Chapter Thirty-Two
Fiona
“This was nice,” I said, holding Carlos’ hand as we left the lodge. We’d arranged with the hotel to have our gear sent back to the villa, then had lunch, which Hale had covered, sat on the patio by the fire for some drinks, then took a long walk.
“This was just what we needed,” Carlos told me.
“No, this is what you need,” Hale laughed as snow hit me.
I turned and saw Hale holding a snowball.
“You don’t want to do this,” I teased, gathering up a snowball of my own.
I threw it at Hale, getting him squarely in the chest.
“Not bad, Puddin’. You have an arm on you.” Hale threw a snowball at me.
“Don’t pick on her,” Saoirse joked, throwing a snowball of her own.
“I literally don’t know who to throw a snowball at, so I guess I’ll throw it at you.” Carlos tossed one at Dusty.
“That's just mean,” Dusty exclaimed with mock indignation as he threw one back.
The five of us erupted in a snowball fight, laughing.
It finally ended with me dumping snow down Hale’s shirt.
“That was cold.” Hale threw me over his shoulder.
I kicked my feet. “Excuse me!”
“You’re my omega. I get to carry you around now. Them’s the rules.” Hale patted my ass.
I could probably get out of his grip. But did I want to? No. This way I didn’t actually have to walk.
“That sounds good to me.” Dusty tried to pick up Saoirse the same way. It ended up with the two of them falling over in the snow.
Saoirse threw a snowball at him. “I’m not some dainty omega for you to carry around.”
“You know you want me to. What about a piggyback ride?” Dusty stood brushing the snow off his pants and gave her his hand.
She let him help her up. “Not today. But perhaps another. I don’t doubt your strength. I just prefer to walk on my own two feet.”
“That pretty much sums you up.” He took her hand and joined us.
When we got back to the villa, all the things that we put out, like the trash and the dirty linens had been taken.
“Let's watch a movie,” I suggested.
“Sounds good to me. I’m kind of tired,” Carlos admitted.
I called housekeeping to ask for more blankets and placed an order for snacks. After all, what was a movie without tasty treats?
Carlos came downstairs wearing a Christmas sweater and his Knights beanie. “My phone has powered on!” His face fell. “I can see all the texts people sent, but I can’t reply. I see that people called me, but I can’t hear their messages, or call them back.”
“Aww, we’ll get you a new one tomorrow.” I kissed him.
Carlos plopped down on the couch as he went through his text messages, and I sat down next to him.
“My cousin Jorge is worried about me. He’s one of my best friends and plays for the Mexico City Tigres. He thinks I’ve gone missing again.” Carlos thought for a moment. “Which I guess I kind of did.”
He pulled a picture up of two people in full hockey gear. Their jerseys were bright orange. One of them had an orange helmet, but the other helmet was hot pink and sparkly.
Carlos sucked in a breath. “No way. Did I miss this?”
I got surprise, pride, and a little sadness through the bond as he continued to pour through his texts.
“What did you miss? Which one’s your cousin?” I asked.
“Orange helmet. Fucking shit. She did it. I told her that they were going to sign her.” His face fell. “I missed her first pro game. Everyone went to see it and I wasn’t there.”
“I’m sure there will be more games. I’m not sure what’s going on here.” I frowned at his sadness. “Someone got traded?”
“My friend Gwen got a hockey contract for Christmas. She was signed to the Mexico City Tigres. They’ve been watching her forever. I’m so happy for her. Sad I missed her first game, but glad she got a team.” He smiled.
“A hockey contract for Christmas? What an amazing present. Good for Gwen, but then I remember your season opener,” Dusty said.
“For some reason I can’t open my photos, or I’d show you a better picture of her. If she’s playing for Mexico City, she probably won’t be at Dimitri’s party. I’m sure you’ll meet her eventually,” he added.
“Gwen’s the purple-haired one right? I probably have a picture.” Hale got out his phone.
“Why do you have a picture of her?” I asked, surprised.
“Because she and Mercy are the chaotic besties of doom. Mercy also has a bestie in Rockland, but those two are more the small-country takeover squad,” he explained.
“Why stop at a small country?” I really wanted to meet his sister Mercy.
Hale showed me a picture on his phone. In the center was an absolutely striking woman that I swore I’d seen in advertisements–or maybe even a runway show at Fashion Week.
She had dark hair, wore a stunning dress, and leaned on a hot pink forearm crutch.
Next to her was a tiny woman with long dark hair and red lips who looked straight out of a fairytale–both vulnerable yet formidable.
As for the third person, I didn’t get a good view of her face, because she was laughing, but she had an athletic build, purple hair, and wore a sparkly purple dress.
“Gwen’s the one with the purple hair. In the center is my sister Verity. I can’t ever remember who the third person is. I think her brother is on the team,” Hale said.
“That’s Valya, Dimitri’s little sister,” Carlos replied.
Hale nodded. “Yes. Sometimes she joins in on chaotic adventures.”
“What kind of chaotic adventures?” I asked, curious.
“Things like shopping, spa days, and pedicures involving alcohol. Oh, and tattoos,” Hale replied.
We had very different ideas of chaotic adventures. But that sounded fun.
“Here's another one.” He showed me the same striking woman, the same small fairytale girl, Gwen with her purple hair, now in a floral dress, though I still didn’t get a good look at her, and a very young woman with her brown hair in Dutch braids.
“That's my sister Mercy, the skate smasher,” Hale added.
“Your sister in the center? I swear I’ve seen her face on the side of the building or something.” Also, the purple-haired girl looked a little familiar, but I had no idea why I’d know a beta goalie from New York.
Oh, I probably saw them all in Quebec. Yeah, that was it.
“Verity does some modeling shit when she’s not getting her PhD, raising Mercy, doing things with happy flowers, and being with her mates,” he brushed off. “Let me show you some other pictures of my siblings.”
Hale showed me his rich big sister, Grace–a tiny delicate blonde.
His older brother, who looked a whole lot like a tall, male version of Grace.
There was his goth little brother, who lived in Boston, studying the cello, and another little brother, who lived in the Bay Area.
I also saw pictures of the littles–his three smallest siblings, who lived in London.
“Your family is very cute,” I told him, not missing the fact that I got no pictures of his parents, just his siblings.
Housekeeping brought our blankets and snacks, and we settled down to watch a movie, this one not in German.
It was nice as we snacked and relaxed. The movie was almost over when there was a pounding on the door.
Dusty sat up. “Did we order more food?”
“I didn’t,” I replied. “But I think it’s time to get ready for dinner?”
We’d made reservations for a late dinner at the lodge.
The thumping continued and before someone could get up to answer it, the door flew open and people flooded in.
“Fiona, thank fuck you’re safe.” Dad, Finn Gallagher, stood in front of me, looking fierce, but relieved. My other dads and some of their security were with them.
“What are you doing here? I'm fine.” I covered my face with a pillow, embarrassment making my cheeks burn.
“You were supposed to be back yesterday. There were no texts, no calls. We couldn’t get a hold of you. We couldn’t find your location,” Dad demanded. “What were we supposed to do? You could’ve been kidnapped, or worse.”
My eyes rolled at his theatrics. “I texted you that we’re fine. I’m coming back tomorrow. There was a snowstorm.”
“Finn, I told you the same today.” Saoirse sat up and gave him a frosty look.
“We were already mobilizing by the time I got that message. You’re supposed to keep her safe.” Finn gave her a dark look.
“She’s perfectly safe. There was a snowstorm which affected both our ability to leave and communication.” Authority radiated from Saoirse.
“We’ve come to bring you home, Sweetheart,” Daddy, who was probably the most easy-going of my dads, said.
“I’m fine. You could’ve called–the phones work now.” I gave them a defiant look. The audacity. I was an omega, not a child.
“Tomorrow is the earliest we could get back. I apologize for the inconvenience, sir,” Dusty replied.
Dad’s eyes focused on Carlos and Hale, and growled, “Who the fuck are they?”
“You're seeing people besides Saoirse?” Daddy asked, a little hurt. “You didn’t tell me.”
“Since when have I told you about my dating life?” I rolled my eyes again. “This is Carlos and Hale. You know Saoirse, and then there’s Dusty.”
Dadio, who was a giant alpha, but didn’t say much, frowned, sniffing the air. “What’s that smell?”
“Is everything okay? Are they holding you hostage?” Da switched to Irish. “This applies to both of you. They don’t look formidable, but you never know. Appearances can be deceiving.”
“Ugh. They’re not holding us hostage. We like these people. You can leave now. We’re fine and have dinner reservations.” I pointed at the door.
Dadio’s frown deepened and I had a feeling he figured it out. We’d aired out the place, but it still reeked.
“Sweetie, did you go into heat?” Daddy asked. Concern filled the room.
“Yes, I went into a surprise heat during the snowstorm, which is why I didn’t text you. Not that it’s your business. Thank you very much. Goodbye.” I threw a pillow at him.
“I see.” Dad’s hard gaze focused intently on Hale and Carlos, displeasure on his face.
“And you didn’t tell us, Saoirse?” Daddy demanded.
Saoirse gave him a look. “Her medical information is not mine to disclose, Eoin. It’s perfectly normal for a grown omega to keep things like that to herself. Also, I don’t work for you.”
Dad rubbed his forehead. “Since we’re here and have a plane, why don’t we take you all back now?”
This felt like a trap.
“Dad, thank you so much, but we’re fine. Promise,” I told him, turning on the only-daughter charm.
Before I could say anything my dad opened his arms. “I see, Princess. Sometimes I forget that you’re not a little girl anymore.
At least give your dear old dad a hug? You understand where the worry is coming from, don’t you?
So many things could have happened to you.
You could’ve been caught outside in the snowstorm or been kidnapped, or be dead, lying in a ditch somewhere. ”
“I know.” I sighed, still exasperated. “But I texted you that I was fine. I understand your worry. However, you coming all the way here and barging in, and breaking down the door is really unnecessary. Would you do that for my brothers?”
“Absolutely,” Dadio replied.
“Fine. Thank you. I’m happy you worry. But I’m an adult now. I can take care of myself.” I got up and gave my dad a hug.
His scent grew spicy with anger and a little bit of fear. His arms gripped me tighter as I tried to struggle out of his grasp, not understanding what was happening. His face pressed into my hair.
“Dad, let go.” I struggled again
“Who mated you?!” he roared. Alpha dominance flooded the villa, making everyone freeze.
“Mate? What?” Dadio’s authority added to the obnoxious alpha cocktail invading my space.
“Who I mate with isn’t your business,” I snapped. Immediately I regretted those words, because I could only be so sassy with them.
“None of my business?” Dad grabbed my chin and tilted it up, forcing me to look into his green eyes.
“It’s none of my business who dares mate my omega daughter without even having the audacity to introduce himself, or have a conversation with me?
I don’t even know these people. How do I know they’re good enough for my child? ”
“You're overreacting, Dad.” I tried to wiggle out of his hold.
Saoirse’s arms crossed over her chest. “I did, Finn. Do you have a problem with that?”
“I would have appreciated a conversation, Saoirse,” he snapped.
“I don’t owe you anything. Don’t make me fight you,” she snapped back.
“Dad, we didn’t plan it, it just happened. You don’t need to make a big deal out of it.” I slipped out of his arms and put my hands on my hips.
“Was it accidental? Or just spontaneous,” Da demanded.
“What does it matter?” I threw my hands up in the air in exasperation.
“Um, I accidentally bonded with Saoirse, but I can make her happy. We can all form a pack together. I’m Dusty. I live in New York, which isn’t too far away. I’m a musician. Carlos is a hockey player.” Dusty waved from the couch.
“You accidentally bonded Saoirse? We’ll let her handle that,” Daddy chuckled.
“You’re too young to form a pack,” Da said.
“Am not. Also, you’re the one who keeps trying to mate me off to alphaholes as part of business transactions,” I snapped.
“Fiona, watch your tone.” Dad scowled at Carlos and Hale.
“I… I did, sir. I’m so sorry for taking that choice away from her. While I care for her, I understand if you need me to make this right and un-do things. I’ll alpha up,” Hale said.
“You don’t want to be with me?” I whispered.
“Of course I do. But I also caused you harm,” Hale told me.
What was he even talking about?
My dad nodded. “I see. I appreciate you admitting what you did and your remorse. However, I smell another.”
“That would be me. Yes, I marked your daughter during her heat. I apologize for not having a conversation with you beforehand, it was not my intention to slight you. It was unplanned, but I don’t regret it.” Carlos’ eyes met mine. “Not one bit or for one second.”
My hand went to my heart. “Aww, Carlos.”
“I hope you know that I hold your daughter in the highest esteem. She is remarkable. While I’m not as wealthy and influential as you, I love her.
She is the best thing to have ever happened to me, and I should hope that one day I could be seen as being deserving of her.
Love for her fills every fiber of my being and I knew from the moment I met her that she was the love of my life.
” Carlos looked up at my dads, his tone of beseeching and repentant.
That was the sweetest speech I’ve ever heard. “I love you, too.”
“Scent match?” Daddy inquired thoughtfully.
“No. Just love at first sight.” Carlos shook his head.
“You accidentally bonded my daughter and you’re happy about it?” Dad roared.
Carlos nodded. “How could I not be? She is Mi Reina, my queen. Who wouldn’t want to be with her?”
“How dare you.” Dad took a step forward. “Do you even know who we are?”
“Please, stop,” I pleaded, the dominance so thick I felt faint.
“That’s it. Everyone on the airplane, now. We’re going back to Boston. No one bonds my daughter accidentally without repercussions,” Dad ordered. “No one.”
They were mad. Really, really mad.
Fuck.
But did I regret it? No. I’d get us out of it. Somehow.