Chapter 25 #2
“You’re right,” I say. “I would love to adopt him, but…I’m not sure I could handle all the worries I would have about him.”
“The stuffed animal is awesome,” Ivan says. “I’m kind of pissed you had such a great idea, Logan.”
I turn to Ivan, chuckling. “There’s no competition. You just remade my nest for me!”
“And I fed you sushi,” Fang adds, smirking. “And dyed your hair. So, I guess I won.”
“There’s nothing to win! You already have me,” I laugh.
“I promise, there’s no competition. You’re all so important to me.
And maybe I didn’t show it before, but I’m so, so grateful for the three of you.
” My throat closes up, and a wave of gratitude washes over me.
“I’m so honored to be your scent match.”
“We’re honored too, baby,” Ivan says easily, grinning. “Even when it gets hard, just talk to us, okay? We have a built-in purr for a reason.”
“My chest buzzes for you,” Fang adds. “Don’t be afraid to use it.”
“In some studies,” Logan says excitedly, “Alpha purrs have been shown to increase serotonin in Omegas. We’re biologically made to help with your moods.”
I nod, then flop stomach first onto the bed, letting out a pleased groan.
“Oh, this is amazing,” I murmur as the soft fabrics rub against my bare arms. Dressed in a tank shop and sweatpants, goosebumps pebble on my skin as I feel the material.
My inner Omega squeals in delight as all the Alpha scents swirl around me.
Another cramp throbs in my stomach, but I ignore it.
My Heat won’t be happening for a while. It’s stress that is making me ache.
“Glad you like it,” Fang says. “Do you want privacy while you’re in it, or…”
I know what he’s asking.
The three of them are staying tonight—and if I request it, they’ll all sleep in my living room if I need time alone.
“No. I’d like us all together.”
And that’s how we end up, the four of us cramped in my bed, three different frequencies of purrs vibrating around me.
I throw my leg over Logan and rest my head on his chest while Fang spoons me from behind. Ivan is on the opposite edge of the bed next to Logan, already falling asleep.
It’s cozy and welcoming, and I’m too tired to do anything with them but cuddle.
Even if the steady ache of cramps is still present, the only thing I crave right now is closeness.
Logan tenderly runs a hand through my damp hair, playing with the locks.
“I always thought your hair was so pretty,” he says quietly. “The first day I saw you, I couldn’t stop thinking about how soft it looked.”
“The first day you saw me, you looked at me like I was crazy,” I chuckle.
“I was overwhelmed and shy. I’m still shy around you, sometimes.”
“Your shyness is endearing. I promise.”
We lie in silence for a while, until both Ivan and Fang are gently snoring. I make pointed eye contact with Logan at the realization, and he chuckles quietly.
“Nest building is hard work,” I whisper. “Believe me, I know from experience.”
“Apparently.”
I begin to doze, my body relaxed and safe. I press my ear to Logan’s chest, listening to his heartbeat, recalling our conversation earlier.
“You’ve seen a lot of anxious animal parents in your career, right?” I ask slowly, as an idea forms in my head. It pulls me away from the lull of sleep, and my excitement builds, bringing me back to awareness.
“It depends. If it’s a routine checkup, usually not. But when there is something seriously wrong, yes. Or we have the overprotective, nervous parents. Or the kids, like that little boy you saw the other day.”
“You were so sweet with him,” I murmur.
“He was scared, and I told him it was alright to feel that way.” Logan kisses the top of my head.
“But I’ve seen it all, Maeve. I’ve seen people’s hearts break or their hope restored.
I’ve seen grief and happiness. Anyone that truly cares about animals will have some type of reaction when their pet gets sick. ”
“You’re kind, Logan. You have a big heart,” I whisper. “You’re gentle, but strong. And I see that.”
He’s silent for a moment. “I…thank you,” he stammers softly. “That’s a very nice thing to say.”
“It’s a true thing to say. I have no reason to lie to you. If I didn’t think you were a good person, I wouldn’t be cuddled on you right now.”
“But we’re scent matches.”
“Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I would let you into my nest. I want you here because you’re you.” I tilt my head up to meet his gaze. “I like Logan, the quiet guy that reads medical journals for fun and can talk about the injustices rock doves have faced for an hour straight.”
He huffs. “I appreciate that you call them that,” he adds. “And that you didn’t look at me like I was crazy when I told you about them.”
“Why would I? That information is important to have. It’s good to spread awareness. Like I said, you have a big heart.”
“I’ve cried about them,” he admits quietly. “And I couldn’t explain to anyone why. I wish…I wish I had known you back then. Maybe we could have talked about it, and you wouldn’t have judged me.”
“I cry at the hypothetical of something being wrong with a cat. So yes, I think I would have understood.”
An image of the three orange girl cats flash in my mind, along with Taylor’s words when she adopted them:
I just wish there was a pet owner support group I could have gone to.
“What do you think about the rescue offering some type of support group for animal lovers?” I ask. “Maybe a group where people can come together and talk about their pets? And maybe we could even incorporate the kitten therapy?”
I’m almost positive Piper and Blair would sign off on something like that, but is the idea even a good one?
I know I’m not the only one that worries about pets, and maybe Taylor would want to come.
Logan’s fingers freeze in my hair. “I think,” he says slowly, “that that could be something incredible.”
“Hell yeah, babe,” Fang croaks next to me. “My smart girl.”
“You’re supposed to sleeping,” I whisper back.
“I was, but you both won’t stop talking.”
Ivan lets out a giant yawn. “Cat shaped stress balls would be good merch, too. Piper was telling me about them. I was going to order you some, but I think having them custom colored would be even better.”
My eyes widen. “Yes! And we could give them out at the clinic!”
“That’s empowerment, babe,” Fang adds. “Facing your fears like a badass.”
“It’s a really, really good idea,” Logan adds softly. “Not only are you helping yourself, but you’re also helping others by providing them support.”
I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face.
This is the answer I’ve been hoping for. This is the tool I can use to get me through those moments where it seems like the world is ending.
By helping others, I can help myself.
I can sense the pride in the room from the Alphas. They bloom in the air, and I sigh contentedly against Logan’s chest, the relief in my soul palpable.
Their support makes me brave.
“I think I want to try moving to your packhouse for a bit,” I say slowly. “I think it’s a good idea. I only changed my mind out of fear, and I don’t want that to be the reason. I trust the three of you.”
“I would like that,” Logan says, his voice hoarse. “Very much.”
And suddenly, a weight is lifted from my chest.
I know I’m making the right decision.