Zarek's POV

I was surprised at how bubbly Astrid was the entire time we were in Kaidon's room. She hummed cheerfully as she rummaged through his clothes, occasionally tossing articles at me and asking which ones I preferred.

I couldn't deny it—I loved Kaidon's scent, though I blamed the mate bond for that. It was woody and masculine, like the perfect mix of cologne and campfire, blending in a way that made it irresistible.

“You can build it on the bed," Astrid said, pulling some sheets from the closet and handing them to me. "I’ll never understand why the men in this pack need walk-in closets. They wear the same stuff every day!”

A small smile tugged at my lips. I’d wondered the same thing before. Ryker rarely ventured to the back of his closet, cycling through the same dark pants and dress shirts day in and day out.

As I began laying down sheets and arranging clothes to build my nest, Astrid watched from a distance. She knew better than to come too close; I’d be territorial while creating my safe space. It was instinct.

Once I finished, I settled into the warm layout of clothes, burying my nose into one of Kaidon's shirts. Comfort enveloped me, more than I’d felt in years. I savored the moment, knowing it might not last. Who knew when Kaidon would tire of this protective, nice-guy act?

“Are you alright?” Astrid’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. She was pursing her lips, clearly confused.

“Uh, yeah? I think so,” I replied cautiously, unsure if I’d done something wrong. “Did I do something wrong?”

She shook her head. “No, it’s just... you didn’t go get Kaidon to look at your nest. Omegas usually do that, even before mating.”

Her words made me falter. Let an Alpha into my safe space? No way. The last time I had a safe space, Ryker shattered it by forcing himself inside.

“D-Do I have to?” I stammered, my anxiety spiking at the thought of Astrid mind-linking Kaidon to bring him in here.

“No, it’s up to you,” she assured me. “I was just confused. I’ve never seen an Omega deny an Alpha’s praise.”

“Would he actually... give praise?” I asked, my voice laced with doubt. “Or would it just turn into something... else?”

Astrid tilted her head. “I don’t think Alpha Kaidon would push for anything like that during your heat. Didn’t you hear him earlier?”

“I thought it was a joke,” I admitted, my cheeks heating with embarrassment.

My wolf stirred in my mind, his voice breaking the silence. Confide in her, Zarek. She’s just confused because the customs of this pack are different from what you know. Also, ask her to sit down—she’s pregnant!

“You okay?” Astrid’s voice snapped me back to reality. “You zoned out there for a second.”

I forced a smile. “Sorry, I was talking to my wolf. He, uh, wants me to tell you to sit down since you’re pregnant.”

Her grin brightened, and she moved to sit at the edge of the bed. “Aw, that’s so sweet of him! What’s your wolf’s name? Mine’s Astra, and when we shift, we’re a toffee-colored wolf.”

“Oh.” I hesitated, lowering my head. “My wolf doesn’t have a name.”

“What?”

“He never spoke to me until today,” I explained, feeling my cheeks flush with shame. “It happened when we saw the Alpha.”

Astrid furrowed her brows. “You’re... out of touch with your wolf, aren’t you?”

I nodded, my heart sinking. “It’s not my fault, though. No one ever taught me. My old pack... they only told me an Omega’s role was to breed and—”

“Hold the fuck up.” Astrid’s sharp tone made me shrink back. She quickly softened, releasing calming pheromones. “I’m not mad at you,” she promised, her voice soothing. “It’s just... what you said is absurd.”

“What do you mean?” I asked hesitantly.

“Tell me exactly what your old Alpha told you about being an Omega,” she said firmly.

“He said we’re meant to be owned by Alphas,” I began, my voice trembling. “That we stay at home, raise children, and... handle their needs. All of them.”

Astrid crossed her arms, glaring. “Zarek, burn everything they taught you. That’s not what it means to be an Omega. Not even close.”

I felt my wolf purring in agreement, rolling over in my mind as if encouraging me to trust her.

“My wolf agrees with you,” I admitted. “But... it’s all I’ve ever known. My instincts are useless because of how I was raised.”

Astrid’s expression softened. “After your heat, Kaidon will show you what it really means to be an Alpha. I promise, it’s nothing like what you were taught.”

I nodded numbly, unsure what to believe. My wolf urged me to trust Astrid, but her words felt too good to be true. Could Omegas really be valued for more than their ability to breed?

“Let’s focus on something else,” Astrid suggested, sensing my inner turmoil. “Do you want to name your wolf? It might help you connect with him.”

My wolf perked up at the idea, practically bouncing with excitement. His eagerness made me smile despite myself.

“How do I do it?” I asked.

Astrid explained, her voice encouraging. “If he doesn’t suggest a name, think of a few yourself. Once you both agree, that’s his name.”

I closed my eyes, hesitant but willing to try. *Any ideas?* I asked my wolf.

He immediately started rambling off names he’d apparently been holding onto for years.

One name stood out: Aegis.

“I love it,” I thought, a smile spreading across my face. “It’s a good choice... Aegis.”

His joy flooded my mind, his happiness contagious.

“Why didn’t you ever speak to me before today?” I asked, my voice tinged with sadness.

Aegis’s excitement waned, replaced by anxiety. He fell silent, retreating into the familiar void that had separated us for so long.

Tears welled in my eyes, slipping down my cheeks. It seemed I still had so much to learn about him—and myself.