22. Lachlan
Chapter Twenty-Two
Lachlan
Idon't follow her right away. I stand at the edge of the beach, watching as Finn grabs Kaia's hand and pulls her straight into the ocean like there's no other option, like joy is something you run toward.
Kaia doesn't hesitate—that's the part that gets me. Not the laughter, or the way she lit up when the water hit her. No, it's her lack of uncertainty.
Yesterday, she braced for everything. Today, she ran straight into the unknown.
I exhale slowly, something steady and warm settling in my chest. I step beside Jonas and Adrian as we watch the Omegas in the water.
Finn turns back toward us, already waist-deep in the ocean. "Catch us, Alphas!"
Adrian's voice follows, sharp but not unkind. "Hey, be careful! This isn't a pool!"
Finn just grins, entirely unbothered, and retorts, "Scared you won't catch us?"
I shake my head slightly, already pulling my shirt over my head and tossing it onto my towel.
Jonas snorts, "Oh, this is happening."
"Yeah," I say simply. Then we all run down the sand and into the water.
The ocean is way colder than the pool—shockingly so, even in summer. The temperature hits you like a slap to the face, stealing your breath for just a moment before your body adjusts. It's stronger and much less forgiving than any chlorinated rectangle could ever be.
The currents pull and push with their own agenda, indifferent to your plans or your pace.
Waves crash with unpredictable timing, salt stings your eyes and coats your skin, and the vast openness beneath you is both thrilling and humbling.
It's exactly what Finn needs to be reminded of—that not everything in life is controlled, measured, and safe.
I move through the water easily, my arms cutting through with practiced precision. The resistance is familiar and almost comforting now, and the rhythm is second nature as I swim forward, stroke after stroke, breathing in sync with the rise and fall of the swells.
Jonas follows slightly behind. And Adrian is surely behind him, making sure he has eyes on his whole pack, Kaia included. I glance back just enough to confirm they're both following, then push forward. Kaia laughs as Finn drags her farther out, both of them trying, but failing, to stay ahead.
I reach her first and slow my strides just enough to grab her gently around the waist. "Gotcha, little Omega."
She laughs, breathless, and turns in my grip. "What's your prize?"
I don't hesitate. "You, obviously."
Her breath catches.
I nod toward my back. "Climb on, little Omega."
She doesn't question it, just moves behind me, her arms wrapping around my shoulders, her body fitting against mine like it's second nature.
I adjust my hold, making sure she's secure before turning toward the dock. I feel her grip tighten slightly as I move, her fingers pressing against my shoulders with just enough pressure to tell me she's still nervous, but giving me her complete trust.
The dock comes into view as I swim steadily, letting the rhythm carry us both, my legs kicking in smooth, measured motions beneath the surface.
It's weathered with age—the wood silvered by sun and salt, barnacles clinging stubbornly to the posts like they've been there for years.
The planks gleam in the afternoon light, sun-warmed and inviting, stretching out into the water like an old friend.
Behind us, I can feel Finn's chaotic energy through the bond—he's still out there, probably doing something ridiculous.
I catch a glimpse of him diving under, resurfacing with a whoop that carries across the water.
Adrian's presence is steady behind him, trying and failing to contain the chaos, his exasperation tinged with fondness.
They're far enough back now, giving us space, but still within sight, still part of this.
When we reach the dock, I brace myself against the slick ladder rungs and let her climb up first, steadying her with one hand on her back. She moves easily, pulling herself onto the wood with surprising grace, her movements much more confident now than when we first entered the water.
I climb up behind her, my arms heavy with the effort, water streaming off both of us in rivulets. When we reach the top, the water drips from our hair, our skin, pooling at our feet on the sun-warmed planks.
Our breathing is steady—synchronized somehow.
Kaia stands for a second, her body still, turning slowly on the dock, taking it all in with wide eyes. The water stretches around us in every direction, endless and alive, sparkling under the afternoon sun.
I watch her face, how it softens, how the tension melts away from her jaw and her eyes go distant with wonder. "How's the ocean?" I ask, my voice quiet, not wanting to break whatever spell she's under.
She nods, still looking out at the horizon where the water meets the sky. "Amazing." Simple and certain, like she's just discovered something she didn't know she'd been looking for.
Jonas hauls himself up next, breathing a little heavier as he drops onto the dock. I raise an eyebrow. "Don't you run every morning?"
Jonas shoots me a look. "That's running. Not swimming in a body of water that’s trying to kill you, asshole." Jonas is much more of a fan of pools and hot tubs. But me—I love the ocean.
Kaia laughs softly, the sound like tinkling wind chimes on a breezy afternoon. She reaches out to grab his hand and pulls him down beside her so they can both sit with their feet dangling in the cool, refreshing water.
I move to her other side, mirroring the position without thinking, without questioning why it feels so natural to be here. The gentle waves lap at our ankles, sending ripples of sensation up our legs.
She sighs softly, contentedly. "This is perfect."
Both of us nod but don't respond. We don't need to.
The silence between us is comfortable, familiar.
While she watches the ocean, I watch her.
I study the way the sunlight catches in her wet hair, turning it golden.
I watch the way her shoulders relax, tension melting away like ice under the sun.
The way she leans slightly into the moment instead of away from it, embracing it rather than resisting.
In front of us, Finn is still being Finn.
Loud, chaotic, and probably doing something ridiculous that will make us all laugh later.
Adrian is attempting to contain him, failing spectacularly, but at least trying.
My mouth twitches at their feelings in the bond, a mix of exasperation and fondness that's so distinctly them.
I look back at Kaia, drawn to her like gravity. "What's your favorite color?"
She glances at me, a little surprised by the question, her eyebrows raising slightly, but answers without hesitation. "Seafoam."
Jonas frowns, his expression genuinely confused. "What the hell is seafoam?"
I don't even have to think about it. The answer flows out of me like I've always known it. "It's like beach blue. Ocean air. Fresh mist. The color right where the water meets the sky on a clear morning."
Kaia lights up immediately, her whole face brightening with recognition and understanding. "See, you get it. You actually get it."
I smile, softly, unforced, feeling a warmth bloom through me. "Yeah," I say quietly. "I do."
Adrian and Finn climb up onto the dock a moment later. Finn shakes his hair out dramatically, water flying everywhere. "Okay," he says, pointing at Kaia. "I convinced Adrian."
Adrian sighs. "You didn't convince me..."
"We can go on the boat this afternoon," Finn continues like Adrian hadn't spoken. "Apparently, only if I eat all my vegetables. So, just know how much I care about you."
Kaia laughs, soft and bright, then leans in slightly, her voice dropping just enough. "I've never been on a boat."
I look at her. "You're going to love it."
Finn claps his hands. "Let's jump!"
"Yes!" Kaia says immediately. They stand, shifting carefully on the edge of the dock, and then jump into the rolling blue.
How in the world were Adrian and I given the two most courageous Omegas? But when I think about it, I wouldn't change it for the world.
They jump, and jump again, and again, and again. Adrian, Jonas, and I just watch them, letting them burn their energy out. Yeah, there's absolutely no way we're making it to the boat today—not after this.
I slide back into the water, swimming to the shore slower this time. Then I hear, "Lach!" I stop immediately and turn. Kaia is treading water a few feet away, her expression softer now, quieter.
"Are you leaving?" she asks. The question is so quiet I almost miss it. Something in my chest tightens.
"No way, beautiful," I say. "Just grabbing some water." Her shoulders drop instantly as she smiles and swims toward me. I wait for her to come to me.
Back on shore, Kaia sits down on my towel without thinking, and it hits me—this small, unconscious choice to be close to me. I grab my own water bottle and the beautiful blue and purple one she's been using, and hand it to her.
"Thank you," she sighs, taking a long drink. Then she stretches out, lying back. I drop onto Finn's towel beside her. "Swimming in the ocean is way more work than a pool," she says.
I huff a quiet laugh, agreeing. "Yeah. Definitely."
A moment passes, then she shifts slightly closer.
She pauses, like she's not sure. "Is it okay if I move closer?" she asks.
I don't hesitate. "Absolutely. You can be as close as you'd like."
She moves carefully, then rests her hand lightly against mine. Just the back of it, barely touching, but it's intentional. And I'll take anything I can get at this point. I smile, closing my eyes for a second, letting the moment settle.
Then, cold water drops on my chest. I open one eye, and Finn grins down at me. "Hi."
"Hi," I reply dryly. Finn flops down beside me, completely unbothered. Jonas and Adrian follow a minute later, all of us settling into the sun, the space naturally forming around Kaia without crowding her. I push myself up slightly, reaching for my water.
Kaia sits up, too, and I hand her bottle over without thinking. She takes another drink, then leans back again, content. I watch her for a second, then glance toward the house. "We'll chill, then swim a bit more, then dry off, lunch, and then we'll see about the boat."
They all nod.
After a bit of chilling and tanning, I stand, offering her my hand. She takes it without hesitation. I pull her up easily, then turn, doing the same for Finn. Because balance matters, always. I know that from growing up in my parents' pack of two Omegas and multiple Alphas and Betas.
As we head back toward the water together, I know one thing for certain. We aren't rushing this; we're just letting her come to us—at her pace.
And so far, she is.