Chapter 11 #2
It was truly the basics. The kind of shit I should know, like which pots or pans to use, the art of sautéing, and when to cook on low heat versus high.
The others had their own binders they pulled out, and Sadie brought me one over. It came in handy since they had handouts for everything, from substitutions to measuring to which spices made good combinations.
I was overwhelmed, but relieved. Everything they mentioned would ensure I could at least cook basic meals for our pack. I found myself enjoying it as we worked at our cooking stations, the aroma filling the air much better than I’d expect from a group of alphas.
By the time it was done, we’d put together some decent tacos. Simple, but delicious. I tucked the recipe card away as the class came to a close. Oddly, I felt more in control than I expected.
“Same time next week, hockey boy?” Tanner said in that deep voice of his.
“I’ll be here,” I promised, tossing goodbyes at the others and hurrying out. Lachlan was already waiting outside the shop, a few bags in his hand, but nothing extravagant, which was a relief.
“We just got the all clear,” he told me.
Lachlan and I had started out as strangers, with a bit of camaraderie from being the new transfers in town. Maybe it was knowing that we were a pack, or the fact that we’d gotten to know each other, but I felt like we were finally friends.
He didn’t give me shit for taking a cooking class, he just accepted it.
“Let’s go home,” I said, gesturing toward the door. “What did you manage to snag?”
This time it didn’t bother me that I was empty-handed. I was doing something substantial and I’d have plenty of time to find something perfect.
“It wasn’t easy since we don’t know what she likes,” he admitted.
It was nice to know he was just as out of his depth as I was.
“I went small. I found this simple bracelet and this cute little plushie that you can put scents into. I tried to do a blend of our scents. I thought it might help settle her omega into the idea of having us around.”
“Holy shit, Lachlan. That’s amazing,” I said, genuinely impressed. He wasn’t just a steady delta, he was thoughtful.
He shrugged it off as we climbed into the truck and drove back to our temporary house.
August’s truck was outside when we pulled in. I parked mine next to it, and we climbed out.
I hadn’t even taken a step when it hit me. Even in the fresh air, I could scent our omega in the air. It was strong and lingering.
The closer I got to the passenger side of August’s truck, the stronger it became.
“Do you think she’s in there?”
Lachlan was right there with me, taking deep breaths of our omega’s scent. We might look like dorks, but I didn’t care. I needed this.
“If she is, I’m going to kill him. We just wasted time at the mall, and we could’ve been here,” he muttered.
“I wouldn’t call my night a waste of time, but it seems crazy to keep that from us.”
We both practically raced inside, pushing open the door, trying not to let it slam and startle her.
Dhara’s scent in here was divine. It was strong enough that it permeated the air, lingering everywhere.
There was a sweeter note that I’d never noticed before, and it took a second to realize exactly what that was.
“He didn’t,” I breathed out, stunned.
“Surely not,” Lachlan said, sounding just as startled. His eyes were wide as we glanced around for any sign of them.
That sweet undertone was unmistakable. It was the scent of her slick mixing with her scent.
“How about, instead of contemplating my demise out there, you come in here and hear me out?” August called. The son of a bitch sounded smug. My alpha shoved me forward, ready to tear him apart.
He was sitting back on the couch. Hockey was on the TV, but it was muted. He looked like he’d been waiting for us.
“What the fuck did you do?” I demanded on a growl, fists clenched.
“Nothing she didn’t want. Calm down, killer,” he said, pointing toward the couch.
August gave nothing away until both of our asses hit those cushions.
“We talked a little bit about how she thinks she doesn’t deserve you, and I uncovered that there’s some insecurity there.”
He paused.
“Spit it out, delta,” I bit out.
“Our omega’s never been with anyone.”
“Never?” Lachlan asked, running a hand through his hair. It was even longer now than when we first met. Right now it was sticking out at all angles.
“Never,” August confirmed. “Until today. She was so embarrassed and mortified by it, and she feels out of her depth because we’re, apparently, impressive hockey players who have access to plenty of omegas.”
“I can’t deny that I’ve been with a few omegas, but that doesn’t mean I would judge her for not being with an alpha, a delta, or anyone,” I argued.
“We all know that,” August said, gesturing around the room, “but she’s different. Our omega needs reassurance. She spent her whole life with her mom making her life absolute hell, making her feel small and unwanted and unloved.”
“We’re going to have a lot of damage to undo,” I said, deflating all at once as reality sank in. If we weren’t careful we could really fuck this up.
“And you decided to solve that by fucking her?” Lachlan questioned. That chased away my shock and my alpha was right back to ready to kick his ass.
“Again, she wanted it. I offered to do a few lessons, to get her comfortable with herself and being with her pack,” he clarified.
His voice was soothing and serious, no traces of teasing now.
That was the only reason I didn’t punch him in his face.
“She wants to learn how to make us feel good, and we’re taking it slow.
She’s comfortable with me. She knows me.
And hopefully by the time you guys establish a relationship with her, she won’t be too terrified to make those connections. ”
We sat in silence for a moment as we considered that. His idea had merit. Dhara was an adult, even if she was inexperienced. The more I thought about it, the more I realized I did trust August with her.
“You should’ve seen her when she left. Cheeks flushed, her scent in the air… I nearly lost my mind. She was perfect.”
“What if you go into a rut?” I pointed out. “You’re playing with fire.”
“I’m on blockers. The league requires it,” he said, rolling his eyes. “I appreciate you looking out for her, but I am never going to hurt that omega.”
“Same for me,” Lachlan said. “She’s safe with us, and I want her to feel comfortable. I don’t love that you’re getting this part of her without us, but I get it.”
I swallowed down the bile rising in my throat. Everything about this pack coming together was a tangled mess.
Of course, I wanted her to feel confident and comfortable, and if she needed to be on a level playing field, it made sense for her to choose August.
But my alpha wanted me to be the one she turned to. Just like today, I barely knew her well enough to shop for her. My omega didn’t know me, either.
This was what she needed.
“Are we supposed to hold back on getting to know her? Because I don’t think I can do that,” I admitted.
“No,” he said. “Just take it slow. That’s exactly what she and I are doing with our sexy lessons.”
He looked a little too cocky for his own damn good.
“I’m thinking of asking her out on a date. I’m bringing Gavin along, so more of a family date,” Lachlan said. “I’m going to text her now.”
“See? That’s a great idea. She will know it’s a safe place to let you in a bit more. Gavin’s going to be there, so nothing can happen. It’s perfect.” August nodded his approval.
Fuck, I hated even more that he was taking charge. Every instinct I had was to go in guns blazing and fix all of this, but that wasn’t the alpha she needed.
“I’m going to go work out,” I said, needing to burn off the extra energy.
The class was good, and I was feeling more in control when we left. Then I walked into... this.
The scent of my omega was everywhere in here. My cock was hard as fuck, and I knew she was untouchable.
I wanted my omega ready and willing by the time we got there, but I had no idea how to get her even willing to be near me.
Maybe it was time to call my sister.
I needed some omega advice.