“Yes, you.” He pats the side of the couch. When I refuse to move, he sighs and looks to Aaron, no doubt for help.
Aaron takes a step closer to me. “Maybe you need a trip back home? To clear your head. You didn’t visit last month and your nibblings probably miss you.”
My shoulders drop. “They don’t need me much anymore. Margo got her license. She’s carting all the littler ones around now and babysitting.”
Pax reaches for me. “That doesn’t mean they don’t miss you.”
There’s a reason I don’t leave much since arriving here. “We video chat all the time.”
“It’s not the same, and you know it,” Pax says gently.
“I know. But…” I sigh and plop next to him. “There’s afeelinghere. I felt it the moment I pulled into Mink Hollow. My Fated is here somewhere and I don’t want to miss them.”
They give each other a look and Pax squeezes my arm. “You won’t miss them. If you’re meant to be, it’ll happen. But you’re putting too much pressure on yourself.”
I comb my fingers through my hair. Pax can always read me. He deserves the truth. “I’m tired of being alone, Pax. I want—” I wave my hand around the room. “All this. My version of this. I obviously don’t want exactly this. I want mine.”
“I know.” Pax rubs a hand down my back, and I want to lean into him, but refrain. At least until he pulls me close. He’s gotten even sweeter since meeting Aaron. He lets his nurturing Omega side out more and it makes me love him even more. He gives me a soft smile and continues. “I didn’t know about Fated mates when we were kids, and I understand why you kept your shifter side from me. Now that I know everything, I understand why you’re anxious about finding your person. But you have to let Fate do her magic. Let go, Buckle. Let go and see what happens. Maybe Fate will drop someone in your lap and you don’t have to search everywhere for them.”
Aaron nods. “That’s always been my family’s lore. You’ll find your Fated when you stop looking for them.”
I nod. “I know you’re right. But it’s hard.”
“Maybe,” Aaron says. “You need a shift. It’s a nice day out, the snow’s melted. The birds are chirping. It might do you some good.”
“It has been a while,” I mumble. “I probably should let my chipmunk out. He’s been doing zoomies in my head for days.” I’ve been so melancholy, I’ve been punishing myself.
“That’s it then,” Pax says. “Go get your shift on and play. See if that helps.”
“I can come with you, if you want?” Aaron says. “I let my mink out regularly, but he’s always ready to play.”
I push to my feet and shake my head. “I think I need to be alone to work things out in my head. I know you’re both right about everything. It’s just hard.”
Pax squeezes my hand. “We’re always here for you.”
“I know.” I give them both a little smile. “Don’t worry about me. I got this.”
“And you’re not alone, Buckle. We love you.”
Just not in the way I want.
