30. Ben
Ben
T he ocean was cold and breezy, but I brought Rian to the pier because I knew he loved it this time of year. We needed a break from the studio, and it was a good way to clear our heads.
The recording session had been grueling, but it was all finally coming together. I hated the part when it felt like nothing would ever come out right.
Until it all clicked into place.
Rian was brooding, his fingertips swollen from playing for so long. I kissed the tips of his fingers and strolled down the boardwalk with him.
The beach wasn’t crowded this time of year, and it was nice. I swung my cane out, listening to the rhythmic click-click of the tip on the wooden boards.
“Good session.”
Seagulls called overhead.
Rian muttered, “I kept screwing up the bridge.”
“And Kinsey kept screwing up the intro, and Linsey couldn’t manage the chorus.” I shrugged. “It happens.”
Rian huffed. “I don’t like it.”
“Because you’re a perfectionist,” I said gently.
Annoyance flashed through the bond.
“I’m fine.” Rian held my hand, his feet sounding loud on the wood.
“You’re sure? How are you about our…uhh, dating three extra people?”
I hadn’t meant to spring it on him, but we’d been seeing Ember, West, and Alejandro for week and spending most of our free time with them. We chatted about it on the drive back home, but I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss a cue.
“I’m great,” he said with a sigh. “I’d expected to be territorial about my nests. About sharing you. About being with a new alpha, or an omega at all, but instead it’s really good.”
It was amazing. Even now I could smell Ember, West, and Alejandro on me, and it felt right.
“Okay.” I squeezed his hand. “What do you want to do for Valentine’s Day?”
“Let’s ask them,” he said, sounding interested. “If they have a tradition or…”
We hated going out on the worst day of the year to eat out, but if it was important to Ember, or West or Alejandro, then we could make it work.
“I really like them,” Rian said softly. “A lot.”
He sounded scared. I poked my own feelings. I wasn’t scared. Just determined to make this work, however I needed to make that happen. I understood my omega’s fears, though. I pulled him against me and kissed his temple.
“I promise, they are nervous about new people too. You are not going to be too much to handle. Not anymore than West or Ember is too much.”
“Alejandro is more laid-back than a beach chair in the Caribbean,” Rian muttered.
“And thank goodness for that,” I said.
We got a quick lunch and went back to work. On the way back, Rian had a few tentative ideas for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
We arrived home, and shortly after that, West and Ember came in.
Ember’s scent was off, so I immediately went to her. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She wrapped her arms around me. Rian hugged her other side.
“A coworker keeps asking her out and being an ass about it,” West said with a growl. “I told him the next time he bothers her, they won’t find the body.”
“And then I told West I didn’t want to have to have heats with him in jail, so murder was off the table.”
“That’s assuming you’re getting caught,” Rian said practically. “We’d help you hide the body so well you’d get off.”
“See, there’s a plan,” West said. He sounded close by, so I reached out for him, my hand landing on his shoulder. I kissed his cheek, scent marking him, and let him lead us to the couch.
“Do you guys have Valentine’s Day traditions?” Rian asked.
“Oh, thank god,” West said, his voice lighting up. “I’m free.”
“You are not,” Ember snapped. “You’re coming with me.”
“Nope, I need bonding time with Ben and Rian.” West sounded gleeful.
Ember chuckled. “No fair.”
“What are we talking about?” Rian pulled blankets around us. My favorite part of the day was when we were all on the couch together, relaxing.
“Every year, Ember’s family does Galentine’s Day,” West said. He adjusted the blanket, and his sweet milk and honey scent teased me. “And every year, I am forced to go.”
“They’re your family too,” Ember said with a huff.
“They are. But Stella, Luna, and Sunshine’s packs are all staying home for Galentine’s Day. You would never leave me home alone, but…”
“But you’ll have Rian and Ben,” she finished. “Alejandro has to work; I already asked. We can do our own romantic dinner on a different night.”
“That sounds good, then.” Rian perked up. “Ember gets to spend time with her family, we get guys’ night out, and…poor Alejandro.”
The alpha in question came through the door. We all looked at him.
He laughed. “What?”
“You have to work,” I said. “On Valentine’s Day. We’re mourning your ability to attend guys’ night out.”
Alejandro’s scent shifted a bit, even though it was subtle.
“It’s okay,” I said quickly. “We’ll do it another night and then you can come.”
“No, it’s fine.” He sighed. “I’m sorry I can’t be here for the romantic dinner.”
“You will be,” Ember said incredulously. “We’re not going to have Valentine’s Day without you. I’m going to see my family the day before, and the day of, hide from all the people leaving the house.”
“Really?” The alpha sounded relieved.
“Yes, we hate leaving the house on the day of as well,” I said, giving a mock shudder. “Too many people.”
“That’s great, then. I could cook us a nice dinner on my next day off. Whatever we want. Or we could go out to eat.”
Ember and Alejandro discussed food until we were all hungry and raided the kitchen for leftovers.
I curled next to Rian, nudging my omega. He seemed much more relieved through our bond.
“You were right,” he muttered.
“I’m always right,” I said smugly.
“You are not,” he hissed.
I pulled him into a kiss to prove a point, but he managed to climb into my lap and one thing led to another.
We took our spicy times to the nest, and afterward I lay there panting, wondering at my good luck.
We were a pack; I just knew it. We were meant to be. I didn’t care if we bonded this year or ten years from now. We were meant to be together, and I’d jump through whatever hoops it would take for Ember and West especially to trust that I wasn’t going anywhere.
The only thing left to do was let time take its course.