I can do this. We can do this. We’ll get through these growing pains.
Our hug is interrupted as Ethan walks in with a plastic tub and sets it on the floor.
“So are you going to use those big Alpha muscles to help carry in our girl’s stuff? Or am I the only one getting left out of the hugs right now?”
I pull one arm from Sloane, and Ethan smirks as he joins this ridiculously sappy hug.
“I’m actually a few weeks behind on rent if the offer to move in also extends to me,” Ethan says.
“Tough call. What do you think, Sloane?”
“Definitely. I guess it’s only fair I help you pack since you helped me,” she says with a smile.
“More so followed your very specific and detailed orders on how you wanted things packed.”
“I do have more stuff, but I only brought the essentials for now. I also guess that I don’t have a job, so I can’t exactly pay rent either,” Sloane says with a wince.
“You won’t be paying rent,” I tell her.
“Okay,” she says easily and hugs me again.
“Just like that?” I say.
“I’m an Omega. My mom never had a standard job, she wrote, but it was something she loved. If you wanted me tocontribute, I’d find something I can do from home, but if you’re happy taking care of me, I’m going to let you.”
“I would also like to be taken care of,” Ethan says, and we all laugh.
“You can’t stop being the mascot, but you could probably quit the diner. I mean, as long as your dad can hire someone to fill in your spot,” Sloane says.
I’m not even mad because I was going to suggest the same. I need Ethan home with her when I’m away for games.
“Really?” he asks, looking at me.
“Yes, really. The diner has you working too late. If there’s something from home you want to do, fine. But I think it’s best if you’re here with Sloane when I’m traveling for work.”
“I’m finally going to be living my dream of being a kept Beta,” Ethan jokes.
“Let’s get your stuff settled into my bedroom, and we can order Chinese.”
“That sounds perfect. I’ll invite Max,” Sloane says easily before heading outside.
“Light lifting only,” I shout behind her, and she waves her hand.
Ethan glances up at me and pokes my side. “This is all very mature, Mr. Nilsen.”
“I’m fucking trying,” I mumble.
He fists my shirt and tugs me down for a gentle kiss.
“I know you are. She knows you are. Give him a chance. I promise he’s not the man you knew all those years ago,” Ethan says before going outside to help Sloane.
Max might not be the same man five years ago, but I am. I need to make sure he doesn’t go back to his old ways and hurt Sloane in the process.
CHAPTER 32
I’m sitting in my bland apartment when I get a text from Sloane.
Sloane
