Page 67 of Pack End Game

"Not really," Zak says.

"Yes," Freddie answers at the same time.

I rub a hand over my mouth.

Rufus does his best to step in with impressive professionalism under the circumstances. "The seller's agent sent me a detailed packet about the building. They've already had a structural engineer come out and sign off that there are no structural issues he could find. All of the safety features are still being tested monthly, so you have a functioning sprinkler system and a commercial-grade security system already in place. The staircases to the second floor have reinforced railings, and the elevator got its annual safety inspection just a few weeks ago."

He pauses to look up from the document he's reading on his phone.

"Obviously, the building has excellent accessibility," he continues, "so there are some great features here to appreciate. Of course, the building would still require extensive renovations to make it functional as a family home. You might want to consider–"

"This place reminds me of visiting my grandparents in their retirement community when I was a kid,” Mia says, cutting him off. “It didn't look exactly the same, but there's enough that feels familiar. I used to love it there. Everyone always had candy and endless stories about their wild childhoods."

Her words have an effect on me.

I can feel myself starting to look at the place differently. To see past boarded-up windows and outdated furniture. There's a sense that warmth once existed here, and that the building is ready to welcome in new life with that same warmth.

Maybe the disinfectant fumes are going to my head because I could almost swear I'm feeling a hint of that good energy Mia keeps talking about.

Ten minutes later, I'm back to questioning my omega's sanity.

"It's perfect!" Mia gasps.

"You can't be serious," I croak out as my eyes scan the compact space, feeling a mix of horror and confusion.

"Why not?" Mia turns to glare at me with her hands on her hips.

"Because this is a medication storage room," Zak answers for me. "The walls are made of concrete blocks, the space is tight, and there isn't even any natural light coming in."

There are no windows in the interior room. Only a few leftover metal shelves, collecting dust, where the blood pressure medications used to be kept.

Mia shrugs her shoulders, not swayed at all by the serious problems Zak is pointing out to her. Her eyes are bright and hopeful as she repeats her initial assessment, "This room would make the most perfect nest."

I'm trapped in stunned silence.

Zak twitches like he's short-circuiting.

Freddie tilts his head and squints in the room.

How does Mia look at this little room and see destiny? All I see is a mid-sized storage closet.

"It's secure," she doubles down. "No windows to worry about prying eyes or break-ins when we're vulnerable. Thick walls. Enclosed enough to feel protected, but close enough to the heart of the building that it doesn't feel like an isolated dungeon. There's ventilation." She points out the vents in the room. "Shelving for blankets and whatever other cozy things I want to keep close. Close enough to the kitchen for easy snack access." She steps into the center of the room and turns in circles with her arms spread as wide as her smile. "Tell me you can't picture it."

Zak's voice is strained as he says, "I can only picture what this room used to be, and I'm having a little trouble moving past that."

Freddie hums thoughtfully beside me. "Counterpoint: Just lean into what this room really is. The old people needed their pills to maintain good health. Mia's going to keep her own version of medication in here."

He waits, letting the drama build.

"Just spit it out," I sigh, already sure he's about to make all of us–especially our realtor–cringe.

"When Mia's heat comes, this is where we'll treat her... with our dicks!"

Zak groans.

Mia snorts a laugh.

After a moment, I can't help but laugh along with Mia. Freddie is so ridiculous, it's impossible not to find him hilarious most of the time, even though I try to hold my composure as often as possible to keep his ego in check.