31. Calder
Calder
"Ooooh, what is that?" Opaline bites her bottom lip, giving us an adorable little wiggle, any lingering fatigue lost at the mountain of the cake in front of her.
"Double fudge with a layer of cookie cream in the middle." Sage practically purrs the words, smile growing the bigger our omega's eyes get watching him slice the round dessert.
Taking a deep breath in, I make eye contact with each of my pack brothers to ensure we're on the same page.
We planned today's date so we could all spend time together and take her to do something she'd hopefully enjoy, which she did.
But we also still have a part of our plan that needs to be pushed a bit if we plan on actually getting to it tonight, before she passes out due to a sugar overload.
Clearing my throat, I pull away the plate in front of her that holds a monstrous slice of dark cake she couldn't even finish if she had three days. Glancing at Sage with a 'seriously?' look, he just shrugs happily like he didn't just serve her a solid third of the entire thing.
"Wh—Hey!" Her fork chases after the plate, giving up the further it gets, arm stretched as far as it'll go.
A chuckle reminiscent of a purr that I can't deny breaks free, running a hand down my face to try to hide my amusement. The way her eyes narrow, focused on me, tells me I'm not quick enough.
"Get him, Sage! He took the perfect, amazing, thoughtful treat you gave me." Those eyes go from narrow to as big as possible, bottom lip starting to make an appearance, looking up at him.
Leaning down, he whispers something in her ear that makes her giggle, turning to face me again as I speak.
"Sorry, babygirl. You'll have it in a second. We just have something important that we need to talk about first. All of us."
Her eyes sober a little, gaze drifting to each of us, a touch of anxiety burning the normally sweet brown sugared hint of her scent.
I desperately want to pull her into my arms and comfort her with physical touch.
I can feel each of my pack brothers denying their very same urges to soothe.
But for this conversation, I really need to know there's no pheromone sway or our touches nudging her one way or the other.
This is entirely up to her, and her alone, based on her comfort levels.
The fact that we're here…really here, about to take a huge step with the omega we'd given up on ever meeting, tightens my chest so deeply it's suddenly difficult to take in a full breath, much less speak.
I do my best to close off our connection, so she's not overwhelmed, and hope the other two pick up on the faint hint through our shared secondary bond enough to do her the same courtesy.
The moment they do, I see her spine straighten. "Okay." She swallows, her fork unconsciously tight in her small hand as she nervously glances between us. The need to fix even the slightest change in her downed mood urges me to jump in to not keep her in suspense.
But so many moments of our time together start replaying in my mind's eye, the emotion and happiness felt by my pack. Hell, the pride and relief and wonderment at knowing we're on the right track, all in this and moving towards a future together, is nearly making me mute at the overwhelm.
"Baby," I start, shaking my head in disbelief, "you have completely changed each of our lives simply by being in it.
But, having you here, in our home, has filled an emptiness in each of us, I didn't realize was there.
Because that's exactly what you did; you made our house feel like a home.
Every day that your scent is light enough on the air to recognize that you're not here is a reminder of how much your presence has affected us.
Your clothes, favorite snacks, the blankets you've claimed as yours, all point to how much our home has changed for the better.
We want to offer you the same feeling we get on the nights we know you'll be here, and mornings we get to wake up curled around you.
" Unable to resist anymore, I reach out and connect our hands.
"You deserve to have a safe space that you know you can be at ease away from the rest of the world.
A sanctuary and oasis. You deserve arms waiting to cuddle the second you step inside.
But most of all, you deserve a space that you can craft as a reflection of yourself, desires, and dreams. A place that is truly yours.
Where your inner omega can retreat and find safety, too.
We want you to move in with us, officially.
Let us help decorate your nest and make it your own sanctuary, babygirl. "
"But, if you feel like you still need another place away from us, we're happy to keep your current boarding in the staff lodging open and ready any time you want or need it, kitten.
Whatever makes you most comfortable," Adrian adds, as another layer of security, which I can appreciate and understand. I nod my approval.
"Yes…"
"Yes? You'll move in with us?" Each of us straightens like we have broomsticks glued to our spines, suddenly.
Nodding, she looks between us with bright, tear-lined eyes. It's like the world pauses and stops spinning, before chaos erupts in our kitchen. Sage reaches her first, lifting her and spinning her around while shouting his excitement. "Woohoo! Woo! Yes, baby!"
When she's finally back on her feet, albeit unstable, we huddle together expressing our individual excitement. One pack, one heart, and now, one home.
"Thank you," she whispers as we all start to pull apart, graceful fingers tucking dark red hair behind her ear.
"You have no idea how much all of this means to me and how much I love and value you all.
I—" she clears her throat, taking a second to center herself.
"I don't know what to say to really encompass the magnitude of everything I'm feeling and what you're offering me.
To be completely honest, it's overwhelming. "
"Overwhelming in a good way? If not, we don't have to jump int—"
"No, no!" She puts up a hand, interrupting Ever.
"In the best way. Just a lot of other things trying to come to the surface at the same time, I guess.
" She bites her quivering lip with a smile.
I think I can safely assume the barrage of the 'other things' hitting her heavily, that's spilling into our bonds.
No doubt, flashbacks to her previous horrendous circumstances.
"I can't believe I'm going to have a real nest, too… "
"Princess, we're going to make this the best damn nest the world's ever seen." He boops her nose, her eyes going cross-eyed for a second. "It's going to be everything you want, then some."
I can physically see the moment she realizes we're planning on spending money on her nest. Not a damn chance in hell we're not making this a dream come true for her.
As if I wouldn't give up my last dime to make sure she was happy and cared for.
As if she isn't worthy of being spoiled.
A glow that had started to build dims, and her shoulders droop slightly enough that most people wouldn't notice. "I don't know—"
A series of growls echo on either side of me.
"Non-negotiable, babygirl. It's a big milestone for you, that's true. But…” I take a breath, feeling the heat rushing to my cheeks as I rub the back of my neck.
"You're not the only one who's dreamed of this.
Helping your mate build their nest is something deeply special to an alpha.
It would break my heart if I weren't able to be with you every step of the way: decorating, shopping, painting, all of it.
I want to make this happen for you." The others nod their agreement.
And it's true; it is something I've secretly dreamed of, myself. It's a little embarrassing, but I want all of it, all these moments we'll always remember and cherish. Not to mention, the need to provide for my mate is in my damn DNA as an alpha, even more so as a lead.
I don't know if it's something I'm unconsciously pushing down the bond, or if my omega already knows me so well. But her smile is gentle as she approaches and wraps her arms around my waist, looking up at me. "I can't wait, alpha."
I release a low, pleased rumble and press my lips to her forehead. My perfect, sweet, angel of a mate.
Leaning just a little further, I whisper in her ear, close enough only she can hear. "Such a good girl for your daddy, aren't you?"