“Fuck.”
“Yeah, fuck. What we have is rare, Mikael. Don’t get in your head, and it’s going to be hard. But she’s worth it. We will figure this out—as a pack.”
I nod my head, taking in all his words. Four percent. Four fucking percent of Alphas find their scent match. I’ve never felt special in my entire life. Never by my family or in hockey. I’m good, but I have to work hard to be that way. He claps my shoulder and walks out of the room.
“Charlotte wants to grab a few things before we go back to the cabin.” I nod and go back to the kitchen. Charlotte and Eli pass me. Charlotte arches an eyebrow at me, but I just continue walking to thank her mother for the meal, so we can get out of here. I have a lot to process.
“Thank you for the meal, Kathy.”
She smiles. I can see the resemblance to her daughter. It’s her height, hair color, and eyes.
“Thank you for coming. Can I ask you for something?” I nod and look at the older woman. “Please go easy on her. She’s been through a lot, hasn’t really had a chance to experience the world. But she has felt a good amount of heartbreak in her life. My Charlie is special, and I know fate gave her scent matches for a reason. So go easy on her, and on yourself.”
I nod, and I feel at a loss for words. “Thank you again for dinner.”
“Any time, sweetheart.” She pats my arm as she goes to package up the leftovers for us to take back to the cabin. I can’t help but feel undeserving of all this kindness and understanding.
I want to disappear.
Chapter twenty
“Whatdoyouneed?”Eli asks as I grab five massive T.J. Maxx tote bags. They don’t look at me like I’m crazy, though I feel a little like it right now.
“Definitely my comforter, the two blue pillows, and the one with the flip sequins.” Anders is packing my shit up with Eli as I point to things. I know I’m off-kilter when I tell them to take some of my macramé off the walls and pack it up. Not so subtly, I throw some cute bras and panties into the bag, as well as some fuzzy socks and a few changes of clothes and my favorite hygiene products. I shove my journal in my nightstand and sigh.
“Baby, you know you live right down the street?” I frown at Eli, and Anders smacks his chest.
“It’s fine, Charlotte. Is there anything else you want to bring?”
“I think that should be fine. We can always come back.” Eli looks curiously over the amount of things I’m making them bring back to his cabin. He looks concerned, and I’m sure Anders thinks he’s slick, but I hear him whisper.
“I’ll explain later, man.”
At least I don’t need to. Anders knows far more about Omegas than Eli does, and it shows in a lot of ways. But I kind of like how clueless Eli is and that I’m the only Omega he will ever experience. I know I’m the first Omega Anders has slept with, and I preen at that realization too.
Mikael, I have no clue. If only he would talk to me. He seemed different tonight at dinner though. We haven’t really spoken since the kitchen incident. I’m actually pretty shocked he even came tonight. It means a lot to me. I’m not sure if this is his version of an olive branch, but I’ll take it.
“Alright, let’s get you warm and cozy back at the cabin,” Eli says, and I smile at him. That sounds perfect.
The guys all say goodbye to my mother and walk outside to the car. Hank’s snout is nudging my leg, and crippling guilt hits me. He’s coming to the cabin with me.
“Mom, can you help me get Hank’s stuff together?
“Honey, you feeling alright?” She touches my face and squints at me.
“I’m fine. He’s just giving me puppy dog eyes, and I miss him, and I want more time with him.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’m sure. Thanks for having them over for dinner.”
“Please.” She shrugs as she packs up his food. “Like I wouldn’t take the opportunity to meet your scent matches. I just wish your dad was here.”
“Me too.” I sigh, knowing that hockey talk would have taken over the entire dinner, but I would have given anything in the world for it.
She hands me Hank’s leash and things and kisses the side of my head. “Make sure you check in, yeah?”
“I will.”
