Page 26 of Golden Omega

“I called Holt and left your keys where they could find them. They were glad to help out. Everything should be fine. Although I can’t swear to how fabulous any arrangements might be.”

“Okay.” I lay back and took a deep breath. “It’s good to have friends.” Sometimes there were things that were more important than business. I just never wanted the lady who helped me with the grant to hear me say that. “I’ll just take a little nap.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Sovann

I snuck out of bed first, prying myself from Hema’s hold. Sitting on the edge of the bed while everyone else slept, I replayed last night in my head. This heat had been short but powerful. The next one would probably be longer as most omega’s heats were, but this one emptied me in the best way possible. I was exhausted and spent, but there was no place on this whole damned earth I would rather be.

After a fast shower, I pulled on some clothes and went out for coffee and picked up a few groceries to make breakfast. We all had ways to contribute our love to Hema but this was mine. Making sure her belly was full with yummy foods that she liked. Making sure that when she was home with us that her life was relaxed and comfortable.

She deserved to be doted on and surprised and showered with affection.

I happened to be very good at those things.

When I got back, I heard stirring from the bedroom and, as I unpacked the bags, she called my name.

“Hey, I’m right here. Making coffee and breakfast.”

She gifted me the most beautiful smile. “I thought you’d gone.”

“I did, sweetheart, but never far. Want French toast?”

“Yeah. I’m starving.”

She got up from the bed and walked over slowly. I would bet she was sore in all the right places. Her neck and shoulders held our marks and mine held hers. Her lips were plush from use, and there were some light bruises on her hips. Who made those I didn’t know, but she followed my line of sight, saw them, and then shrugged. “How about you shower or bathe and then I’ll have everything ready. You need some pain meds this morning?”

Her arms wrapped around my neck, and she pulled me in for a kiss that almost met the intensity of my feelings. “You’re so good to me.”

“I’m just getting started.”

Her scent, the same as before but now mingled with our own scents, wafted between us. I swatted at her behind. “None of that. Well, maybe later, some of that. But my wolf is fighting me over your needs first. Food and meds and shower.”

Altan and Orin woke up, both of them stretching. “We’ll get her cleaned up. Sovann makes the most delicious French toast. Come on.” Orin took her from me and threw her over his shoulder and into the bathroom.

“You good, man?” Altan asked, pulling on a pair of shorts.

“I’m fucking fantastic. You?”

“Same,” he chuckled. “Better than I ever imagined.”

I set to making breakfast and when they all came out clean and starving, I had piles of French toast and ham slices and strawberries ready. Goddess bless grocery delivery people because we were going to need more and I wasn’t going out again. Hema sat on my lap and must’ve thanked me a thousand times while we took turns feeding her bites.

The air changed in a snap. “I have things I need to say,” she said, leaning back into my embrace and patting her stomach.

“Say it, baby.” Altan sat back, nursing his second cup of coffee.

“I got scared this morning. I won’t give up working or my shop. I’m not an omega who is going to stay at home and cook and clean, if that’s what you’re expecting. Huh. I probably should’ve said all this before we…” She reached up with her fingers and lightly touched her marks.

“Have we given you any indication that we expect that from you?” I asked. I felt like I was the one to respond since the things she didn’t want to do, I loved to do. I considered myself blessed to have a job that gave me the flexibility to have time for the things I loved, which was taking care of my pack which now included her.

“No. I…it popped into my head and now I can’t shake it.”

Orin reached for her and she moved from my lap to hers. I expected jealousy but there was none. “Do you know what we love about you?”

She shook her head.

“We love that you are independent and hardworking and smart and great at what you do. We would never ask you to change who you are because who you are is why we fell in love in the first place.”