Chapter 15
SKYLAR
I’m releasedfrom the hospital two days later.
I slept most of the time, but I could occasionally feel a hand across my forehead or blankets being tucked under my chin.
I’m not sure if I can stomach seeing Landon or River after our fight.
I’m ashamed of how I behaved and what I said to them.
I threw a fit like a child and only proved them right.
What if they only felt obligated to look for me because that’s their job?
They could have been using that time to find April if I hadn’t gone missing.
Sure, they’ve visited at the hospital—but was it only out of guilt?
But then that doesn’t explain Vincent’s words or actions either.
It’s too much to think about, especially when I can barely stay awake as Tammy helps me gather my things.
More gifts have collected on the table, and I smile as I pick up another plush animal. This one is a black cat with a white mustache, wearing a tag that says WILSON.
I’ve always enjoyed stuffed animals. But the first time Jason came over, he scoffed at them when they were on my bed, so into the closet they went.
Almost thirty-year-old women don’t own stuffed animals.
“That’s from Landon,” Tammy says. “And the Siamese cat was from me.”
“They’re so cute,” I murmur. “Thank you.”
“I didn’t forget you liked them,” she says. “It’s one of the things I love about you.”
A pang of guilt hits my chest.
My smile fades. “I’m sorry,” I say suddenly. “I’m sorry she’s still missing.”
“Skylar,” Tammy chides. “Not now. Let’s get you home. All you need to focus on is getting better.”
“But—”
“I mean it,” Tammy says sharply, gripping my wrist. “One of my daughters is back. That’s all I need for now.”
I try my best not to cry.
I dozeon the car ride home and only wake up when Tammy parks her car next to the curb.
“So, here’s the plan,” Tammy says, because she always has a plan. “Devyn will stay with you, and you’re not going back to work for at least two weeks.”
I open my mouth to protest. Thinking about the café got me through that terrible month. I imagined new macaron flavors and recited the names of different roasts of coffees in my head while promising myself that if I got out, I would throw myself back into the café immediately.
“But—”
“And both of you will have security until this dies down.” We walk up the driveway, and I watch as she unlocks the door.
“Security? I don’t need security. Who?—”
“SKYLAR!” A high-pitched shriek comes from the house, and I’m immediately welcomed by a flurry of blonde hair and energy in the doorway. Devyn almost knocks me over as she throws herself at me. Tammy moves out of the way in time, and I return Devyn’s embrace as she sobs against my chest.
I can’t help it. Tears fill my eyes as I hold my friend in my arms.
“I’m so happy,” she gasps. “You’re here. I kept the café so clean for you!”
I bark out a laugh. “I’m sure you did.”
“And I banned that lady that said she found hair in her lemon bars. She was such a bitch,” Devyn laughs through her tears. “You would have loved it. She knocked over and broke a napkin dispenser as she left, so I mailed her a bill.”
I chuckle, my face hurting from smiling. “You did great,” I assure her, squeezing her tightly. Tammy starts to unpack my gifts from the hospital, placing them on the kitchen counter. “And thank you for all these gifts, by the way.”
She looks at Tammy, then back at me. “Oh,” she says, stepping back. “Most of those aren’t from me or Tammy.”
I frown. “They’re not?”
“Well, the coffee is from Ben, but the rest are from Landon, River, and the other guy. The hot old one.”
I look at Tammy, who raises an eyebrow at me.
“Vincent?” I ask, and Tammy nods.
“They’ve been amazing, Skylar,” she says.
Devyn looks at me with delighted eyes. “Skylar, they care about you so much,” she says earnestly, so sincere that I start to panic.
I can’t go there yet. After Vincent’s confession, I’m not sure how to feel.
Part of me wants to run to them. But the other part wants to hide in shame.
“I…” I look at Tammy helplessly, hoping she’ll change the conversation.
“We all care about you,” Tammy says smoothly, then turns to Devyn. “Honey, why don’t you help me organize all this for Skylar, and she can make herself at home.”
Devyn gives me a quick kiss on the cheek. “Missed you,” she says, then goes to help Tammy.
I’m back home.
It doesn’t feel real.
It’s been a month of that dirty mobile home, then days of the chemical, bleached smell of hospital.
“It looks nice in here,” I muse. I hadn’t cleaned before I was taken, but the floor is spotless, and throw blankets are folded neatly on top of my couch.
“These are new,” I say softly, dragging my fingers down the cream fabric. “And soft. Oh. Another gift?” I ask, looking up at Tammy. “Did you do this?”
But she smiles and shakes her head and Devyn shoots me a knowing look.
My heart aches.
One of the Alphas did.
It’s lovely. It’s the softest blanket I’ve ever felt besides my lavender nesting blanket. I have the urge to wrap myself in it and burrow into my bed.
Something else catches my eye as I glance around the room.
A delicate bouquet of lilacs that matches the flowers from my hospital room is perched on the side table next to the couch.
I catch other little differences in the front room. I used to keep my house bare except for the necessities.
But a long time ago, I enjoyed the extra touches. I loved the little luxuries that could turn a house into a home.
Did Landon and River do this?
Why would they?
I can’t wrap my head around it.
I enter the kitchen and look at the far corner of my counters, where my espresso machine used to be.
Bags of roasts that I’ve only heard about now line the backsplash. They’re decadent, and far too lavish for one person to have in their house.
And next to it…
“What?” I breathe as I approach the appliance. “There’s no way.”
The espresso machine in front of me is sleek chrome, with a price tag so obnoxious I would have never treated myself to it.
It’s lined up neatly against my extra bags of coffee, as if it was there the whole time.
“This is insane,” I whisper, as I reach out to touch the shiny steamer nozzle. “Why is this here?”
Devyn chuckles behind me. “You know why, dummy.” She wraps me in a hug from behind and squeals. “The guys asked me to help them out, and we gave your place a little revamp. It’s a welcome home present.”
My inner Omega peeks her head out from under her layers of shame, flabbergasted at the gifts.
“It’s nice to see your house look like a home again,” Tammy adds. “It hasn’t looked like that for a long time.”
But I don’t know to respond. I can’t match Devyn’s excited energy, or Tammy’s gentle patience.
I don’t deserve them.
I don’t realize I’m trembling until Tammy grabs my hands.
“Hey, Skylar,” she says, and I meet her eyes. “Breathe for me. You’re safe, and you’re home.”
I nod. I’m reminded of when Landon was here with me, telling me to take deep breaths. How his Alpha scent of forest and pine could ground me when nothing else could.
I miss him.
Tammy releases my hands and takes a step back. “What do you need, sweetie?” she asks, her comforting brown eyes assessing me. “Do you want to take a nap? Do you want some space?”
Devyn’s smile falls just a bit, and I realize the last thing I need right now is to be left alone.
“Is there anything else I should see?” I ask Devyn. “What else did you help the guys with?”
Her grin is back, and she leads me out of the kitchen and down the hallway. We pass the hall bathroom, and when we enter my room, I gasp.
I’ve seen luxurious Omega nests in magazines.
I’ve looked up different mood boards and taken quizzes to see which nest would fit me the best.
But I’m shocked at what I see.
“They did this part all by themselves,” Devyn says from behind me. “So, if you don’t like it?—”
“I love it,” I murmur.
Not even Jason did this for me.
My bed consists of silk lavender throws atop a cream comforter, surrounded by brand new plush pillows in dark purple and lilac.
It’s not just a nice mattress set.
This is a well thought out, intimate nest.
A dark purple weighted blanket is folded neatly at the foot of the bed. A silk eye mask sits on top of one of the pillows, waiting for me.
A full-length cream body pillow is underneath the normal sized pillows at the top of the bed.
Next to the weighted blanket is a neatly folded pile of thin blankets.
So much comfort and security.
It doesn’t just smell like Landon or River, either.
Vincent’s aroma is mixed in, creating an essence entirely new and addicting.
And it’s all in that bed, that nest that they made just for me.
“There are more nesting blankets in the closet, too,” Devyn adds. “In case you wanted to add to it.”
I open my closet door and tears fill my eyes.
“This is too much,” I choke out.
My closet is now filled to the brim with blankets, along with the softest robe I’ve ever felt in my life.
They’re the ultimate Omega luxuries.
I shut the door and turn back to Devyn, who looks at me eagerly until she sees my expression.
“It’s a lot,” she says gently. “But it’s not too much. This is what people do for you when they care about you, Skylar. Ben’s a Beta, and he still does it for me.”
“I…”
“But I can make a great nest,” John’s desperate voice whispers in my ear. “I can make the best one for you, I promise.”
I slam the closet door shut and lean back against it, breathing deeply. I dig my nails into my palms, and my gaze falls on the nest the Alphas created.
I’m not back there. I’m not in that dingy, musty, slick stained room.
“How does Ben make you a nest?” I ask Devyn quietly, unable to meet her eyes. “If he’s a Beta?”
“I tell him what makes me feel safe and what I like,” she says, shrugging. “What feels comfortable to me.”
I nod, taking in a shuddering breath.
“Did he…” Devyn starts quietly. “Um…Ben said they found Alpha pheromone cologne on him. Did he try to?—”
“He tried to make me a nest,” I blurt out, and Devyn’s eyes widen. “He thought he could make it with just some crappy blankets and his dirty undershirts.”
It feels good to admit some of it out loud, but I’m not looking forward to Devyn’s sympathetic face.
But instead, she wrinkles her button nose. “Ew.”
I choke out a laugh, a weight lifting off my shoulders. “It was disgusting,” I continue, a small smile on my face.
“His dirty undershirts? What do you mean?” Devyn cries, her mouth falling open.
I can’t stop laughing as I sit on my bed. I run my fingers over the textures of the nesting blankets as I give Devyn more details. “It was foul. They smelled like onion chips.”
“Holy shit!” she exclaims, but she catches herself, covering her mouth. “I’m sorry,” she mumbles. “I’m not laughing at what happened. I don’t mean it like that?—”
“No, I know,” I say. “It was so bizarre that I have to laugh at it, if that makes sense. Talking about it like this helps.”
Devyn removes her hand from her mouth and sighs. “Skylar, what the hell?”
I shake my head. “I know.” I run my hand through my hair, pushing it away from my forehead. “I never thought I’d come back home. I really didn’t. And now that I’m here…” I grip a thick nesting blanket and swallow. “It doesn’t feel real. Like I’m going to wake up back there.”
My friend bites her lip and takes a step closer to me. “But you won’t,” she says gently. “Could I sit with you? Or do you want space?”
I nod. “Just don’t get under the covers,” I say jokingly. “Or frolic around on it while you’re in Heat.”
She snorts, and I scooch aside so she can join me at the edge of my bed. “I know Tammy probably told you, but I’m staying here,” she says. “I’ll sleep on the couch. And I’m supposed to tell you that Ben needs you to give a statement, eventually.”
I swallow nervously and nod.
I don’t want to talk to anyone about what happened. I can mention bits and pieces, but to relive everything feels impossible.
It makes me want to climb into my new nest and shut out the rest of the world.
“Okay,” I murmur. I stare down at the blankets, twisting the fabric in my hands.
“Also, they never stopped looking for you,” Devyn says. “Vincent, River, and Landon were working nonstop. Landon rescued Omegas, River was beating up drug dealers, and Vincent was running background checks on everyone that was around you. I’ve never seen anything like it. They turned your house into a detective headquarters.”
I perk up. “They stayed here?” I ask, surprised.
Devyn nods. “Sometimes they did. It’s like they wanted to always be connected to you. Ben said they had a government stipend for hotel rooms, but a lot of the time they would just meet up here. They barely slept.”
My heart aches in my chest. “Oh,” I breathe.
It’s impossible to imagine all three of them would spend that much effort on me.
“They’ve kept an eye out on me, too, and not just because I’m an Omega, but because I’m your friend,” she adds. “Just because I’m important to you. And they checked on Tammy, too.”
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude as tears prick at the corners of my eyes.
Not only were they looking for me, but they took care of the people I cared about.
Jason never did that. He wouldn’t even get Tammy a Christmas present.
“And April,” Devyn adds quietly. “They are still looking for April.”
My stomach sinks.
“Oh,” Devyn whispers. “I shouldn’t have brought her up. I’m sorry.”
I shake my head. “No, I need to know all of this,” I say. “You’re just getting me up to date.”
“Yes, but that’s enough for now,” Tammy says, and I look up to see her standing in the doorway, her features soft. “You need rest. We can discuss this tomorrow. You’re safe now, Skylar. And we’re all here for you.” She shoots a Devyn a look. “I need a moment alone with Skylar, Devyn,” she says gently.
“Sure,” Devyn chirps, leaving the room and shutting the door.
Once Devyn is gone, Tammy gestures at my bed. “May I sit?” she asks.
I nod.
The bed dips with her weight, and I stare at the threads in the blankets.
“Did Devyn already tell you that you’ll need to give a statement soon?” she asks quietly, her voice laced with sadness.
I swallow. “Yeah,” I whisper.
She sighs. “I’m so sorry, honey,” she says, taking my hand. “I’m sorry for what you’ve been through.” Her voice breaks, and I turn to look at her.
She’s too kind to me. Her own daughter is missing, but she still sheds tears for me.
I shake my head. “No, I’m sorry,” I counter. “I’m sorry you have to endure all this. And April?—”
“If you apologize one more time, Skylar, I’m going to tape your mouth shut,” she says, giving me a sad smile. “You have been through hell in the past month. Focus on healing and nothing else. Take care of Skylar. That’s what will help me, sweetheart. As long as one of my babies is safe.”
I don’t even realize I’m crying until Tammy pulls me into a hug. She holds me as I weep into her shoulder, her hand rubbing soothing circles across my back.
I’m almost thirty years old, but I cry in her embrace like a child.
“We’ll get through this,” she promises me. “We will.”
I nod.
“And look.” she adds gently, “Do you see how many people care about you? You have a good friend that’s staying here, you have three handsome men that have burned the earth down looking for you?—”
I choke out a laugh. “I don’t even know where we stand,” I sniffle into her shoulder. “I kicked them out the last time they were here. I said some awful things to them.”
She strokes my hair. “So? You’re human. It happens.”
“And that’s their job,” I argue weakly. “They find people. They were just doing their job,” I insist.
“Hmm. Was it also their job to do all this?” Tammy lifts her hand to gesture around the room. “They created a safe space for you to come back to. Last time I checked, that’s not what detectives do.”
I don’t answer.
“And I heard that one of those men came out of retirement for you,” she says knowingly. “Does that seem normal to you?”
Vincent.
“No,” I mumble in defeat. “It doesn’t.”
“What about keeping watch outside your house?” she continues.
I lift my head from her shoulder. “What?” I sniffle.
“I told you earlier. You have security now,” she says, wiping a tear from my face. “Those Alphas won’t leave your side, Skye. They’re taking turns watching over you. I think River’s shift is tonight.”
My mouth falls open. “What?”
“Yes.” Tammy’s face lights up at my expression. “People want to take care of you, honey. Let them for once.”
“What do you mean, his shift is tonight?” I repeat dumbly.
She looks at her watch. “He should be here any second,” she says, smiling.
River’s coming. He will be here.
“I…so…do you like him?” I ask, unsure of her response, but desperate for her approval.
“I like all three of them,” she says, shrugging. “How could I not, when I see how much they care for you?”
I tentatively return her smile. “Yeah, I guess,” I say sheepishly.
Tammy wraps me in a hug. “We’re going to get through this,” she promises me. “One day at a time. You’re not alone, Skylar. Remember that.”
I lean into her embrace. “I’ll try,” I say softly.