Chapter SevenGrace #2
“Stereotypes are bullshit. We’ve worked hard, both with laws and science, so they’re not limiting.
For example, while alphas are leaders, not all leaders have to be alphas.
Alphas like to get their way, but we no longer allow that to be at the expense of others.
Sure, omegas and alphas are biologically drawn to each other, but that doesn’t make omegas property,” Evan explained.
“There are fewer omegas than alphas, right?” I tried to remember everything Wes had told me.
“More than half the world is beta, about a quarter are alphas, omegas are maybe ten percent, and the rest are some of the rarer designations, but we can get into all that later,” Evan assured.
“Traditionally, omegas are valued by alphas. Packs are often formed because there are fewer omegas than alphas, and well, the more people to protect and love them, the better. Betas and other designations are in packs, too. Jett’s a beta, and just as valued as anyone else. ”
“Oh. I see.” My eyes closed, as warmth and safety encompassed me. “Wes, are you an engineer now? That’s what you were studying, right?”
“I was. However, the military realized that I was a very good hacker. I might have hacked a few government databases trying to find you. While I know you said that you were from another world, I scoured this one just in case.” His voice went low and rough.
“I met Evan there. After we both got out, Evan and I mated. I began working for Spencer’s biotech company in cybersecurity while Evan finished up becoming a social worker.
We formed a pack with Jett, Brennan, and Spencer.
I still work for Spencer. I never finished university. ”
I wasn’t sure what all that meant–except for the part where he didn’t become an engineer.
“It’s my fault.” Tears streamed down my face. Going to college to be an engineer had been so important to him.
“No. I could have finished. Still could. But Spence pays me a shit-ton, and I like my job.” He wiped my face with his hand.
“Don’t cry, Peaches. None of this is your fault.
Honestly, I like what I do so much better.
I thought I wanted to study engineering, but as it turns out, I really just wanted to please my dad.
But my dad didn’t care, he just wanted me to be happy–and he likes Evan and my pack. ”
“Oh, that’s good.” I felt nauseous again–and sleepy. “I shouldn’t have had that alcohol.”
“Yeah, booze and concussions probably don’t play well together. I’m glad you’re real, Peaches. Evan, is there any more food? Who cooked? Jett?” Wes stroked my hair lightly like he used to when we’d lie on his bed or sit in the park and talk for hours.
“Yep. What’s left is only what’s on the table. Peaches, you barely ate. Was Jett’s cooking not your style? Too spicy?” Evan asked.
“It smelled delicious, and I like spicy food. But only ice cream and tea taste right. Why does nothing taste right?” I sighed.
“It could be the concussion. I’ll order something. Do you want anything?” Wes’s body shifted under me, but I didn’t want to move.
“I’m fine.” The nausea increased.
“Ooh, I’ll share some of that. Maybe we should get some soup for her for later?” Evan said, looking at Wes’ phone.
“Tell me about your day? Who got in trouble?” I asked, wanting simply to hear his voice.
“Who got in trouble?” Evan chuckled.
“When we were little, that’s how I’d get him to actually give me answers longer than a word,” I replied, moving so I was more comfortable between the two large men. “I was ten when we first met.”
I drifted in and out of sleep as they both told me about their day.
Suddenly, bile rose in my throat, and I shot up, almost tripping as I sprung off the couch.
I nearly fell over the coffee table as I tried to get to the bathroom off the living room before I vomited.
Everything swam, my equilibrium off. I made it just in time.
“Should we take her to the hospital?” Wes asked as I greeted the porcelain god.
Evan sighed. “We’ll monitor things. Given, you know.”
Everything swam as I stood, then washed my hands. I stumbled and fell right into Wes.
“I've got you.” Wes pressed me to his muscular chest.
“I don’t feel well.” It was almost a sob as my knees sagged.
His chest rumbled, and a warm feeling washed over me, like a hot bath. Suddenly, it stopped.
“I… I’m sorry, Evan,” he whispered.
“Stop it. Don’t apologize for doing what you’re meant to do. Purr for our girl. Shit, both of you need therapy, a good railing, and ice cream,” Evan replied, wrapping his arms around both of us.
“You think therapy, a good railing, and ice cream cures everything,” Wes retorted.
My eyes closed. “Can you do that rumbly thing again? Please?”
“I’m going to make you some more tea and find some medicine. Food should be here soon,” Evan said. “Go comfort her, dammit. Or I’ll take her to my room, purr for her, and not let you in.”
Wes picked me up and hauled me onto the couch with him. “You like that? I always used to purr for you. It's something an alpha only does for very special people.”
I’d been special to him once? That hurt my heart. I was pretty sure that for much of my life I hadn’t been special to anyone.
“I’ve got you. You’re here and I’ve got you,” he told me. Covering me with a blanket, his chest rumbled again, sweeping away all of the pain and nausea. I was content. Loved. Like I’d been once, a very long time ago.