“Hard day?” he asked.
Fernando yawned. “Finals are coming up, and I can’t afford to make any mistakes.”
“I find it hard to believe that you’re close to failing any class.” Walker shook his head. The omega was organized, persistent, and basically a genius. If he wanted, Walker was sure he could take over the world.
Fernando looked amused. “I think you overestimate my abilities, but no. The problem is that two of my professors are trying to block me from finishing my degree. They don’t really have an argument to make, but if I give them a reason to fail me, they’ll take it.”
Walker’s fists clenched, but he tried to keep the anger off his face. That’s not what his omega needed from him. “Do you need a lawyer? Pug’s cousin knows a guy.”
Fernando’s eyes softened, and he smiled. “I really, really like you.”
Walker swallowed hard, face warm. “I really, really like you too.”
His omega’s eyes watered. “I didn’t know I needed you so much, marine, but it is damn nice to have someone else in my corner.”
“I will always have your back,” Walker promised.
“I’ll graduate, no matter what.” Fernando sat up straighter. “I have one professor and two teachers I worked with who will write recommendations for me. In another month, I will be finding a job in North Carolina. Away from this hell.”
Walker nodded. “My buddy Steve told his wife about us, and she’s already looking for apartments for you. I wish you could live with me, but they don’t usually let non-dependents stay on base. I could stay with you, though. If you wanted.”
“I would love to have you with me.” Fernando propped his chin on a fist. “Fair warning. While my dad would tell me to be agood omega and make you a home, that’s never been my thing. How about we work together to make a good home when you get back? Are you up for that?”
Walker grinned. “Fuck, yeah. I’ve never had a home, but I want one with you.”
Fernando looked a lot livelier as he fought to hide his pleasure at the words. “You say that now, but my brother is planning to hijack our video call next week. He wants to meet you. I think his in-laws are already trying to think of ways to get you to Hobson Hills.”
“We can plan a trip after you graduate.”
“Well then.” Fernando looked pleased. “How is it going for you?”
Walker shrugged. “The usual. Pug got us kicked out of D&D, so we’re stuck playing spades in our downtime.”
“Pug.” Fernando shook his head, eyes dancing with laughter.
Walker bit his lip, foot tapping nervously. He had never had someone else to think about, and it was driving him a little crazy. He was up for re-enlistment. Before Fernando, he wouldn’t hesitate to do it. But the idea of being with the omega all the time was fucking tempting.
“Tell me more about your day. Did Nolen finally ask Gigi out yet?”
“Of course not. I’m on the verge of interfering.” Fernando made a face. “Talk me out of it.”
Beans jumped up, settling his paws on Fernando’s shoulder. The puppy had gotten much bigger. All Walker wanted at that moment was to be right beside Fernando. He rubbed the top of his head. He had a lot to think about.
“First of all, Nolen is a grown man,” he began.
Chapter 8
Aweek later, Fernando hurried up the walk to his childhood home. It was strange to live there without his parents, but both Gabriela and he had needed somewhere rent-free. Gabs was settling into the house with her boyfriend, Eddie, but Fernando knew staying there permanently wasn’t for him. Even without considering his marine.
Fernando shut the door behind him and dropped his bags. “Beansie boy, where are you?”
The large puppy skidded around a corner and raced to him with a happy look on his face. Their little man was a mixed breed of unknown origin, with thick, wavy brown and tan hair, big floppy ears, and a short snout. He had grown quickly with food and care and now stood about two feet high.
Gabriela’s head peeked out of the kitchen. “I already walked and fed the snot. Don’t let him lie to you.”
“Are you sure?” Fernando rubbed the dog’s sides. “He looks like he’s starving.”
“Have you seen that belly?” She laughed. “Don’t worry about him. Your video call starts in ten minutes.”
