The Omega Mated To The Four

The drive to the Echoing Pines was smprisingly peaceful. The towering ponderosa pines stretched endlessly, their tall trunks casting long shadows as the afternoon sun filtered through the dense canopy The air was cool, carrying the crisp scent of pine needles and lamp earth. A sense of serenity settled over me as I gazed out the window, momentarily allowing myself to enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about our mission

As soon as we arrived at the forest entrance, we spotted wooden signis directing visitors toward designated camping areas. Apparently, this place was a known campsite, with specific spots available for rent.

"Looks like we'll have to follow the rules for once," Isaiah muttered, glancing at the map posted near the entrance,

"Guess we should rent a spot and get some camping gear," Alex added, stretching as he stepped out of the car.

Excitement bubbled inside me as I took in my surroundings. "I've never been camping before, I admitted, looking around eagerly.

Austin's eyes widened in mock horror. "Never? You mean to tell me you've gone your whole life without experiencing the joy of sleeping in the wilderness, making s'mores, and fending off wild animals?"

I rolled my eyes. "I doubt there will be any wild animals around here

"You never know," Elijah smirked, his golden eyes glinting with amusement.

"Some of them might find you particularly irresistible,"

Thuffed, but I couldn't help the smile tugging at my lips.

After renting a campsite, we headed into the small nearby town to buy supplies. A

cozy little outdoor shop stood at the edge of the main road, packed with everything from tents to survival gear. Inside, the scent of leather, wood, and something distinctly rustic filled the air as we browsed the shelves.

Austin nudged me playfully. "Since you've never been camping, I guess we'll have to teach you the basics."

"That sounds suspiciously like work, I teased, eyeing

him

"Scout's honor," he said, placing a hand over his heart,

"You were in a scouts program?" I asked, surprised.

"All of

of us were," Isaiah answered, pulling out his phone. He scrolled through his gallery before holding it up for me to see.

I gasped. The picture on the screen showed four younger versions of my mates, dressed in matching scout uniforms, standing proudly with little badges pinned to their shirts.

I burst out laughing. "Oh. My. Goddess. Look at you guys! You were such cute little cubs!"

Austin groaned. "We were cool, okay?"

"Sure, sure," I giggled, nudging Alex. "You especially looked like a total menace.

Alex smirked. "I was. Got kicked out of the program twice."

Isaiah sighed. "And yet, they still let

Let him back in."

shook his head. "They must have had a

me, his usual playful grin in place. "Anyway, since I'm the best scout bere, I'll

1/3

Chapter 162

to know."

share a tent so

mare. He winked.

my shoulder. "Hate to

get those crazy be out of your heads." He turned to me, his blue eyes gleaming. "Right.

then, before I could react, he leaned in and stole a quick

cheeks as Alex and Austin

unfair!"

"Completely underhanded!" Austin added.

smirked. "What can I say? I'm just playing the game

two."

dramatically. "You

isn't trying so

three of them went

Then, after

stepped forward,

"You heard her," h

said, smoothly taking my hand. “Looks like I win

groaned, "Oh, come

shot E Elijah a betrayed look.

n tried!"

"You should all learn from

come on, let's go pick

him to lead me toward the camping

other three

campsite, we spent the next

Elijah

worked on our tent, while Isaiah, Alex, and Austin

this," I commented, watching Elijah hamner

he replied, flashing me

me a small grin.

up a fire pit. The sun had started to set, casting golden

handed me a

over the flames. It turned golden brown

panicked, waving it

2/3

Chapter 162

blowing out the

my first time,