“Oh, Eli,” she whispers as she tosses her arm over her face.
I smile and scoop her up. “Come on, you need a nap.”
She whines. “We’re supposed to be spending time together.”
“Who says you’re napping alone?”
She curls into me, nuzzling against the crook of my neck while I carry her down the hallway, and for a moment, everything is right. It’s a feeling I never thought I’d experience again after losing Gloria. After going through what Amber and I went through.
I hold her close, feeling the way she burrows into me. Like an Omega wanting to nest.
She can nest anywhere in my home she wishes, as far as I’m concerned.
“Here we go,” I say as I nudge the guest room door open with my hip. “We should be comfortable in here.”
She lets me place her down, but it’s not long before her hand is reaching for me. I take her hand and kiss her knuckles before I wrap around to the other side of the bed. She whimpers out a heartbreaking sound, and it pulls a set of words from my mouth that I’ve only ever uttered to one other Omega in my life.
“It’s all right. I’m not going anywhere.”
I toe off my shoes and pull off my shirt before slipping into bed with her. I wiggle us underneath the covers, and I hold my breath when she nestles against me. Her leg is tossed over mine, her arm around my waist. Her head nuzzles against my shoulder until her nose finds the crook of my neck.
Before it nestles it against my scent gland.
What an honor, to be part of something so beautiful.
And for the first time in a very long time, I envision my future with an Omega in it.
One that loves her cardigans, long skirts, and baked goods.
Lia
Someone is watching me.
I crack one tired eye open and nearly jump out of my skin. Amber’s face is hovering inches from mine, her hair falling forward as she balances on the balls of her feet beside the bed. Her eyes are huge and curious, seemingly glittering with excitement. Like she’s been holding in something for much too long.
I blink a few times, trying to clear the hazy fog from my vision. My body still feels loose and boneless in that delicious way that comes after a pre-heat crash.
“Hey there, cutie,” I rasp out.
Her smile splits her face in two before she turns her head. “She’s up, Daddy! Can we hang out now?”
“Of course, but give her time to wake up! Not everyone is ready at the drop of a hat like you are, princess!”
“Okay!”
I roll over onto my back as a tired laugh leaves my lips. My chest feels warm. My head feels swimmy, but not in a bad way. I tilt my head toward one of the windows in the room and notice the sun is setting outside.
How long have I been out?
“Mm, what time is it?” I murmur as I shove myself upright.
Amber climbs into the bed and I feel her little hand rubbing my back. “Dinner time. Daddy’s cooking stew. He makes the best stew.”
I sniff the air, but all I smell are wildflowers and bubblegum. I lean back against the headboard, propping myself up as Amber makes herself comfortable at my side. She reeks of it, and it makes me smile.
I remember when my scent first began leaking through.
“How you feeling after the grandparent weekend?” I ask as I hold out my arm.
