Chapter 41
REED
I'm bonded. I’m actually bonded. I’m a Pack omega. Granted, I still have more bonds to bite, but still. I have a Pack.
I kept Esper in my nest as long as possible. She updated me on everything happening around the MC, and for once it didn’t feel like I was missing out or losing at something.
I could just listen. Be in the moment. Not worrying about how I should have been there. Or done this, or that.
I don’t need to be up my MC’s ass anymore. I can just be a member.
“A box of chocolate chip cookies, please,” I order. Esper may have forgiven me, but I have more atoning to do before I can fully forgive myself.
“So what are you gonna do?” Casey asks as we walk back to campus. The sun is actually shining today and, as someone who spent three entire days moping in their nest, it feels fucking amazing.
“I don’t know…” I take a bite out of one of the cookies, savoring the flavor. Eating them reminds me of her, how much she loves them. Our first date, the many dates after that, all of her.
“Well, have you thought of courting her? Sounds like she's the one who's been courting all of you?” Casey asks.
“Hmm, yeah. I….” My eyes widen as I snap my head toward Casey. “You’re a genius.”
“Thank you, glad you finally realized.”
“I need to give her a gift. How the fuck am I gonna beat a home, though?” I say and Casey’s eyes widen.
“Who got her a house? You mean a real house? Like—”
“Not only did they get her a nest, but they are blowing down the walls between all our apartments and making it one giant Pack apartment.”
Casey whistles, and I nod.
“Fuck, there is no beating that,” I say, trying calm my omega down from the spiral I’m tipping into.
“Don’t be a loser, Red. Something will come.” I scoff, but he looks so serious. “Go sentimental. Something that’ll mean more than what they got her.”
“Than a nest?”
“Something just as personal. Between the two of you.” Casey and I walk into the main building. Class is starting soon, and despite not running for the Prez spot anymore, I figured I’d still finish my degree. As much as I didn’t want to. At least it gave me a reason to be around Esper more.
Classmates file in around us while I let my brain run over ideas.
“How about a couch or something?” Casey suggested. “Those are expensive and she’s into that kind of thing?”
“It doesn’t feel as personal.”
“Get her her own bike!”
“I think… I think I might have something better,” I say as the lightbulb I needed finally goes off in my brain.
“Than a bike?” Casey asks, not really believing me.
I laugh as I pull out my laptop. “Oh yeah, nothing beats family.”