Page 10 of When She Needs Them Most
We’ll be lucky if she doesn’t end up calling the police on us.
Some company handled the rental contract and listing. We only had the keys because Mrs. Wilson left them with us in case of an emergency, along with all the information for the utilities.
Sky’s head pops up, and she takes off for the door before my ears can pick up anything.
I begin emptying the takeout containers onto plates.
Arden heads for the living room, and I abandon my task to follow him.
“Be normal,” I hiss in barely more than a whisper.
He gives me a finger of acknowledgement as we reach the entryway. Unfortunately, it’s the middle finger. I’m pretty sure he just told me to fuck off, rather than agreeing he’ll be on his best behavior.
“It is much warmer,” Chelsea says, pulling off the quilt. “Is there somewhere I can put this?”
“I’ll take that. If you leave it anywhere out here, Sky will cover it in dog hair.” I grab the blanket and toss it inside the coat closet.
“This is Arden, our other packmate,” Kase says.
They make quick introductions.
Chelsea is still in that same set of pajamas, and the bottom of her pregnant belly shows in the small gap between where her shirt ends and her pants begin. Her scent is sweet, like sugar cookies with a hint of vanilla. Omegas generally have overpowering scents, but hers is mild and understated. I don’t hate it. In fact, my nose twitches as she takes a few steps closer to my side.
“I set the table. Everything is ready to go.” I gesture back toward the kitchen.
“I’m starving. The early cut-off time for delivery threw me for a loop.” Her face breaks into a shy smile as she tucks her dark blonde hair behind her ear. “Thank you for the save.”
“It’s nothing. Barely more than common decency.” Arden gives a tight smile and walks off without another word.
Yeah, she’s probably going to end the night by running out of here, screaming.
Not that we’re a threat to her.
Far from it, in fact, butshedoesn’t know that.
My pack has always been more of an acquired taste. Here’s hoping she’s more hardcore than the shy smiles and big blue eyes lead me to believe.
Dinner is mildly painful. It’s quiet, with some small talk here or there, but chitchat isn’t a strong suit for any of us.
Kase bounces around, gathering up the dishes and carrying them to the sink. “If we had known you’d be here, we would’ve been sure to get dessert.”
“That’s okay. I’m stuffed, anyway. It was delicious.” Chelsea runs a hand over her stomach as her long hair falls around her shoulders. She’s an undeniably beautiful woman.
“Would you like to at least see the guest room?” I offer, turning in my chair to face her.
“The air mattress will leech the cold from the air. You’re extremely pregnant.” Arden steeples his fingers, gesturing to Chelsea’s middle. “It seems a bit of a hazard to have you attempting to get up and down off the floor.”
“Jesus Christ,” I whisper, swiping a hand over my face. The urge to stab him in the jugular is strong, but he’s quite proficient at defending himself, and all I have is a butter knife. It’s better if I wait until Chelsea is asleep.
“Come on.” I push my chair back and stand, extending a hand to the omega. She places her small fingers in mine, and I help her scoot her chair back with the other hand.
“Thank you.” She gives me a tentative smile before turning to Arden. “You’re probably right about that. It truly won’t be an inconvenience if I stay?”
“Hardly. In fact, you’ll save poor Kase from spending half the night worrying himself sick.” Arden’s lips tip up, and the sight is terrifying.
That look normally comes immediately before he inflicts pain on some asshole who deserves it, but to be fair, that’s generally the only time he seems to enjoy life.
“Well, then, I’d love to see the room.” She releases my hand to run hers over her stomach. “She’s moving around like crazy.”
