Ronin shrugged. “You surprise me. That’s all.” He then backed out of the spot and they began their journey to Wildwood.
Ollie watched his mate out the corner of his eye as they drove, and every time their eyes met, Ronin would smile. Neither of them spoke much, but the silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable, although admittedly, he did send some thoughts Ronin’s way—mostly about the night before and how much he enjoyed it and wanted to do it again. Ollie enjoyed watching Ronin’s hands on the steering wheel tighten as he drove.
* * *
By the afternoonof the second day traveling since leaving Chesterfield, Ollie noticed the landscape began to change, going from plains and farm fields to thickening woods on a more rolling landscape.
They had made good time with the drive, only stopping late last night for a few hours at an empty campground to stretch and then sit by a small fire to rest. Ollie was glad for this so he could check on his friends. Jax was almost fully healed, and the more distance they put between themselves and their captivity had a positive effect on the others.
After a quick breakfast when the sun began to rise, the omegas all hugged, excitement building for the new start they were about to be given.
“Jax and the others seem to be doing better today,” Ronin commented after they had been on the road for a while, breaking the comfortable silence in the car.
“Yeah… I am glad we stopped and were able to spend time together. It was good to hear Sophie and Cybil laugh. I don’t think they have since I met them.”
Ollie glanced over to his mate to see him smiling, and then looked out the front windshield, only to be in awe of the breathtaking sight before him. Deep forests overtook the landscape, with towering mountains climbing to the sky as the late afternoon sun lowered toward the peaks.
“Is that where we are going?” Oliver asked
“Yes, it is. This is going to be your new home.” Ro announced proudly.
A short time later, they entered a town with a mix of new and old buildings, many of which appeared to be under renovation.
“Rome owns the construction company handling most of the repairs being made,” Ro told Ollie as they slowly made their way through the quaint downtown area. “I’ve helped when they needed an extra set of hands.”
Oliver was speechless as the realization set in thatthiswas going to be his new home. His thoughts were interrupted when his alpha tapped him on the shoulder, causing him to look over.
Pointing to a building that had a sign with only theBandRlit, Ro said, “That’s where Rome met Devon, but I’m sure you’ll hear all about it once we arrive.” Then, more to himself and with a chuckle, he added, “Rome was supposed to fix that sign by now. Guess he forgot in his newly mated bliss.”
Once they had passed through the town, Ro made a turn down a lane that cut through the forest until it entered a large, cleared area that appeared to Ollie to be more of a major city suburb than belonging in the middle of the woods.
“Where’s everyone else going?” Oliver frowned in confusion as Ronin pulled down a side road, but everyone else went straight on.
“My brother, Rick, worked yesterday on getting host families set up for the rest of the omegas,” his mate explained. “Rick knew that they would need a temporary place to stay while everything got sorted out, so he made sure everyone had a welcoming place to stay.” Ronin glanced his way briefly before facing the road again. “Zander and Maddox are going to drive the omegas to their temporary homes.”
Ollie considered that for a moment before Ronin turned into a driveway, then he turned to Ronin. “What about me?” he asked. “Will I get a host family?”
Ronin shook his head. “Not unless you want one, but I thought maybe you’d prefer staying with me. But only if you want...” For the first time since he’d met his alpha, Ro looked unsure. “That’s okay, isn’t it?”
Oliver smiled. He was happy that Ronin said that because the thought of being away from his mate made his stomach twist in the worst way.
“That’s perfect,” Ollie said.
Ronin beamed at him. Apparently he’d heard in his mind how much Ollie didn’t want to be away from him.
His cheeks heated, but Ollie wasn’t really embarrassed. Still, he changed the subject as he looked out the window to the house they were parked in front of. “This is your home?”
Ronin nodded. “Let’s get out and I’ll show you around. But don’t worry, anything you don’t like we can change. Roman may be the one that owns the construction company, but I also know my way around a hammer.”
Before Ollie could reply, Ronin opened the car door and got out. He came around and opened Ollie’s door, too, then held a hand out for him.
They stood in the driveway and stared up at the house. Well, Ollie stared, and he could feel Ronin’s eyes on him.
“If it’s not comfortable, we can change anything you want. I really want… I hope you feel at home here.”
Ollie couldn't help looking over at Ronin to find the alpha biting his lips, eyes on him.
Oliver had a feeling he would love it here. He didn't know why, but he already felt at home. Plus, after spending the previous two nights together, he was certain that he would feel lost without Ronin. The alpha already meant more to him than he could have ever imagined.
