“You shouldn’t—not at all—but if it keeps you safe…” Spencer trailed off, unable to come up with a good reason.
“I’m staying in an exclusive building with twenty-four-hour security, living with three elite security guards who protect NHL players,” I pointed out. “If you really think I need to defer my studies with all that protection, I may as well just give up the ghost now and go live in a cave.”
Spencer’s brow rose. “You’ve got a point. You are more than secure here. I wouldn’t allow the university to convince you to postpone an entire year. I’m just curious why you’re so adamant that youcouldn’twait a year.”
“Do I need a reason other than not wanting to take a year off from my life with no plans or goals?” I said. “I worked my ass off to get into college. I paid for it all myself, and I know you looked down on my apartment, but I worked hard for it.”
“I never looked down on you for it. If anything, I was under the impression that the state of your apartment reflected poorlyon the university,” he said. “They should have ensured that all omegas—who are inherently more vulnerable, even though you don’t want to admit it—were in safer accommodations.”
I bit my lip, trying to think of a comeback.
“You’re right,” I agreed softly. “I know I’m at a higher risk as an omega living off campus on my own, but what choice did I have? Stay home and accept the life my parents want for me? That would have been a whole different kind of torture.”
“How come?” Spencer asked, cocking his head to the side.
“My parents aren’t bad people. I love them dearly. They just think an omega should jump at the chance to bond at the first opportunity, settle down in a small town, and have lots of babies. They should have hobbies like baking or knitting. And there’s nothing wrong with that—I havesomany friends who enjoy those things—but it’s just not whatIwant. I love numbers. I love puzzles and problem-solving. I want to explore and see what is out there before I settle down.”
“And you couldn’t have explored closer to home?”
I shook my head. “I considered going to a local college, but one, it was expensive because I didn’t get a scholarship, and two, my parents would’ve been breathing down my neck the entire time. When I got the scholarship to Avalon, I jumped on it.”
“I can understand that. You know we’re not going to do anything to slow down your schooling. At least, not on purpose. There’s no point in working so hard on your degree if you’re just going to get attacked in the middle of it and then be unable to finish.”
I groaned. “Why do you make so much sense? It’s annoying.”
He laughed. “Unfortunately, that’s my cross to bear.Hyper-sensible. Anyway, I think we need to call a truce. That move with the protein powder was mean.”
I may have thrown out a bottle of his fancy protein powder the second day I was in their apartment after Spencer had tried to convince me to drink a protein shake.
“And you getting rid of my chocolate was mean.”
“Oh, I’m well aware. Bear made me suffer for that one.”
“Good.” I smiled.
Spencer lifted the two bags and placed them on the desk.
“I saw these and thought you’d like them,” he admitted bashfully. This tough-as-nails security guard looked anxious. If I wasn’t mistaken, the tips of his ears were turning red.
Looking between him and the bags, I gently peeled back the plastic to reveal what was inside.
The softest, fluffiest white blanket, with little strawberries printed all over it.
A small chirp of happiness escaped my chest as I ran my hand over the fabric. It was silky soft and perfect—exactly the kind of material I wanted to nuzzle into while I slept.
While clutching the blanket to my chest, I opened the other bag. Inside was a matching strawberry-shaped throw pillow.
“Spencer, these are amazing,” I said. “How did you know?”
He scratched the back of his head. “I knew your old nest had strawberries and other fruit-shaped items in it, so when I saw these while I was out with Mable earlier, I couldn’t resist. Do you like them?” The last part came out almost nervously.
I hugged both items, beaming at him. “I really do. Thank you.”
“I know staying here isn’t ideal for you, but I will do whatever I can to make you feel comfortable,” he said. “I may have a shit way of showing it, but I care about you. When I firstnoticed you were being followed… I can’t explain it. Something just demanded that I investigate.”
“Thank you,” I whispered. Deep down, I knew that if he had never noticed what was happening to me, I probably would be in a much worse situation. No one would have been around to stop the psychopath from plucking me off the street.
Would I have even been alive?
