Chapter 50 Flora #2
“I’ll hold it until after dinner,” he added with a smile that made it very clear what we would be doing after we had eaten.
Yes, please.
I picked up the phone, quickly checking the screen before answering.
“Summer! How are you? I’m so sorry I’ve had to move tutoring sessions so much.” I had been delaying all tutoring sessions, giving her vague reasons. I’d hated brushing her off, but I had been so distracted over the last few weeks.
“Don’t you dare apologize! The whole campus knows what that creepy fucking TA did. You need to rest and recover. I wish I could have kicked that sick fuck in the balls for you.”
“My pack did give him a good beatdown.”
“Your pack?”
I hummed in agreement. “Yeah… I have a pack now. They work in security. We met because of this situation. Actually, one of them is the alpha from the club.”
“I’m so happy for you! Where are you living now?”
“Closer to campus, in the same building as those hockey players.”
A low whistle escaped her. “That’s a swanky place. I’m so happy for you. I… I’m calling to check in, but I also wanted to let you know I won’t need tutoring anymore.”
My brow furrowed, and to my left, Spencer cocked his head at my confused expression.
“Are you sure? You know you don't have to pay, right? I'm happy to just help a friend.” In the past, when she'd insisted on paying me, I accepted because I was broke, but now that I was part of a pack, I really didn't care if she paid me. I had more than enough, and she had a child to support.
Summer sighed, like she was trying to decide what to say next. “I think I'm dropping out of college. Now, before you say anything, I'm at peace with the decision.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I signed up for a matchmaking service. Let's be real, I'm drowning in debt, trying to get this degree, and look after Milo. Putting him first is the most important thing for me, and he doesn’t have any quality of life right now.”
“You’re talking like an arranged marriage?”
“Yes. They’re willing to look after Milo and provide for him, too. We’re going to be comfortable. It’ll be an adjustment, for sure, but I am happy with my choice. So don’t you dare try to talk me out of it.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it, but if you need a friend or help at any point, you know I’m just a phone call away.”
“Thank you. I’m nervous, but I’m hoping I can finally rest a bit.”
“I want that for you as well.”
We said our goodbyes and hung up. Spencer came around the island, placing his hand on my back. “Everything okay?”
I nodded. “My friend is leaving the university because she’s struggling.”
“I’m sorry you’re losing a friend.”
“Phones exist.” I smiled. “So, what’s the plan for dinner?”
“Chicken and veggies—boring but healthy.” He laughed as I scrunched my nose.
“You are sick, you know that?” I asked Spencer.
He smiled, grabbing my hips and pressing our bodies together. My nerve endings lit up at the proximity.
“Sick for you.” He smirked, leaning in to kiss me until I was breathless.
“You can’t just kiss me to make me eat chicken and veggies,” I mumbled.
“I don’t know, it feels like a good idea,” Spencer said, turning back to the food.
“I love it here,” I hummed, snuggling deeper into Bear’s chest. We were all piled into the living room, watching a fantasy TV show about dragons that Chase was a huge fan of. The TV was gigantic. It was like the coziest theater full of my alphas.
After a healthy dinner, we had all been too stuffed to move, so Spencer had promised he would take care of me later, something I was greatly looking forward to.
“Do you mean the apartment or us?” Chase asked with a lopsided grin. He was sitting next to us, my feet in his lap.
I thought for a moment, tapping my chin thoughtfully. “Both?” I laughed.
Bear squeezed me playfully. “We’ll buy you several houses, then.”
“Nope. No houses, just more cuddles. Maybe a few more nest blankets.”
Bear cupped my face, kissing me softly. “I’m so happy you’re getting comfortable at asking for what you want.”
I chuckled lightly. “If I don’t ask, that stubborn butthead will go overboard and buy everything,” I pointed out, looking at Spencer.
He held his hands up in surrender. “Clearly, my method is working.”
“I love you,” I muttered, nuzzling into his chest. “All of you. Even if you’re stubborn asses at times.”
“We’re only like that because we want what’s best for you. You deserve the world.” Chase’s voice was soft.
Spencer snorted. “Remember that when I make you eat chicken and veggies.”
“Nope, that’s just cruelty.” I laughed.
They all broke into laughter before settling down and watching the show, my arms wrapped firmly around Bear, my face on his chest, while Chase held my ankle and Spencer watched on.
I was safe and happy, wrapped up in the warmth of my pack. It was crazy to think that, just a few short months ago, my life had been entirely different.
Their scents cocooned me, lulling me into a peaceful rest.
For the first time in as long as I could remember, I truly was safe and sound.