The Light in Us

3. Fallon

3

Fallon

“ O h, sweetheart. I’m so proud of you!”

“ Mom .” Groaning, I fling my arm over my eyes dramatically, gesturing in the direction of my father as my mother’s words ring down the hall. “Dad. Please .”

When she’s excited, my mom can talk louder than a space shuttle launch. The Southern twang of her childhood still manages to break through even though we’ve lived on the East Coast for my entire life.

And she’s very excited.

My father only laughs, the deep, bass tone such a familiar one that it curls around me like an embrace. “Give her this, Fallon. We only get to drop you off at college once.”

My mom’s eyes turn shiny as she approaches, and I don’t pull away when she moves over to me and wraps her arms around me. “ So proud of you, baby.”

Her embrace is gentle but firm – steadying, and I breathe in her familiar scent, holding on to her almost as tightly as she holds me.

“My girls.” My father’s voice is full of affection as he wraps himself around both of us. Derrick Matthews is still an imposing alpha, even with his dark hair starting to gray around the edges. My mom says it makes him look distinguished. “I thought we’d caused a national tissue shortage in the car already.”

His words are teasing, but there’s sadness underneath too. He holds us both, and my mom and I stay where we are. My mom tries to hide the sniffling, but I let the tears fall. Neither of my parents have ever fallen for my brave face anyway. “I’m going to miss you both.”

She shakes her head. “None of that. You’re going to have an incredible time, and we’ll pick you up for the Christmas break. December fourteenth.”

“Already on the calendar.” My dad murmurs the words with a smile. My mom leans into him as I step back, looking between them.

My chest suddenly feels tight. “I—,”

But he shakes his head. “Your mom is right. None of that, sweetheart. You earned your place here. You deserve to be here. And you’re going to be an amazing editor. Hell, you already are.”

My heart squeezes.

A book editor.

“Maybe I’ll even work on your books. Properly, this time.” I manage to smile, and it’s genuine, even if it feels a little shaky on my face.

They’re leaving any minute. I’ll be alone.

No. Not alone.

You’re in college, Fallon. It’s not forever. It’s going to be amazing.

“I would be very proud to have you as my editor.”

My father’s quiet words threaten to draw out more tears, and I throw myself into his arms, squeezing him tightly. “Drive safely, please.”

“Always. I’m carrying precious cargo.” His love for my mom shines as he releases me and takes her hand. “And we have a lot of plans for our empty house, kid. Don’t worry about us. And if you come home early – which you can do at any time – just make sure you give us a heads up first.”

Okay – ew.

I make a noise somewhere between a laugh and retching as my mom’s face turns purple and she swats at his chest. “Damn it, Rick. You’ll scar her.”

But she’s laughing, her eyes shining as she looks at him.

“I’m already scarred,” I tease. “But at least I have high standards.”

Growing up with two people who adore every part of each other will do that. I won’t settle for anything less than my scent-matched mate. If it’s one alpha or a pack, it doesn't matter.

I want what my parents have.

But… not quite yet.

“As you should.” My father sounds outraged at even the thought of anything else. “You deserve the best, Fallon. But build your own life first.”

Sound advice – advice he has never swayed from, even when the other omegas in my small friendship group started mating early and popping out babies, building homes instead of empires.

It’s what worked for them. But not for me.

My father was always firm. I could do whatever I wanted to do, be whatever I wanted to be, as long as it gave me skills and something to call my own. Something nobody could ever take away from me.

And now I’m here. Separating from my parents for the first time and taking my own steps into the world. Moving out from their protection.

The thought feels… scary. But liberating, too.

I’m ready for this.

“Heads up!”

The slightly panicked male shout makes me spin just in time to see the ball heading at full speed, directly for my head. My eyes barely have time to widen before my dad’s hand shoots out and grabs it, narrowly rescuing me from a concussion.

“ Shi - sorry!”

The male jogging down the hall has an apology on his face, but mischief in his eyes. He slides smoothly to a stop beside me, and the mischief is smothered by concern. “You okay?”

He’s… really pretty. Blonde and green-eyed, boy-next-door vibes. A dimple flashes in his cheek as he grins at me. “It didn’t get you, right? I’m Rory.”

And I’m an alpha.

He doesn’t need to say it. Rory’s heavy scent, pine needles and winter air, washes over me. It reminds me a little of the forest behind our house at home as I force myself to smile awkwardly back at him. Heat rises on my face as I stretch my hand out for his. “No, all good. I’m Fallon.”

“Fallon.” He smiles at me as he takes my hand, holding it a little longer than is strictly necessary. “Nice to meet you.”

“I forgot this was a co-ed dorm.”

My father mutters the words to my mom, and my flush deepens. “Dad. Please.”

Rory offers my parents a polite smile, holding his hand out, but his eyes slide back to my dad in recognition. “Wait – you’re Rick Matthews ?”

I watch in interest as he yanks his hand back hastily and wipes it before he offers it to my father again. “I queued for four hours to get my copy of The Light in Us signed. Totally worth it. Loved that book.”

My father’s expression doesn’t soften as he takes Rory’s hand. “Thank you.”

Rory spins back to me. “You’re Fallon? The Fallon from the book? You have to be studying English, right?”

When I nod, my cheeks flushing, he grins. “Sweet. Me too. And my packmates.”

Two others slip into view behind him. The first, a dark-haired guy with cool blue eyes, nods at me in greeting. The other, red-haired with a steely gaze has a smirk on his face, but it wipes away as they both get a look at my dad and instantly start peppering him with questions, faces lighting up in genuine excitement.

My dad answers them patiently. Rory shakes his head and looks down at me with a smile. “Sorry. The three of us are big fans of his work.”

I half-shrug, half-smile. “I’m used to it.”

“I bet. How does it feel to be the chosen one?”

There’s amusement in his face as I consider the question. “I love his writing. But he’s my dad first.”

My dad fends off the growing crowd with a few apologies. “Sorry, folks. I’m happy to sign anything, but it’s my daughter’s day right now, so you can catch me outside in a few if that works?”

The crowd slinks away with a few glances at me, leaving me with my parents, Rory and his roommates.

“This is Ellis.” Rory points to the blue-eyed guy, who’s watching me with a little more interest in his face before moving to the redhead. “And Shaun. Fallon is studying English too.”

After we exchange greetings, my father draws me to his side. “We should get on the road, sweetheart.”

They have a long drive back. “Of course.”

But my mouth dries. This is it.

No going back now.

My mom has stopped crying, but her breathing hitches as she embraces me one last time. “Don’t forget to have fun, Fallon.”

“I have fun!” I defend myself weakly. “Books are fun.”

She cups my cheek. “And so is having a social life. It’s good to have friends, sweetheart.”

Her eyes slide to the three alphas. “But always be careful.”

Not many parents would support their daughter – an unmated omega, at that – moving into a co-ed dorm with alphas around. But we’ve never been that sort of family. If anything, my mother would love me to have a little more fun, and not just with the characters inside my books.

My father, on the other hand…

He mutters into my hair as he holds me. “Keep an eye on them, Fallon. Don’t put yourself in any situations where you can be taken advantage of.”

“ Dad .” But I grip him tightly.

“I mean it,” he says quietly. “I know we’re a long way away, but I’ll be in that car the second you call. And I can get you help if you need it. I know you want to do this on your own, but I still have friends here.”

I breathe him in before letting him go.

It’s stupid. I’ll see them again soon enough.

But as I follow them down to the exit, it feels as though this goodbye is more formal. As if I’m saying goodbye to my old life as I hug my dad, my mom, one last time.

My dad brushes his finger over my cheek. “Keep that light burning bright, Fallon. Don’t ever let it go out.”

He’s had this saying since I was a kid. This belief , that everyone has a light inside them that burns brightly from the day we’re born. And to keep it glowing, we have to feed it with what nourishes our soul. What makes us happy.

For him – it’s always been us. My mom. Me. His writing, maybe. Long walks on crispy days, roasting chestnuts at Christmas.

I blink away the sheen of tears. “I won’t. I promise.”

And as they drive away, my mom stretching over the passenger seat to wave frantically through the back window, it feels like… an ending.

“Hey.” Cold fingers brush my cheeks, a staunch opposite to my dad’s familiar embrace.

I flinch back instinctively. Rory raises his hands in silent apology, one eyebrow lifting.

I take a breath. “God. Sorry. You – you scared me for a sec.”

He looks repentant. “Didn’t mean to. Just…you’re crying, Fallon.”

Rory looks concerned again, that expression drawing his brows down. His eyes are a pale shade of green, tight with worry. He takes a step closer to me, swallows. “And – your scent—,”

Shit.

Keep it together, Fallon.

I’m an omega on a college campus surrounded by alphas, and I’m leaking distress from every freaking pore like a homing beacon. Rory takes a step back, his jaw tightening.

I told my parents I could handle this.

I can handle this.

“Sorry,” I force out. Wrapping my arms around myself, I try to duck past him, but his hand shoots out. He’s shaking his head when I look up.

“Don’t worry about it. We have more control than that. But… do you need a hug?”

The tightness in his jaw looks a little sharper now, as if he’s physically holding himself back. Footsteps sound behind us, and Rory shoots a look over my shoulder at whoever is heading our way. “Turn around and take the other entrance. Now.”

There’s an edge of something in his voice that hovers dangerously close to a bark. I almost flinch, but I swallow it down.

He’s just keeping the space clear. Keeping other alphas away so I can get myself under control.

The footsteps disappear, and my shoulders loosen slightly. “Thank you.”

Maybe I should call my parents back. Maybe… maybe I’m not ready for this after all.

“You’re welcome.” His fingers brush my cheeks again, and I allow the contact. I let him step closer, my body tensing as he carefully wraps his arms around me. “We’ll look after you, okay?”

It doesn’t feel like my father’s hug.

His arms are a little too tight, his scent a little too fresh, almost stinging my nose.

But I suddenly feel so damn alone that I take it, burying my face in his shirt. “I’m not – I’m not usually like this. Sorry.”

I’m not generally whiny, or clingy. And yet I’ve apologized more to this alpha in the last few minutes than I have to anyone else in my entire life.

“Big day,” he says casually. His hand runs up and down my back, over my soft brown leather jacket. “It’s okay to need a minute.”

So I take a minute.

My smile is wobbly, but it’s there when I finally step back. Rory shifts as if he would follow, but my eyes drop to where his fists tighten as his side. They flex, straightening again.

“Your scent… it’s nice.” His voice sounds slightly strangled. “But like I said. You don’t have to worry about anything from us.”

Maybe I should change the subject, steer us away from scents. I’m here to study, not to tangle with alphas that aren’t my scent- matches. I glance up to the doors of the dorm. “Are you on my floor?”

I’m suddenly grateful that my parents arranged for me to have my own room and bathroom.

Rory slips into place beside me as we walk back into the wide common space of the dorm. Cozy-looking armchairs and couches are scattered everywhere, students already sinking into them. But Rory leads me past them, blocking my view with his bulk. He’s big – a sports player of some sort, if I had to guess.

His packmates are waiting up at the top of the stairs, their eyes on me. “Yeah. The three of us share. I think there’s another two rooms on our floor, but you can give us a knock for anything you need.”

“Thanks.” I feel a little shaky. My arms are tight around me as we reach the stop of the stairs and Rory’s packmates – Ellis and Shaun , I remind myself – continue to stare at me. Rory coughs.

“Hi,” Ellis murmurs. “Did your folks get off okay?”

My throat tightens again, and Rory groans. “We’re trying to distract her, idiots.”

“Maybe a movie?” Shaun offers. He hasn’t said much so far, and I look at him in surprise. His face still looks cold, but he smiles easily enough. “Plenty of time for unpacking. We have snacks.”

My thoughts move to the blankets I unpacked first. I took them from my bedroom, sneaking one from my parents’ room too. I was going to decorate the small nesting space attached to my room today. But my mom’s words burrow in.

It’s good to have friends.

I’m going to feel uncomfortable. This is so far out of my comfort zone I’m practically on Mars. But I glance over my shoulder, to the buzzing space downstairs. “Sure. I could do a movie.”

“We’ll leave the door open,” Rory murmurs. “If you feel uncomfortable at any time, there’ll be plenty of people around.”

Oh. “I thought – maybe downstairs, with everyone else?”

But Ellis shakes his head, dismissing my words. “Too busy. Lots of scents floating around, and emotions are high.”

He’s probably right. Maybe I shouldn’t push it on my first day.

“Come on then.” Ellis smirks, tilting his head before he turns around. “I’m ready for popcorn.”

Rory holds out his hand, and I stare down at it. He yanks it back, a dull flush curling over his face as he slaps his hand over his face. “Right. Sorry. We just met.”

His awkwardness makes my own feel a little less out of place, and my smile feels more genuine. “Don’t worry about it.”

They wait by my door, respectfully staying out of my personal space despite their clear curiosity. I tug a blanket from one of my nesting boxes and move over to them. Shaun is studying the room behind me, taking in the double bed, the pretty rug my mom bought, the plants and piles of dog-eared, tabbed books already stacked on every available surface and the wooden floor as well. “You have your own bathroom?”

He sounds a little envious as my shoulders tip up. “My parents are worriers.”

And no matter how relaxed my parents are, even they drew a hard line at me using a communal bathroom. If I have a heat spike, or – god forbid – start to perfume, I’ll need a safe space to retreat to.

Shaun only nods. They lead me over to their room, Ellis and Shaun pushing two of the single beds together. I have to remind Rory to keep the door open when he forgets.

I wouldn’t say it’s comfortable . Not as they coax me down to sit beside them, their scents filling my nose. But then, I’ve never been in a space alone with so many alphas.

But I’m making friends. Part of choosing this college – as well as the fantastic English program – was so I could try to move outside of my own comfort zone, outside of the bubble created by my parents in the small town we lived in. And these three alphas are on the same course as me, and they’re nice enough.

Rory is by far the friendliest, but Ellis and Shaun warm up as we watch the movie together and they start to pepper me with questions about my life.

So many questions.

I try to offer a few of my own, but they’re so large around me that it’s hard to even get the words out. “You’re here on scholarships?”

“I’m not,” Ellis wiggles his eyebrows. “I have student loans coming out of my ears. But these two got a full ride.”

Rory offers me a small bow when I smile. “That’s incredible. Congratulations.”

I try not to flinch when he swings his arm around my shoulders, reaching in to snag some popcorn. “It was the only way we were gonna get here.”

“Not everyone has a famous daddy in their corner.”

Everyone around me tenses. And I flinch at Shaun’s muttered words, my head rearing back. “My dad didn’t get me in here.”

My voice is sharp. I worked my ass off to get into this program. And my dad – he would never have pulled strings to get me in, not when he raised me to believe in hard work. “I think I should go.”

Is that what they think? What they’ll all think of me?

Fallon Matthews, riding on her daddy’s success. A nepo baby.

My throat hurts.

“Fallon—,”

I slide out from under Rory’s arms, iciness crawling up my chest. I don’t look at Shaun at all, ignoring the hissed argument behind me as I head for the open door and slip through it. The hall outside is quiet, the only sound the murmurs of voices coming from the common area downstairs.

I should have stuck with the books.

Books are far, far easier than people.

Shaun catches up with me as I reach my own door. “Fallon – wait!”

Lifting my chin, I give him my best glare. It’s a little weak – ruined by the shaking of my shoulders, but I refuse to look down, to back away. “Believe it or not, I came here on my own merit. And I don’t appreciate your judgment when you don’t know me , Shaun.”

“I’m sorry.” His hand shoots out, covering my door handle. And he looks sorry, his face pale and more emotion in his cold eyes than before as he stares down at me. He shakes his head. “I… look, I have a lot of hang ups. But I shouldn’t have taken any of them out on you. Honestly, I’m just jealous. I’m such a big fan of your dad’s writing, and… that’s not who I am. I’m so sorry.”

He sounds genuine enough. But the hurt doesn’t fade. “Okay. Apology accepted.”

But his hand doesn’t move. I step back until I’m pressed against the wood, suddenly more aware of his bulk. He smells like asphalt. I’ve always found it pleasant, always lowering the car window to breathe in a freshly-paved road, but now it feels oily. A little slick, as though it’s sticking to my skin. “Can you let go of my door, please?”

He drops his hand immediately. “Let me make it up to you. There’s an orientation event tonight. Come with us.”

I push my door open. “I think my social battery has well and truly emptied today.”

“Please.” He grabs my hand. “An hour. In and out. Just an hour to show you that I’m really not that much of a douchebag.”

He gives me the worst puppy-dog expression I’ve ever seen. As if apologies don’t quite fit his face.

But… I take a breath. I don’t want my first experience of college to be a bad one. And I have to live across the hall from them for the rest of the year. “Okay.”

His face lights up with a smile. “Great. Thank you. Pick you up in an hour?”

“Sure.”