Chapter 13
M y mother put on her best pout as she hurried forward, pulling me close and giving my cheeks air kisses like some sort of queen.
“Oh, Taryn, I was so worried when I got your messages this morning. I guess cell towers must have been down; it all came through today,” she gushed, lying right through her overly-white veneers.
Yes, because most mothers made sure they looked completely put together in an emergency. Why rush to your kid’s side when you could put on a full face of makeup first?
Her bottle-blond hair was in a high pony, her outfit a name-brand tennis set like she was on the way to a country club. Knowing her, she’d probably swindled some sort of invite from one of my sister’s packs.
“I’m fine.”
I didn’t hide my irritation. Of course, here I was excited and feeling great and then she just had to pop up and ruin it all.
“We’ve kept her safe. We’re just helping out a bit in town. The storms wrecked the area.”
“How is the lake house?” my father’s gruff voice joined the mix. Of course, all he cared about were his investments. Like he ever put a dime of his own into that place.
“It’s fine. Our cars were the problem,” I said, keeping my voice devoid of emotion as per usual when talking to this particular alpha. He’d use any sign of weakness as a weapon to get you to comply.
“Good,” he said, not even asking about the cars. Before I could cast a glance at my mates, Mathias’s fingers found mine, holding on tight for comfort, while Ash put his arm around my shoulder. It was a show of support, one they didn’t bother to hide from my parents.
“Oh!” Mom gasped dramatically, her smile wide. “I see my hard work finally paid off.”
“About that. I’m not pleased you set us up with her without her consent,” Holt said, voice hard and unrelenting as he faced off with my parents.
Even if he didn’t know it, he held something over their head they could never not be jealous of. Actual status.
My mother let out a fake, musical laugh. “Oh, you should know how stubborn she is by now. Sometimes, an omega just needs a push in the right direction.”
“Do—” Holt started but I reached over and touched his arm, shaking my head. I didn’t want my mother to know anything about our past. She didn’t care then, she sure didn’t now, and she’d just use it as another ‘I told you so’ moment anyway.
He nodded once and took a breath, dropping the subject.
“Actually, I wanted to know if I could buy the lakehouse from you?” Ash questioned. “We’ve grown fond of it and it’s where we met after all. I’d be happy to have my lawyer draw up terms.”
My eyes widened. I had no knowledge of this, and honestly, I had no idea how to feel. How crazy was it that they could just casually purchase something so big like it was nothing.
I’d buy a book with this level of nonchalance, not a fucking vacation home.
“Well, I, uh, it’s been in my family for generations,” my father rumbled, though I could see the dollar signs growing in his eyes. He wasn’t arguing on behalf of inheritance, but amping up the home’s supposed worth.
Ash didn’t back away, and the way Holt leaned over and whispered something, told me they were both on board, if not all three.
“It would mean a lot to us,” he repeated. “I’m willing to talk terms. Let’s take a walk, shall we?”
Ash gestured for my father to follow, and he did, mother trailing after them. She would never miss out on an opportunity to talk money.
“Let him handle it, baby,” Mathias said, placing a kiss on my temple. “Breathe.”
I sucked in a breath, my head swimming. It wasn’t intentional, I swear they just brought the worst out of me.
“They ruin everything,” I said, my voice small. “I was just feeling so happy, then here she is, snatching it away.”
“She doesn’t get that power,” Holt said. It was one of his rare moments of softness. He moved closer, his blackberry, citrus, and shortbread scent filled my senses and I let it soak in before looking up at him.
Those brown eyes were full of warmth. “I see why you react the way you do, but they don’t get to have this level of power over you. Not anymore. Ash is spontaneous, but he made the right call. He knew this place meant something to you and he’s taking it back, for you. One less thing they get to hold over you.”
“I can’t believe you’re just going to buy it,” I said, a hysterical almost half sob, half laugh, broke free.
“We’d do anything for you, Taryn,” Holt said, his words so sincere and full of conviction that I let it chase away the tumultuous storm of emotions running through me.
“You barely know me,” I said, though it was a weak argument. We weren’t merely friends, there was history here but we were also mates.
His scent intensified, a hint of reassurance mixed in. I didn’t even know emotions could change a scent like this, but I knew I was reading it right.
“We’re in this, Taryn. There’s no going back for any of us now. We’re all in if you’ll have us. Which means, sometimes acting in what we think is the right move, like Ash. Or protecting you from those that bring you down. They’re family, but sometimes the family you find are the ones who mean the most.”
A tear escaped as his words hit me. It felt like he was giving me permission to write off the family that had only put me down or used me. I didn’t realize I needed to hear that so much, but right now all I could do was shift into his arms, wrapping my hands around his middle.
Mathias moved in behind me, hands resting on my hips below Holt’s arms. The beta’s citrus-punch scent mixed with Holt’s blackberry cobbler in a sweet, reassuring scent that was feeling more and more like home every passing day.
Though, right now it was missing Ash.
“Come on, let’s get this finished so we can take you home,” Holt said.
I was shocked when he let me actually help, though he handled the heavy lifting while Mathias and I were given the gloves they’d bought us earlier, to gather the last of the debris.
When he handed me a hammer to knock down the shattered door frame, I was more than happy to do it. They didn’t say a word as I took my frustration out on the weathered wood, knocking it free.
When a woman came into sight, she barked out a laugh. “Well, that’s one way to bash the old one free.”
Holt snagged the frame just as it knocked loose, setting it aside. “She did a fine job.”
“I take it this is the omega you were both gushing about,” she teased, making me blush and duck my head.
“She is,” Holt said with pride. “This is our omega, Taryn. Taryn, this is Deb.”
He introduced the beta with a softness I didn’t expect. It seemed he had taken a liking to this sweet, old beta.
“Don’t worry,” she promised. “All good things. These men are trying hard to win you over, you know.”
“We are,” Mathias agreed, giving me a wink.
“It’s working,” I whispered conspiratorially. Watching both men gasp and smile like they won the lottery was absolutely worth it.
Maybe letting them in wasn’t so bad.
“Okay, let’s talk, alpha to alpha. This is a prime spot and it has… sentimental value,” Taryn’s father said, puffing out his chest.
He may be an alpha, but he was a fucking tool, and half my size. The kind of alpha that thought he was the superior specimen but could never quite stack up.
“Yes, and it’s for your daughter. Though, from what I learned of you both, that might not matter,” I said evenly, losing all sense of nicety.
Her mom’s fake smile fell and her eyes narrowed. It was weird how much older she looked when she wasn’t putting on an act.
“That’s no way to talk to your future in-laws.”
“Look, what you did to her was dirty. I don’t believe for a second you didn’t see her calls and texts. Moreover, the fact you didn’t check on her was terrible. Even standing here, you didn’t give a single ounce of sympathy when her car was totaled. You can't buy class, I guess,” I said, hitting them where it hurts. I’d heard enough to know exactly what their game was.
Her father growled, though it was half-hearted. They damn well knew I was right.
“And you think this little show of bravado will win us over?” he scoffed.
“Oh no, that’s not my game here,” I corrected. “I’m striking a bargain. For you to step back and leave her be, never speak a negative word to her again, and the house, I will exchange a two-year membership to The Haven.”
That got their attention. They exchanged a look, practically salivating at the idea.
“So, let me get this straight. Two-year membership for free, and the price of the house, all for leaving you be?” he clarified. The smug look on his face was gross. I just had to know if there was any level of parental caring in them or not. Guess I had my answer.
“For market value of this house, not a penny more,” I added. “I’ll pay the money, you get the membership, then fuck out of our lives, including hers. If she contacts you, which I doubt, you will only meet that conversation with kindness. Do we understand?”
Her father wanted to argue, I could see it in the narrowed eyes and frustrated clench of his jaw, but he didn’t.
What I was offering them was a way in. A place to network and create a fantasy life they’ve craved. All for simply stopping the negativity against my mate.
Disgusting.
“We have a deal. You can stay for now and I’ll have my lawyer draw up the direct sale,” he said finally.
I pulled out my wallet and pulled my lawyer’s business card out, handing it over.
“Have him contact mine, it will be faster.”
With that, I dismissed them, turning and walking away. When I was a few steps out, I turned.
“I’ll have the membership in place the moment that title is in Taryn’s name.”
He nodded, not arguing.
I hoped my dismissal made their fucking blood boil. Pulling out my phone, I gave my lawyer a call before putting in a text to my aunt, who had an in at the club. I was her favorite nephew and with one quick promise of a new custom workup on her car, the membership was theirs, on hold until they kept up their end of the bargain.
I made a beeline back towards the shop where I had left Taryn and the guys. There was no way that I was going to chat with her parents on the way back. They made my skin crawl and I was ready to get away from them. I could see why Taryn struggled with them so much.
When I got back to the antique shop Deb was in there alone, picking up a few things that weren't broken.
"Did the other guys leave you to do this yourself?" I asked as I popped in.
"Yeah, I told them once the plywood was on the window, I could do the rest," Deb told me.
"Um, you don't have a door," I reminded her.
"I do, it's just leaning on the back wall," she said, pointing to the back of the shop.
"Let me hang that for you and I'll get out of your hair," I said, refusing to walk away while she did it herself. She might be stubborn, but I could do it a lot easier and I didn’t like the idea of her getting hurt.
"That girl got lucky with you three," she commented as I walked by, a soft smile on her face. She was quickly becoming my favorite resident in this town. Holt chose well.
"I think we’re the lucky ones," I said as I headed towards the back door. Just as I reached it my phone buzzed and my heart skipped a beat to see Taryn's name pop up. I was so gone for this omega.
Taryn
Are you coming back soon? Or do I need to rescue you from my parents?
I laughed, before typing my response.
Ash
I'm safe. Just at Deb's. I'm gonna hang this door and I'll be headed back.
Taryn
You are too sweet. Holt is ordering pizza at the moment and we are going to relax with another movie night. Mathias found a video store and headed in to grab one; apparently, you can never have enough. Don't take too long. We’ll be waiting for you.
Ash
I promise. There isn't much on this earth that can keep me from you. But I gave my word to install this door today.
Taryn
Well, once we get the food, we can swing by to pick you up.
Ash
Sounds like a plan.
I pocketed my phone and picked up the door with its frame and moved carefully through the store until I had it in its spot.
Deb showed up with a hammer and nails and I told her where to drive the first one. A smile spread across her lips and I thought I saw excitement in her eyes.
"Oh, if Harv could see me now," she said as she pounded the second nail into place, cackling gleefully like this was the most fun she’d had in years.
"What do you even need me for?" I teased as she went on to the next one.
"To hold the door," she answered simply, giving me a wry grin.
She had me there.
I made a mental note that we needed to check back in on her in a couple days to make sure she got everything fixed up.
Deb finally lowered the hammer and stepped back to admire her handiwork. "What do I owe you guys for your help?"
"Nothing," I answered, shaking my head. "We are just glad that we could help. When we came into town today, we planned on finding out where we could be useful."
"I can't accept charity. Harv would be turning in his grave if I did," she stated with a resolute shake of her head, her gray curls bouncing as she did. "What's your omega like? Maybe there’s something in the store that you can take back to her."
"Books," I said flatly. We hadn't talked much about likes and dislikes yet and I felt stupid that I hadn't asked her yet.
"Well, I don't have much in the way of these here, but there is something in the back that I've kept for just a special occasion," she told me as she headed towards the far end.
"Honestly, you don't have to. It was our pleasure to be of service," I said, a little louder than normal so maybe she would hear me.
There was a smile on her face as she reappeared with something shimmering in her hands. The closer she got the wider her smile got and I noticed it was a bejeweled crown. There were different shades of purple inlaid in the silver metal and it was amazing.
“I hear those book girls love crowns,” she said triumphantly.
"How much do you want for it?" I asked. There was no way that I would take this for free.
"Nothing," Deb answered, narrowing her eyes. This old beta and I were a lot alike.
"I'm gonna pay you something. I wouldn't feel right leaving with it, if I didn't," I explained.
She thrust it towards me, "No, I insist. It would have taken me days to clean all of this up. An exchange for the labor."
With a faux sigh, I took it and returned her smile. Since I was going to come back, I’d pay her back in some way.
"Thanks, Deb. Taryn is going to love this," I said, letting her wrap it up for me, before I left.
“Go win over your girl.”