Chapter 26
Chapter
Twenty-Six
Aries
“Are you sure this is what you want to do?” Leon asked as he gathered up the bags by the front door, taking them out to my SUV.
“Yes. I’m not just here for them to come in and out. If they want to establish a pack, then they need to learn how to fucking communicate.”
“I don’t disagree with you there,” he said, and that was about all the arguments I was getting out of him.
The dinner was going so fucking well. I think that’s why I was so angry. We had opened up to them, given them a chance to get closer to us, and they fucking bailed.
That was not how I was starting this fucking relationship.
I wouldn’t be second to their fucking job.
Not to mention none of this would be an issue if they had just said something to me. Instead, they chose to keep their secrets.
Well, if they wanted to keep their secrets? Fine. They could keep their shit out of my house, because there would be no secrets under my roof.
Of course, my girls came through. I texted the Widows, letting them know what happened, and as petty as it may be, they didn’t hesitate to find a place for them.
I knew it was temporary. I’d have to talk to them when they got back. But for now, I was going to prove a point. Remind them that I wasn’t the type to be walked all over.
Nikolai wasn’t going to just crash back into my life after twelve years, claim me, and then not care enough to stick around afterward.
Fuck, I was a mess.
My head was spinning, and I could feel him through the bond that was silent until this morning. Now he was tugging at the bond and practically pleading with me.
He knew I was mad. I didn’t bother to hide it.
Not only had he left, he didn’t tell me what he was doing, then locked our connection down tight, not letting me see or feel a single thing he was handling.
I was an equal in this pack and I wasn’t going to tolerate being pushed aside the moment something more exciting popped up.
Lexi and Silva were waiting outside the club when I pulled up to the curb. They both looked at us, but didn’t call me on anything when I gave them a playful glare.
“Don’t say it,” I growled, trying to fight my own laughter.
“Hey, I’m not judging,” Lexi said. “I love a petty queen.”
“I’ve just been through too much to take shit from anyone,” I said bluntly, snagging the keys she was dangling between her fingers.
“How long do you think they’ll be there?” Silva asked, barely holding back her own laughter.
I shrugged. “I’m not even sure when they’re going to be back. I guess they couldn’t even be bothered to text.”
“What dumbasses,” she said, shaking her head. “I don’t know why these alphas think we’re too delicate to handle shit.”
“The world may never know,” I agreed. “Thanks again for this.”
I said a quick goodbye before heading back to the SUV where Leon was waiting.
We made quick work of dumping their things in the house, then headed back for mine. I quickly changed into work clothes, wrote a note on the door, locked it up, and slid the key under the mat.
“Time to make ourselves scarce,” I told Leon. “I’ve got a class in twenty minutes.”
“I’m glad I’m not on the receiving end of this,” he said, kissing my cheek and snagging my keys so he could drive this time.
It hadn’t been long, but we were growing more comfortable around each other. Even more, he was more confident and no longer curled in on himself.
This town had a way of bringing broken souls back to life.
“There she is!” Betty called out as I walked in.
The older woman had white, curly hair and a streak of pink lipstick. For an omega, she was anything but soft. She worked out just as diligently as I did. Hell, she could probably teach this class if she wanted to.
“Sorry, I had some business to take care of this morning,” I said, not even bothering to hide my smirk.
“Keeping alphas in line? I love it,” she said with a knowing grin. I swear, nothing was a secret around here.
“Exactly,” I replied before checking in with Cassie. “What’s on the list today?”
“You’ve got your class in five, then a personal training session right after. One of the new omegas in town,” she said, eyes scanning the paper in front of her before tapping it. “Her name is Lindsay.”
“Thank you,” I sang out, tapping the desk once before hurrying to the training room. My mood was already rising imagining their reaction.
My class was just a basic self-defense class. It was always a fun mix of new faces and regulars. Some of our residents joined a class here or there to keep their skills fresh, while people like Cassie and Leon were checking it out for the first time.
As soon as my watch dinged, I started the class. I didn’t mind if someone walked in late but I always started right on time.
“Hey, everyone, my name is Aries. I’m the owner of this gym, and I’ll be running this class.
Like most people in this town, I’ve had my fair share of bullshit, and I decided I never wanted to feel weak again.
So, I dedicated my life, and my career, to learning how to protect myself.
Now, I like to share it with you guys so you can feel empowered right along with me. ”
A few of the newbies looked hopeful and nervous, but soon they’d be kicking ass with the rest of us.
“We’re going to start with some warm-up stretches.”
I took my time showing them each one, adjusting anyone who was struggling. My mind was finally clearing, some of the anger draining now that I was doing what I loved.
Then we moved on to self-defense moves, partnering up and taking turns being the attacker and learning how to get away. I kept my eyes on each of their faces, noting if it looked like anyone was pushing themselves too far. The last thing I wanted was for someone to get triggered by a move.
Discomfort we could handle. Hell, I didn’t like being grabbed, either. But we took it slow, and everyone was determined enough that it made the class easy.
Until the end of class. One of the new girls let out a gasp, her chest rising and falling a bit too rapidly. I walked over, standing next to her and speaking quietly.
“Take a breath. You’re safe here. We’re all safe and soon they won’t hold this power over you.”
She nodded and forged ahead, but in ten more minutes, I could see the signs it was about to turn.
“Alright, time to cool down!” I called out, having them stretch again and walk it out before ending the class.
“Are you alright? I know this class can be intense. It brings up a lot of old feelings,” I asked gently when she was the only one left, fumbling to open her water bottle with how badly her hands shook.
“I’m sorry,” she said, trying frantically to wipe her eyes as tears leaked free. Her embarrassment had her wildflower scent wilting.
“No worries at all. We’ve all been here a time or two,” I reassured her.
“It’s just… I’m fairly small, and alphas always think it’s okay to pick me up and carry me around like a doll. Back in high school I stupidly thought it was cute,” she said, letting out a wet laugh. “Then as I got older… it was for very different reasons.”
“No one here is going to try that with you,” I promised. “But I might have a few moves that can help you get out of it. What’s your name?”
“Lindsay.”
“Ah! So, you’re the one I have the private session with after, right?” She nodded.
“Well, we’ll start a little differently than usual. As omegas, sometimes our size and biology work against us. When faced with alpha brawn, it can be difficult to fight back, but not impossible.”
She blew out a breath, wiping her tears, and focusing fully on me.
I walked her through escape techniques. Starting with how to drop her weight, how to strike vulnerable areas, and how to break free and run.
We repeated the movements until they became more natural.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was a start.
“Let’s do a little workout. The more muscle and agility you build, the better you’ll be at all this.”
Since it was her first time, I took my time showing her each machine and how they worked. Some people complained I was dumbing it down, but I’d rather they be safe than injured.
By the time I finished and said goodbye to Lindsay, I was dripping sweat, but I was also in a much better headspace.
Leon was talking to Cassie at the front desk when I walked out. They looked up and Cassie waved me over.
“How did it go? She seemed so sweet,” Cassie whispered.
“Great, I think we’ll see her around a lot more,” I said before leaning into Leon.
“Are you sure you want me to work the night shift tonight?” Leon asked. “That means you’ll be alone when they get back.”
“We don’t even know if they’re coming back,” I said. “And I’m not scared of them. Plus, I have a security system.”
He didn’t look reassured.
“She literally teaches people how to take down attackers. I’m pretty sure she’ll be fine,” Cassie teased. “You’ve turned so sappy.”
He gave her a look but didn’t argue.
“Go shower,” Leon said. “Then we can grab dinner before my shift.”
“Sounds good.”
I kissed him quickly before heading to the locker room. Thankfully, my locker was stocked with extra clothes and products. I showered quickly before throwing on jeans and a T-shirt and pulling my damp hair into a messy bun.
Leon and I weren’t exactly the fancy types.
He was still waiting by the desk when I walked out. He grinned and pulled me close, breathing me in.
You always smell so good after a shower.”
I didn’t tell him it was the scent-enhancing products.
“Keep it together, you’ve got work tonight,” I teased as he gave me an exasperated look and started to drag me to the door.
“Bye, boss,” Cassie called after me. We both waved before stepping outside.
“How about the diner?” Leon offered. “I’ve been dying for pancakes.”
“I’ve burned off enough energy today. I could use some carbs. Pancakes sound incredible. Bacon, too. And coffee.”
Because despite my bravado, I was a little nervous about how the guys would react. It was going to be a late night.
Maybe I had gone over the top. My omega was just… hurt.
Nikolai claimed me, offered everything, and then left without trusting me enough to explain.
It wasn’t something we couldn’t fix if they were actually willing to listen, but I stood by my choice to kick them out.
I pushed those thoughts away and focused on Leon, the mate that was still right in front of me.
The diner was already busy, the scent of syrup and fried food and constant chatter familiar in the best way. They seated us quickly and we ordered without even opening the menu.
“How are you feeling about the pack?” I asked Leon once our waitress walked away.
“It was nice having you to myself,” he admitted. “But I also like the idea of you having enough alphas to protect you. I’m not an alpha and I can’t keep you safe in every situation… and honestly, the reach they have is kind of terrifying, but also oddly reassuring.”
“It is,” I admitted. “I don’t fully know how to feel about them being Crows. But at the same time, I can’t judge them. I’ve done things I don’t regret, but they’re not exactly wholesome.”
“We’ve all done what we had to for survival.”
“We have,” I agreed. “And I do trust Nikolai. I feel drawn to Luca and Ronan… but I haven’t had time to get to know them.”
“We’ll just have to see how good they are at sweet-talking.”