“Another Marsh taking advantage of good people.”
And now, Beck is stuck with everything that comes with me.
Why didn’t I think this through?
I hate how easily the town believes it. Hate that they’ll never understand the truth or see me for the truth-seeker I really am.
Thank God for Hayes and Ford. The offer to stay with them has been a lifeline. Their house… it’s more of a safe place than I ever thought it could be. I do wish my other Alpha lived with them, though. It’s so hard when Beck’s work has him so damn busy.
“Do you always have this much anxiety coursing through you, my Omega?”
Beck’s voice rips me out of my mind. “Sorry.”
He nuzzles his nose against mine as he props himself up. “No apologies. I had no idea. Do you feel like this all the time?”
I swallow hard as tears form at the edges of my gaze. “You’re stuck with it now. I’m so sorry. I let my instincts get the better of me and?—”
In a flash, I’m in his lap, his knot still stuffing me full. My parents are going to smell all of this once they get here. I have to finish packing. I have to get out before they arrive. How far away is the city again? Four hours? Five? Will they stop on the road for an evening?
“Shhh,” Beck hushes softly as he grips my chin, leveling my gaze with his. I feel him push the smoky darkness of his presence toward the blinding light of my anxiety, muting it and wrapping around it as if he, himself, can choke it out. “You’re safe. I’m here. And no one is getting to you without my permission.”
I sigh, pressing my forehead to his chin. He gives me the softest forehead kiss as his knot throbs inside of me.
The sounds from the kitchen drift through the house. Sizzling, the clink of a spatula against a pan. Hayes being… Hayes. He’s the only person who can make me forget the pressure of my chest, even for a little while.
“At least the stove still works in the kitchen,” I mutter.
Beck chuckles, and the sound reverberates through my bones. “There isn’t as much damage to this place as it seems.”
By the time I hear the clinking of plates, his knot has dwindled. I ache to bounce on him again until he explodes, because the fullness of him grounds me. But I force myself to get up from the couch.
Beck stands quickly, wrapping a blanket around my naked form before we both pad into the kitchen. The smell hits me first. Eggs, bacon, and something sweet. A cup of coffee waits on the counter, steam rising from it in little swirls.
“Hey, there,” Hayes calls out, not looking up from the stove. “Figured we could have breakfast for dinner. Who’s game?”
He’s got his usual easy smile on, his shirt sleeves rolled up, and the scent of sizzling meat seems to be drifting from whatever he’s cooking. He’s always this way. Calm, considered, in control of himself. The perfect antidote to the chaos in my head.
It’s been a long few years without him. I missed him more than I thought I did.
I lean against the counter, running a hand through my hair.
“Hey, looks like someone’s trying to get on my good side this evening,” I tease, nudging the mug with my elbow. “Is this because you spilled maple syrup on the floor again?”
Hayes grins over his shoulder, looking downright mischievous. “I didn’t spill it. I was just giving the linoleum a little extra flavor. Or at least, that’s what I’m telling myself.”
I giggle softly, tugging the blanket tighter around me. “Mmhmm.”
“You can’t expect me to be perfect all the time.”
I chuckle and take a sip of the coffee. Strong. Just how I like it.
“No, you’re right. Perfection is overrated anyway. But I did almost trip over the sticky puddle you left behind. Maybe I should start charging you for cleaning services.”
He scoffs, his eyes twinkling. “Please, you know you love it. I’m sure you’re back to writing angsty poetry already!”
I snort, feeling a smile tug at my lips.
“You never read my poetry, Hayes. And you never will.” I take another sip of my coffee, making sure I sound serious. “It’s forbidden to all eyes but mine.”
