“Maybe getting involved with those guys was a mistake.”
He raises an eyebrow as I run back over the words that just fell, unchecked, out of my mouth.
It’s a little messed up, but if he’d never helped them, he wouldn’t be feeling like this now.
“It wasn’t a mistake to help them,” he states. “I wish I could have helped more.”
“You do?” I ask, wondering if that’s what’s under his anger.
They said they would reach out in future if they needed more help.
Regardless of whether they meant it or not, they never called again.
He sighs. “It doesn’t matter. I just need to make sure the girl is okay. After that, I can focus on looking for a new job again.”
I know I missed my chance when his tone levels off.
He let his walls down for a few seconds, and now they’re right back up.
I can feel his defences surrounding him like an invisible force keeping me from getting too close.
It’s impossible to reason with him when he’s like this.
He won’t admit something’s wrong, much less talk about it.
I hope he gets the closure he needs when we visit the academy.
If it doesn’t help, he’s not going to like my solution, but he’ll agree to it.
The thought of being analyzed might make him wince, but I’d rather drag him to a pack therapist’s office than let him continue to hide from his feelings.
“I’ll get started on dinner,” I find myself saying as I get up from the couch.
It’s Jay’s night to cook, but I need to keep myself busy until the rest of our pack gets home.
“Great,” Falcon murmurs, leaning forward and picking up the laptop.
I leave the room and force my mind onto other things.
The last thing I need is for Harper to walk in and pick up on the anxious energy I’m simmering in.
I’ll have to hope it cools down while I concentrate on preparing tonight’s meal. It’s not the easiest of chores, and it’s not one I’d usually volunteer for. I know I need to make something vaguely healthy with the right flavors and textures to please our highly sensitive Omega, and somehow have it turn out well enough that our Beta doesn’t complain about me stealing his spot in the kitchen.
I have my work cut out for me, so I’d better get started.
Chapter Nine
Jay
Resisting the urge to tug at my collar, I stand perfectly still in my designated spot at the right side of the hall. I’m not as close to Harper as I’d like to be, but I’m able to keep an eye on the exits, including the door backstage that leads out to the parking lot from where I am.
As far as the staff and the conductor are concerned, I’m just their lead violinist’s driver.
They allow me to be here because Harper insists on it.
Like most Omegas, my mate can be very persuasive.
I can’t count the number of times he’s talked me into something I never should have said yes to, but I can’t lie, that doesn’t really have anything to do with his ability to sweet talk. He barely needs to open his mouth, I already know I’ll do whatever he asks.
