Chapter 15
Violet
“Welcome to The Hearty Bean,” Nolan says as we step into the same little cafe the girls and I were at yesterday. “My pride and joy.”
“You own this place?” Jenny asks.
“Yup.”
“Nice.” Jenny nods in approval as we all find a table to sit at.
Nolan waves at a few of the customers as they greet him before turning to face me when we stop next to the table. “I’m just gonna pop in the back and make a few calls. I won’t be long. You girls order whatever you want, it’s on the house, of course.” He smiles.
“Thank you.” I smile back and sigh happily when he leans in to press a kiss to my lips.
“Be a good girl while I’m gone.” He winks and my cheeks flush, remembering the wink from this morning when he caught me watching.
During my shower, I gave myself my third orgasm within the span of an hour. There was no way I would have been able to go about the day without some relief.
Thankfully, by the time I was done showering and dressing, I was back to normal.
Nolan reminded the guys that they both had to go to work. They all wanted to take the day off, but because no one was expecting me back, they didn’t have the manpower for it on short notice.
Thomas has a big shipment coming in for his store today and needs to be there for that, while Aiden and his team are working on a big project for expanding the ski resort. He definitely needs all hands on deck for that one.
Nolan needed to make some calls but insisted on me coming with him and bringing the girls to keep me company. By the time we left, it was lunchtime, so it worked out perfectly.
We all take a seat at the table. “What does everyone want?” Jenny asks. “I’ll go order.”
“You don’t have to do that, we can do it ourselves,” I tell her, but Jenny raises a brow, telling me there’s no arguing with her on this one.
“You’re pregnant. Let me do it.”
I snort out a laugh. “Girl, I’m three months along, not nine. I don’t need people doing things for me just yet. Also, I’m pregnant, not disabled.”
“Mango smoothie and a chicken wrap. Got it.” Jenny nods, answering for me. I just sigh because she’s right. She knows me well enough.
“And for you.” She points to Rylee. “Same for you?” she asks, and Rylee nods.
“I’ll come with you,” Jenna says. “You girls okay on your own?”
“Dear god, woman, you are too much sometimes,” Rylee sighs. “You’re going to be right there.” She points to the counter. “Go away before we beat you up.”
The girls laugh and turn around, heading over to the young guy working at the counter.
“I swear they are so damn overprotective sometimes,” I sigh, looking at Rylee.
“We love it,” Rylee laughs.
“Yeah, we do.”
“Oh my god!” I jump, head snapping to the side to see the barista from yesterday slide a chair over to our table and sit down next to us.
“Uh, hi?” Rylee asks, laughing with a confused look on her face.
“Hi. I’m Macy.” She waves to Rylee, then turns her attention to me. “Did I see you kissing Nolan Wheeler?” Wheeler? Fuck, that must be the pack name. I’m going to need an official confirmation from Nolan when he comes back out. I can’t believe I still haven’t found that out. Just proves how new this all is and how we really need to get to know one another.
Thankfully, the guys are taking tomorrow off to spend the day with me. But still.
“Ah, yes? Is that a problem?” I ask, not really caring if it is. Nolan is mine; I’ll kiss him and my Alphas when and where I want.
“Nope.” She grins wide, shaking her head. “And did you say you were pregnant?” she squeals.
“Who are you?” I ask. Because it’s kind of weird that some stranger is getting excited over me being pregnant. I’m sure she knows Nolan, but she doesn’t know me.
“Shit, sorry.” She laughs. “I’m Nolan’s cousin.”
“Oh.” My eyes widen. “Then that changes a lot.” I laugh. “Yes, I’m pregnant.”
“Yes!” She fist pumps the air. “Girl, you have no idea how happy I am. That man is head over heels for you. And before you ask how I know that, I’ve been the one having to watch him and his pack mope with you being gone. Something I totally don’t blame you for. Sylvia is, well...” She sighs heavily. “Don’t let that girl get to you anymore. Anything that comes out of her mouth is a lie. She’s crazy.”
“I’ve come to understand that,” I answer. I’m not really sure how I feel about the guys having some unstable woman hung up on them. But I sure as hell am not going to let her scare me away. Again. At least I know the truth now. I can’t believe I felt bad for her at one point.
“Oh, this is amazing. I love babies. And god, that pack has been wanting this for so long. I’m so happy for you all.”
“Thank you.” I give her a genuine smile. I like Macy. She seems sweet a little energetic, or maybe that's because she’s excited. Plus, she’s from Nolan’s family, so she’s good in my book.
“Anyways, I have to get back to work. Just wanted to come over and officially introduce myself. I’ll be seeing more of you. Bye!”
“I don’t like her,” Rylee mutters as Macy walks away.
“What? Why?” I laugh. “She’s nice.”
“Yeah, too nice.” Rylee frowns. “You're moving here, leaving us, and going to become besties with Miss Chipper-Brunette.”
“Rylee.” My face softens as tears fill her eyes.
“No.” She waves me off. “No, I don’t mean to be a bitch.” She wipes at her eyes. “I’m happy for you. I am. I’m just going to miss you.”
“I’m going to miss you too.” My eyes sting. “And hey, my cabin is always open. If you want to move to Snow Valley, it’s yours.”
Her face brightens. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Jenny and Jenna come back, and we all eat, talking about what we’re going to do for the day.
“Tomorrow is skiing. Sad you can't come with us, though.” Jenna pouts.
“That’s okay.” I shrug. “I’m spending the day with my pack.” I pause for a moment before my face breaks out into a grin. “My pack. I have a pack.”
“Yeah, you do.” Rylee grins. “You deserve it, babe.”
“We’re gonna talk about everything baby related. Aiden wants to get me booked in with the OBGYN here in town right away. I’m so excited to finally be able to see the baby and hear its little heartbeat.”
“This is so exciting.” Jenny grins. “I can’t believe you’re gonna be a mom.”
“Me too.” I place my hand on my belly. “I thought I was broken for so long. I really did think I’d never have a heat, and no pack would ever want me.”
“Babe,” Rylee says, taking my free hand. “You weren’t broken, you just hadn’t met the right pack. Now, you’re with your perfect pack. The one meant for you. And no, it wasn’t easy, but everything happens for a reason.”
“Yeah.” I smile. “I think you’re right.”
“Sorry about that,” Nolan says as he walks over to us. “But it’s all done. I’m yours for the day.” He smiles down at me, making my heart flutter. He’s so handsome.
“Just in time. We just got done eating,” I tell him, standing up so I can wrap my arms around him. He sighs happily and kisses the top of my head, holding me to him.
“What did you ladies want to do today?” Nolan asks us.
“Adventure,” Rylee says. “Anything our girl can do with us.”
Nolan grins. “I have some ideas.”
An hour later, we’re outside the guys' place, all standing next to our snowmobiles, geared up and ready to go. I’m still not sure why he told us to bring our swimsuits. Maybe he’s taking us to the pool at the ski resort?
I didn’t question him, wanting whatever was about to happen to be a surprise.
“Ready, Sweets?” Nolan asks as he secures my helmet into place.
“Yup,” I say excitedly. I’ve always wanted to go riding on trails, and have some fun. It’s what the girls and I were supposed to do, but that trip didn’t work out. So I’m glad we’re getting to do that now.
“Good thing the guys aren’t here for this,” he laughs. “They would lose it; they’re so damn overprotective.”
“I kind of like it,” I admit. It’s what I’ve always wanted. Someone to care enough to be worried about me and my safety.
“Honestly, so do I,” he chuckles. “But with you being pregnant, they wouldn’t be so happy about the little adventure we’re about to go on, even though it’s perfectly safe. Trust me, I did my research.”
That has my curiosity spiking.
“Nolan?”
“Yes, my Sweets?”
“What’s your pack name?”
He pauses for a moment before laughing. “We’ve never told you, have we? God, that's sad,” he sighs. “Wheeler. You're a part of Pack Wheeler.”
“Violet Wheeler. I like it.”
He wraps his arms around me, placing his helmet against mine. “So do I,” he murmurs. A blanket of warmth settles over me, and my eyes tear up. This is going to take some getting used to. But I’m honestly in heaven right now, getting to be around them, to see them, to have their scents comforting me.
I’m so damn happy things worked out the way they did.
As we climb onto the snowmobile and take off, the girls trailing behind us, I start to miss my Alphas, wishing they were here with us. But then again, I could use this time to get to know Nolan better. Because I have a feeling soon, I won't be getting much one-on-one time with any of them. Not that I mind, I enjoy being around them as a pack.
Arms wrapped around Nolan, I squeal with happiness as we speed down the trails. It’s so pretty up here. The sun shines down on the snow, making it glitter.
It’s a winter wonderland.
After about a half hour, with a break or two in between, we pull up to a building.
We park, and Nolan shuts the engine off. “Where are we?” I ask, taking my helmet off.
“Is that steam?” Rylee asks as she and the other two girls join us.
“Yup,” Nolan answers, taking his own helmet off. I’m momentarily distracted as he runs his hand through his slightly sweaty hair. His cinnamon bun scent hits me in a wave, and I have to bite my lip to hold back a groan.
Quickly, I get off the snowmobile and act like I’m stretching out my body when really I need to take a step away to breathe.
“You good?” Jenna leans in, asking discreetly in a soft voice.
“Nope,” I sigh. “Damn pregnancy hormones are making his scent almost as strong as the Alphas.”
She frowns. “Is it making you sick?”
I snort. “No, horny.”
She bursts into laughter.
“What are you two laughing about?” Jenny asks.
“Nothing,” we both say quickly before shooting each other a grin. I’m gonna miss her. I’m gonna miss them all. That's why I need to enjoy my time with them as much as I can. Starting with whatever we’re here to do.
“This is the reason why I asked you all to bring your swim things,” Nolan says as we step through the door.
My eyes widen. “Holy shit.”
“Oh my god. Is this a hot spring?” Rylee asks with excitement. “I’ve always wanted to go to one.”
“Come on. Let’s get changed,” Jenny suggests.
Five minutes later, we’re walking back out to the pools wrapped in towels.
“Fucking hell, it’s colder than a witch's tit,” Rylee hisses as she quickly walks towards the water.
“What does that even mean?” I laugh as I rush behind her. She’s not wrong, though, it’s fucking freezing.
When we get to the pools, my eyes search for Nolan. I smile, my heart picking up its pace when I see him through the steam, already sitting in one of the smaller pools, away from the other people. For the most part, it seems to be empty. Another town secret, I guess.
Biting my lip, I make my way over to one of the chairs, leaving the girls to do their own thing. I can hear them chatting behind me, sighing in relief when they get into the water, but my attention is on Nolan.
He watches me, eyes heavy-lidded as I grip the towel covering my body and pull it open to reveal myself, only covered by a sexy little bikini. When I was grabbing a swimsuit, it was between this one and another one that covered far more of my body. I chose this one because the look in Nolan’s eyes was what I was hoping for.
Arousal, want, need. I feel sexy right now.
He watches my every move, shifting in his seat as I slowly make my way into the water. I watch him back, licking my lips, trying to hold back a smile.
He’s so attractive. His brown hair is wet, giving him that sexy out-of-the-shower look. My eyes trail over his arms where they lay on the stone wall behind him. His hands fist, as if he’s stopping himself from reaching out and grabbing me when I get close enough.
“Hey, you.” I smile as I go for it and straddle his lap.
“Mhhm,” he hums, his hands finding my ass, giving my cheeks a squeeze. “Hey, Sweets.”
“The water is nice.” I lower my body more, the water coming to a stop just below my breast, and I smile wide when I feel just how excited he is to see me.
“Don’t give me that look.” He chuckles, giving my ass another little squeeze. “You can’t expect me to see you in that sexy little number and not get excited.”
“Would we get kicked out if I were to fuck you right here?” I ask, taking him by surprise.
He groans, closing his eyes. “Fuck, Violet. Don’t tease me like that.”
I laugh because I’m only partly joking. But I won’t. Even if my body is screaming for him to do all the dirty things to me—friends and strangers be damned—I’d rather use this time with him to get to know him.
“Sorry,” I laugh while wrapping my arms around his neck, lacing my fingers together at the base. “I’ll be good. I promise.”
He narrows his eyes, his lip twitching with a smirk. “Really, now? Said the Omega, who got herself off two times earlier watching her Alphas take their Beta?”
“Three.” I wink.
He chuckles. “You naughty little thing. Got off in the shower, too?”
“Maybe.” I shrug.
We just sit there, enjoying the warmth of the water for a moment, eyes on one another as we just appreciate each other.
“So...” I start, playing with the hair at the base of his neck. “Tell me about yourself, Nolan Wheeler. I think it’s about time I get to know the men I’m starting a family with, don’t you think?”
“A family.” He smiles, eyes dropping to my baby belly. “I still can’t believe we’re having a baby.”
“Same.” I smile.
“We’re so excited, Violet.” He looks back up at me. “You're giving us our dream, you know?”
“I’m glad,” I whisper, my heart fluttering. “You're giving me mine too.”
“That's all we want—to make you happy, to give you what you want and need.”
“I want that too, you know,” I say. “I want you to know, you being a Beta, and having a relationship with the guys is not something I’m bothered by. I just wanted to get that out there. I know some Omegas are very territorial and don’t like to share. But that's not me. I just want everyone to be happy, you know? We love who we love, and I wouldn’t ever ask anyone to give that up.”
Fuck, his smile makes my belly swoop. “And that's one of the many reasons why I know we’re going to fall so madly and utterly in love with you, little Omega,” he murmurs.
My heart starts to beat faster and harder.
Love. It’s too soon to use that word, but I know it’s inevitable with my new pack. From the little I know about them already, I know they’re perfect for me. Everything I could want and more. Our start might have sucked, but I know our journey will be so much better, our future a lot brighter.
“So,” I clear my throat, emotions clogging it. “Tell me about yourself, Nolan Wheeler,” I repeat in a playful tone.
“Well...” He grins. “My name is Nolan Tyson Wheeler. I’m thirty-five, almost thirty-six, as my birthday is in a few days.“
“It is?” My eyes widen. “When?”
“April first,” he sighs dramatically.
“Oh no.” I cover my mouth, feeling bad for him but also trying not to smile.
“Yup. Trust me, growing up having your birthday on April Fools’ Day sucked.”
“Did the kids at school mess with you?” I ask, running my hands through his hair.
He groans, eyes fluttering shut. I smirk.
“Kind of. But the kids weren’t bad. It’s my family. One year, my dad thought it would be funny to make me think everyone forgot it was my birthday. I spent the whole day feeling like no one cared. And when I brought it up to them the next day, my dad laughed, said April Fools, and then everyone went on as if nothing happened.”
“Wait... so you didn’t get any presents or a party?” I ask, my smile dropping.
“Nope.” He runs his hands up and down my thighs. “I felt so much resentment towards them for a long time. Didn’t find out until I got older that it was because my parents couldn’t afford anything, and my stupid brother thought it would be a good solution rather than being honest. I would have understood, all that mattered was that I was spending time with my family.”
“How old were you?” I ask, feeling sorry for younger Nolan. That's messed up. I couldn’t imagine my parents being that cruel.
“Thirteen,” he answers, looking away. “After that, I didn’t have any parties, just a happy birthday and that's it. Because, according to them, I was a teenager now and was too old for those kinds of things.”
“What?” I gape at him. “That's bullshit. I’m twenty eight and the girls do something with me every year. After my parents died, birthdays weren’t something I really cared for because they sucked without them, but as soon as I went to Calling Wood and met the girls, that all changed. I had people to celebrate with again. I wasn’t alone.” I frown. “Did it change when you met the guys?”
“Kind of?” Nolan says. “I kind of ended up not caring about my birthday because it was just any other day to me at that point.” He gives me a guilty look. “Wanna know something even the guys don’t know?”
I give him a worried look. “Depends. Is it going to get me in trouble?”
“No,” he chuckles.
“Then, sure.”
“They think I hate my birthday. So once we started dating, they got me a gift, wished me a happy birthday and that was it.”
“But you just said you didn’t like them,” I point out.
“Yes and no,” he sighs. “It’s complicated. I said I didn’t care about them. Because why would I? It was depressing to spend it alone. But really, I used to love them. Back before my parents fell on hard times, we used to go all out. And it wasn’t even about what we did, it was the people I had with me, you know? My cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents. It was a day we all just hung out and enjoyed spending time with each other. When I got with the guys, it felt easier to brush it off as not a big deal because that’s what I was used to. But then as time went on, seeing Thomas and Aiden go all out for one another on their birthdays, I wished I was honest with them,” he explains with a hint of embarrassment. “Stupid, huh?”
“No.” I shake my head, leaning in and pressing my lips against his forehead. “Not stupid. It’s called childhood trauma,” I sigh. “We all have some.” I give him a sad smile. My heart breaks for him even more. There’s no way in hell this man isn’t getting everything he deserves for this birthday this year.
“That took a depressing turn,” he chuckles, trying to lighten the mood. “Let me tell you more happy things about me... like how I love to bake and cook, even though Aiden is the cook of the house. He likes to take care of the pack, so be prepared to have him ready and willing to please your every need.”
“On no. Sounds horrible,” I comment in mock horror.
He chuckles. “As much as I love it, it can also be a bit too much. I’m a Beta, I don’t need to be cared for in the way he craves it. Both he and Thomas are caretakers. You have no idea how excited they are to spoil you rotten.”
I bite my lip as I think about it. I kind of can’t wait to be spoiled. I’ve always been independent, but I kind of had to. It was hard to always have to do things on my own.
Eventually, I had the girls, and Jenny took the mother-of-the-group role, but it’s not the same. It’s different having an Alpha friend take care of you versus your pack Alpha. Your lover. Your scent matches.
The connection and bond can’t be compared. Even the simple act of Aiden making me food and Thomas making sure I’m fed felt so good.
“I can’t wait,” I reply. “So what kind of things apart from food do you like?”
“I like outdoors stuff, like camping, fishing, and hunting. Also, ATVs and snowmobiling. Oh!” his eyes light up. “Ever been skydiving?”
“No.” My eyes widen in horror.
“We’re gonna have to go some time. You know, after the baby is born.”
I want to tell him hell no that there’s no way he’s getting me in a damn plane. But the look of excitement on his face has me zipping my lips shut. He makes me want to at least try. It could be fun. And if I’m with him, why not?
“We can talk about that later.” I laugh nervously, and he tosses his head back, body shaking with laughter.
“You should see the look of horror on your face.”
“Hey.” I slap him playfully. “I’m considering it.”
“Really?” he asks, cocking his head to the side.
“Why not?” I shrug. “If it’s something you like.”
“Your fucking perfect, you know that?” he questions, grabbing the back of my head and pulling me down to him for a kiss. It takes everything in me not to grind down against him, and it’s bad enough that I’m sure my tampon is soaked with slick right now. I don’t need to be dirtying these hot springs with my bodily fluids.
Normally, I don’t wear them while swimming, but since becoming pregnant, I’ve been slicking a lot more frequently than normal. Hormones are a bitch, and so is my libido. That's why I sadly pull back from the kiss and keep the conversation going.
I find out his favorite color is blue. But not the normal blue. He describes it as a deep ocean blue, like when the waves mix together, creating different shades that come together as one. No idea what he means, but it sounds pretty.
I also find out he hates country music but loves metal and secretly loves Brittany Spears. I mean, who doesn’t?
He goes on and on while I listen, eating up everything he says. By the time he’s done, I feel like I’ve known him my whole life.
And he still knows nothing about me.
“Now you,” he encourages me, cupping my face as he brushes his thumb against my cheek. I lean into his touch as my eyes flutter closed. “Tell me everything there is to know about you, Miss Violet... What is your last name?”
I laugh, my eyes opening as I grin down at him. “Hart,” I tell him.
“Violet Hart.” He smiles. “I like Violet Wheeler just the tiniest bit better.” He winks.
“Me too.” I nip at his nose playfully. “Let’s see... My full name is Violet Rose Hart. Yes, I know, named after two flowers, crazy. That also became a nickname growing up by my parents.” I roll my eyes like it annoys me, but honestly, there’s nothing I wouldn’t give to have my mom wrap her arms around me in the morning as I’m getting ready for school and hear her tell me ‘good morning, my little flower’.
“Sweets, where did you go?” Nolan asks, and I blink a few times, shaking myself out of my thoughts.
“Sorry,” I say, forcing a smile. “Where was I? Right, I’m twenty-eight. My birthday is the fourth of July. So, you're not the only one who had to share their birthday with a holiday.”
“At least you get to share it with the birth of this country,” he points out.
“True.” I laugh. “But it’s not fun when no one can show up to your party because they have plans with their parents, so you have to do it the weekend before or after. I’ve never had a party on my birthday. We would always do a few gifts and a cake on it, but waited for family and friends to really celebrate it.” It’s still better than his, and I don’t want to make him feel bad and linger on it, so I keep going.
“I love bright pastel colors. But I also love retro vibes. And emo vibes. Oh, and pastel emo.”
“So, everything?” Nolan cuts in with a chuckle.
“Yeah, pretty much.” I grin. “I just hate the colors of the rainbow.”
He gaps. “How could you hate rainbows!”
“I don’t hate them.” I laugh. “I hate the basic colors of them, blue, green, red, that kind of thing. The shades of them.”
“Ahh, yes. Basic is boring.”
“Exactly!” I laugh. “I love all kinds of music, but it really depends on the song and the artist. I love to read. I love all things soft and fuzzy.” I frown. “That reminds me, is there a room for my nest? I don’t mean to be a drama queen, but I need a nest.”
“Don’t worry, Sweets. We got you covered. Actually, you should let Thomas take you shopping for your nest. But save the baby’s room for Aiden.”
“Deal.” I grin.
“I call your room, though. I feel like we’re going to be spending a lot of time in there.” He grins.
“Doing what?” I ask as I raise a brow.
“You dirty, dirty girl.” He chuckles. “Getting away from our overbearing Alphas. What did you think we would be doing? Having hot crazy sex?”
“I mean, we can’t?” I ask, pouting.
He leans in, taking my lip between his teeth, and pulls back until it pops free. “I think I could be convinced,” he murmurs against my lips.
“Hey, now. No public sex. You’re going to scare the nice old couple over there. Maybe give them a heart attack.” Jenny’s voice has me looking over my shoulder.
The girls come and join us.
“Nah, I bet they would love it, being the only action they probably get,” Jenna says with a laugh.
Rylee looks over at the couple. “I bet they still get freaky with it.”
“Gross.” I laugh, moving around so that I’m sitting with my back to Nolan’s front.
He wraps his arms around me, placing his chin on my shoulder and talking to my best friends as if they’re his own.
It makes me so damn happy to see my men and the three people who I’ve considered my family getting along.
Nolan places his hands over my belly, and all I can think about is the baby growing inside me. His baby, our baby.
We stay at the hot springs for a little while longer, taking a few breaks so as not to overheat before heading back down the mountain. We drop the girls off, making sure they’re safely back inside my cabin before heading back over to the guys' house.
Huh. If they’re my pack, would that make it my house, too? I don’t see myself staying anywhere but there now. The idea of being away from my pack just fills me with anxiety.
As we get off the snowmobile, Nolan and I are all smiles and laughs while we make our way into the house.
That is until we open the door and find two very pissed-off looking Alphas staring at us.
“Where the fuck were you?!”