Chapter 40 Ezra #2
Somehow, I’ve managed to mess this up too. Even when I’m trying to do the right thing, I get it wrong.
“Hey.” Kady’s small hand rests on my forearm, unleashing tingles that race through my body. “It’s okay.” She must’ve read my expression. “You didn’t know.”
“I already told you that I’m not a very good alpha.” I’m trying to joke, but there’s a painful truth behind my words. “I guess that also goes for my snack selection too.”
As an alpha, it’s my job to take care of my omega. My chest tightens, knowing I made a mistake.
“There’s more than enough for me to eat here.” She motions to the spread. “This is really—“
“I’m sure one of the others would have picked better.” I clutch my nape. “They’re better at this whole ‘alpha’ thing than I’ll ever be.”
“We’re all learning, Ezra.” I appreciate her kind words, but I really need to get my shit together. “I’m not a very good omega.” She winces. “And it turns out that I’m not great at letting people take care of me, but I’m starting to learn to get better.”
“Maybe that’s something we can work on together?
” I exhale deeply. “Look, I know this isn’t the best time to talk about this, but I need you to know how sorry I am for how I’ve acted this trip.
It was never about you, but about me.” I bury my hands in my pockets, unable to look at her face.
“I’ve acted like an ass and avoided you because it was easier.
It shouldn’t have taken your father showing up here and almost losing you for me to tell you how I really feel. ”
“I understand why you acted how you did.” She puts her plate down. “Honestly, I’d have probably done the same in your shoes. I know this isn’t something you’ve ever wanted.”
“But now I can’t imagine anything else.” I pull her close, needing to feel her body near mine and wanting to make sure she knows that she isn’t some inconvenience that I’ve just now decided to put up with.
I want her. All of her. And I was nuts for even thinking I’d ever be truly happy without her because, with her in my arms, the world seems to shift for the better.
“While I never planned for this, you’re who I want.
You’re our omega, and I’m starting to realize just how wrong I was about scent matches.
I thought it would mean being trapped and losing all autonomy, but you’re teaching me that there is another way.
We can forge our own path. One that works for everyone. ”
“I guess we’re finding out that we’ve both been wrong about a lot of things.” She rubs her cheek into my chest, marking me with her divine scent.
A rumbly growl comes out of my mouth, a sound brimming with deep, primal satisfaction before I reluctantly pull away.
“Now eat.” I hand her back the plate. “Hale will murder me if you don’t have a full stomach by the time he returns.”
She pouts before begrudgingly biting into a soft, poppy-seed pretzel filled with cream cheese. “Mm, delicious.”
Since when was watching someone eat such a turn-on? Knowing that she’s enjoying the food I bought gives me a real sense of pride. I guess what they say about alphas wanting to spoil omegas has some truth after all.
“Thank you.” She smiles when she comes up for air between bites. “These pretzels are amazing. I’ve never tasted anything like them before!”
“Pearl’s husband makes them. He’s from Germany.” I pass her a bottle of water. “Next time you’re in heat, I’ll make sure to order a massive shipment of pretzels in advance.”
She picks at the label on the bottle. “You said next time.”
“Who knew that I could think so far ahead?”
“Maybe we could get some fresh air?” Kady shakes the fabric of her top. “It’s kinda stuffy in here.”
I hesitate, gaze lingering on her damp hair. “It’s cold outside.”
“And I’m running hot right now.” She crosses her arms in a posture that says she won’t take no for an answer. “Please?” She bats her eyelashes. When she looks at me like that, it’s difficult not to do anything she says.
“Fine.” Relenting, I stand up. “But only for a minute, and only if I carry you. You’re not going out there with bare feet, and my body heat will keep you warm.”
“But—”
“You’re learning to let other people care for you, remember?”
She mutters under her breath but doesn’t complain when I scoop her up into my arms and head through the sliding doors into our spacious backyard. Well, it’s more of an open field really. We own the land for miles around.
Despite the chilly wind, her body feels like a furnace.
Suddenly, her shoulders tense.
“Are you okay?” Concerned, my question comes out sounding harsh.
“I’m fine.” She waves her wrist then points at the glass roof poking out from behind a cluster of trees. “Is that your greenhouse?”
“I’ll show you another time.” I look forward to taking her there. In fact, if I had taken Kady on a date this weekend, I would’ve shown her all my favorite places to explore.
Really, we should get back inside. Judging by her temperature, it won’t be long until she needs a knot again. She should be in her nest, not roaming around outside with me.
“No!” Her small fist punches my shoulder. Although she’s petite, there’s a surprising amount of power behind it. “Show me!”
“Fine,” I cave. “But quickly. Otherwise, the others will send out a search party looking for us.”
After denying her—and my own instincts—for so long, how can I say no?