“Sure,” I say, regretting it the moment I do because as soon as she opens her hands, a grasshopper jumps up and lands on my head.
I jump to my feet, screaming as I slap at my hair. “Get it off me!”
“Look, she’s dancing,” I hear Tyler say, as he laughs.
“You.” I narrow my eyes as I pat around my head, making sure it’s not on me anymore. “I should have known you were behind it.”
“I didn’t do anything.” He shrugs as Rica walks back to him. He smiles down at her and gives her a high five.
“What’s going on here?” Will’s voice sounds.
“Kids thought it would be funny to play a joke on me,” I huff, fixing my hair.
“Oh, really?” Will crosses his arms. He looks like a big scary man, and for the most part, he is. But for me, and for that little girl in front of us, he’s the biggest teddy bear.
He crouches down, laying his arms over his knees as he lowers to Rica’s eye level. “Now, was that a nice thing to do?” Will asks Rica. His voice is gentle and patient, just like it always is with Rica. “You know Nova doesn’t like jumpscares and having a grasshopper jump at her face can be scary, right?”
“Yes.” She nods. “I’m sorry, Nova.”
“That’s okay, Rica. Next time, maybe no bugs, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Proud of you,” Will says, kissing Rica on the head before getting to his feet.
“Relax.” Tyler rolls his eyes. “It was just a joke, no one was hurt. It’s a damn bug, it’s not a big deal.”
My brows jump. I’ve never heard Tyler talk to anyone like that. Normally, he’s a really respectful kid.
I say nothing, letting his cousin handle this. “It is a big deal. You see that woman right there? She’s mine. Mine to love, mine to protect, no matter how silly or small other people might think it is. If it means something to her, I care. You played a part in scaring my Omega and I don’t like it. I care about Nova, you care about Rica. How would you feel if one of the other kids found out what she was afraid of and played this kind of joke?”
Tyler’s jaw clenches, arms crossed. “I’d kick their asses.”
“Exacatly. Now, I’d never do that to either of you, of course. But I won’t stand around and let you do things that upset my Omega. It was a joke, no one meant harm. We understand that, but don’t dismiss someone’s feelings like you did.”
Holy fucking god, this man. This. Fucking. Man. Yeah, he’s mine. So fucking mine and I’m obsessed.
“Sorry,” Tyler grumbles to me. “We didn’t mean any harm.”
“I know.” I smile. “Pranks are fine, but let’s keep it to things people aren't afraid of, okay?”
I hate bugs, all bugs. It doesn't matter what kind it is. And I hate things flying at my face. Have I nearly gotten hit by cars trying to get away from wasps? Yup.
“I’m sorry, Nova.” Rica runs over and hugs my legs.
“It’s okay, kiddo.” I pick her up and kiss her on the cheek. “Now why don’t you run along with Tyler? It’s almost lunch time, and I think auntie Robyn said she wants you two home by noon.”
“Okay!” When I put Rica down, she runs to Tyler.
The two of them leave, Will watching them go.
“Well, well, well.” I grin as I wrap my arms around Will’s waist. “You sure do know how to make a girl’s panties wet.”
He chuckles, tucking a loose piece of hair behind my ear. “I meant every word.”
“I know,” I say softly. “I love you, Will.”
“I love you too, Omega,” he growls softly, leaning down to kiss me.
