Well, that was the dream.
One that had been shattered by Preston.
“Just like I said.Trouble.” Merrick looked at me a moment longer, something burning in those dark eyes, then turned back to the drying rack and put the dishes away.
“That’s a matter of opinion." I chuckled, putting the now-empty plate on the coffee table and hunkering down into my little sofa nest. “By the way, have you heard from Elliot recently?”
Melody had been in a fire a few days earlier; her rescue had been burned to the ground by her moronic brother, and I wanted to check in on the situation.
“She’s doing as well as you would expect. They’re all doting on her.”
I nodded. “Fitz texted me and asked if I could go over there tomorrow and change her bandages. She got burned in the fire. It’ll be nice to see her again.”
“That sounds like a good plan. But for now”—Merrick put the last cup in the cabinet, then spun on his heel, striding toward me—“I think you should move this party to the bedroom, so you can get more rest. We both know how important it is when you’re sick.”
My eyes widened, and I looked around myself, scoffing. “I just got comfy! The couch is fine.”
“The couch”—Merrick narrowed his eyes, leaning over with his hands out—“isn’t a good place to sleep all night, and you know it. Come on.”
I wanted to argue. I really did, but I was too damn tired. The food coma was setting in now that my belly was full. I sighed, taking his hands as I forced myself up from the sofa. But before I could fully stand, Merrick was sweeping me into his arms.Squeaking, I gaped at him, cradled against his broad chest bridal style.
“What are you doing?” I blurted out.
“You said you were comfy. Figured I’d make the transition as painless as possible.”
I was speechless. All I could do was stare up at him as he carried me to the bedroom and then set me down in my bed, pulling the covers over me as I got settled against the pillow.
People didn’t pamper me. I was all on my own, and most days, that was fine. I was used to it, and I was independent enough to appreciate the advantage of never having to compromise.
But this? This was nice. Nicer than I cared to admit.
“Get some rest,” Merrick said, pulling the covers around my chin, then turning off my bedside lamp. “I’ll make sure the apartment is good to go before I head out. Just…text someone if you need more than just sleep. I put my number in your phone. I don’t mind helping out. Okay?”
I was still so astounded, but I nodded, glancing over at my cell as it charged on the nightstand.
“Will do. Umm…thanks, Merrick. You didn’t need to do all this, but I really appreciate it.”
He grinned softly, straightening so that he could turn to leave. “Anytime, Hails.”
Chapter 8
Hailey
“Should I feel special, getting a house visit?” Melody asked as I wrapped the bandage around her wrist, taking care not to aggravate the sensitive skin.
The sweet omega was curled up in her nest in her pack house as I changed the bandaging on her hands. No matter how crappy I felt, I wanted to check in on her. Her shelter had been set on fire for thesecondtime. This sweet omega just wanted to help animals, and fate kept dealing her a shitty hand.
Then again, I had a feeling her luck was about to change, considering she was now happily bonded with a pack of her own. Elliot and his pack were good alphas, and I knew they would take damn good care of her. I was thrilled for her—and maybe a tad jealous. Not of the fire, of course, but at least her mates hadn’t been her problem.
Sunny, who was postpartum, was sitting cross-legged at the edge of the nest with Dottie, Melody’s little Dalmatian puppy, sitting in her lap as she absentmindedly chomped on her finger. Puppies loved to cheweverything.
“I didn’t get a house visit.” Sunny pouted playfully.
“Nottrue. I came to the firehouse when you were sick!” I declared, shaking my head as I slowly wrapped the bandagearound the other omega’s hand. “And I made a baby blanket for you.”
“Yeah, but you're always going to fire stations to help the firefighters who do dumb things, like forget their masks. I never got a house call…”
“You got a house call after you gave birth!” I chuckled.
