Chapter 20
Violet
I walk into the Hearty Bean a few hours later with a fresh mate mark on my neck and a flush to my cheeks.
Nolan’s hand is laced in mine, pulling me inside as the little bell above the door dings.
Everyone in the shop looks our way, and I snuggle into Nolan’s side, feeling a little out of place.
Since coming back to Snow Valley, I’ve spent most of my time tucked away with the guys at our place, enjoying the new pack life or with my friends.
We haven’t been out much, and I haven’t seen even half the town yet. The guys plan on taking me out tomorrow to show me some of the good places around and do a bit of shopping. Today, the guys are at work and I opted to hang out here, maybe go for a walk and do some exploring by myself, depending on how I feel. The guys felt like the cafe was more suited to me than a hunting goods shop. And I’d have to say, I’m inclined to agree.
Macy grins when she sees us, but her eyes drop to my neck, and she gasps. She rushes around the counter and over to us. “Oh my god!” She puts her hand to her mouth and looks up at Nolan. “No way.”
Nolan grins, wrapping his arm around me. “Yup.”
I smile, unable to help the blush. “Congratulations! First a baby, now a mate mark. Girl, I’m jealous.”
“Thanks,” I laugh. “I’m pretty happy about it.”
“I’d hope so,” she responds playfully. “You couldn’t have picked a better pack.”
“I agree.” I smile up at Nolan before planting a kiss on his cheek.
“You know, you wouldn’t be jealous if you gave those boys a chance,” Nolan says, raising a brow.
Macy shoots her cousin a glare. “You. Shut it.”
He raises his hands in surrender before turning to me. “I’m going to let you two ladies chat while I head back to the office to do some work.” Nolan takes my chin between his fingers. “Are you going to be okay?”
“Yes,” I laugh. “I’m a big girl. I’ve gone this long on my own; I can handle myself.”
“I know that.” He nips playfully at my lips. “But that doesn’t mean you have to. Not anymore.”
My heart clenches at his words and he kisses me softly. “I love you,” he whispers against my lips.
“I love you too.”
“Ugh, you two are so cute it’s disgusting,” Macy mocks, making a gagging sound.
“Brat,” Nolan laughs, making sure to mess up her hair as he passes by.
“Asshole!” she shouts.
“Love you too, little cuz!” he sing-songs.
I’m grinning ear to ear at their interaction.
“I love him, but sometimes I want to strangle him. He’s like the older brother I never wanted.”
“I wouldn’t know,” I say with a content smile. “I’m an only child.”
“I’m partly envious of you,” She sighs. “Okay, that's mean. I love my brothers. They’re my world. But, fuck me, it’s hard to raise two hormonal boys.” She looks down at my belly and grins. “Maybe you’re going to find out how that feels for yourself soon.”
I bite my lip, smiling as I place a hand over my belly. “Nolan thinks it’s a girl.”
“I bet he does,” she laughs. “Just thinking of those men with a little girl. Heart, explode. I’ve seen Aiden with Aubry. It’s downright adorable.”
Aubry is Aiden’s niece, his sister Tessa’s daughter. His sister has been calling his phone nonstop, demanding to meet me. But he’s been brushing her off because he doesn't want to overwhelm me. He thinks that too much, too fast, is going to scare me away.
I think the mate mark on my neck is proof enough that I’m not going anywhere.
“Speaking of family, do you have a moment?”
“For sure.” She nods, and we move over to an empty table.
“So, Nolan’s birthday is this Saturday, as I’m sure you know.”
“Yup.” She nods.
“I’m new, and I don’t know... well, anyone but you.” I laugh. “So I was hoping you could help me put on a surprise party for him.”
Her brows jump. “Ah, babe. I don't think that's a good idea. Nolan doesn’t really like celebrating his birthday.”
I chew on my lower lip, wondering how much I should tell her. Nolan told me how he felt in confidence, but this is his cousin. He trusts her. So I can, too.
“Actually, that's just what he wanted everyone to think because of his parents.”
Her brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“I don’t want to get into the nitty-gritty details, but trust me when I tell you, he’s lying about not wanting a party. He does. And I want to give him his first party since he was a little kid.”
“Damn, Violet,” she sighs. “You even have me falling in love with you.”
I burst out laughing, shaking my head. “So, will you?”
“Fuck yeah.” She slams her hands on the table. “Let’s do this!”
“I could have just made us supper at home,” Aiden grumbles as we get out of the car.
“I know, but we’ve spent so much time cooped up in the house. I wanna get out more, see the town. You promised to take me exploring, remember?” I laugh as Nolan and Thomas move around the car to join us as we start walking towards The Hearty Bean.
“We’re sorry about that,” Thomas interjects. “We kind of just enjoy having you all to ourselves when we’re not working.”
It’s been a few days since I officially bonded with Aiden and I’ve been itching to do the same with Thomas. But between the guys working long hours and this pregnancy kicking my ass, even for being only fifteen weeks along, we’ve all been tired. Thankfully, that should change soon because Aiden and his crew are wrapping up the big project up at the ski resort, and Thomas is almost done shifting inventory around for the new season.
As for Nolan, his job isn’t as demanding as our Alphas, so I spend more time with him. I think our Alphas are a little jealous.
That's why I insisted on hanging out with Thomas at his work tomorrow, just the two of us, to see him in action. I haven’t been to his shop yet.
“And I’ve enjoyed every moment of it too.” I smile up at him. “A few hours out of the house isn’t going to hurt.”
“It might a little,” Aiden mutters.
“Oh, come on,” I laugh, tangling my fingers in his as Thomas throws his arm over Nolan’s shoulder. “No being a grumpy ass today.”
He gives me a playful glare and I smile, rolling my eyes.
“Huh,” Nolan says, looking around the parking lot. “Bean seems to be busy today.” He observes, shortening the cafe’s name as he often does.
My stomach swoops with nerves. In two days, Macy was able to help me put together a little party at the cafe and invited their friends and Aiden’s family. Apart from Macy and her brothers, Aiden’s family was the only family they really have. Thomas doesn’t have much of a relationship with his parents and Nolan doesn’t have one with his at all. He kind of talks to his brother, but not often. I didn’t know if we should have invited them or not, so I left that up to Macy to decide.
Nolan and Thomas reach the door first and pull it open. The little bell goes off, announcing to the room that we’re here.
“Happy Birthday!” the whole room erupts in cheers.
“What the–” Nolan starts. My heart races as I watch the emotion on his face.
His eyes widen as he looks around, taking in the crowd of people.
“Happy Birthday, big cuz,” Macy says, coming up and giving Nolan a hug.
“Thank you.” He pulls back. “What is all this?”
“A birthday party, duh.” She rolls her eyes.
“I know that... but...”
“That would be thanks to your Omega,” Macy says. “Little birdy told me you don’t actually hate parties?” Macy crosses her arms, giving her cousin a once over.
Nolan’s eyes snap over to me. “You did this?” he asks, and I’m so damn relieved he’s not pissed. I nod. He’s over to me in a flash, and I gasp when he cups my face, bringing his down to crash his lips into mine. I moan as he kisses me hard, packed with so much feeling I can’t help but sway into him.
“Fucking love you, you know that?” he whispers against my lips, voice a little choked up as he presses his forehead to mine.
Happiness swells in my chest. “I love you too.”
Nolan pulls me into a bone crushing hug, and I love every second of it.
“Hold up,” Aiden says, sounding confused. “You're telling me... you don’t hate your birthday?”
Shit. He sounds hurt. I don’t want this to cause any issues between the three of them. I just wanted to do something nice, to give my Beta something he’s been wanting for so long.
“Don’t be mad at him,” I tell Aiden.
“We’re not mad,” Thomas says, frowning. “But I’m confused.”
“How about we all sit down and talk about this later, okay? Right now, let’s just enjoy Nolan’s birthday.”
“Aiden!” an older woman interrupts, and I’m honestly glad for the interruption because I don’t want things to be awkward.
“Mom. Hey.”
Oh. Crap. His mom. Shit. I was so focused on the party, I didn't think about the fact that I was about to meet my Alpha’s family. His whole family, his mother, fathers, sister, and niece.
And now I feel like I’m going to puke.
Do they know I’m pregnant?
I know Macy said something the other week and people were around. How fast does news spread in small towns? Did it get back to his parents? Did he tell them himself?
Okay, Violet, breathe. Don’t freak out, you're only going to get yourself worked up.
An older woman with long brown hair steps forward. Aiden wraps his arms around her, embracing her in a hug. “I’ve missed you, my sweet boy.”
“I missed you too, Mama.” He kisses the top of her head and steps back. “Ma, I want you to meet someone very important to our pack.”
Aiden looks over at me, a nervous smile on his face as he holds out his hand. “Go,” Nolan whispers, chuckling softly as he gives me a little push.
I must have been frozen in place, too in my own head to move.
Taking Aiden’s hand, he pulls me to his side then wraps his arm around my shoulder. “Ma, this is our Omega, Violet. Our scent match.”
She gasps, eyes going wide, her hands shooting up to cover her mouth. “Oh my god!” She looks between me, her son, and the other guys. “For real?’
“For real,” Aiden chuckles, his hold on me tightening as he kisses the top of my head.
“This is so exciting!” she gushes, and I let out the breath I was holding. “Hello, dear. I’m Rebecca. It’s so nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too.” I give her the best friendly smile I can, when inside I’m a mess. There’s too many eyes on me right now. I’m used to being around a campus full of people, but it’s easy to blend into a crowd there.
Here, not so much. It’s a small town, and I’m guessing everyone knows everyone. Nolan mentioned that they weren’t ones to bring women into their pack, so having an Omega would be big news.
“Gonna tell her you're expecting a baby too?” A girl steps up. She’s taller than me, maybe around five seven with long brown hair that goes down to her waist. Her arms are crossed, and she’s giving my Alpha a not so impressed look. Shit. This is his sister, Tessa. I can tell by the fact she looks like a younger version of her mother.
“For fuck’s sake, Tessa,” Aiden growls, confirming who she is.
“Pregnant!” Rebecca’s eyes widen comically. “No way. You're having a baby?”
“Yes,” Aiden growls. “And I was about to tell you before big-mouth back there opened hers.”
Tessa’s unimpressed look turns into one of amusement as she flips off her big brother.
“This is so exciting.” Rebecca claps her hands. “Another grandbaby. I’m so happy for you all.”
“Thank you, Mom,” Thomas says, stepping forward to kiss the woman on the cheek.
“We’re over the moon.” Nolan embraces his mother-in-law. She kisses both men back on the cheek and sighs happily before her eyes find mine.
She steps forward and takes my hands in hers. The motherly look in her eyes has mine tearing up as she stares back at me with so much warmth. “You have no idea how happy I am. These are good men.” She gives my hands a little squeeze. “They will treat you well, give you everything you could want. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.”
“Thank you,” I tell her. “And I know I won't.”
She steps even closer. “Thank you for coming back.” Her voice cracks as she says it, right alongside my heart. “I couldn’t handle seeing my son hurt like that. Thank you so much for returning.”
Do not cry, do not cry. I give her a watery smile. “There’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”
Her eyes drop to the mark on my neck and a cheeky grin pulls on her lips. “Well, son, I see you work fast,” she laughs. “An Omega, a baby, and a mate mark all within a few weeks.”
My cheeks flush and Aiden chuckles. “What can I say? I want what I want.”
Thomas pulls me into his arms, wrapping them around me so that my back is to his front.
“Hi.” Tessa steps forward. “I’m this one's pain in the ass,” She chuckles.
“Boy, is she ever,” Aiden adds.
“Oh, piss off. You love me.”
“Unfortunately,” Aiden mutters, and I grin at the banter between the two of them.
Tessa steps toward Aiden and flicks his chest. “Asshole.”
I roll my lips together, trying not to grin as he gasps at his little sister. “Really? What are we, five?”
“You wish. What are you, like sixty? Old man.”
“Hey!” a man not far behind Rebecca grunts. “Sixty is not old.”
A few chuckles break out around us.
“You little shit.” Aiden pulls Tessa to him, wrapping his arm around her and holding her still so he can start giving her a noogie.
The two of them look ridiculous, and I can’t help but laugh. My heart warms seeing my Alpha with his family like this.
“Mama!” a little voice shouts and they all stop. Tessa huffs, shooting her brother a glare before smoothing out her hair.
“Hey, Bug. Sorry about that. Me and Uncle Aiden were just playing around.”
I look down at one of the most adorable little girls I’ve ever seen, her hair the same color as her mama’s and grandmother’s but hers is wavy. She crosses her arms and looks up with her adorable little nose scrunched up. “No hurt Uncle Denny.”
Aiden snorts out a laugh. “That's my girl.” He bends down and picks her up. She laughs with a squeal as he brings her into his arms and peppers her with kisses until she’s a giggling mess.
Yup, there go my ovaries. If I wasn't already pregnant, I sure as hell would be now.
My heart clenches as I picture him just like this with our own daughter.
“Okay. I’m gonna remember that, Aubs,” Tessa huffs, glaring playfully at her daughter. But she cracks a smile because how can you not?
Seeing this nearly seven foot big blond mountain man being a teddy bear with an adorable little girl is everything.
“Makes your heart turn to goo, doesn't it?” Thomas asks, his voice a low rumble in my ear.
“Yes,” I whisper back.
“Gonna be us soon.” He kisses my cheek, placing his hands on my belly. My eyes flutter closed, and I lean back into him. Having his arms around me makes me feel safe and loved, calming any nerves I had before.
I could get used to this Alpha’s-magical-touch thing.
An hour later, I’ve met the most important people in my pack’s life. Aiden’s dads, Macy’s little brothers, Tessa’s daughter, Aubry, and a few townspeople who see the guys as family. Most of them are older couples that watched the boys grow up. Jim and Betty, who own the grocery store where Nolan and I met; Ricky and Millie, owners of the bakery that supplies the cafe with sweet treats—it’s due to them that I’m worried I’m developing a pastry addiction from how many I’ve eaten today—and there’s Lenny who owns the bar.
The gathering is small and intimate, but by the look on Nolan’s face, it’s perfect.
“I wish we knew,” Aiden sighs as he comes and joins me where I’m sitting by the window watching Nolan talking, smiling, and laughing, which fills my heart so damn full.
“That he didn’t really hate his birthday?” I ask, pulling my eyes away from my Beta.
“He didn’t say anything.”
“I can’t speak for him—that is something you three are going to have to talk about. But I think he felt like if he didn’t say anything, he wouldn’t be disappointed if nothing happened.”
“What do you mean?” His brows furrow.
“If you forgot or didn’t get him something, it would hurt less if he let you believe he didn’t like his birthday.” Aiden goes to open his mouth, but I shake my head. “Talk to him about it.”
Aiden blows out a breath and nods. “We will.” Nolan laughs and we both look his way. “Look at him,” Aiden says, pulling me into his lap, unable to keep his hands off me. “You did that, baby. You made him so happy.”
“We did.” I look up at Aiden. “All of us. Together.”
Aiden kisses me, placing his hand on my belly. “All of us.”
The bell over the door chimes, catching our attention.
As soon as my eyes land on the woman in the doorway, my stomach sinks and nausea rushes through me.
“What the fuck!” Aiden snarls, his arms holding me tighter
My eyes take in the woman. She looks different than the last time I saw her. Not that I got much of a look, seeing as how I was running out of the cabin with a broken heart.
Her belly is gone, and she’s dressed in a pair of jeans, sweater, and a lavender puffer vest. Her hair is styled on top of her head in a messy bun.
“Hey, everyone!” she says cheerfully.
The whole room goes silent.
Her face falls, but I can’t see how everyone else is reacting because I can’t take my eyes off the woman who tried to take everything away from me.
My fists clench, my breathing picks up, and all I want to do is go over to her and punch her in her stupid face.
She makes it worse when she continues to talk. She forces a smile on her face and laughs. “A party, and no one invited me. I’d have to say, I’m pretty hurt.”
“Why the fuck would you be invited?” Macy growls, and I finally look away to see her stepping out of the crowd of people who are all staring at Sylvia.
Sylvia huffs, putting her hands on her hips. “Seeing how it’s a party for one of my pack members, I’d say that makes it my right to be here.”
My stomach sinks as my heart pounds in my chest. I feel like I’m going to puke.
“Oh, girl, you’re fucking delusional,” Macy scoffs with a laugh, looking ready to beat her ass. But Nolan steps forward, pulling Macy back. “Don’t. She’s not worth it.”
“Aww, Nolan,” Sylvia coos. “You're so sweet.”
“Sylvia, what the hell are you doing here?” Thomas growls, his voice sharp.
Her eyes flick over to my Alpha. My fucking Alpha, and she gets this dreamy look on her face that makes me want to claw her eyes out. How dare she look at my Alpha like she wants to fuck him here and now.
I can feel Aiden vibrating behind me, his chest rising and falling quickly as he holds on to me for dear life, like he’s afraid I’m going to run away again. Tears sting my eyes when he leans in and whispers. “Don’t believe anything she says,” his voice cracks. “It’s all lies, Violet.”
“I know.” I turn to look at him. I reach up and cup his face. “I know.”
He stares at me, hurt and worry burning bright in his eyes. I hate seeing that fear. I don’t want him to think that I’m going to leave when things get rough.
“Let me go,” I tell him and panic rushes through his eyes.
“No,” he growls out.
“Trust me,” I plead with him.
His eyes flick between mine, his breathing coming out ragged, but he reluctantly lets me go.
“Don’t be like that, Thomas.” She pouts. “I miss you, baby.”
And that's my cue to step in.
“Hi,” I say with a bright voice and big smile. “I’m sorry. I don’t think you were invited. This is a private, family event.”
Sylvia’s eyes snap over to mine and widen. She seems to recognize me before her face falls into a scowl. “I am family.” she snaps.
“No. See, that's where you're wrong, and we both know it.” I don’t get too close, not sure what she might do. I can feel my pack moving to stand behind me.
She snarls at me, then looks up at the guys. “Who is this?” she snaps. “Are you cheating on me? Really?” Tears well in her eyes. “I’m the mother of your child. Your son is at home, missing you.”
“Okay, that's enough.” I step forward. “Look, we know that’s bullshit. They are not your pack. They’re mine. I’m their Omega. Not you. Your son is not theirs. And at this point, you're making yourself look like a fool. Stop embarrassing yourself and move the fuck on, before I make you.” I deliver every word calmly and smile sweetly at the end.
“I’d think again about that one,” Tessa snaps when Sylvia takes a step. “Step towards her again, and I’ll give you a repeat of the time I kicked your ass in high school.”
Sylvia looks the guys over, then down to me. “Keep the Beta. I don’t want him anyways. But those are my Alphas.”
“Oh, fuck this shit,” I growl, fueled by anger. Maybe it’s a stupid move, but my emotions are getting the better of me, and I can’t just stand by here while this batshit crazy bitch keeps going on like this. Someone needs to put her in her place, and who better than my pregnant ass.
“Violet,” Thomas growls, but I ignore him.
I get into Sylvia’s face. “Get the fuck out. Stay the fuck away from my pack. And if you talk about Nolan like that again, like he’s nothing, I will rip those extensions out of your head. And if you don’t stay the fuck away from my pack, I know people who can make you disappear.” Okay, so I don't, but she doesn’t know that. “Nolan is one of the best men on this fucking planet. But you wouldn’t know because he’s not yours. None of them are. So, fuck off.”
Her chest heaves with every breath she takes. She’s pissed, and I know she wants to hit me. But she doesn't. Maybe she knows if she does, I’d have her arrested. Hell, part of me wishes she would so I could press charges on her. Maybe some time in county jail and a nice fine would be good for her.
“You’re a homewrecker,” she sobs. “I can’t believe you would do this to another Omega—take away their pack. It’s the worst thing a person could do.”
“You’re not a fucking Omega!” Tessa snaps.
“You know what, you're right. It is one of the worst things someone could do. And you're trying to do it to me. I’m their Omega, their scent match. And I have their marks.” I tilt my head to the side, making sure she sees the fresh mark on my neck.
Oh, shit. Maybe that wasn’t the best thing to do because she lets out this feral growl and lunges for me.
Thomas yanks me back, putting himself between me and the crazy chick. Thomas grabs her arm, and she whimpers. “I swear to god, Sylvia, if you fucking try to hurt my Omega again, I will fucking end you.”
Sylvia bursts into tears as Thomas drags her out of the cafe.
“Are you okay?” Aiden asks, turning me around to face him. He stares down at me with worry-filled eyes.
“No,” I mutter. “I was hoping I’d be able to kick her ass.”
Aiden blinks a few times before laughing in relief, pulling me into his arms.
“I hate her, Aiden. I hate her so much. You’re. Mine! Not hers.”
“Yours, baby. We’re yours. Your Alphas. Only yours.”
I didn’t realize how upset I was until Aiden’s arms surrounded me to stop the shaking while angry tears flow from my eyes. I’m on the verge of a panic attack and if I don’t stop it now, I’m going to start hyperventilating. I can’t believe that shit just happened.
“Shit. Baby, relax. I need you to relax. It’s not good for the baby to be this worked up.”
“I can’t,” I whimper. “I can’t.”
Aiden pulls back and grips my chin. I can tell by the look in his eyes that what he’s about to do is hard for him. “Omega, I need you to relax. Now,” he commands in an Alpha bark. My body snaps into action to do as my Alpha tells me, and I sigh, eyes fluttering closed as I lean into his arms.
“Thank you,” I whimper. “Aiden?”
“Yes, baby?”
“I wanna go home.” I bury my face into his chest, breathing in his campfire scent. “I need my pack.”
I know the only thing that will truly calm me down is going home and cuddling up with my pack. Just us, away from the world.
One of the spare rooms has been turned into a makeshift nest for me until we’re able to do more with it, but the guys have been so busy, we haven’t had the chance to do anything. Tomorrow, we will fix that, so until then, the pack bed with my pack scents surrounding me will be enough.
Nolan picks me up and I cling to him, burying my face into his neck. “I got you, Sweets,” he reassures. “I love you, so fucking much.” He brings his lips to my ear. “And watching you defend me like that—hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”
I laugh. But a wave of tiredness drags me down.
I can hear people talking all around me, but I don’t make out what they’re saying.
I’m not sure how much time passes, but the next time I open my eyes, I’m being placed into a car.
“Shhh,” Thomas whispers, kissing my forehead. “We got you, baby girl.”
The space next to me shifts, and peppermint and orange invades my nose. Shifting towards him, I cuddle into his side as he wraps his arms around me.
“I’m sorry,” I murmur.
“For what?” Nolan asks from my other side.
“For ruining your party.”
“You ruined nothing, Sweets. You gave me the best birthday of my life.”
“Really?” I say sleepily.
“Absolutely.”
That's the last thing I hear before I drift off to sleep in the comfort of my Alpha’s arms with my Beta by my side.