We watch the show for a bit longer and Hailey turns in my arms, kissing the underside of my chin.
“I’m really glad you walked into Lavender Moon that night and hired me to come to your tournament.”
“Me too, baby, me too.”
I lean down and kiss her, and for the first time in a very long time, I feel whole.
I’ve spent so much of my life wanting a pack, wanting a family, knowing that being a Beta would complicate things. Sterling and Nate were the best family and lovers I could ask for. We could have been happy all our lives, just the three of us. But with Hailey in my arms, I know without a doubt she was the last piece in making this pack whole.
We have plenty of time to bond, but I’m hoping she wants to bond sooner than later. Once I have two Alpha bites and Hailey’s name on my chest, I’ll truly have everything I ever wanted.
“You also said you’d buy Smokey an automatic litter box,” she says, pulling away from our kiss and I laugh.
“I’ll get right on it.”
Nate and Sterling act like they’re going off to war. Hailey might be doing the same. I’ve long come to terms with the fact that they have a dangerous job, but this is all new for her.
“You’ll be safe and make good decisions?” Hailey asks them, straightening Nate’s shirt that doesn’t need straightening.
“Yes, I promise.”
She bites her lip and nods, making Nate capture her chin. “What?” he asks.
If they bonded us we would have a better idea of what was going on in her head. We’d have a connection with Sterling and Nate and would know that they’re safe. I don’t say the words out loud. I can’t be pushy, Hailey has to ask for the bonds, and I’m sure as fuck not going to bond them before she does.
“It’s just you had to help me when…you know…” She drifts off and I have to put a hand over my mouth. It’s almost like a taboo to bring up the time Hailey got a knot toy stuck in her and Nate was the one to arrive for the 911 call.
Nate sighs, looking over at Sterling for guidance. The large Alpha pets down her hair, rubbing his hand over her cheeks, scent marking her.
“Helping Omegas is part of the job. If a situation like yours arises, we would hopefully have another team member handle it, but there is a chance it would need to be us. You’re our Omega. We only have eyes for you. You never have to worry about that.”
Hailey rubs her arms and nods, though I can tell the idea of her Alphas around other Omegas is irritating to her. She understands that it’s part of their job.
“I understand. If um…if you are near Omegas during work, can you make sure to fully deodorize before you come home?”
Sterling grins, and I know it’s because Hailey is asking for what she wants. It’s a sign that she’s more comfortable with the idea of being our pack’s Omega.
“Of course,” Sterling agrees, kissing the top of her head.
“And can I drop off muffins at the station tomorrow morning?”
“The guys would love that, and it would be good to see you before our shift is over. We just can’t guarantee we’ll be at the station, but as long as we’re not on a call, we’ll be there,” Sterling says, and Hailey hums.
Nate leans down and kisses her. She rubs her thumb over his growing mustache, the rest of it clean cut for work.
“I like it,” she tells him.
There’s totally a mustache ride joke sitting on the top of my tongue, but I swallow it down. Sterling steps in front of her, grabbing her cheeks and kissing her.
“Stay with Hayes, get settled in. You can text us, but it just might take a while for us to get back to you,” Sterling tells her and Hailey nods, kissing him back. I get my own quick two kisses from the Alphas, before they turn and leave the house for work.
As soon as they leave the house, Hailey turns to me with tears in her eyes.
“Oh, baby. Come here,” I tell her and hug her close to my chest.
“It gets easier, I promise. Once we’re bonded, you’ll be able to feel them too,” I throw that little tidbit in. I know I said I wouldn’t be pushy, and I’m not, that’s just facts.
“Rationally, I knew what they did for work. I know they work long shifts.”
