pack. A year ago, I’d probably have been scoffed at for taking an omega as a mate and she might have had warriors try to bully her. I wouldn’t have allowed it, but men like Arlo and Slater would have gotten their jabs in when I wasn’t around. Now, however, the pack feels like they not only accept our bond, but are glad that we’ve finally come together.

When we get to my room, I can feel her hesitation. I know tonight, if we can complete our bond, will be difficult for Arianna. I’m willing to take whatever time she needs. She’s accepted me. That’s the most important thing.

“Thank you for accepting me,” I say, shoving my hands in my pockets as we both stand in my bedroom.

“Thank you for being so patient with me,” she says.

“What made you finally decide?” I ask, curious to know why now. What did I do right that made her finally see that I’m a good enough man for her to accept?

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, thinking about how kind, loving, and caring you are, not just with me, but with the entire pack. And then, when I was talking to Christy yesterday, it just clicked for me. There’s no reason for me to keep waiting. What am I waiting for? I love being with you. I feel safe with you. When something upsets me, it’s you that I seek out to help me feel better. I hope it’s okay that I told the entire pack,” she says.

As she’s been talking, I’ve slowly moved closer to her, wanting her in my arms again.

“I love that you claimed me in front of the pack. I love that you feel safe with me and that you come find me when you’re upset. I want to be everything for you. I want everything with you,” I say, wrapping my arm around her waist and pressing her against me, while running my fingers over her cheek and into her hair. “I love you and no matter what happens tonight, I want you with me forever.”

She frowns. “What do you mean, no matter what happens tonight?”

“I know it might be too much for you to complete our bond. I want you to know right now that I understand and it’s okay if you aren’t comfortable with that.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify