For the last hour, I’ve been failing to distract myself by reading through previousThe Valley Voiceblogposts when Janice’s ungodly roar in the driveway alerts me to Hale and Kady’s return. Their laughter approaches the house, and I peer out the window to see Hale’s arm wrapped around Kady’s shoulder. Her cheeks are slightly pink from the cold, and her hair looks to be more tousled than usual. Instead of her typical tailored attire, she’s wearing a baggy flannel that comes down past her knees with mud boots.
Larry leaps down from the sofa, sensing his owner is home. Poor Otto had scratches covering his arms when I went to pick him up, but Larry’s been as good as gold since returning. Riven decided to buy him every cat treat in the store, so we’ve all been spoiling him all afternoon like he’s some kind of deity. Larry prowls over to greet them as they step inside, his tail swishing against my ankles. I hate to say it but I’m growing fond of the little monster.
“Sorry, we’re a bit late.” Hale claps my shoulder apologetically. “Mom insisted that we stay for dinner, and you know what she’s like. She sends her love.” He raises theTupperware in his hands. “And she boxed up some of her peach cobbler for you.”
“Meeting the parents on the first date, huh?” I tease Kady. “You move fast.”
She plays with her shirt, her eyes on the ground. It’s unusual to see her being anything other than perfectly composed. “It wasn’t exactly planned.”
“Thank you for putting up with them.” Hale affectionately kisses her cheek. “My parents can be a lot.”
“They were lovely,” she insists. “And your mom’s cooking is amazing.”
“Did someone say cobbler?” Riven scampers in from the living room, eyes lighting up. “Ezra!” He bellows up the stairs. “Winnie baked us cobbler!”
At the mention of Ezra’s name, Kady’s smile dulls a little as she fiddles with the sleeve of Hale’s shirt. Ezra’s locked himself away in his room since he returned, mumbling something about urgent lesson plans.
“He’s probably got his headphones on,” I reason when he doesn’t appear. “Ready for the fair?”
“Uh-huh.” She looks down at her outfit. “I’ll just change really quick.”
I nod as she strolls past, smirking as I get a whiff of Hale’s cedar scent coming from her. Usually, I’d hate to smell another alpha on an omega I’m interested in, but when it’s my pack leader, it hits differently. From how her floral fragrance and his woody aroma have mixed, I can only assume their date went well. Very well.
“I’m sorry again for getting back late.” Hale battles to keep the smile off his face. “I didn’t mean to cut into your time together.”
“Don’t sweat it.” Usually, I’m a stickler for punctuality, but it’s the first time Hale has done something fun since taking overValen Enterprises. He’s passed up on so many day trips and pack outings, spending most of his time glued to his phone or laptop. “The fair stays open late.”
Riven returns, holding a ridiculously large portion on a plate. “Mmm, peach.”
“How’s Ezra?” Hale glances up the stairs, his shoulders holding an extra tension as his scent changes.
“Still hiding away.” I sigh. “He doesn’t want to talk.”
“This was always going to be hard for him with his commitment phobia, but Kady is…” A wide grin breaks out over his face, lighting up his eyes with a spark that I haven’t seen since Nick’s health went downhill. “She’s definitely our omega.”
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” Although I say the words, I can’t stop the tiny shred of hope from swelling in my heart. “This is just a casual weekend trip, remember?”
He nods, but I can tell from his dreamy expression that he’s already too far gone. If Kady decides she wants to call this off, it’ll break him.
“Wow.” Riven’s jaw drops as Kady emerges at the top of the stairs.
“What?” Kady looks down at her jeans and thick cream knit sweater. “Is something wrong?”
“You look,” Riven swallows hard, “really pretty.”
“I prefer you in plaid,” Hale jokes as she walks down.
She swats him playfully on the arm. The way the denim clings to her thighs and frames her shapely ass when she leans over to slip on her boots has me hardening instantly.
“You can take Janice, if you’d like.” Hale offers me his keys.
“It’s okay,” I shake my head. “I’ll take the Jeep.”
Besides, Janice will probably need a long rest before our drive back to Forestville. I still can’t believe that’s the car he insisted we take with us to Forestville.
“All ready to go?” I turn my focus to her.
When she nods, Hale kisses her on the cheek, making her glow, then says, “Have fun.”
