“Give me ten,” I mumble, making my way over to the drawers filled with the alpha’s clothes. “I’ll be right down,” I add with a huff, pulling out sweatpants that smell like Nick and a shirt that smells like Benson.
I can only hope their scent is enough to keep Kai away from me most of the day.
I’mirritated and on edge as we set the table later in the day. I don’t like it when the people I care about are upset, and seeing Stella cry earlier set me off.
“I just don’t understand why she can’t at least spend time with us while we cook. She acts like we don’t even exist as much as she possibly can!” Stella cries, swiping angrily at her tears. We’re on the front porch swing, staring out at the sun rising on the horizon.
“Stella, I know you don’t want to hear this, but you have no less than six people in that house right now that love and adore you.” I take her hand in mine and lean into her. “I think it’s time to focus on what we have and not what’s missing,” I whisper, just as the front door opens.
“What's wrong?” Val asks, glancing around like there might be something to protect us from. Sadly, all her pain is inside. “Fuck,” he grunts, possibly figuring out why his girl is crying.
“I tried not to let it bug me, but she didn’t even come greet us last night.” She sniffs, wiping more tears away. “Why is she just hiding out in that house?” Stella demands, and my heart cracks open for her.
Val has his omega scooped into his arms and cuddled to his chest in seconds. His scent fills the air, soothing her, and I have to resist coughing so I don’t offend anyone.
“Can I talk to her?” Nick asks as he steps out onto the porch, crossing his arms. Val and I share a look, clearly not willing to leave Stella’s side for our own reasons. Nick snorts, shaking his head slightly. “Didn’t think so.”
I scoot over so he can sit beside her, at least. I mean, as much as he can, since she’s still in Val’s lap.
“She thinks she fucked us up and doesn’t deserve to spend happy moments with us, Stella. I think she wants to, and if she felt less guilty, maybe she would allow herself,” Nick explains, placing his large hand on hers.
I lean into the big alpha, resting my cheek on his bicep. He’s being strong for his baby sister, but I can feel the pain in his words. No one wants to feel rejected by their mother, not even big, strong alphas. There’s not much I can do or say at this moment to help him, but I can offer him a little comfort.
Nick is facing Stella, but when I lean on him, he drops his free hand to my thigh, squeezing it.
“So what do we do then?” Stella asks, looking up at her big brother with full trust. She knows Nick only wants what's best for her and will do anything he can to make sure she’s okay.
“We give her space and hope that she eventually realizes what’s waiting for her.” Nick sighs, patting her hand before getting to his feet. He takes mine, bringing me with him. “We’ll see you in the house when you’re ready.” Nick nods to Val, who tucks Stella under his chin, soaking her in his scent.
“I hate seeing her so sad,” I whisper when Nick and I are back in the house.
“Me too.” He nods, but he’s staring straight ahead, lost in his own thoughts. Silently, I pull the big alpha into my arms and hold him tight. He leans down and nuzzles my neck, and I release my scent to help soothe him.
I know all of this must be so hard for him. I witnessed a fight between him and his father once. Wrong place, wrong time. Itwas heartbreaking, and if his father's words are etched into my mind, they must be locked in Nick’s forever.
“You’re so strong and kind. Your siblings really needed you, and you took on all of this for them. I can see how much they love you,” I murmur. He’s the complete opposite of the fucked-up things his father tried to convince him of.
“You’re—”
I’ll never know what Nick was about to say, because Kai struts into the room and interrupts.
“Stupid fucking betas,” I hiss to myself at the memory of earlier as I place a fork by everyone’s plates.
Maybe seeing Stella cry didn’t help my mood, but the more I think about it, the more I realize Kai is what's putting me on edge. He’s been doing shit all day, and I’m over it. From insisting on making me breakfast to interrupting every intimate moment between the alphas and me.
Somehow, I made it through dinner without snapping at him, but I’m so annoyed that I’m now outside taking a walk to clear my head. Everyone else is still inside enjoying after-dinner drinks, but I needed to get away from Kai and Bee.
I’m pacing in the grass when I hear him again.
“I got these for you. They were expensive, but I found a place that grows them year-round. As soon as I found them, I knew I had to get them…” Kai holds up this huge bundle of dandelions, and all I can do is blink at him as he places them in my hands.
I glance down at them and then back up at the beta.
The yellow of them is almost fake-looking, with waxy green stems looking out of place in the harsh light of winter.
The audacity of this man will never stop blowing my mind.
“I was hoping you would?—”
