Chapter 40
Chapter Forty
Kai
Tuesday
“You’ll do. You care a lot about them, and that’s what’s important.” Auntie Kiki held up her wine glass and took a drink.
We were at Auntie's house having dinner. She’d made chicken adobo. Not only were my uncles and cousins here, but other relatives had shown up… like my brother. Yes, Max had flown out from Los Angeles to meet them.
My heat finished yesterday, with one little aftershock last night.
But I’d dragged my ass to class this morning to take my test. Yeah, I hadn't studied, but I felt like I did okay. I’d also gone to lab.
Schoolwork waited for no one. Even omegas who’d just finished their heats and would rather be snuggling with their hot alphas.
“Thank you,” Ashton replied. “Kai is important and we’ll support their education and career. I promise.”
“Good. Kai’s worked hard and I don’t want to see them have to give anything up.” Max, with his short dark hair and brown eyes, looked like our father, gave him a look. My brother had asked all the questions. As had Jake and Pika.
“Never,” Steven assured. “We’re prepared to do anything to make this work.”
“Even change teams?” Max gave him a measured look.
“Our contracts with the Scorpions are up about the time Kai should be finishing up their PhD classes. We can reassess everything then–especially based on where Kai wants to do their research and go from there,” Ashton replied.
We’d talked about this a lot last night, as we grilled steaks on the barbeque under the stars, then went for a long walk. This sounded like the best plan.
Max nodded. “Good.”
“It’ll be fine. We’ll just have all the frequent flyer miles,” I replied.
“Your ex stopped bothering you, yeah?” Pika asked.
“Oh, he’s livid that I found new alphas, and bitter that his doctorate program doesn’t want him and that he got kicked out of school, but I don’t care,” I replied.
I hadn’t expected a post of the three of us outside the science building to go viral.
But it was all good. Leigh had given me all the gossip in lab today.
“They’re much better than your ex,” Auntie Kiki added.
I gave my guys each a kiss. “They’re perfect for me.”
“You deserve it,” Auntie Kiki said. She turned to the guys. “I’m watching you.”
“As am I,” Max added. He was only here for a day or two.
The guys were staying until Sunday. Which gave me time to show them around and spend time with them before they went back to Nashville to wrap everything up.
They’d already contacted a realtor today about a short-term rental, so they could stay until my graduation. I’d probably spend most of the off-season with them, but I still had my room at Auntie’s for when I needed to come back.
We’d figure out where I lived for the school year later.
After we finished dinner, Jake and Pika took Steven and Ashton off for a tour.
Max cornered me in the kitchen. “You’re sure this is what you want.”
“It is. Also, it’s not like we bonded yet. We will, but we wanted to have a little more time first,” I replied.
“Good. I like them.” He hugged me. “They can’t come on our trip, but they can visit LA with you.”
Oh, that was a thought. It might be easier to visit home with them.
“I’m looking forward to our trip.” I hugged him back. “Thanks for coming out.”
“Always. I might be busy and semi-broke, but I love you. And Auntie paid for my ticket.” He grinned. “They seem like really good guys. Steven’s a giant goofball. Hockey players. Do you even know anything about hockey?”
“I’m about to learn,” I laughed.
“Long distance is going to be a bitch, but they seem like they really mean it when they said they’ll make it work,” he added.
“They do.” I looked out the window. “Do you think Jake and Pika have scared the daylights out of them yet?”
“Probably. But if they can’t take it, I’m not sure they’re right for you.” Max chuckled. “I know they’re here for a few days but maybe we can have lunch or something before I leave?”
“I’d love that,” I replied. Him coming out was everything… as was his and Auntie’s approval of my guys.
While I waited for my cousins to return Steven and Ashton to me, I got some things from my room. I’d stay at the hotel with them until they left.
We all had dessert and coffee, and finally, giving everyone a hug, I left with Ashton and Steven in their rental car.
“How was it?” I asked as we drove back to the hotel.
“It was nice to meet your brother,” Ashton replied.
“I love your family. Jake and Pika know a lot about cars… including how to modify mine to make it faster.” Steven looked giddy.
“That sounds fantastic.” I figured they’d get along.
“I’m really happy you have a great family,” Steven added, his expression becoming sad.
“You never heard from them, did you?” That was so awful.
Steven shook his head. “My grandma saw the video and wants to meet you. She’s the one who taught me to cook and about flowers.”
“I’d love to meet her at some point,” I replied. “Fish in the walls it is then?”
I’d gotten Pika and Jake to take the fish out of the walls since my ex had left and the new people weren’t anyone I knew.
“Yes,” Ashton agreed. “My parents saw it, too. They can’t wait to meet you.”
“I’m excited to meet them, too.” Though it probably wouldn’t be until after graduation.
Lots of people had seen it. Including Claire, who’d sent me a message to check in. I hadn’t replied because I wasn’t sure what to say, but I’d hearted it. Because if I thought about it, if Claire hadn’t overstepped, I never would have met them.
And had this.
We returned to our villa, and I collapsed on the couch. It was a very pretty hotel–and quite comfortable. I was feeling much better. I still couldn’t believe I’d gone into heat. Tomorrow, I had a post-heat checkup at the doctors to make sure everything was okay.
What I remembered had been amazing and I was so glad I’d had them with me.
I was so glad they loved me as much as I loved them and wanted to make forever out of this.
“Movie night?” Steven plopped onto the couch with me.
“More like study night. You might be visiting, but I have assignments.” I laughed, as I pulled my laptop out of my backpack.
“Okay. I’m a good study buddy. I’ll make you tea.” Steven gave me a kiss and went into the little villa kitchen.
Ashton gave me a hug. “Do you need anything? Study snacks?”
“I’m full of food, but I’m good. I’ll move to the table. Feel free to watch a movie. It won’t bother me.” I got set up at the kitchen table.
Steven brought me tea and gave me a kiss.
Oh, I could get used to this.
Sipping my tea, I got to work on my assignments. I couldn’t get behind just because they were here. But I had a feeling it would all work out.
After all, who wouldn’t want hot hockey players bringing them snacks and tea?
I looked over as the two of them cuddled on the couch, watching TV. Mine. They were all mine.
It had been a wild two weeks.
I’d gone from a break up to two alphas that loved me more than I ever thought I could be loved. Everything had worked out just as fate had intended.
They were right. I wasn’t the wrong omega. Or a mistake.
I was the right omega.
And they were the right alphas–even if they were hockey players. Mine. All mine.
I glanced at them again and grinned. Lucky me.
“What?” Steven grinned back. “Oh, Ash lost his shirt.”
That he had.
“I love you two. You know that?” I did, with all my heart.
“You do?” Steven beamed like he’d won the lottery.
“I do.”
Steven vaulted off the couch and ran over to me. His lips pressed to mine. “I love you, too, Starshine.”
“Same.” Ashton joined us, as he kissed me deep. “I love you so much.” Turning, he kissed Steven. “I love you, too.”
“Yep. Same. It’s the three of us. Now and forever,” Steven added.
“Yes, it is,” I replied. Yes, they were my forever alphas. This time I was sure of it.
Here was to the happy ending I never knew I needed.