Chapter 20
Nova
Operation Get-my-pack-to-like-Tucker officially starts today.
It’s been a few days since the talk on the beach with Tucker.
Finding out that Nick is his scent match was a hard pill to swallow.
Nick and I still have a rocky relationship.
Now throw in this new Omega? I don’t like it, but that’s just how our world works.
I give Tucker props for not going behind my back and trying to take my man.
He says he likes me too. And I’m not going to lie, the man is growing on me.
We exchanged numbers and have been texting. He checks in on me, wishes me good morning and good night, and has asked me a million and one questions to get to know me.
I’ve hit him back with the same questions. Now I know his favorite food is pizza, he likes the color blue, he enjoys horror movies, loves amusement parks, and enjoys concerts. He said he likes country music, so he lost a point there, but he enjoys Ashnikko, so he gained it back.
I told Tucker we needed to get my Alphas on board with this plan because I’m starting to feel guilty. I feel like I’m cheating on them in a way. And, as someone who’s been cheated on, I’d never want to make anyone feel that way.
Pulling into the parking lot of Will’s shop, I park the truck next to Tucker’s car. He’s off today, so no squad car, and it’s better that way. Having a cop as a member of our pack is going to be really weird seeing how my Alphas are criminals. Plus, they kill people.
I’m not sure how it's going to work. I know Nick will make sure Tucker doesn’t get the chance to betray us. Do I think he would kill him? No. Do I think he would keep him locked up on the compound just to be sure? Without a doubt.
My phone dings, letting me know I have a notification. Checking my phone, I laugh, smiling as I shake my head. This man.
Tucker: I think I left my oven on. I have to go back home and check.
Nova: Stop being a little pussy and let’s go in there. Better to get this over with.
Tucker: He’s going to hate me. And then he’s going to tell me to never see you again. And then I’m going to die alone.
I snort out a laugh, looking over at Tucker. He’s looking at me through the car window with big puppy-dog eyes.
Smiling wider, I text him back.
Nova: Such a drama queen. Don’t make me drag your ass in there.
Tucker: Fine. But if I die, tell my mom and dad I loved them.
Rolling my eyes, I shove my keys and phone into my little black purse and hop out of the truck.
I’m looking and feeling good today. Ian got me this new black leather jacket with pink stitching. My hair is up in a high pony and I’m wearing skinny jeans, a white crop top and knee high leather boots.
“Wow,” Tucker says in awe as he steps around the truck to meet me.
“You like?” I laugh, spinning around in a circle.
“I don’t think this is a good idea."
My smile drops. “Why not?”
“Because your Alpha is going to be able to smell my perfume. Badly,” he groans, adjusting himself subtly.
A smile creeps onto my lips. “Did I make you hard?”
“No,” he says quickly, cheeks turning pink.
“It’s okay, Tuck, I won’t judge you. If anything, I’m honored.” I wink. “Now, come on and be a good boy.” I hold out my hand.
His eyes fill with heat, his perfume filling the air. English Toffee. Yum.
Seems like my Omega here likes to be called a good boy. This is going to be so much fun!
Tucker takes my hand, swallowing hard. “You’re not going to let him kill me, are you?” he asks me as we head into the shop.
“Nah. We can cover up a lot, but the murder of a cop is not something we want to deal with if we don’t have to.”
“You’re joking, right?”
“Maybe.” I shrug, looking up at him with a playful smirk. “Or maybe not.”
It’s a Sunday morning, so the shop is empty. It’s supposed to be closed but since the night we were here, when Will opened up to me about everything, he’s been spending less time at the clubhouse and more time here.
The morning after, when I woke up and everything came flooding back, I had to run to the bathroom to puke. I never cried so hard in my life. Thinking of what that vile bitch did to my Alpha, my sweet, loving, kind Alpha, had me going down to the clubhouse looking to kill her.
I was going to do it. I took one of Nick’s guns too. I was seething, ready to fucking explode. Only she wasn’t fucking there.
Turns out, my Alpha went back to the compound and forced her to leave.
That's not good enough for me, though. She shouldn’t be kicked off the compound, she should be fucking dead.
I lost it on Will. The only way he could calm me down was to pull me away from everyone and eat me out until I was boneless. Then he fucked me, knotted me, and took me home.
I’m glad, because I was causing a scene and I didn’t want Rica or the other kids to see that. I was just so fucking angry.
The guys asked me what set me off, and I told them it was just me hating Julia so much. I didn’t tell the guys about what Will told me.
Will didn’t tell me if the guys knew or not, but the fact that the cunt is still breathing tells me they don’t know. If they did, I know Nick and Ian would have taken great pleasure in making her pay.
I told Will I’d respect his decision, but if she ever steps foot, not only on the compound, but in this town again, I will kill her.
I don’t even care if I’d be taking a life. She hurt my Alpha, so I’ll fucking end her.
Will opening up to me has changed everything between us, in the best way.
He’s no longer closed off, opening up more and showing me his softer side.
I’m fucking head over heels for this man.
Ian is pouty because he liked being my favorite.
I told him there’s no favorites, that I love both of them the same.
Then Nick asked what about him and I gave him a look.
He’s never told me he loves me, and half the time I think he wants to strangle me.
He just growled in response and stormed away like a big baby.
Sorry, but grow some balls and tell me. I know I love him, I love all of them, but I’m not going to be the first one to say it.
Not after everything he’s put me through.
He still has some groveling to do and I’m gonna make him work for it.
Heading in through the front office, I guide Tucker to the garage. “Will!” I call out. “You here?”
“Nova?” I hear him and smile when I see him push himself out from under his pretty red car. He gets to his feet and grabs his rag, wiping off his hands. He looks so sexy right now. He’s in his work coveralls, but the front is open and his abs are showing. Fuck me.
“You got a little drool there,” Tucker whispers, poking at the corner of my mouth.
I swat him away and glare at him. He grins down at me, laughing softly.
“Hey, baby. I didn’t know you were going to...” His eyes drop to where Tucker’s and my hands are still holding onto one another. Shit.
Pulling my hand back, I laugh. “So, funny story.”
“Is the funny story how I’m going to kill this fucker?” Will growls, low and dangerous. To anyone else, it’s scary how deadly he looks. But to me? Hello wet spot.
“Before you do that, you should know he is a cop. It won’t end well.”
Will’s brows furrow. “What the fuck are you doing holding a cop’s fucking hand, Nova?
” Will looks back to Tucker, who is very quiet.
He is not off to a good start, but I think I’m partly to blame for that one.
Oops. “Wait, I know you. You're that guy who came in a few weeks ago. Had an appointment then magically your car fixed itself.” He cocks a brow.
“About that,” Tucker laughs nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. “It never needed fixing in the first place.”
“Then why make an appointment?” Will’s eyes widen. “Wait. You said he was a cop?” Will asks me, then looks back to Tucker. “Were you trying to get some information on me?” he asks Will, taking a few steps towards him, and fuck, I think he just might kill Tucker.
“Wait, wait, wait.” I step between them, holding up my hands. “It’s not like that.”
“Then tell me what it’s like, Nova,” Will demands. “Before I lose my fucking shit.”
“Will, meet Tucker. Yes, he’s the cop who pulled me in to ask questions about you guys. No, I didn’t tell him anything. Yes, he has his suspicions, but I’ve kept my mouth shut. No, he no longer wants to lock you all up. Yes, I’m sure.”
“And why the fuck would he just decide to stop investigating us?” Will asks. “You were investigating us, weren’t you?”
“I mean, technically yes. I’ve been working on the case for a few months, and have a very strong belief that you and your brothers are the Mall Bandits.”
“Not helping,” I hiss through gritted teeth. This man really wants to get us killed.
“But it’s okay. I’m letting the case die,” Tucker rushes out. “No one will know.”
“Again. Why the fuck would you just stop?” Will growls. “This is a set up, isn’t it? Fucking hell, Nova. I love you, baby, but you need to be smarter about this shit.”
“Hey.” I glare at him, putting my hands on my hips. “I am smart. Really fucking smart. I should kick you in the balls for calling me stupid, asshole.”
He lets out a harsh breath. “I’m not calling you stupid, baby. But you brought a fucking cop here who’s trying to put us in jail.”
“Was,” Tucker pipes up. “I was trying to put you in jail. Not anymore.”
“Dude. Stop. Talking.” I stare at him with wide eyes.
“Sorry,” he whispers.
“Nova,” Will’s growl of my name is a warning before he snaps.
“The reason Tucker isn’t going to turn anyone in, is because it would hurt him just as much as it would hurt me.”
“How the fuck would that hurt him?”
Smiling, I step to the side and wave my hands in front of Tucker. “Tada! May I introduce to you, Nick’s other scent match.” I wiggle my fingers for extra effect.
Will blinks at Tucker before turning to me. “Want to say that the fuck again?"