“I didn’t get the point of a fireplace in the kitchen, but this is nice,” Cam said, playing with my hair.
I smiled, leaning over to kiss him on the cheek, the stubble of his beard rough against my lips.
“I… I want her to leave, and I don’t want to see her again. Maybe ever,” I said quietly, looking between Cam and Theo. They both nodded, and Cam’s grip on my thigh tightened. “But… I would like to give her some money. Just a one-time thing. But I’ll pay you back.”
Theo stiffened under me and I bit my lip. I’m sure they were disappointed in my decision, even if they wouldn’t admit it.
“You’ll what?” Cam growled.
My lip trembled. “You said it was my choice,” I whispered. My cheeks heated and shame washed over me.
“Who does our money belong to?” Cam asked, his eyes dark as he gripped my chin.
My brain stuttered.Wait, that’s what he was upset about?
“This feels like a trick question,” I said. Cam threw me a disapproving look. “But you don’t want to give her money. It’s my decision, so it’s not fair for me to take your money…”
I trailed off at Cam’s fierce expression and Theo’s rumbling growl.
“Listen to me, baby girl,” Cam said, agitation permeating his every word. “Everything we have is shared. I never want to hear you talk about paying us back for anything ever again.”
I nodded, my eyes wide.
“Fuck. Going to have to spank you for that later,” Cam said, making me blush. “I’ll get her cash while you all call a cab.” He gave me a hard kiss before leaving the kitchen.
“You can stay in here, love. We’ll take care of her,” Theo suggested. I shook my head. As nice as it would be to just curl up in bed, I needed to see this through.
We headed back to the living room, where my mother and Ben sat without acknowledging each other. Ben’s relief was palpable through the bond as he leapt to his feet. He secured his arm tight around my waist and kissed me tenderly on my cheek.
“Thank you for rescuing me,” he whispered, and I snorted out a laugh.
I heard a sharp intake of breath and glanced over at my mother, who was staring at Ben and me. The look on her face was one of pure longing.
“I called you a cab,” I said. “It’s pulling up now. It’s pre-paid, so have it take you wherever you want.”
I waited to see if she would push the money issue, but she simply stood, straightening her plum pencil skirt and matching blouse. Her shoulders were hunched as she walked towards the door, as if defeated. Or maybe I was reading too much into her posture.
We followed her out, watching as the omega cab service pulled into the driveway. I wondered where she would go, if she was staying with friends. Part of me wanted to ask her, felt the need to reassure myself that she would be okay. But then she was walking towards the taxi, and the moment passed.
Her hand stilled on the door handle. “I’m sorry,” she said, glancing at me over her shoulder. Our eyes met briefly before she cleared her throat and opened the car door.
A gust of cold wind swept over me, sending a shiver down my spine. In the air was the faintest hint of my mother’s scent, twisted with sorrow. Something about this apology felt real, and my heart clenched tight in my chest.
“I don’t want you involved in my life. Please don’t come around or contact me in the future,” I said softly, blinking to keep my tears from spilling over.
My mother gave me a curt nod and got into the cab, but before she could shut the door, Cam walked out, a brown envelope in his hands. He headed straight for her, placing his hand on the roof and leaning down to be at eye level with her. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but he handed her the envelope with cash. Her eyes widened as she took it. Cam shut the door, the loudclunkhaving an air of finality.
The cab pulled away. My mother did not look back as they drove off.
Cam stalked over to the three of us, cupped my face in both hands and kissed me on the forehead.
“What did you say to her?” I asked.
“I told her that what I gave her was nothing compared to our resources and that we wouldn’t hesitate to use everything we had against her if she did anything to make you unhappy.”
Cam’s jaw was set, his expression almost defiant, as if he expected me to be angry at his threat. But I wasn’t angry… I was exhausted. I melted into his chest, letting my alphas wrap their arms around me and keep me from collapsing.
“Am I bad for not forgiving her?” I asked as the tears I’d held back slowly rolled down my cheeks.
