He was already healing all of that hurt. They both were.
“I’m already addicted to having you around again,” I whispered as I held him close.
He could’ve taken the moment to make the jab that I was the one who left, but he didn’t. My omega simply ran his blunt nails up and down my back in reassurance.
“Things are different this time,” he said easily, holding me close. “Plus, we have Roxie who would kick our asses if we fuck up.”
“I’m trying to do things right and court her properly, but I don’t want things to seem unbalanced,” I admitted.
“Sounds like you’re still punishing yourself.”
He said it in a way I couldn’t deny. He’d always been blunt and forward, refusing to beat around the bush with anything.
Of course, I was beating myself up. I’d had the most incredible omega in the world and I’d let my career take that away.
“I’m trying not to. This is a fresh start and I’m slowly letting go of old habits,” I reassured him.
“Come home with me tonight,” I pleaded. “The thought of letting you leave without me is driving my delta crazy.”
I was already acting possessive and might as well go all in.
“Good thing I was already planning on coming home with you tonight. Roxie had plans to watch a show with Kota. She just texted something about you might need a little TLC for your sore muscles.”
I chuckled. “I took an extra long shower, I’ll be fine.”
“Don’t downplay it if you are in pain,” he warned. “Maybe we can start our night with a massage.”
“That sounds perfect,” I admitted, pulling him close and kissing him because I could. He was mine again.
“Where is Chorizo tonight?”
“He’s currently at home, probably pissed off that I’m not there to tuck him into bed. But I have someone I pay to come by and walk him four times a day when I’m not home and feed him. I figured today was going to be a pretty brutal practice since we have a game tomorrow.”
“I can’t believe you got my dog without me,” he mused as he climbed into my car like it was the most natural thing in the world.
I could barely believe that this was real.
“You mentioned that you had a fixer-upper. Tell me about it.” He settled back into the seat, his face turned toward me. I stared for a moment before answering, soaking in the view.
“I needed something to keep myself busy, and this certainly did that. I replaced most of the structure, but it’s an old house. The bathrooms are only half functioning most of the time. I’ve got one good one, which is not enough for the whole pack. Coach and I were just talking about the fact that we don’t want to live separately anymore but neither of our places would work.”
“Desperate to have us close, delta?” he teased, but I saw the way he perked up.
“I don’t like the idea of my omegas being alone and unprotected.”
“Please tell Roxie that, I beg you,” he teased, eyes sparkling like this was a big joke.
“Look, I know that you guys are independent and don’t need us to take care of you, but I, for one, need to know that you’re safe. Even if you can take care of yourself, you shouldn’t have to. You have a pack. You haveme.”
His smile widened. “I do have you, don’t I?”
“Forever, baby,” I promised.
Tonight, I was going to fall asleep with one of my omegas in my arms and our puppy curled up between us.
Tomorrow, I’d figure out how to bring us all under one roof. Then I’d have them near me every day.
That was a life I could get behind.
