Chapter 39 #2
“The day we make you properly ours, you’ll be embracing everything about being an Omega.
Including those times when you get scent struck or you slip into a heat wave.
I don’t want you ever thinking we’re taking advantage of you when you’re lost in your designation.
” Ronin’s approach is gentle and understanding.
He pauses, his eyes getting a different look to them.
“Our wedding vows, though, are different. There’s no scope from us for you to get used to being an O’Connor anymore.
We’re going to be together forever as man and wife, so don’t be thinking with us not rushing your Omega side that we’re not one hundred percent committed. There’s a huge fucking difference.”
Keegan moves closer, and his expression reads the same as Ronin’s words; reassurance and ownership, mixed with a reminder of the intimacy we’re building.
His eyes are sparkling like stars in the night sky.
His mood isn’t as black and white as usual.
But he’s not subtle in his directness. “I’m also going to say some things you need to remember while your brain ticks over.
We want you next to us because you want to be there.
We won’t be ending our vows, even if it takes you a hundred years to come to us as our Omega on your own acceptance.
This vow of ours is based on trust as much as it is a deep need to be together. ”
I think he’s going to kiss me, but he reaches for my hands, then leads me back to the tap, where the cold water hits my wrist again.
“You need us as much as we need you. Once you’re good, we will take you back to our place.”
“Rafferty’s heat, though.”
“We’ll deal with him,” Keegan assures me. “He won’t be left in any discomfort.”
“But…”
“He knew he was asking a lot when he invited you to his nest for his heat. Yeah, he’s going to be disappointed, but he’s not got a spiteful bone in his body.”
“I feel terrible, but…”
Ronin leans against the doorjamb, his gaze like a soft touch. “He’ll understand more than you know.”
This goddamn pack keeps proving over and over they’re more than what they seem. Dropping my gaze, then tucking my chin to chest, I close my eyes and say what I should have said the moment we crashed into each other's world for a fourth time.
“Why haven’t you said anything about Oscar?”
I feel the change in the air as their mood drops. I don’t push them. I stay with my wrists under the water, with my eyes closed, breathing through the fallout of my question.
Without opening my eyes, I feel Ronin closing the distance between us, physically and spiritually. His scent settles around me at the same time his body does.
“Probably much the same reason you haven’t brought your uncle up till now.
It’s not something we can talk about quickly.
And I know it’s a lot, seeing as I’m only skirting around answering, but I’d like us all to be in top form when we talk about him.
Currently, I’ve got one Omega about to drop into his heat, and I’d like to make sure my beautiful, reluctant Omega is as safe as I can make her. ” His touch confirms his words.
What he says makes sense in a roundabout way.
I’m glad he’s aware who Oscar is, and that Oscar and I have a connection.
It also addresses my question. The need for so little explanation and detail from Ronin might stem from my own complicated emotions associated with my uncle, or it might be attributed to my current emotional seesawing, but it’s enough.
It effectively boxes the issue into a compartment, one I can address when we’re all ready.
The other side is that, in the meantime, I can push Walsh a little harder for information on Oscar.
Especially if the O’Connors are going to be locked in Rafferty’s nest.
One more big inhale of Ronin’s chocolate and pepper scent, and I push out of his hug.
I must be better because I don't end up in a tailspin, but then again, Ronin’s not being as dominant an Alpha as before.
Even Keegan has toned down, although I also sniff him up while I can.
Putting some distance between us all again, I find an answer that will work.
“Your house, which is currently my little house, is a fortress. You know I’m safe there.
Hell, you’ve probably got access to secret cameras to triple-check I’m fine.
” I watch their expressions as I speak, and their unapologetic stares confirm they do have hidden cameras.
“The next few days I’ve only got a couple of shifts at O’Malley’s, and besides that, I’ll be home while Raff’s in heat.
The event I was going to do has been canceled. ”
Neither of them comments, which makes me unsure whether they heard. Keegan’s eyes are nearly glowing.
“What?”
“My morning will be perfect when Walsh does what I told him to do.”
“Huh?”
“Sack you. Then all’s left to do is arrange snacks and some other supplies to be sent your way, so you’ve got something to keep yourself amused for the next little while.”
I shake my head, bewildered, and for good measure, go back to the cold water on the wrist trick because I can’t follow Keegan. He’s looking too satisfied with himself.
“Dude.” I scoff before sorting this Alpha, and his gorgeous bestie, out. “No. Walsh will not sack me, and even if he did, I’d be at O’Malley’s, demanding my job back.”
“Dude,” he throws right back at me before rocking back on his heels, appearing overly confident and smug. “How about we wager a bet, then, as to who’s right. Loser gets on their knees for the other.”
I belt out a laugh, which only makes the green of his eyes change shade again. “What the hell is going on right now?”
Ronin’s phone rings. “Raff, you okay?”
The mention of Rafferty has the current frivolity turning to dust as my thoughts rush to how he must be feeling. He’s the one in need, with his heat riding him hard, and I’m the one stealing his Alphas from him.
When Ronin nods at him, Keegan nabs my hand and leads me out of the house, using the back entrance. We pass by the kitchen window, and Ronin’s mom is half hanging out the window with several covered plates in her hand.
“Take these. Give Rafferty our love, won’t ya, Keegan?
You look after him right, then please, for the love of God, tell him I don’t need any stories after.
” Jeanie talks hard and fast, her Irish thick in her haste.
Her eyes move to mine, and it’s easy to see Ronin is her mother.
They share the same shaped eyes, the same laugh too.
“Tally, next week, you’re hosting the O’Connors at the boys’ apartment after Mass. ”