The tone switches, and I can tell my job makes them uncomfortable, hell even I feel uncomfortable going tonight.
“I was thinking we could go shopping, get some more things you need for your nest,” Hayes says cheerfully, trying to switch the mood.
“I thought we were waiting until my apartment was all clear,” I say.
Nate clears his throat. “I think your landlord is being sued. You should stay here indefinitely,” Nate says.
“Indefinitely?” I repeat.
Both of them look at me like they’re searching for the words to say as I feel two large palms grab my shoulders and squeeze, his earthy scent giving me even more pleasure.
“We all know what this is, Hailey. We’re courting you. Like I told you last night, the nest is yours. I understand that you don’t want to leave your job until you’re ready to bond, which I think is something we should talk about eventually. But the fact is, your apartment fucking sucks and we would all sleep better at night knowing you and Smokey were safe here,” Sterling says behind me.
I turn to face him, not even wanting to argue. They’re not wrong about the apartment; as proud as I am that I was able to provide for myself, it wasn’t the safest location.
“We should talk about bonding?” I croak, my hand going to my throat.
“When you’re ready. Until then, we will continue to show you what life would be like with our pack, and that means spending copious amounts of money to make your nest perfect, okay?” Sterling says.
“Okay,” I mumble as I take a sip of my tea. I don’t bring up the rest of my stuff at the apartment or what I should do with rent, because what if they change their minds tomorrow and then I’m back to square one and have nothing?
“Eat your breakfast and prepare to be spoiled,” Hayes says happily, giving me my plate first.
I smile as I eat my food, already feeling properly spoiled, and shoving my anxiety far away.
CHAPTER 18
STERLING
Hailey’s eyesare wide as we walk into the nesting store. The place is massive, with mock nests for Omegas to look at.
As I look around, I realize our nest is kinda shit.
“Whatever you want,” I tell her.
“Whatever I want?” she repeats.
“If you don’t spend at least a couple grand in here, I’ll be disappointed,” Hayes says.
I arch a brow at him. The man might not have a knot, but damn, does he walk around like he has one. Hailey just smiles, grabbing mine and Hayes’ hand, while Nate grabs a clipboard and pencil to take down her order.
“Oh my god,” Hailey says as we stop by this one room.
It’s so girly and soft, a massive pink pillow that looks like it could hold at least one of us and Hailey at the same time. She approaches it, placing her hand on the soft material before looking at the price tag.
I expect her to have a moment about the price, but she doesn’t even balk. She was looking at the tag to give Nate the item number. It’s at that moment it truly clicks for me. When it comes to Hailey, she has no issue being spoiled. I mean, Hayesbought her a BMW after knowing her for a night. For Hailey, keeping her job is a security issue. She’s already been put out on her ass once. I’m sure the thought of that happening again is terrifying for her.
She needs a bond.
I know it’s probably ridiculous to be moving this fast, but when you know, you know. We’ll have the rest of forever to get to know all the fine details about her, and her us, but there’s no denying despite everything, she’s the perfect fit.
“You need this for sure,” Hayes says, pointing at this piece of furniture that has me turning my head.
“What is it?” I ask and Hayes laughs.
“It’s a heat seat. Makes fucking more ergonomic or something. Add it to the list,” Hayes tells Nate.
“I really want some more warm lighting, a Turkish lamp maybe for the nightstand. And oh, we need better towels,” Hailey says confidently.
