I swear all of us are hard over the idea of providing for our Omega and giving her the perfect nest.
“Towels are downstairs,” Hayes says.
“I know where we can get a lamp like that. It’s not far from here,” Nate says.
“Perfect,” Hailey says, grabbing his waist and rubbing up against him. I can’t help the little grunt that comes out of me, and she’s quick to come over to me and douse me in her sweet cherry scent.
I’m so fucking happy she doesn’t use deodorizers. She just lets her scent fly and people have to deal with it. She kisses my cheek and skips over to Hayes. He laces his fingers with hers as they go over everything we’re ordering.
An Alpha glances at the two of them and it has this possessive irritation flaring through me. It’s not like my bond mark would change people looking at her, but it wouldn’t hurt either.
I clench and unclench my fists. Jealousy has never been an issue with me, but with Hailey it feels different. I don’t know if it’s just the Alpha and Omega dynamics or because I’m feeling so unsettled without a bond.
“You good?” Nate asks, a light squeeze on my biceps.
“Fine,” I say too quickly and Nate laughs, shaking his head.
“Yeah, fine, meanwhile you look like you’re ready to hit something. It’s the nest store, it’s supposed to be the second happiest place on earth.”
“Hailey still second guessing things is getting to me. You know what she said last night? She asked me if things didn’t work out how our next Omega would feel about her staying in the nest. Words and actions only go so far with her. I’m not sure what else we can say or do to give her assurance. I just know if we were bonded she’d never have to second guess a single thing.”
“Bonding. Do you really think she’s ready for that conversation?” Nate says in a low tone.
“It’s one we need to have. The idea of her going to work tonight is making me feel violent. and I think bonding would ease a lot of her insecurities and nerves. Don’t you think?” I ask Nate.
“I know it would for me, but I don’t want to rush her.”
“We won’t. We just need to let her know that it’s on the table when she chooses it.”
“Do you think if maybe we covered her apartment and gave her a backup plan she might feel better about leaving that place? Not that I don’t understand why she works there, really, I get it. It’s just other Alphas will be scenting her, looking at her,” Nate says, both of us not knowing how to handle this newfound jealousy.
I grab his hand and squeeze.
“We just have to give her some time and try not to think about it,” I tell him, which is easier said than done.
I’m trying to not overwhelm her with how possessive I feel and I don’t want anyone besides my pack looking at her like that, enjoying her scent. She’s ours, even if we’re not fully bonded yet.
“Oh, these feel amazing,” Hailey says, ripping me out of my thoughts as she holds a towel to her face. “What do you think? Do you like them?” She brings them over to me and Nate for approval.
I touch the insanely soft material. “They’re perfect, baby girl,” I tell her. She preens, turning back to Hayes.
“Let’s get some of the extra-large ones for you guys, and a good amount of wash cloths too.”
“Good plan,” Hayes says, writing it down.
I’m not sure I’ve seen Hailey happier than she is right now, picking things out for her nest. I just have to hold on to that feeling and shut my possessiveness and frustration down. Patience is key and I can do that, at least I think I can.
Hailey has us moving things around the nest. We’ve moved the heat seat no less than eight times, but I’m not complaining. It has to be perfect. An alarm goes off on her phone and she lets out the most frustrated noise.
“You okay?” Nate asks her, and she bites her lip and nods.
“I’ve got to head to work,” she says sadly. “Can you guys…can you scent mark all the new stuff? It doesn’t smell right.”
“Of course we can,” I tell her, and she holds her phone to her chest, looking longingly at her nest.
“If you want to call out,” I suggest.
“Hayes. Hayes will come with me. Don’t worry, I won’t…I wouldn’t,” she starts stuttering and I approach her, opening my arms.
