Chapter 41 Tessa #4
I should be more like her. Just go with the flow.
Take a nap and make the best of our situation.
If everything was ruined tomorrow, at least we had today.
But… it couldn’t be ruined tomorrow. Because now?
Now I couldn’t imagine a life without Ryder, Dixon, Mac, and Tray.
They’d rooted inside of me, touching every shadowy corner of my heart and soul.
My heart beat a little faster and irrationally I needed to see my Alphas.
I needed to verify they were alive, even though I’d just seen them moments ago. Stupid brain. Stupid broken brain.
Yet, as if I’d been screaming for them soundlessly, they arrived back to the suite right as I began to spiral with anxiety.
“We’re out of mini marshmallows,” Dixon grumpily said, voice announcing his return a heartbeat before he came into view.
“That’s okay,” I sat up a little, propping the pillows against the headboard and trying not to jostle Josie too much. My pulse was still quickened. They’re right here. They’re fine. Stop being so silly. I told myself harshly.
“It’s definitely not.” Dixon scowled. “Hot cocoa is trash without the mini marshmallows.” He moved to the side of the bed, setting down the mug.
“Dixon, I spent my last sort of heat in a box on the streets. Hot cocoa served to me in bed is the lap of luxury.” I gave him a soft smile.
“And I don’t need anything. Just you guys.
Maybe…” I hesitated, would they think I was being dumb?
“Could one of you stay in the suite with me? I mean, don’t all leave at the same time. Please?”
God, that last word sounded so childish. I was being an idiot.
“I just mean that…” I swallowed, closing my eyes. Finally, I sighed. I was a grown ass woman. I didn’t need to be coddled. “I don’t know what I meant. Just ignore me.”
“Tessa, it’s okay. We thought you might like to be alone a bit. We’ve never taken care of an Omega in heat.” Dixon’s voice. Giant, smash-things-Dixon, who was such a gentle soul at heart.
“I don’t want to be alone.” I parted my lashes, eyes moist. Ugh. My damn hormones were so out of whack. Dixon’s expression was affectionate, his eyes holding a ‘knowing’ that assured me he wasn’t judging me for being needy.
At my words, Dixon crawled onto the mattress, getting close enough that he could kiss my cheek.
“You’ve not seen luxury yet, Tessa. Oblivion Haze’s Omega deserves the goddamn world.
And to answer your question, yes. One of us can always stay in the room with you.
And if you change your mind and do want to be alone, just say the word. ”
“I second that,” Mac’s silky, even voice sounded. “We’re here for you, Tessa. In any capacity you require.”
“Thanks,” I bit my lower lip, fighting the tears and losing.
One slipped out, tracing hotly down my cheek.
Dixon brushed it away with a gentle hand before shifting blankets and pillows to lay down beside me.
He stretched one arm over my body, below my breasts and being careful to avoid my aching stomach.
The weight seemed to anchor me back in reality.
This was real. Not a dream. My Alphas weren’t going to vanish.
Mac’s voice floated to me, and I blinked over at him.
“Take the heat pills before you try the cocoa. They’re supposed to dull the cramping and keep the fever manageable when it comes.
The water’s warmed a bit, but that’s better for you.
” Mac was on the other side of the bed now, leaning over to offer me two small white pills and a glass.
I took the items gratefully, swallowing the medicine and downing the liquid before handing the empty glass back to him.
“And, best for last,” Tray, who’d been hovering near the entrance, bounced over.
He almost sounded like a gameshow host as he spoke, maybe trying to lighten the mood which was a habit of his.
“Microwavable lavender and rosemary laced heating pad.” He crawled carefully onto the bed, tossing one knee over Dixon’s body to straddle him. “Can you lift your shirt, Tessa?”
“I’ve got it,” Dixon beat me to it, pulling up the silky top to expose my bare stomach.
Tray gently placed the almost too-hot velvety pad against my skin.
My knee jerk reaction was to ask him to take it off, but I endured the scorching feeling for long enough that the warmth began to sink in and actually feel nice.
After Tray made sure I was comfortable, he shifted away, choosing to lounge on the other side of Dixon with one leg tossed over his pack brother.
“Where’s Ryder?” I frowned, realizing we were one Alpha short.
“Here,” that wonderful smooth-as-honey voice that got raspy when he sang greeted my ears and made my chest flutter.
Ryder strode into the space, pushing a bar cart in front of him.
“Mobile pantry at your service,” he spun the cart to give me the side profile.
It was filled to bursting with chips, crackers, cookies, and more.
All the noise had woken Josie, and she meowed in annoyance.
Standing up from her pillow, she stretched and then padded over to Tray, hopping atop his body and beginning to knead her claws against his stomach.
He winced as her nails nicked his belly, and then he lifted her up into the air so she couldn’t cause more damage.
She hovered above him, paws still scrunching fruitlessly. Tray laughed. I laughed.
The world laughed.