Chapter 12 #2
“We can get simple bands. I understand you’re mated to me and aren’t going to stray just as I wouldn’t ever be able to either. Other shifters will be able to scent that you’re mated. But humans can’t. Not that a ring ever stopped a human from making a pass at another.”
“No. I’ve seen plenty of that at the tavern.
But I don’t think I’d ever go to a place like that unless I was working there.
” I sat down, and after shoving my feet into my comfy shoes, I stood.
“I’ll think about the job thing. I understand the reasoning.
I just don’t know what I’d do all day if I wasn’t working,” I said.
“But I can’t just leave them hanging. I would have to give them at least a two-week notice.
The zoo and the restaurant are really great when it comes to accepting and understanding shifters and how their lives are with regards to mates.
And they’ve given me time off this week without even taking any of my vacation time. ”
Clay took my hand and laced our fingers together. “I accept that response. I know I’m asking a whole lot of you all at once. But it will be beneficial for both of us if we get to see one another for more than an hour a day.”
I nodded because he wasn’t wrong. Already my panda wasn’t liking the idea of going back to work next week.
I worked afternoons and evenings. Clay worked mornings and afternoons.
It was going to be an adjustment to come home after leaving Under the Sea and not going to Sticky Floors.
That would be hours of time I’d have back to myself.
“No rush on it. Take some time and think about it. We’ll discuss it more next week after you’ve had time to go back to work.”
I had a feeling Clay already knew what it was going to be like for me next week.
Maybe I should figure out a time to talk to Charlie about things.
He was also in my position, only he’d been mated a bit longer.
Well, and he had more from the start. He had his own house, and he’d had a really cute little car.
“Are you ready?” Clay asked.
“As much as I’m going to be. I was thinking about talking to Charlie,” I told Clay.
“He might have advice on how to better deal with some of the emotions I’m experiencing.
” I didn’t have anyone else I could ask.
Charlie was the only other mated omega I knew and would consider asking such things.
There were other mated omegas at the zoo, but I didn’t really know them all that well.
Not nearly well enough to ask such personal questions about being mated.
“I’m certain Charlie would welcome you reaching out.
If we’re going too fast, just say so. I can put the brakes on and the two of us can simply go out to eat.
If you’d really rather not, then we can get back into our comfortable clothes, order delivery, and hang out here at the house until it arrives. ”
I shook my head in response. “No. I don’t mind going out. It’s different, but everything these past few days has been. It’s different for you too though. Not just me. We’ve met our mate and things change.” I took a deep breath and let it out in a quick exhale.
“Yes. I understand it seems more so for you though as you’re the one who moved. You’re also the one who lost one of his jobs, but I can’t even pretend to be upset about that.”
I couldn’t help it—I snorted. “Yeah, I can understand that. It paid the rent though. I don’t make that much at the restaurant.
I’d get funds saved and it never failed.
There was always something that came up and I needed a big repair.
There was always some sort of emergency that dwindled my savings. ”
“Well, we’ll work on that for you.”
Clay and I left the bedroom, and after we grabbed our phones and wallets, and he his keys, we left the house.
I shook my head at my old blue station wagon sitting in his driveway.
It really was out of place, but I had a feeling that Clay was going to have it gone soon enough.
I would miss it somewhat. It was my first car, and I’d worked hard and saved to buy it.
Clay’s touch on my shoulder pulled me from my thoughts.
“You don’t have to sell your car,” he said.
“I don’t mind.” I sighed. “It’s not practical for where we’re going to be in six or seven months.” It truly wasn’t. It had seat belts, but it didn’t have the modern ones or latch points for the car seats. It had power nothing, and on a good day the fan blew to circulate air.
“We can window shop on the tablet later. Once you decide something you might like, we’ll find a day that works for us and go and you can test-drive different models.”
I sat there in the truck and nodded absently. Clay smiled at me and then closed the door. I stared blankly through the window. Test-drive? Me? That wasn’t expected. Clay climbed into the truck, and I turned to him with wide eyes. “Do I have to test-drive it?”
“That’s what makes the most sense. You’re the one who will be driving it the most. You should be comfortable with it. If it’s something that intimidates you, then we should look for a different vehicle.”
Why did he have to make so much sense? I nodded slowly. “All right.” I put on my seat belt, and as Clay started the truck and backed out of the driveway, I pulled out my phone and messaged Charlie.
Me: I need advice. Lots of changes. Mated. Marriage talk. Quitting job talk. Kids. All the things. Help. Advice. He’s offering everything, and I feel guilty. I have nothing to offer. What do I do?
It took several minutes for Charlie to respond, but when he did, it made me feel better.
Charlie: Breathe. Take several deep breaths and try to relax and don’t let it overwhelm you.
I know it’s a lot, but Clay is good people.
His family are all amazing. They were raised right—although Joyce can be a bit pushy.
She does mean well and is super excited about things.
That said, just go with it. I know it’s difficult, but you won’t regret it.
These guys are established in things. They have the security (no pun intended) that alphas strive for.
Their business is growing faster than they can hire people but that doesn’t make them arrogant or entitled.
They are down to earth. I’ve seen how close they are as a family, and it’s amazing.
Charlie: And for fuck’s sake, let the man spoil you.
You need someone to finally do that for you.
Clay can. Let him. He’s your mate. You can either fight him on it, or just let him spoil you and make him happier for your acceptance.
And you bring a lot to the relationship.
You’re an amazing person who is loyal and works hard.
You’re friendly and fun to be around. He’s going to fall hard and that’s okay.
Let him. Just like you need to let him spoil you. Why? Because he can and you deserve it.
“Everything okay?” Clay asked. I blinked at him before answering. “Yes, it is. I was messaging Charlie.”
“Ah. That’s good. Hopefully he can give you the advice you want.”
I smiled. “Yeah. I think he can.” I had a lot to think about. Could I actually do what he suggested though?