Chapter 24
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FOUR
ALISA
The air smells like the florals of the blossoms surrounding me as I inhale deeply. I had a headache for several days, and now I’m finally able to break free of the house. Silas was still worried about me, but I promised I’d stop and rest as necessary.
Since the botanical gardens have many places to take a break in the shade, he decided I’d be fine. So far, I have been, though he’s held my hand the entire time as we walk through the paths winding through the property.
I don’t mind how concerned he is. Passing out wasn’t fun, and the memory of the pain still follows me. I missed Lyle biting Troy’s cock when he was sucking on it. It’s how he ended up bonding with Troy, fulfilling the promise he made to him.
My lips twitch with amusement that Troy still has teeth marks along the base of his cock.
“Everything is so beautiful, how do you choose a favorite?”
“By how it makes me feel,” he says, shrugging. “Go with that.”
Nodding, I look up and see a tree over me boasting red blooms. They’re absolutely gorgeous and I smile wistfully.
The sign says it’s a dogwood tree, and it would probably be too much to want a tree.
Still, I keep thinking about it even as we continue to walk, and Silas finally pulls me into his lap in front of a beautiful reflecting pool.
“If you want a tree, then you need to tell me you want a goddamned tree,” he growls into the shell of my ear.
“I felt the tug on your soul the moment you saw it. I’ll plant several in the backyard if you want them, Little Fighter.
There’s a section in the garden that needs a little more shade and I think a dogwood tree would be perfect for it.
“There is nothing I won’t do for you, Alisa, okay?”
A shuddering breath wracks my body as tears make their presence known, and I’m glad we’re alone so no one else can see this. Silas’ warm embrace and love pouring through our bond allows me the space to feel the grief I often push away because of how my baby was conceived.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” he whispers, rocking me from side to side slowly.
His hand is careful to keep my skirt from blowing up with the breeze, and I relax into his arms. “Some things simply aren’t meant to be in the moment it happens.
I think we should have a stone marker in front of the tree so you can talk to your baby.
The shade will remind you they’re watching over you. What do you think?”
“Yes,” I sniffle. “God, that’s such a good idea.”
“Just thinking out loud,” he says.
“They need a name.” Swallowing hard as I drown Silas’ shirt in tears, I realize I really need this. “There wasn’t enough time for me to find out the gender, but what if I choose a more neutral name?”
“Anything in mind?” His lips graze my hair as he holds me, and I choke back a sob.
“What about Ellis?”
“Oh I like that. What else do you want on the plate?”
The warning is there not to hold back and I sigh as I think about it.
“Always in my mind and heart,” I whisper. “Maybe with angel wings on either side of their name?”
“Perfect,” he breathes. We sit together in silence as the birds sing and the ducks play in the water before us. It’s peaceful, and settles something inside of me. “I’ve always wanted a pool like this. Want to help me dig it out, baby?”
“Yeah. I really do.”
Ever the southern gentleman, he shifts his weight and pulls out a handkerchief, handing it to me.
“I’ll start planning out the newest addition to the garden,” he says, watching as I dry my face.
“Is everything okay?” A voice asks.
Silas glances over his shoulder, nodding as I pull myself together.
“Yes, Aster. Thank you for asking. We’ve been doing some reflecting.”
“No better place to do that,” she says ruefully. “The gardens are all blooming and it’s quiet today.”
“We’ve been wanting to come by, but I’m glad we waited. Everything is so beautiful on the paths right now.”
“I’m just getting my footing here in Savannah. While there’s beauty in the snow of Minnesota, I love learning about the new patterns of nature here,” she explains.
My lips purse slightly as I listen to her. Savannah is a random place to end up after the Midwest.
“I’m not a fan of snow,” Silas chuckles, turning us to face Aster. My face has to be puffy and I’m sure my eyes resemble puckered buttholes, but there’s nothing I can do about it now. “The azaleas are gorgeous this time of year here, but the star of the show have been the dogwood trees.”
“They’re stunning, aren’t they?” Aster sighs happily. “I feel the happiest around nature. I’m so glad you’re having a wonderful visit. I’m being told people will begin scheduling events here soon.”
“How long have you been in Savannah?” I ask, my curiosity getting the best of me.”
“Three months,” she says, thinking with a bob of her head. “I finally landed here. My sister asked if we could live somewhere warmer, and I can’t say no to her.”
I nod with a small smile. I grew up with brothers and Hollis. While I don’t have a sister, she’s a pretty great option and I claim her as mine.
“What’s it like to work here?” I ask. “It’s so peaceful.”
“Even when it’s crawling with bird watchers and plant enthusiasts, it’s wonderful. Since it’s late March, the weekends bring everyone out, but they are all so respectful. Even the children walk around with wide eyes and I enjoy answering their questions,” she explains.
“I’d like to speak to you about having an event here,” Silas murmurs. “Can I call you next week?”
My eyelashes flutter as Silas tells me through the bond that he’s not waiting because I’m here, but that he’s not ready to discuss details with her yet. It’s another reminder my presence isn’t a burden. There are many days lately where I get frustrated I’m not contributing anything to the pack.
I don’t work, and I think I’m contributing to their gray hair. Silas squeezes my hip to pull me out of my spiraling worries, and I open my eyes to find Aster is gone. I guess I was thinking for longer than I thought I was.
“I’m not ready to go home yet. Would you like to accompany me to lunch? They have a restaurant here that’s really good. The chef also takes requests.”
My stomach growls and Silas chuckles, knowing better than to tease me. I ate a piece of toast with cream cheese and strawberries for breakfast with my coffee, but we’ve been walking a lot.
“Lunch sounds great,” I grin, standing.
“Let’s go find a table with a view,” he says, taking my hand as he stretches and begins to lead me. “I’ve been meaning to tell you. Cassidy has been asking about you.”
“Why?” I ask, confused. “She saw me a week ago.”
“She heard you weren’t feeling well and we’ve skipped out on our morning runs. She mentioned wanting to get to know you better.”
“Why?” I ask again. “I don’t socialize well, Silas. I’m horribly awkward.”
“You did great at the game once Santo stopped growling at you.”
“It’s hard to find common ground when your entire life is a secret.”
“You don’t need to keep secrets from Cassidy,” Silas says. “You don’t have to be anything you don’t want to be, Alisa. I can tell her you’re not feeling up to seeing people. I’m your alpha, my word is law in regards to my omega. I won’t hesitate to use that card to shut it down.”
But she’s your friend. I grumble about it in my head, and he squeezes my hand as he speaks with the hostess and gets us a table outside.
Being out here is like stepping into a fairytale world.
There’s a hummingbird catching a snack as he flies from flower to flower, and I can’t stop from grinning as we sit down.
“We’ll get butterflies soon in our garden,” Silas says, breathing deeply. “April thru May is pretty magical in Savannah. The weather isn’t too warm, and it’s great for walks to explore the city if you’re up for it.”
“My legs don’t feel like jelly as often,” I admit. “The trips to the pool are helping rebuild my muscles.”
“Good. And you did great walking today.” His encouraging smile feels amazing and I don’t need to worry he’s being condescending. None of them ever are. They’ll tease or give me concerned words about my health, but it’s always from a place of love.
I don’t know much about Cassidy or her pack. I see them only for a few minutes while they all stretch, and that’s mostly to enjoy the view of my alphas. Silas’ back muscles are delicious as he pushes his body into different positions. Crossing my legs, I bite my lip as I open the menu.
My eyes move over the different options, but nothing sounds good. I’m hungry and being presented with too many things doesn’t help me choose anything.
Silas flips open the menu and glances over it before shaking his head.
“I’ll handle it. Just give me a second.”
I blink at him in confusion, but I trust him. I don’t talk about my past often, yet that’s more because I desperately want to build good memories here in the present.
The problem is that the past still manages to darken my life in too many ways to count. It’s a tangled web, and one I often seem to trip over. Like now.
“Hi, can I get you water to start with?” the waitress asks with a professional smile.
“Yes, please. No lemon for hers. I was also wondering if it would be possible for Chef Boone to come out for a second. I have a favor to ask.”
The waitress nods slowly, as if trying to decide if that’s possible or not. I know better than to tell Silas I’ll be fine. He’s already crafted a plan of action, and the determination in his eyes tells me he’s locked in.
“Yes, sir. I can ask,” she says. “I’ll have someone bring you out water while I head back to the kitchen.”
“Thank you.” Silas closes the menu again while she hurries away, and I raise my brow. “You need to eat. I’m merely finding the solution.”
“Mmhmm.” My cheeks heat at the thought of the glances that’ll be coming our way when the chef comes over. I’m not comfortable with attention, and I’m pretty sure I still look a mess after purging my tangle of emotions earlier. “Thank you, Silas. I don’t like to be a problem.”