The stiffness in her body bleeds out of it, and I decide to give her a break from the crowd when I see a store with rugs. Her nest is all wooden floors, it may be nice to warm her and Bellamy’s feet when the fall and winter cools the air. We’ll get a heater for the attic too so they can stay warm.
My lists now include them as my ADHD makes them relevant and important in my mind. Winter and Bellamy have been with us for about a week and a half, and we’re all learning how to acclimate. I typically see my pack through work and at home often, but our omegas come down for a meal and then disappear into their nest.
Their fridge is well stocked, and they’ve been focused on painting and decorating their nest. It makes sense that I’d see them less. The issue is that it’s taking me longer to get used to the fact that they live with us.
I don’t want it to be a surprise when I walk around a corner and they’re in the kitchen or living room. I want to normalize this as part of my life.
Abbott slipped upstairs yesterday to infiltrate their space and was welcomed, but I don’t have that easy grace. I still feel very awkward around her and Bellamy, so I have been taking control of things the only way I know how: by pinpointing the location of every asshole who has ever touched them while they were at The Hug Project.
Social media posts, city security cameras, and access to their calendars kind of take the difficulty out of things. People post everything from when they take a shit to tagging themselves at restaurants. Kidnapping and murder is child’s play now for our men.
Granted, none of them knew their lives were in danger, so there’s been no reason to hide. I am using the meanest of our men for this, and told them if there’s time, they can play with their food.
“These rugs are gorgeous,” Winter murmurs as we walk into the store. Buildings run close together as is true of much of Savannah, and there’s a lot of charm in them since we’re in the Historic District.
I’m not worried about Abbott having a cow with our disappearance because I know he can find both of us now. Before leaving the house, I injected a tracker into Winter and Bellamy’s wrists with their permission. The trackers are less likely to be found here and will heal up well.
After Clyde, they agreed they didn’t want to risk being taken without any recourse.
None of us are bonded to them yet, and while I’ve heard alphas have found their omegas in this way, a tracker is forever. This one is hard to find and can never be removed. We’ll always be able to find them.
“Are there any you need to have?” I ask. My hand glides down the front of her white tank top, flicking her nipples with my fingers without meaning to as I release her.
I pretend not to hear the intake of breath as goosebumps rise over her skin, or how hard her nipples are from the slight touch as she steps away from me. Her long legs look amazing in her pink shorts and cute sandals, and once my eyes move over her body in appreciation, I find myself constantly drawn back to her pebbled nipples as her sweet scent gets stronger in the store.
Fuck. I need to get a hold of myself.
“I like this one,” Winter says, her voice cracking as she walks over to a rug hanging on the wall. It’s a round rug with sky blue as its primary color, and spots of gold, green, ivory, and orangeto create a rustic Bohemian feel. “It‘ll give us a bright spot in our nest.”
It’s a medium sized rug which will help with their space, but the attic is large.
“Pick one more,” I urge, watching her. “It’s my treat.”
She turns to gaze at me, a refusal on her pink lips, and it pulls my focus there instead. I want to kiss her, yet I haven’t had a chance to. Abbott kissed Winter easily before we left the house today, while Bellamy just smiled happily.
Again, I don’t want to move too quickly or fuck up.
“Please,” I add. “I want to contribute something to your nest. Do you want me to grab Bellamy?”
“No. He found an art studio,” she says cryptically. “He trusts my judgement.”
I think their bond might work differently than anything I’ve ever heard of, which is fascinating. Not much is known of soul bonds, but occasionally Bellamy and Winter will have conversations without words or appear distracted before picking up a conversation again.
“Alright,” I drawl, waiting for her to continue to look.
“I wonder how much this is,” she says absently, making me shake my head.
“Doesn’t matter, baby,” I reply. “Treats don’t come with price tags. If you want it, it’s yours.”
Winter nods as she worries her bottom lip, her fingers tapping against each other as she walks around the store.
“Hi, sir, can I help you with anything?” a lady with bright red, curly hair asks.
I barely glance at her as I keep my eyes on Winter.
“Is it possible to buy the blue rug on the wall, please?” I ask. “I’m planning on buying another once she decides.”
I nod at the beautiful omega who disappears around the corner of the store, still looking. There are no other exits but theone we entered. I know because I checked, yet I still feel too far away.
