Chapter 38
CHAPTER 38
COLE
Maybe it was a mistake only giving her two weeks of space.
But the agony of being apart from her was killing him, in more ways than one.
Food didn’t taste like anything.
Sleep was pointless.
He could feel her, less than five miles away, her own loneliness making his heart ache.
It’s a miracle he was able to wait this long to see her.
During dinner, he notices certain things about his mate. Her scent is significantly sweeter, no longer laced with the sour notes she had the last time they saw each other.
She doesn’t fear him anymore. He’d prefer the spicy scent of her frustration over her terror any day.
He catches her watching him when he talks to Carol, eyeing him curiously. A pleasant warmth flows through his chest, and he realizes it’s her joy .
His mate is happy.
He takes her hand under the table, and she doesn’t resist.
He helps Carol clear the dinner plates, but not before noticing Bree’s eye roll.
“Show off,” she mutters, as Carol heads into the kitchen. “You know she already likes you, right? You don’t have to suck up to my mother.”
He shrugs. “I’m just being polite, sweetheart,” he says, giving her a grin. “I don’t want her to think I’m anything but a perfect gentleman.”
She scowls, and he laughs.
He finds his Omega a few minutes later in the front hallway, staring at a family portrait. He recognizes a younger Carol, a tiny grinning Bree, and a man with a kind face.
Bree’s father, Thomas Hanson.
His mate’s face is wistful as she stares at the picture, and he stands with her in silence.
“I hate this picture,” she says finally. “I never look at it.”
“But you’re staring at it now.”
She sighs. “It’s just…the last few times I’ve come here, it’s always ended badly. My mother and I end up fighting, and when I leave, I don’t want to have to see my dad’s face.”
“Why?” he asks gently.
“Because I didn’t want him to see what I’ve become.”
He hesitates. “Breana?—”
“This is the first time I’ve felt comfortable here, Cole, and I don’t know what that means.” Her hands tremble as she toys with the sleeves of her sweater, the pink of her scars peeking out. “I’m still so angry at you. I’m still so confused, but I’m also happy you’re here. You made my mother smile—I can’t remember the last time I was able to do that, much less even feel comfortable around her. I haven’t had to walk on eggshells or be on edge in the house since you’ve been here, and I don’t know how to process that. ”
She swallows nervously, her throat bobbing. “I wasn’t ashamed of my scars around you, and now I’m back to these stupid sweaters,” she says bitterly. “I’m back to sitting with Carl on my lunch breaks, eating salads and not socializing. Every good thing that came out of meeting you is gone.”
His chest constricts.
“I want to forgive you,” she croaks, turning away from the portrait. “I want to forgive you for everything, but I don’t know how. I don’t even know if I should .”
She shouldn’t. He’s beneath her. He’s not worthy of even breathing her scent, but she’s tethered to him forever.
He doesn’t deserve an ounce of her forgiveness, but he wants it.
He craves it.
Carol enters the hallway and stops when she sees Bree’s face. “Is everything okay, honey?”
“Yeah, Mom. I just don’t feel well.”
Carol frowns. “Oh. I’m sorry.”
“I’m taking her home,” Cole adds, before he can stop himself. “I’ll bring her by to grab her car tomorrow, if that’s alright with you.” He can’t help but grin at Carol, who beams.
“Oh, of course.” To his surprise, Bree’s mother pulls him into a hug. “Thank you so much for taking care of her,” she says softly.
He catches Bree’s scent spike with sweetness and doesn’t miss the way her eyes widen.
“It’s impossible not to,” he says simply.
Carol shoots a look at Bree. “Oh, Bree-Bree, I like him .”
“Mom,” Bree grumbles. “ Please .”
“Grab your things, Bree-Bree,” Cole teases, and Bree glares daggers at him.
He stifles a laugh as his mate walks back into the living room, leaving him alone with Carol.
“Thank you,” she whispers again. “Just…don’t hurt her, ok ay? My poor girl’s been through a lot in her life. Please continue to be good to her.”
He nods. “As long as I live,” he promises, the lie tasting bitter on his tongue.
He’s already hurt her so much.
He holds the car door open for her, and she gets in without argument.
There’s no need to use his Alpha Influence this time.
Her scent fills the small space, and he fights the rumble that builds in his chest. She smells divine, so mouthwatering that his cock twitches in his pants.
Keep it together.
“How did you know where my mother lived?” she asks quietly, her face angled to the window.
He sighs. “You should know by now that when it comes to you, I can find out anything, sweetheart.”
She doesn’t respond.
“It’s public record, Breana.”
She huffs. “And I suppose you know where I live?”
“In that dusty hovel that has ten building code violations? Yes. Why you would pick there, I will never understand.”
“I’m on a budget,” she mutters.
Not anymore , he thinks.
When they pull into the driveway of his new home, her eyes widen. “You’re staying here ?” she asks in disbelief.
It’s not as large as Carol’s house, but it’s still impressive, with a light stone and wood design, accentuated with dark windows and a grey, slanted roof. It’s a simple modern home, surrounded by quaint and manicured shrubbery.
“It was the only one I could purchase quickly,” he shrugs, and she turns to look at him in disbelief .
“You bought this place?” Her grey eyes widen. “You actually purchased this?”
“Why are you looking at me like I’ve done something insane?” he asks.
She shifts in her seat, waving her arms in exasperation. “Because that is insane! Why would you buy yourself this? Who wants to live in Holden?”
“I want to, because my mate lives there. And it’s not just my house. It’s ours .”
He expects her temper and the spicy scent of her fury, but her expression softens. “What?” she asks softly. “What do you mean?”
He unbuckles his seatbelt. “Let me show you.”
She sucks in a breath, then nods.
“Okay,” she breathes. “Show me, then.”
He helps her out of the car and leads her to the front door, taking her hand in his. A rush of electricity races through him as they touch, and she squeezes his hand in response.
He unlocks the door and leads her inside their new home.