Page 34 of A Farmer’s Guide To Gamers

“Good,” was all he said, still letting his hand linger on my chest and I wasn’t exactly quick to tell him to remove it. “What happened?”

“Addison is pregnant, and, apparently, found a pack. I was just imagining a little baby running around and it seemed that was enough to send me into all this,” I said roughly, embarrassment flooding me, making the heat wash over me and drowning out the warmth of his hand.

I hated that.

“Hey, none of that,” Kai reprimanded me gently, tapping his fingers on my chest. “Shit happens and this is just one of those things. Let’s get you somewhere more comfortable than the floor to recover, though.”

His hand moved from my chest and the absence made my chest ache until he helped me stand up on wobbly legs. Panic attacks really took it out of me, wearing my body down until I usually tended to veg in bed for the rest of the day after one hit.

Kai helped me over to the couch in my room. He made sure I was situated with a pillow and blanket before turning to my desk. As if it was the easiest thing in the world, he snagged all of my things I needed to chill without asking.

Noise cancelling headphones, my phone, tablet to keep drawing, and my favorite hoodie that was well worn to the point of having frayed edges.

To me, it was just well loved.

Kai put everything down near me and said he’d be right back.

The silence in the room was deafening until the dinging of a text message shattered it. Part of me wanted to check who it was but I just didn’t have the mental capacity for that at the moment.

“Drinks, snacks, and the best company, obviously,” Kai said cheerfully as he walked back in with arms full of things. “Dean and Jack told Tillie that you don’t feel well, so they are going to meet outside. I think Jack said something about asking her opinion for a small garden here, so I left before they volunteered me for any manual labor.”

I chuckled despite myself and Kai smirked at me as he made himself comfortable on the other end of the couch. Our legs brushed each other and if I happened to press myself against him I didn’t draw any attention to it.

Kai didn’t either, both of us settling in like it was the easiest thing ever.

Both of us being betas definitely made this easier.

That’s what it had to be.

Right?

Tillie

The packhouse was not what I expected. For one, it was nice, and not at all a bachelor pad. The lawn was well-maintained, if not a little plain. Their house was brick and sturdy.

It just lacked the natural charm my farm had. No animal noise, not a single flower or plant. No real decoration of any kind from what I could see.

This was typical suburbia. Mom was right, I could never give up my farm for this.

“There she is,” Dean rumbled as he ambled down the porch. He was in front of me in seconds, leaning down to brush a kiss over my lips. My cheeks heated at the sweet kiss but I know my inner teen self was absolutely losing it that we kissed. Finally. “Is it lame that it’s only been a day but I missed you?”

“Then we’re both lame,” I joked, because it was true. After finding them and knowing they’re mine, even what little distance rested between us felt too vast.

“Don’t hog our omega,” Jack huffed, playfully shoving Dean aside to get to me. His smile was crooked and bright. I adored it. “Do you know what this shirt is made of?”

“No?” I asked, laughing at the random question.

“Boyfriend material,” he shot back before we both lost it. “Maybe I should have said ‘pack’ material.”

“It was perfect,” I reassured him before glancing behind to find they were the only two out here. “Is Aiden feeling any better?”

“Not yet, so you get just us for now,” Dean said easily.

“Not the two alphas,” I joked, making both men smirk.

“Actually, I had a question,” Jack admitted, gesturing to the wide, but empty lot. “I know it’s not exactly the ideal time of year for a garden, but I thought maybe starting with some fall flowers would be nice. I’ve got a list of books I want to get from the library about gardening but haven’t gone yet. Maybe you’d like⁠—”

“Oh, absolutely not,” I said, shaking my head. “First, show me where you want it, then I can teach you everything I know. Hands-on is always the best approach. Trust me, I love the library, but nothing teaches like doing something yourself.”