Page 43 of When She Needs Them Most
Chelsea drops the baby wrap contraption and twists to hug me. I don’t think either of us is expecting me to slide my hand down her back until I can lift her, but she tosses the jacket and baby carrier into the box on the floor. Once she’s twisted to face me, I help her knees settle on either side of mine.
I bring my hands up to caress her cheeks as the baby pushes into my stomach.
She nuzzles her cheek to my wrist and smiles softly. “You three are going to spoil me so badly that I won’t even know what to do with myself.”
“Having basic support is far from lavish or extravagant pampering.” Digging my fingers into the back of her head, I pull her closer.
She rests her forehead against my shoulder and coos. It’s an omega-specific sound that makes me ache to stomp up the stairs to show her to the nest. If I did that, I’m afraid I would lock her inside it to prevent her from being able to escape. And if she didn’t have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, I might consider it.
“You’re set to see the doctor tomorrow, right?” I ask, sliding my fingers through her hair. “Do you have a local emergency contact? You’ll need one.” I clear my throat. “I’d actually just like it if you would allow me to accompany you to your visit.”
“I don’t have an emergency contact close by. It’s very considerate of you to offer,” she murmurs, making her warm breath puff over my shirt.
I wait for several seconds, but she doesn’t go on.
Purring seemed to help settle her this morning at the diner.
I focus every ounce of my willpower into trying to purr again. “There’s no reason you shouldn’t accept it. We’re close by in case of an emergency, and it never hurts to have a backup plan.”
She nods. “I agree, but I’m also concerned about how much I’ve been disrupting your lives.”
“Don’t be.” My arms tighten around her. “Is that ayesto allowing me to drive you to your appointment? It’s supposed to rain tomorrow. The forecast even mentioned sleet.”
Chelsea lets out anoomph. “Wow. I wasn’t ready for all that. I guess, if you don’t mind and if it won’t throw off your workday.”
“Perfect.” My chest finally begins to rattle with an underused purr. “While we’re negotiating, why don’t you stay here tonight? The heat still isn’t working in your home, and I think we’ll all sleep better knowing you’re nice and toasty.”
“You’re very persuasive.” She stretches up, burying her nose in my throat. The baby belly squishes between us, and I suck in to allow her the additional space. “I’m not trying to be stubborn…” She sighs. “Goodness, Arden. Your scent is like nothing I’ve ever smelled. It’s so enticing that I don’t know how to force myself to say it’s time I go home.”
Kase comes into the living room, and he sits in the spot Chelsea vacated when she moved into my lap. He reaches over, running a hand down her back. “You probably shouldn’t force it, then. Soak up the alpha pheromones and relax for a change.”
I nod my agreement. “It puts all three of us at ease to have you here.”
“Okay,” she agrees. “But you have to promise to tell me if I’ve outstayed my welcome.”
I barely hold back the scoff that tries to escape.
I’m utterly flabbergasted.
How does she not understand that she’s the commodity in this relationship?
Omegas arecoveted.
There are packs who go their entire lives without finding an omega. And as a result, some alphas end up feral, others mate betas or other alphas to combat the loneliness. If they’re lucky enough to not give into the hyper-aggression alphas often fall prey to when we don’t have contact with an omega, that is.
But omegas are always the ones in high demand. It’s about time someone shows Chelsea exactly what she’s worth.
Chapter Eighteen
Chelsea
My alarm goes off way earlier than I’m ready to face the day. The scary part is I set it for eight a.m. That’s later than I normally wake up, but I spent several hours last night trying to catch up on work. Rolling over, I slap around for my phone but freeze when my face hits bare skin.
Kase’s nutty, blueberry scent instantly comforts my system. Confusion comes about three seconds later. He wasn’t in bed with me when I fell asleep. As a matter of fact, I barely saw him after dinner. He sat on the couch with me and Arden, then disappeared upstairs. I didn’t see him again, and to combat the anxiety, I threw myself into work. I’m pretty sure he insinuated that it was his first time. He’s gorgeous, so my brain tried to find other explanations, such as maybe he meant his first time with a pregnant chick or a woman.
He grunts, stretches out a long hand, snags my phone, and cuts off the alarm before dropping it back on the nightstand.
The handsome alpha snuggles back under the blanket, pulling it up around my shoulders.
