Chapter 25 Aspen
Aspen
The Pine Ridge Gazette office was like something out of an old movie. There was an old worn-in desk in the front that I assumed was Grady’s, behind it were several smaller ones. They were clean, but well used.
Rows of metal shelves were lined with file boxes dated by year and a few by big events. I felt my fingers twitch, ready to open them up and learn all of their secrets.
Issues that must’ve been important to the Gazette’s history were framed and hanging on the wall.
Among them were plaques outlining past employees and their own accomplishments, like a proud papa displaying artwork on a fridge. Grady took pride in his people and it showed.
Cole’s name caught my attention, and I hurried over, my fingers ghosting over the plaque.
“You won a state award for your work?” I asked. Cole, who is never shaken by anything, ducked his head a little in embarrassment.
“Oh, my boy here knew how to write a good article,” Grady said, clapping my alpha on the shoulder before pulling him in for a hug. “Glad you could come with them. I’ve missed you. I can’t believe it’s been so long, but it takes years to build an empire, right?”
Cole chuckled, shaking his head. “Everyone keeps calling it that, but I still have a hard time believing that Pack & Co. counts as an empire.”
“It’s more than that,” Grady said, serious now. “It’s a legacy, something that will go on long after you and I are both gone from this earth. This is the kind of thing that changes lives.”
“You are teaching generations how to form packs and communicate, giving them examples to look up to. For some, that’s all they get,” Jack said.
Cole was clearly uncomfortable with all the attention he was receiving, but I was glad that someone put into perspective all that my mate had achieved. It meant even more coming from a man that Cole held in such high regard.
While they caught up with old stories I couldn’t help but leaf through a few of the copies of the latest editions they had resting on the front desk.
It was incredible that Grady managed to do this all on his own.
His writing style stood out among every article and it might’ve been small seeing as it was a one man job, but it had heart.
Each page that I flipped through had something that highlighted the town and the people that lived here.
He highlighted a little bit of everything from school events to community outreach projects, each small piece making me love the town a little more.
Amusement had my lips lifting into a smile as I browsed the dating profile section, reading the ads of those desperate for connection and packs. I understood why they were putting so much effort into finding their matches now that I’d met mine. I couldn’t believe I ever lived without them.
“I see that spark in your eye,” Grady noted as he moved closer.
I was so absorbed in reading that I didn’t notice they’d stopped talking. His eyebrows rose in challenge as I glanced back, expecting the words to be aimed at Cole or something.
“No, I definitely meant you,” he said with a wink.
“As much as I try to manage this place, there’s not exactly journalists lining up to work here.
We have more than enough budget allocated, thanks to our town treasurer,” Grady said, giving Jack a nod of appreciation.
“Unfortunately, there is simply no one here to fill the roles I need them to. I haven’t had an intern since Cole left and I hired a journalist temporarily, but they moved onto what they said we’re bigger and better things. ”
I snorted. “There’s definitely more glamor living in the city. Going out for the nightlife, writing pieces about art galleries and influencers. It’s just not really the life that calls to me,” I admitted quietly.
“Does Cole know this?” he asked. This man held nothing back, even just meeting me.
“I think he knows some, just not the depths of it.”
He nods. “Well, I’ll leave that up to you two to discuss, but I’d love to talk more about this. Maybe you could share something you wrote and something you will write?”
“Really?” I questioned, hope lighting inside of me.
“Yes,” he said easily, eyes dancing with amusement. “Will you be going to the town Christmas festival? I could use more eyes on the ground. I don’t want to give you any direction other than the fact that I’ve been covering behind-the-scenes. I’d love to see somebody cover the festival itself.”
“Oh, wow,” I stuttered out.
“I know passion when I see one, and if you’re open for critique and feedback, I think we can make this work. Cole has integrity and I trust he wouldn’t hire someone who doesn’t have potential.”
“I appreciate your trust,” I said. “I’ll send everything as soon as I can. Do you have a card or something?”
He moved to his desk, pulling a business card from the front and handing it over with a parting smile.
My heart felt lighter than it had in a long time, and my mind was already reeling with ideas on how to cover this festival.
Cole found me still standing there long after Grady had walked away.
“Did you have a nice chat with Grady?” He questioned, eager to know the answer. His eyes were brighter than they had been when we first met and I knew it wasn’t just the fact that he found me. He was rediscovering things about himself that I think he might’ve lost.
“I did,” I said, chewing on my bottom lip, unsure how to broach this topic.
Cole
For the first time since meeting my omega, she was holding back from me. It wasn’t that she was trying to hide something, but more afraid of my response.
It took effort, but I calmed my features into a well-practiced mask. I didn’t want to use it on her, but if it saved her from panic, I was absolutely going to.
I knew this couldn’t truly be bad. I’d given her and Grady a moment to talk. This town and this paper meant something to me, just like he did. I think it was starting to mean just as much to her.
After a deep breath, her words came out in a rush. “Grady mentioned that he hasn’t had anybody working here since you left.” Then she trailed off, struggling again.
“I did have hard shoes to fill,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood and earned a half smile, which was not enough. The last thing I wanted was a dimmed version of my gorgeous omega. “Talk to me. What’s going on?”
“It’s just…” she started and swallowed hard. “Grady offered me a position here. He asked me to write a piece about the festival and to send him something I’ve written before. I offered my resume, but he said he trusted your judgment in hiring me.”
Excitement and pride filled me, but also a hint of worry. I knew damn well I would do everything in my power to make sure that she got everything she wanted. Which meant uprooting my life if I had to.
“That’s incredible,” I said. “You said you wanted more out of journalism and maybe this job is something that you could find your peace in. If Pack & Co. was just a stepping stone for you and now you’re moving on to better things, then I’m proud we could provide the stability that led you there.”
She stared at me, still battling her own guilt that was unnecessary. Tears bloomed in her eyes and I quickly swiped them away.
“What about the city? What about you?”
I sighed, unsure how to answer that. We didn’t have the full solution yet.
“That seems to be the million dollar question, omega. I wish I had an answer for you, but at the end of the day most of what I do can be done remotely.”
She opened her mouth to protest but I silenced her with a kiss, refusing to let her overthink and argue this. If this job called to her, then I wanted her to take it.
“Stop. I think you need to do this for you, Aspen. No pack finds each other and everything just magically falls into place. We had the attraction part down, and the rest we can figure out as it comes.”
“I just want to make sure my alpha is making choices with himself in mind as much as the pack,” she challenged.
“My job is staying. I’ll figure out a way for it to work out for our new life together, but you’re worth every bit of effort, omega.”
She smiled and leaned up, pressing her lips to mine.
“If you’re happy, I’m happy.”
“Same,” she agreed. “Maybe we’ll find a Christmas miracle.”
“I’m sure we will,” I agreed, pulling her under the window that had mistletoe hanging from it. She tipped her head up when I did, grinning when she noticed.
“You big softie,” she teased before grabbing my coat and tugging me closer, kissing me hard and fast. It was just enough to get my heart pounding and alpha ready to claim her, then she pulled away like the brat she was.
God, I loved this omega.
“Time to break in that nest,” she teased, before wrinkling her nose. “Though, the scents are missing. It feels sterile still.”
I was impressed by the sheer beauty and effort that went into the nest. The Knotty Nesters team was incredible. They’d mimicked the styles and layout at the store, but incorporated it into each of their spaces beautifully, adding new touches and small changes to tailor it to our omegas.
“There’s one surefire way to get the scents settled in there,” I said as I tucked her into my side, breathing her in. A move that was now normal for us.
Jack seemed to be giving us our space, chatting with Grady until we were ready. We said our goodbyes before facing the cold and climbing into the safety of Jack’s truck, I’d pick up my car later when it wasn’t as icy out.
Jack turned on Christmas music the moment we were inside the car. Of course, our omega turned it up, singing along with no care in the world. Her hand rested on each of our legs as she sat between us.
It was one of those moments where the world just felt full of hope.
“How do you feel about a Christmas movie night?” Jack mused. “North and I could take care of dinner, we can make a little nest in the living room of our suite.”
“It sounds perfect,” she said, relaxing into the warm seat as we headed for the estate.
She was so eager to get to her mate that Aspen practically shoved us out of the car and up to the front door. She shoved it open, then froze.
“Oh shit,” Jack gasped as he came to a halt behind her. “Is it a heat?”
The smell of gingerbread was so strong in the air that it had to be.