Ottis waited until Crush and Killian had wandered a few aisles away. Then he sneaked back to Doc, squeezing himself under Doc’s heavy arm.
Doc gave him a side hug and a crinkle-eyed smile. “Hi.”
“Hi,” Ottis breathed, barely loud enough that the words could escape his throat; Crush would hear him otherwise. “That was so awkward.”
“He’s still around,” Doc said just as quietly.
“I’m surprised he didn’t ask who you were talking to. But I guess they were distracted.”
“I’ll keep a lookout for them,” Doc said. “There doesn’t seem to be more of your pack here. Pick out the things you want; I’ll head him off if he gets close.”
“Thanks,” Ottis whispered. “You’re really good at lying by omission. All straight truths but bent. It’s like you have experience with bending things.”
“Or people.”
Ottis choked.
Doc peered at him in concern. “Too much?”
“You’re so inappropriate.”
Doc grinned. “You like it when I’m inappropriate.”
“I’m innocent,” Ottis whispered. “You’re corrupting me.”
“I would never,” Doc said, pressing his hand to his heart. “You’re pure like the driven snow.”
“Ready for some plowing.”
Doc laughed, a low rumble. “Such innocence.”
He slapped Ottis’ ass lightly. Ottis grinned and hurried over to the baby clothes section, where Doc had said he could get some larger sizes for Marcie. He kept his ears pricked for Crush and Killian, picking out clothes, blankets, and adorable stuffed toys. Then he stuffed some baby wipes and diapers into the cart in case they had to make a quick escape.
Doc stepped up to him, placing his hand on the small of Ottis’ back. “That looks like a good selection. What about you? Do you want to get your clothes elsewhere, or buy them here?”
“Is the coast clear?” Ottis whispered.
They peeked out of the aisle, listening for Crush’s voice.
“Is what coast clear?” said someone behind them.
9
CAUGHT
Doc could’ve kicked himself.He had been distracted, allowing Ottis’ voice and snickering to fill his senses when he should’ve been keeping his ears pricked for Ottis’ pack.
And now Crush was glowering at them, his arms folded across his chest.
Ottis spun around. “What the hell?”
Doc stepped in front of him, giving Ottis the chance to run if that was what he wanted.
“Really, Doc?” Crush growled. “Of all the omegas you could’ve picked...”
“Hey, I resent that,” Ottis growled back, limping out from behind Doc. “What’s wrong with me?”
“Nothing! But you were supposed to be under our protection, and you disappeared,” Crush grumbled.
