by Sky Winters
“I think I’ll go just like this. I like the way they smell like you.”
“Suit yourself then,” he told her.
She could tell he was struggling with what his Alpha told him to do and what he knew she wanted. She respected that, but perhaps he needed some time to adjust to the situation at hand. It was best that she give him a breather to decide if he really wanted to be with her on her terms rather than his. It wasn’t as if she wasn’t open to compromise, having a family while she was still trying to make something of herself was a huge sacrifice on her part, but she didn’t blame him for that. It had been her fault as much as his.
They had been too wound up in the moment, hadn’t taken precautions. It was a stupid chance to take. It was just her luck that she would get pregnant the first time she was with her true mate, but she supposed that is how it had been happening with their kind for years.
He drove her back to her apartment in silence, insisting on walking her up. They were both surprised to open the door and find that the floor had been cleaned and the glass replaced. There was a note on the counter from the landlord that the building had taken care of it and assuring her that additional security measures were in progress to keep their residents safe.
Thad seemed relieved by it and told her goodbye, kissing her softly on the lips before leaving. She felt it down into her toes, her body still responding to his in the aftermath of her season. It was the weird thing about their kind, once a true mate was found, they would go into this heat every month. It wasn’t a period, like human women experienced. In fact, that was ended by the time this began.
She picked up her phone and glanced at it. There were several missed calls from unknown numbers, likely the police prior to locating her or reporters looking for the details of what had happened here. How they would have gotten her number was beyond her, but she knew they had their ways. She flipped over to Alpha Meets Omega and opened the app, noting the many notifications in her inbox.
Switching to her account settings, she deleted her profile. She didn’t hold the app accountable for Aaron. He would have been a psycho wherever she had met him. However, she wouldn’t be dating strangers in her condition. A confirmation code popped up in her inbox and she entered that to finish it, taking note of all the other emails below it. They were mostly junk, but one caught her eye. It was from her mother.
I’m sorry it has taken me so long to write, but you father wouldn’t allow it. I should have defied him, but I am not as strong as you are. I just wanted you to know that I love and miss you. Your father is in the hospital. He’s not doing well. I understand if you don’t want to see him, but I think he regrets his actions and it might do you both some good. I won’t push you, but don’t wait if you want to see him.
Tears filled her eyes and she knew she had to go. There was no reason not to anyway. She didn’t have a job to hold her back and she could look for a new one just as well from home. It was only thirty minutes away, so ducking back into the city for an interview would be simple enough if she got one. She packed enough clothes for at least a week and headed for the bus station.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Thad
“Where are you?” Thad asked.
Jaycee hadn’t answered her phone since he had taken her home. She had deleted her profile from Alpha Meets Omega, which made him happy on one level but concerned on another. He was about to call Barron and send him up to check on her until he finished the client meeting he had to attend when she finally returned his call.
“I’m in Carnation.”
His heart sank. Had she decided to just go back home after all that had happened?
“What are you doing there?”
“My father is very sick, and my mom asked me to come see him.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Do you need me? Or do you need anything?”
“No. I’m fine. Thanks. I just wanted to let you know where I had gone, so you weren’t concerned.”
“I see. Okay then. Just call me if you need anything. Okay?”
“Okay. Thanks.”
Her tone was flat, non-plussed. There was no warmth and he feared she was already beginning to fade away from him again, now that the rut had passed. Would this be how it was between them for the rest of their lives? Would she only be with him when her body could not stave off its desire for him?
His mood was sour, but he needed to move past it. They were going to have to work as a team for the sake of their children and that was something he’d need to address with her too. No way was he letting children of his try to get by on whatever shitty job she could muster after the incident at Nasteau’s. She wouldn’t want his help. He knew that, but he’d have to find a way to get her to accept it, not for herself but for their kids.
He called Randy into his office and went over everything with him, asking him how to set up something for her without her viewing it as charity. Randy had never been married. His litters were by three different moms in two different packs, neither of which theirs
“I’m pretty sure I’m the last person to give you relationship advice,” Randy laughed.
“I’m not asking you for relationship advice. I’m asking you how to set up a fund for the kids that she won’t refuse.”
“Simple, just call it child support. Women who don’t want your money, won’t take it for themselves, but they will take it for the kids. Just make it generous enough to take care of them, and her, if that’s what you want. Is she trustworthy with the dough?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“You need to know so. My first litter, I gave up a generous child support settlement, and she spends it all on her boytoys. The kids turn up at my house in rags and a handful of bills for things she sent for me to pay for them. Nothing I can do about it. You gotta pay for kids. So, if you trust her, pay her generously. If you don’t, keep the payout to the least amount possible and just do what you need to directly.”
“Sounds pretty fucking pessimistic.”
“Hey, you asked.”
“I trust her, and I want her to be comfortable. She’ll take care of our kids. I want to skip the courts and just draw up a private agreement. Take care of it?”
“Sure. Just give me an amount.”
“Twenty thousand a month.”
“That’s crazy.”
“Maybe. Just do it.”
“When does it start, with the birth of the kids?”
“No. Immediately.”
“And you think this woman who doesn’t want your money is just going to accept it without a problem?”
“No, but I’ll figure it out.”
“All right. I’ll get it done.”
Several days went by with no word from Jaycee. He hadn’t realized just how strong their connection was. He felt a pull toward her just as strongly when she was a few dozen miles away as he did when she was only a few miles across town. He wanted to go to her, but after what had happened with Aaron, he didn’t want her to think he was a stalker and drive her further away.
Maybe this was karma kicking him in the ass for all the women he’d dated who wanted something more that he couldn’t give them. Now, he was the one that wanted more. He was the one that kept hoping and getting shot down. He was going to get a family, but not like he’d intended it to be.
He was jolted from his thoughts by the sound of his phone ringing. It was Jaycee. He answered it, eager to hear her voice, but all he heard was sobbing.
“Jaycee? What’s wrong?”
“My father died.”
“Oh, God. Honey, I’m so sorry. What can I do for you?”
“Can you come here? I need you.”
It felt like the weight of the world had suddenly lifted from his shoulders. She needed him. Maybe it was just for this moment, but it was a start.
“I’m on my way,” he said.
“No. Not now. It’s late and I don’t want you on the road. I’m going to bed. In the morning, okay?”
“I can come no
w, Jaycee.”
“Thank you, but I don’t want anything to happen to you on the road. Just wait until daylight. Please?”
“Okay.”
“Promise me.”
“I promise.”
“I’ll see you in the morning,” she said quietly.
It was all he could do not to break his promise. He wanted so badly to be with her right now, but he would do as she asked. He went ahead and got a small suitcase packed and headed out at the first sign of light, making it to Carnation in record time.
She collapsed into his arms when she opened the door and saw him, holding on to him as if he were all that really mattered in her life. It felt amazing. He knew it was the beginning of a huge change, but hoped it was the result of having had some time to think rather than just the shock of losing her father.
The next few days were filled with funeral arrangements and a final memorial, done in the traditional way − his body cremated and scattered from the side of a cliff overlooking a lower field once known for battle between rival clans. It was a beautiful ceremony; at least, as beautiful as ceremonies can be.
“You can come home now,” Jaycee’s mother told her later as they sat having dinner that evening.
Neither woman had eaten anything, only sat there picking through their food. Her mother had been cordial to him, but not overly friendly. Of course, she had just lost her husband and probably wasn’t in the best of moods. Jaycee’s brothers were equally standoffish. It turned out, she was not only the only girl in her family but the only Omega. No wonder she was how she was, always feeling like she had something to prove.
“No, Mom. I have a life in the city.”
“You said you lost your internship. There’s no reason you can’t come back now.”
“There are a lot of reasons. I will find another job and you can come visit. It’ll be nice for you to leave this place every once in a while.”
“You know I don’t like the city.”
“Well, it’s not for everyone, but hopefully, you’ll think about it and come see me from time to time. If not, I’ll always come back to see you now that I can.”
The unspoken meaning of that, the acknowledgment that they had just lost the head of their family, hung in the air until her mother changed the subject. After a while, they called it a night and went to bed. Thad lay in the darkness, stroking Jaycee’s hair as she lay her head against his chest.
“Thank you for coming and being with me,” she purred, sounding content.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he told her, leaning forward to kiss the top of her head.
They fell asleep in one another’s arms. It was perfection personified.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Jaycee
Everything felt different. Jaycee couldn’t put her finger on it, but she felt lighter, more at ease. There was a sadness that her father was gone and her mother would be alone, but perhaps it would finally give her the wings she needed to fly. All her life, she had been oppressed by her husband. Jaycee could only hope that this would inspire her to live a little more, even if it was just to join a knitting club.
That wasn’t all, though. She had told Thad to take a few days and think things over, but it had been her that had done all the thinking, and almost every thought had been of him. She had thought it would fade, but it didn’t, and she no longer believed it was just about anything pre-destined for them. She was falling in love with him.
Being back in her own apartment the following day felt surreal. After everything that had happened here, it seemed cold and uncomfortable. Still, she was stuck here for now, at least until the lease was up. Her father had left behind some money for her mother and brothers but had cut her out completely. Still, her mother had given her a share out of hers to help her get by until she could find a job. She’d been living off of her own savings and it had been depleting much faster than she’d thought it would.
The phone rang, jolting her back to the present. She looked at the screen, confused. It was NIH.
“Hello?” she answered.
“Jaycee, this is Marilyn Stutts, in the human resources department at NIH. Do you have few moments?”
“I suppose.”
“I know you left here under horrid circumstances. I hope you understand I had no control over that, but I feel you were treated very unfairly. You’re a bright girl and didn’t deserve to be cast out on the whim of an ogre.”
Jaycee was shocked by the way she was speaking to her, not to mention the fact that she had called her at all. She didn’t try to interrupt. She just let her say whatever she had called to say.
“We want to offer your internship back to you.”
“Thanks but my circumstances have changed. I can’t work in an unpaid capacity any longer and I’m going to need maternity leave,” Jaycee said. There was no need even letting her continue with an offer she couldn’t accept.
“Well, I don’t see a problem with that.”
“Excuse me?”
“Listen, after Mr. Nasteau died, his entire estate went to his niece. She was shocked at how he’s behaved toward clients and employees. She’s been reviewing employee files and came across yours. It hadn’t been pulled yet. I think she feels a need to make it up to you somehow.”
“I don’t need charity, Mrs. Stutts.”
“It’s not charity, Jaycee. You’ll be working, just hopefully under much better circumstances. I think you’ll find the pay and benefits much better than anything else you’ll find in this city. Come in and talk to us about them.”
“When?”
“Is tomorrow morning good? Say, nine?”
“I’ll be there. Thanks, Mrs. Stutts.”
Jaycee ended the call and sat looking at her phone as if it was some foreign object. It was as if everything had gone to complete shit and then, magically righted itself again. If she was uncertain about that, it was confirmed when she met with Mrs. Stutts the following morning. The package they were offering was lucrative and she accepted on the spot. Walking down the hall, she stopped by to see Val, relieved to find she was still there.
“Girl! I’m so glad to see you. Things have been crazy here! They cleaned out two thirds of the legal department and half the management team. Where are you coming back in at?”
“Same place but working for Nasteau’s niece.”
“You’ll love her. She’s not a pushover but she’s fair. The two of you will get along great.”
“I hope so. I just met her, but she was in a hurry to get to some meeting, so I didn’t get much chance to talk to her. I’ll start back in the morning. She said we’d sit down then and go over everything she expected and my training program. I’m so excited about that. Old man Nasteau didn’t want me to do anything but fetch.”
“I know. Remember? I survived him too. I’m glad you came out on top. I’ve got to get down to a meeting, but I’ll see you tomorrow. Okay?”
“See you tomorrow.”
Jaycee left and went straight to Thad’s office. She looked around at the marble and glass in the lobby. It was very rich. She’d never been here before and felt a little awkward about turning up unannounced, but she was excited and wanted to share her news with him.
“You can go up. Take the elevator to the fifth floor and go to the end of the hall, toward the left. It’s the office there.”
“Great. Thanks.”
She didn’t have to find his office, though. He met her at the elevator doors and walked back with her.
“This is a surprise. What are you doing here?”
“I came to tell you some good news. I couldn’t wait.”
“Well, I’ve got some time. Come on in,” he said, walking her down the hall and through the open doors.
Jaycee told him all about her meeting with Marilyn Stutts this morning. He was excited for her.
“Are they going to be upset when they find out you’ve made babies with the man who punched your former boss in the nose?”
�
�I don’t think so. I think they were all pretty horrified by his behavior too, including his own niece. That’s why they are taking me back in.”
“Well, I’m proud of you. This demands a celebration. How about we go to lunch?”
“Sounds great.”
“Listen, I want to take you somewhere this weekend. Are you up for a little adventure?”
“Sounds enticing. Yes.”
“Great. Let’s go grab a bite and then I’ll drive you home.”
“No. I think I’ll stay in town for a bit. I want to do some shopping. You’ve seen my place. I can afford to buy a few things now.”
“Well, I’d love to go with you, but I have a meeting in a couple of hours. I can give you Barron and the car though.”
“Thanks, but I’ll be fine. I’m more of a bus, train or cab kind of girl, really.”
“Of course. The offer stands, though, if you need him. Bags can get heavy.”
“I’ll keep it in mind,” she told him, walking out with him.
Barron was parked by the curb, waiting for them. He smiled as they climbed into the back.
“I didn’t know I was getting the whole family today,” he chuckled.
“I didn’t know Thad had told you.”
“He did.”
“Was I not supposed to?” Thad asked.
“I’m surprised you didn’t take out a billboard,” she laughed.
After lunch, Barron dropped her off near the shops she wanted to visit before taking Thad back to his office. Things seemed to be looking up. Perhaps, she had been wrong, all along. Maybe, she could have it all. A career. A family. Love.
She bought some new linens and then decided to duck into a nearby lingerie shop. It wouldn’t be much longer before her body would change and she wouldn’t be able to wear anything skintight, so she decided to splurge on a hot, little latex teddy with thigh highs and a fun pair of fuzzy handcuffs. She was all smiles as she walked back out into the sunshine.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Thad
“Wow, you’ve really been busy here today,” Thad said as he walked into Jaycee’s apartment later that night. “And what is that smell? It’s wonderful.”
