He grimaces, and his eyes flash to someone behind me. An arm snakes around my shoulders a moment before thefaint smell of coconuts overlays the dissipating coffee scent of Timber’s anger. Dad pulls me into his side, frowning as he realizes I’m trembling. His gaze flashes to Timber, his mouth flattening. Dad reads whatever’s going on with him better then me, grim determination replacing his confusion.
“I’d rather you go home than start a fight here,” he says.
Timber tenses. “Why the hell?—”
Dad just shakes his head and cuts him off. “Don’t try that bullshit with me, man. There’s Omegas here now.” Timber grimaces again like he’s just been told to drink something awful. Dad’s arm tightens around my shoulders. “Omegas that won’t just brush off you lashing out at them for shit that isn’t their fault with packs that will absolutely fuck you right up for it. I don’t want any of you injured. If you don’t think you can hack it in there, I’ll personally take you to your place to sleep off whatever this is.”
Timber glances to me, and some of the rage dissipates. A blast of lemongrass has my heart climbing my throat, my shaking getting worse. Dear God, this is possibly the absolute worst this entire arrival could go. I chance a glance over my shoulder, desperately sending a wordless plea to the universe that Rhett doesn’t freak out as my eyes lock with his. I try and give a subtle shake of my head, but I’m not sure he understands the message.
Dad doesn’t look away from Timber, not noticing the undercurrent to Rhett’s scent. It takes me a minute to remember Timber won’t be able to smell it, either. If I can de-escalate this before Rhett makes it those fifteen feet, I might be able to avoid an outright disaster. My panic subsides enough I can move without fear of my own scent breaking through and creating an even bigger mess. I carefully ease out of Dad’s hold, grabbing his elbow instead. Timber blows out a breath and nods.
“Sorry, I’m just tired,” he says.
I frown as memories from a decade ago stir, of when he lived with us while picking up the pieces of his life. Before either of us say anything, Timber disappears inside.
“That’s not good,” I admit.
Dad nods and then sighs. “Definitely not.”
“Should we do something?”
“Not here. I’ll chat with him in a few days if he’s still off.” Dad shakes his head. Then he gives me a proper hug, his smile warming. “How are you? This dress is beautiful, darling.”
I flush as I pull away.
“I’m good,” I manage to say, my voice almost back to normal. “Billie working at the shop has helped a ton.”
His smile widens. “Marilyn is really impressed with how well you two have settled in together. I’m warning you now that she’s probably going to ask about helping with another one soon.”
Before I can come up with any kind of response, Rhett closes the distance, his lemongrass scent no longer holding that edge of warning. I school my features into a polite smile, careful to not let my stare linger too long.
“Ah, Rhett! Nice to see you!”
“You, too, Ares.” He shakes Dad’s hand and turns to me. He holds out his hand like I’m any other person. “Carys, nice to see you. Happy Thanksgiving.”
It feels so weird to shake his hand after he had his knot inside me last night, but I do it anyway. The flash in his eyes tells me he’s thinking about it, too. I shiver as a bolt of lightning races down my spine just as Rhett releases my hand.
“Oh, there’s no reason for us to freeze out here,” Dad says, misinterpreting my movement.
Rhett holds the door for us both, his Adam’s apple moving as he swallows. Most of the team is already here, chatting in small groups. The six players who’ve recently packed up are here, their Omega partners slowly mingling with everyone, too. Billiecatches my eye from across the room, her gaze flicking from me and then to Rhett, the panic clear in them. I try and shake my head, but Dad notices.
“You all right, Carys bug?” he asks, low enough not even Rhett can hear him.
“Just a hair that tickled my neck wrong,” I tell him. It disgusts me how easily the lie slips off my tongue. “I’m fine. Promise.”
“Oh, there you are!” Marilyn beams as she crosses the large open space of the rented venue. “You look beautiful as always. I was curious if you wanted to grab a drink with me.”
She shares a look with my dad, and my stomach twists. She quietly eases me away from Dad and walks me toward the bar.
“Before everything gets super hectic, I wanted to ask a favor of you, Carys,” she says, squeezing my elbow. “You were so much help with making Billie feel welcomed here. You’ve become fast friends, right?” I nod, and she smiles. “I was curious if you’d be willing to help another Omega settle in.”
I swallow and tuck my free hand into the pocket of my dress as we close in on the bartender.
“Of course, as much as I’m able,” I say. “When are they getting here?”
Marilyn clicks her tongue. “I’m not sure yet.”
“What can I get you two?” the bartender asks.
