I walk back to the inn as Magnus finally comes over, but stop abruptly after a few steps.
Magnus stops too, as if we’re tethered to a cord and he’s keeping a certain distance between us.
“Oh, I—this is everything I brought. And I already checked out,” I say.
Why did I act like I had more things? I’m already failing my Appear Super Normal and Competent Mission.
I feel myself blushing. Thank goodness it’s cold outside, my red face can be attributed to that.
“The rest is being shipped then. Is it coming to the Starsfalls post office? We can pick it up when it arrives, just let us know,” Orion says, pausing with my large pink suitcase under his arm.
It looks so tiny with him carrying it, but it’s my biggest suitcase. It comes up to my chest when I wheel it around.
“Um, no this is all I have. I haven’t collected much over the years since I knew I’d be moving for work. Although I did buy more books while I was in town, so be careful, some of those are kind of heavy…” I trail off as Cato picks up several boxes at once without faltering.
The alphas, however, pause, and Orion frowns.
“This isn’t enough,” he says, eyes flashing.
I choke on my tongue trying to blurt out an apology for not having more stuff. Although why should I apologize? And why would he care how much luggage I have anyway?
Thankfully he continues before I get out my garbled apology.
“We’ll take you shopping before we return to the station. You should have more than this regardless,” Orion says, giving me a look, “but you’ll be up on the mountain for weeks at a time and won’t have access to any stores. It’s best to stock up when you can and get anything you even think you might need.”
He turns away without waiting for an answer and puts my suitcase in the car.
I’ve lived like this for years, with just the things in those bags.
“I don’t need anything else. This is it,” I say firmly, standingup straight.
I know I’m supposed to defer to my team lead at work, but surely not when it comes to personal matters like this.
“We have plenty of room at the station if that’s what you’re worried about. You don’t need to travel light,” Henri chimes in. “Are you sure you don’t want to do a little more shopping before we head up? We can get whatever food you like at the specialty grocery stores, and Starsfalls has nice boutiques for clothes and…other things.”
I assume from his awkward phrasing that he’s subtly referencing nesting stores. I’m honestly not sure if I want them to be direct about my designation differences or not.
“I don’t need anything else,” I repeat.
Charm and Henri exchange glances and then look at Orion. Everyone waits for his response since they’ve finished loading my apparently meager belongings.
“I know you were at the top of your class, and you’re prepared for most aspects of this job,” Orion says.
“Yes,” I say, trying not to seem too proud.
Tests aren’t the same as the real thing, even so, I worked hard at the academy and deserve the recognition.
Except I can tell there’s a “but” coming.
Barely ten minutes into meeting my team, and I’m already getting scolded. That’s the worst feeling.
I take deep, even breaths, trying to stay calm. That works, but unfortunately I think it’s because I’m breathing in their scents, which comforts my omega.
“Have you ever spent an extended amount of time in a remote location? And during winter?” Orion asks.
“No,” I say, drawing the word out, wanting to put off what I know is coming.
“To do our jobs well, we need to take care of ourselves physically and mentally so we’re at our best to help others. We’ll be isolated for long stretches at a time, and in winterespecially, the cold, short days affect you. Studies show that living in a comfortable environment is beneficial for all designations. It’s best to stock up on creature comforts and entertainment. This isn’t a frivolous suggestion, it’s for your mental health,” Orion says.
