23. Storm
Chapter 23
Storm
I push my empty plate away, feeling more satisfied than I have in years.
"That was amazing, Elena," I say, smiling at the woman who's been feeding us all morning. "I can't remember the last time I had pancakes and bacon and eggs that good."
Elena beams, already collecting the empty plates. "Plenty more where that came from. You're all far too thin for my liking."
Across the table, Fox and Frankie are engaged in a quiet conversation while Alex sips his coffee, his keen eyes surveying all of us with that watchful alpha gaze that reminds me so much of his twin. But unlike Jonathan, there's warmth in Alex's observation, a protective instinct.
I clear my throat, suddenly nervous. "Alex? Can I ask you something?"
He turns to me, one eyebrow raised slightly. "Of course."
"Is it safe to go outside here?" I point outside to the tree line. "I mean, not just to the porch but... really outside? Into the woods?"
For a moment, I prepare myself for disappointment, for the gentle explanation of why it's not safe, of why I need to stay hidden. Instead, his expression softens into an easy smile.
"Of course," he says, like it's the most natural request in the world. "The property's secure. We've got about thirty acres, all fenced and monitored. You can go anywhere within the boundary. We're completely isolated here."
I stare at him, hardly daring to believe it could be so simple. "Really? I can just... go outside? Whenever I want?"
Alex laughs, the sound warm and genuine. "Yeah, Storm. Whenever you want. This isn't the Omega House. You're not a prisoner here." His eyes crinkle at the corners, making him look so different from his cold twin. "Though maybe wear some proper shoes? The terrain gets pretty rough in places."
A squeal of delight escapes me before I can stop it, so high pitched that I immediately clap a hand over my mouth in embarrassment. But the joy bubbling up inside me is too great to contain. Without thinking, I throw my arms around Alex's shoulders, hugging him tightly.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
Alex stiffens in surprise for a moment before awkwardly patting my back. "It's just the backyard, Storm. Nothing to get excited about."
I pull back, grinning up at him. "You have no idea. Four years of white walls and locked doors. I'd get excited about a parking lot at this point."
Understanding flashes across his face, followed by something that might be sympathy. "Well, you'll find our backyard a bit nicer than a parking lot. There's a stream about half a mile east, apple trees to the north. Fox can show you around after breakfast."
"Breakfast is done," I say, already backing away from the table. "I need to tell Rook!"
I race out of the kitchen, taking the stairs two at a time, my heart light with excitement. I burst into the room where Rook is still sleeping, his large frame sprawled across the bed, one arm flung over his head. The sight of him, peaceful, safe, and here with me, makes my chest ache with happiness.
"Rook!" I pounce on him without hesitation, straddling his waist and shaking his shoulders. "Wake up! Wake up!"
He comes awake all at once. His hands grip my wrists instinctively before recognition floods his features.
"Storm?" His voice is rough with sleep, his dark eyes quickly scanning my face. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"We can go outside!" The words burst from me in a rush of excitement. "Alex says the property is safe, we can go anywhere we want as long as we stay inside the fence, and there's a stream and apple trees and actual forest and—" I break off, laughing at his bewildered expression. "Get up! I want to go now!"
Understanding dawns on his face, followed by a slow smile that makes my heart skip. "Outside, huh? That got you this worked up?"
"You have no idea," I repeat, climbing off him. I pull his jeans from the floor and take off his t-shirt, tossing them in his direction before digging into my bag for my clothes. "Where is it?” I groan. Did I leave it at the apartment?
"What are you looking for?" Rook asks, sitting up and rubbing his eyes.
"Your hoodie," I answer, moving to the chest of drawers. Did someone unpack my bag? I spot it hanging on a hook, the familiar worn fabric making my chest tighten with nostalgia.
“Sorry, Alex brought it up last night while you were sleeping, and I hung it in there. Fox also gave me some clothes that might fit you. I put them in the drawer. I didn't bring much either, so Alex lent me some of his things until I can go back for my own."
My mouth drops open. They did all that while I slept. I must have really been out of it. I move over to the drawer and find a clean black tee that is clearly is Fox’s. I quickly pull it over my head and move to the hoodie. I pull it on, burying my nose in the collar as if his phantom scent is still there.
Rook watches me, something soft and tender in his expression. "Still fits you like a tent," he says, his voice warm with affection.
"Shut up," I retort. I roll up the sleeves, the familiar gesture transporting me back to simpler times. "Hurry up and get dressed. I want to explore."
I barely finish the words before Rook moves.
He grabs my hips and pulls me down onto the bed with a low growl that sends a shiver straight through me. I land on top of him, my knees straddling his hips, the heat of his bare skin burning through the thin fabric of the sleep shorts I’m still wearing.
"Rook!" I squeal, laughing as I try to wriggle free, but he flips us effortlessly, pinning me beneath him with a grin that makes my heart stutter.
"Mine," he murmurs, his forehead dropping to mine, his weight heavy and perfect over me.
His hands slide down my arms in a slow, claiming touch, his scent wrapping around me, thick and heady. For a second, I forget about everything except him. His body, his warmth, the way he feels so right.
"I love you, Storm," he says, his voice low and fierce. My chest squeezes painfully in the best way.
"I love you too," I whisper, my hands tugging him closer.
He kisses me, slow and deep, a sweet and lingering press of lips that feels like a gentle declaration of everything we've fought for.
When we part, Rook's eyes are dark with emotion, his thumbs tracing soft, absentminded circles on my cheekbones.
He leans in again, running his nose slowly down my throat, breathing me in.
I freeze, my heart hammering against my ribs. He can smell Reed on me. I know it. The scent mark Reed left is obvious to anyone with a nose, and my mind scrambles for what to say. How to explain.
But Rook doesn't stiffen. He doesn't pull away.
Instead, a low rumble vibrates through his chest as he nuzzles the other side of my neck and scent marks me himself, rubbing his cheek against my skin like he's laying claim. A deep, rich purr starts low in his throat, a sound I've never heard from him before, and it melts the last bit of fear inside me.
Warmth floods through me.
"You’re mine," he murmurs again, voice almost a growl.
Then he pulls back just enough to meet my gaze again, that same seriousness settling back over his features, not jealousy but something else.
"But we need to talk," he says, his thumb brushing slow, grounding circles over my hipbone.
"Talk about what?" I breathe, already dizzy from him.
"About staying," he says. "About running. About what you want."
His touch stays gentle, anchoring me, letting me know he's with me no matter what.
"I'll do whatever you want, Hurricane," he says steadily. "If you want to run, I’ll run with you. Take Frankie. Find somewhere safe." His voice rumbles low in his chest. "But I see the way the alphas look at you. Jonathan, Reed, even Alex. They’d do anything to keep you safe. Like you deserve. I can’t protect you like that out there. But here…"
He smiles softly.
"And I see how you look back," he adds, brushing a curl away from my face. "It’s okay, Storm. You deserve people who’ll fight for you. Protect you."
Tears burn the backs of my eyes, but I force a laugh instead.
"Reed’s a grumpy asshole," I say, my voice shaking just a little.
Rook chuckles, a deep, rough sound that makes my stomach flip.
"So is Jonathan," I add, dragging my nails lightly over the back of his neck just to feel him shiver.
They may be grumpy assholes... but they're also stupidly good-looking grumpy assholes. And if I'm honest, part of me wants to see where this could go.
But Rook... Rook will always be home. I know what he’s saying. This is the safest place I could be.
"And we’re staying," I whisper. "Wherever you are, I'm home."
The grin that spreads across his face is pure sunshine and relief.
His whole body relaxes against mine, and then he’s kissing me again. Slower this time, like he has all the time in the world to love me properly.
I nip at his lower lip, making him rumble low in his chest, his hips pressing into mine like he’s not planning on moving anytime soon.
For a moment, it’s tempting, so tempting to stay tangled up in him all day.
But the excitement buzzing under my skin won’t be ignored.
Laughing, I shove lightly at his chest. "Come on, alpha. Hurry up and get dressed. I want to explore."
He groans like I’m personally ruining his life but rolls off me with a playful huff.
"Yes, ma'am," he chuckles, dragging himself out of bed.
Once he’s dressed, he crosses the room in two long strides, his hands coming up to frame my face with that same overwhelming tenderness.
"Have I told you today how much I love you?"
My heart swells at the simple declaration. "Yes, and you can show me later." I tease rising on my tiptoes to meet his lips.
"I missed this," he murmurs. "Seeing you excited about something. Seeing you happy."
We make our way downstairs, hand in hand, the anticipation of freedom making my steps light. The scent of breakfast greets us—bacon and coffee and something sweet. Elena is at the stove again, expertly flipping pancakes while Fox sits at the table. Frankie sits at the island, sipping coffee and looking adorable. He must have changed to go outside, too. My heart gives an unexpected flip at the sight of him. He gives me that shy smile and I perfume. Ah, fuck.
Fox looks over to me, and I brace for him to tell me I smell bad. Instead, he winks.
"Good morning," Elena calls out, breaking the awkward tension, looking over with a warm smile. "Perfect timing, Rook. Your breakfast is ready."
“Nice to meet you, ma'am. Smells amazing, but I’m gonna go out with Storm.” Rook smiles over at her, and his large, warm hand in mine squeezes gently.
"Not before breakfast, you're not," Elena says firmly, pointing a spatula at him. "Sit. Eat. Then you can go adventuring."
I open my mouth to protest, but Rook's hand squeezes mine in warning. "Yes, ma'am," he says.
He moves towards a chair at the table and takes a seat as he lets go of my hand.
“I can’t say no,” he whispers to me. “That would be rude.” Rook, my big, hard, scary alpha with the softest middle.
Elena smiles approvingly, setting a plate of pancakes, bacon, eggs and a hashbrown in front of him.
"Storm, why don't you go ahead with Fox and Frankie? Alex should be down any minute." She places a hand on Rook's shoulder. "This one needs a proper meal. He's too thin."
I hesitate, glancing at Rook. The thought of leaving him, even for a short time, makes my chest tighten with anxiety. After four years apart, every moment together feels precious.
Rook's expression softens. "Go on," he encourages. "I'll catch up. I promise."
"You're sure?" I ask, searching his face.
In answer, he presses a kiss to my hand, his lips warm against my skin. "I'm not going anywhere, Storm. Go have fun. I'll be right behind you."
"Okay," I agree reluctantly, pushing back from the table. "But don't take too long."
"I won't," he promises, already reaching for another strip of bacon. "Save some adventure for me."
Fox rises from his seat. "Come on," he says, holding out his hand. "I'll show you the best spots."
I take his hand, surprised by how natural it feels. There's none of the territorial jealousy I'd expect from another omega—just a gentle acceptance that feels like friendship. Frankie stands as well, his movements slightly awkward as he follows us toward the back door.
"Don't forget shoes," Elena calls.
Fox grabs a pair of boots from beside the door, handing them to me. "These should fit. They're mom’s."
I pull them on, amazed to find they fit perfectly.
The moment Fox pushes open the back door, a rush of fresh mountain air envelops me. I freeze on the threshold, overwhelmed by how much land there is. Freedom. A safe place for me to just be…me.
"You okay?" Frankie asks, his hand hovering near my elbow.
I can only nod, my throat tight with emotion. I step forward, off the porch and onto the soft earth, feeling the ground give slightly beneath my borrowed boots. A laugh escapes me, giddy and unrestrained, as I spread my arms wide, tilting my face to the sky.
"It's beautiful," I breathe, turning in a slow circle to take it all in. The house sits in a clearing, surrounded by dense forest on three sides. Behind it, the land slopes gently upward toward the mountains, while before it, it descends into a valley lush with autumn colors. The air is cooler than in the city. The promise that winter will be here soon, but the sun is warm on my face.
"It's home," Fox says simply, a quiet pride in his voice. "Come on, I'll show you around."