I nodded but didn’t believe him. I saw that look in Lance’s eyes. Dead, cold. Like he wanted nothing to do with me.
“I can stay down here with you until Daniel shows up.”
I shook my head quickly. “You have a writing deadline. I’m fine down here.”
He stroked my hair before getting up. His hands large and comforting against me. I wanted to push my head into his hands and wrap around him like a cat, but he moved away too quickly. Seriously, I had issues today. Everyday.
“Lance is awkward, but he has his reasons,” he said.
He began to leave, pausing at the entrance of the open space. He turned slightly to me. “We aren’t much, Billie. But we’re good guys. I hope you can see that. I hope you can see that you’d be loved here.”
He gave me a lopsided smile with those adorable dimples that squeezed my heart before he turned and walked away. It was so welcomed after my encounter with Lance.
I let out a deep breath. I wanted to believe him, but I was so terrified of being hurt. Of my father being wrong. The risk was too great.
CHAPTER14
DANIEL
Finally having my time with Billie was going to be exciting for both of us. Her visits at the house were always so reserved. As if she were still not quite sure of us all. Although, she had apparently warmed up very well to Ty. Unsurprisingly. He was the most soft-hearted of us all. In fact, they had gotten so close that I think Kai was becoming jealous. Or at least he was scowling more.
But I didn’t have time to think about Kai being a pouty brat. I had to find a way to get this woman to trust us before she went into-full blown heat.
That Friday evening, I came home earlier from work to get ready to go home with Billie. She was sitting alone in the living room watching TV. I headed to her and then paused, glancing to my right and finding Lance standing in the dark in front of the kitchen island, looking at her. He was drinking from a bottle of beer, but he wasn’t saying anything.
I looked back at Billie, who kept her focus on the large flat screen TV, although I was pretty sure she knew she had an audience. She was worrying her lower lip, and she sat rigid, hands in fists on her thighs.
I walked over to the kitchen and stood in front of the opposite side of the island, blocking Lance’s view. “Why are you being weird? You are going to scare her away.”
He was still looking at her as I spoke, his eyes almost fearful. Was he actually scared of her? He gripped his beer so tightly, I thought it might shatter. “She’s just been sitting there, watching TV. Ty went to go write and Kai’s not in.”
“So, Ty left you to watch over her, and instead, you stand here looking like a creeper.”
He finally looked away from her, glaring at me. “I’m not a creeper.”
I gave him a pointed look. “How long have you been standing in the dark like this?”
He sighed, rolling his eyes. “I’m a fucking creeper.”
I nodded, patting him on the shoulder. “You’re a fucking creeper.”
“You’re both fucking creepers!” Billie shouted from the living room.
Of course, she heard us. I broke out in laughter, and Lance quickly began to walk away. “I have a thing. Bye.”
I closed my eyes and shook my head. Seriously, I was going to have to knock some sense into the man. He knew how important this was, but his dark mind wouldn’t let him have any peace. He was worse than Ty. At least Ty was pushing through and making an effort. Actually, having her around had seemed to soothe the vampire. He was all smiles with Billie, and she seemed quite taken with him. I was glad for it. If not a little jealous.
She had bonded with Kai and Ty very well. It was my and Lance’s role not to screw it all up. She was going to make us whole again. She had to. We were falling into a slump, and life was too long to wallow. An omega would make us thrive again. This omega would bring us to life. Everything I’d witnessed about her from before she met us until now showed me that she was the spark we needed.
Yes, we were rough, but her father knew our dark sides, and still, he thought we’d be suitable for his daughter. Maybe she was too good for us. But maybe she would make us better. She was so intelligent, and although she could have been, she was never arrogant. Her humility was endearing. Her ability to tame Kai alone was enough to impress me. And although Lance was still shaky about the whole arrangement, I knew she had gotten to him. He'd ask about her constantly. Even though he would ask in a nonchalant tone, it hadn’t escaped us that he was thinking of her.
I yearned for us to be happy. I yearned for her. I couldn’t explain it, but she felt like my salvation. Things would be different this time. It was too much pressure to put on her, I knew it. Still, I couldn’t stop the feeling.
She wasn’t damaged, but she had pain, now having lost both her parents. Yet, she was still so strong, especially for an omega. There was almost an alpha sensibility to her. She was no damsel when that demon attacked her and Kai. Her added strength fit in with us. It had to be right. Once Lance allowed himself to relax, he’d come to see how absolutely perfect she was for us and us for her.
I looked back at Billie, who was looking down the hall where Lance had just walked. Her brows were furrowed together in disappointment. “How long do you think you’re going to be? Not too long, I hope.”
I walked over to her and crouched down in front of the couch before speaking. “Everything okay, princess?” I grabbed one of her hands and lightly kissed her knuckles.
