Buried and Shadowed (Branded Packs #3)(12)

Mandy squeezed his hand. “I think…I think I’d like that.”

Gibson looked between them. “Yeah, that would be a good idea.”

He let go of Mandy’s hand and felt the loss immediately.

Stop getting ahead of yourself, Oliver.

He made his way into his home, Gibson and Mandy right behind him. It was strange, having them both in his house right after thinking about the two of them like he had. A blush slashed his cheeks as he thought of exactly what he’d done with their images in his mind, and he turned away from their curious glances. He went about starting a pot of coffee while searching through his cabinets.

He let out a sigh of triumph as he spotted the container of muffins Anya had put in there the day before. Thankfully, she kept him fed, and now he would be able to feed these two, as well.

He set the muffins on the small, beaten-up table in his kitchen as Mandy and Gibson each took a chair.

He sat down as well, the awkwardness of the situation settling over his skin. “So…”

“So…” Gibson repeated.

Mandy let out a breath and rolled back her shoulders. “So…yeah. I had a nightmare. I don’t know what it was actually. It was dark, and there was growling, and it scared me. So I came here.” She blushed. “I don’t know why I came here instead of going to Ariel or Theo, but I did.”

At the sound of Theo’s name, Gibson let out a growl, surprising the three of them.

“Theo’s just my friend,” Mandy said softly. “That’s all he ever was.”

Gibson blinked. “I thought he was going to be your mate.”

She shook her head, and Oliver watched Gibson’s shoulders relax. “He wanted more, but I never would have mated him.” She scrunched her nose. “Well, I might have later on if my wolf finally gave in, but she wanted…wants someone else.” She sighed. “I wanted someone else. Still do.”

Oliver froze, as did Gibson. The sound of the coffee percolating filled the silence and they waited for Mandy to finish.

“This isn’t easy you know,” Mandy grumbled. “I’m not used to being so open and forward, and you two sitting there all growly and intimidating isn’t helping.”

Oliver smiled softly at that. “We’re not growling right now.”

She raised a brow and pointed at Gibson. “He growled.”

The other man held up his hands. “Yeah, I’m a wolf. I do that. He’s a bear, he tends to grumble and huff more than growl.”

Oliver snorted. “True. And don’t forget the roaring.”

Mandy smiled as he hoped she would and appeared to relax somewhat. “Anyway, I’m going to be an idiot and say something I probably shouldn’t. But you know what? We’re living in a time where things are all up in the air, and I might as well just go for it. Because waiting isn’t helping anyone, and I’m kind of freaking myself out over the whole thing.”

She paused, met both of their gazes. “My wolf wants you both. There. I said it.”

Oliver studied her face, in awe of the strength that lay within her. She was a submissive wolf, one who soothed and stayed in the background. For her to come out and say what she had meant that she’d truly needed to…it also meant that she was much stronger than anyone realized.

It made his bear come closer to the surface, and the man see her for who she was.

A woman he needed.

A woman he wanted.

But things weren’t as easy as that, and the others needed to know that. “I’m not long for this world, Mandy. I’m the Foreseer. You know that takes a toll.”

Mandy’s chin rose. “That’s why you need someone you can lean on. And I’m not saying we should be mates right now. It’s not as fast as that. But maybe we can see if that can be our path. I saw the way you two looked at me just now, and the way you two looked at one another. I’m not crazy.”

“It’s not as easy as leaning on someone,” he said softly, aware Gibson hadn’t said a thing. “With each vision, I lose part of myself. I’m dying, Mandy.”

Mandy’s eyes filled but she shook her head. “We all are. And I’m not going to let you die without a fight. And neither will Anya or anyone who knows you.” She turned to Gibson. “And you? You’ve been silent. If I’m just kidding myself, let me know so I can go home and hide. Okay?”

Oliver reached out and gripped her hand, hating that she looked like he’d hurt her.

“I’m new at this whole Omega thing,” Gibson said softly. “I’m trying to navigate the fact that you both have so much…hope…and fear within you. And it’s mixing with mine. So I don’t know what to think.” He paused. “You know someone tried to kill me, right? It might not be safe for the two of you to be near me.”

Oliver growled at that. “We’re all in danger, and they’re going to find out who hurt you.”

“Did you see that in a vision?” Gibson asked, curious.

“No, my visions don’t work like that.”

“Then will you tell us how they work?” Mandy asked. “Let us help?” She winced. “Let me help, at least.” She looked at Gibson. “Let me help you, too. It’s what I do. It’s what I want to do. And yes, my wolf wants you, but the woman in me wants to get to know the both of you. And I’m tired of being on the sidelines.” She swallowed hard. “What do you say? Do you think you can take a chance on a submissive wolf who tends to blurt things out at the wrong time?”