Chapter 7
Amonth later, Walker smiled at the letter Fernando had sent. It was fun to hear about his life on campus with his two friends. He could still see the sadness beneath the stories of lunches and study sessions, but his omega was working through it.
He chuckled at the picture of Fernando and Beans. Their faces were smooshed together and smiling for a selfie.
“Hey, man. That’s your omega?” Pug leaned over his shoulder. “Nice. I like his smile.”
“Don’t look at him.” Walker covered the picture. “Somehow you’ll corrupt him.”
Sliding down on Walker’s bunk, Pug lounged back on his elbows, looking exhausted. Still, he made an effort and wiggled his brows up and down. “Fuck, yeah.”
After a day of training, they were all tired. That was their days – training and waiting, then training more and waiting again. Over and over. Muscles sore and nerves slightly strained. However, this was Walker’s favorite time of the day. Everyone together, despite being worn out.
“Dessie started a prison store,” Pug said. “A bag of chips costs five ciggies and a pod.”
“A pod?”
“A Tide pod.” Pug shrugged. “All she has are barbecue chips, though.”
“Why a prison store?” Walker asked, laughing.
“She’s bored.” Pug grabbed Walker’s picture. “This guy really is cute. How much do you like him?”
Walker snatched the picture back and tucked it under his pillow. “Too much too soon, that’s for sure.”
Pug snorted. “For a fucker that will do just about anything on a dare, you don’t usually risk shit when it comes to relationships. What’s different about him?”
“What relationships?” Walker asked, dodging the question. “All anyone wants from me is a quick fuck.”
“You never push for more.” Pug’s eyes narrowed. “This omega is different.”
Walker shifted, uncomfortable under his friend’s gaze. “Yeah. He’s different.”
“Then too much too soon doesn’t matter.” Pug grinned. “I like this for you.”
Walker flushed. He liked it too. Fernando made him think of building a life outside the military.
Of having someone to grow old with. A person of his very own.
Being with Fernando in person was a heady experience, and Walker could see the future so clearly, but being away from his omega had given him the space to clear his head.
Doubts flooded him, and he began to second-guess every choice he had made.
Was he really good enough for a man like Fernando?
The omega was so smart, and Walker… well, he was smart in his own way, maybe. Not like Fernando, though.
Pug stuck his finger in Walker’s ear, making the man jump. “Hey, get out of your head. I swear, you’re worse than my angsty little brother. He’s sixteen, so he has an excuse. What’s yours?”
Walker made a face. “I’m not angsty. It’s just that Ferdie is really smart and going places. Is it right for me to hold him back? You know military spouses have it hard. Meyers has been divorced how many times now?”
Pug sighed, looking put upon. “Fuck, okay, so first, your Ferdie is lucky to have you. You aren’t holding him back.
He wanted a relationship, too, right? Respect the man’s decision.
Second, you’re not marrying the man. The two of you are just giving it a try.
If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t.” He paused and smirked. “But what if it does?”
Walker smiled, thinking about that future he could almost taste. “Fair enough.”
“Now, forget that shit.” Pug kicked his leg. “For tonight’s entertainment you can choose one of two things. Meyers and Steve are running a game of spades or Dessie and her boys are starting a D&D campaign.”
“I thought they didn’t let you play D&D anymore since all you do is roll charisma to try to fuck everything.”
“I promised I wouldn’t.”
“Dessie believed you?”
Pug smirked. “That’s on her. So, what will it be?”
“D&D,” he said, after a moment of thought. “I want to see Dessie kick your ass when you fuck up the game.”
A few nights later, Walker was finally able to video call Fernando.
Just seeing the man made every doubt and worry disappear.
He wanted a future with the omega. At the moment, though, his omega looked tired.
His black hair was tousled, and his eyes had dark circles under them.
All Walker wanted to do was pull the man into his arms and hold him until he fell asleep.
“Hard day?” he asked.
Fernando yawned. “Finals are coming up, and I can’t afford to make any mistakes.”
“I find it hard to believe that you’re close to failing any class.” Walker shook his head. The omega was organized, persistent, and basically a genius. If he wanted, Walker was sure he could take over the world.
Fernando looked amused. “I think you overestimate my abilities, but no. The problem is that two of my professors are trying to block me from finishing my degree. They don’t really have an argument to make, but if I give them a reason to fail me, they’ll take it.”
Walker’s fists clenched, but he tried to keep the anger off his face. That’s not what his omega needed from him. “Do you need a lawyer? Pug’s cousin knows a guy.”
Fernando’s eyes softened, and he smiled. “I really, really like you.”
Walker swallowed hard, face warm. “I really, really like you too.”
His omega’s eyes watered. “I didn’t know I needed you so much, marine, but it is damn nice to have someone else in my corner.”
“I will always have your back,” Walker promised.
“I’ll graduate, no matter what.” Fernando sat up straighter. “I have one professor and two teachers I worked with who will write recommendations for me. In another month, I will be finding a job in North Carolina. Away from this hell.”
Walker nodded. “My buddy Steve told his wife about us, and she’s already looking for apartments for you. I wish you could live with me, but they don’t usually let non-dependents stay on base. I could stay with you, though. If you wanted.”
“I would love to have you with me.” Fernando propped his chin on a fist. “Fair warning. While my dad would tell me to be a good omega and make you a home, that’s never been my thing. How about we work together to make a good home when you get back? Are you up for that?”
Walker grinned. “Fuck, yeah. I’ve never had a home, but I want one with you.”
Fernando looked a lot livelier as he fought to hide his pleasure at the words. “You say that now, but my brother is planning to hijack our video call next week. He wants to meet you. I think his in-laws are already trying to think of ways to get you to Hobson Hills.”
“We can plan a trip after you graduate.”
“Well then.” Fernando looked pleased. “How is it going for you?”
Walker shrugged. “The usual. Pug got us kicked out of D&D, so we’re stuck playing spades in our downtime.”
“Pug.” Fernando shook his head, eyes dancing with laughter.
Walker bit his lip, foot tapping nervously. He had never had someone else to think about, and it was driving him a little crazy. He was up for re-enlistment. Before Fernando, he wouldn’t hesitate to do it. But the idea of being with the omega all the time was fucking tempting.
“Tell me more about your day. Did Nolen finally ask Gigi out yet?”
“Of course not. I’m on the verge of interfering.” Fernando made a face. “Talk me out of it.”
Beans jumped up, settling his paws on Fernando’s shoulder. The puppy had gotten much bigger. All Walker wanted at that moment was to be right beside Fernando. He rubbed the top of his head. He had a lot to think about.
“First of all, Nolen is a grown man,” he began.