Outside, in the fresh air, with a lot fewer pheromones, it’s easier to breathe, easier to think.
I listen to Riley explain to Mum what’s going to happen and share funny stories, the rolling cadence of their voices lulling me to sleep.
There’s one thing I need more than food, and it’s sleep, apparently.
“Here, these might come in handy.” Caleb puts a stack of masks on the table near the door. “They work better than the one Riley gave you earlier and are still comfortable to wear. They’ll filter out most of the pheromones. More complex ones will work best of course, but these are a little ‘friendlier’ and are easier to wear.” He gives me a reassuring smile.
“Thanks.” I stare at the tall Alpha in surprise. This is the first time I’m somewhat alone with him. He’s been keeping himself really busy since he got back and while I’ve seen him a few times and spoken to him, it was always with others around.
“No problem.” He’s about to leave again, but I don’t want him to.
“Wait.” I take a few steps in his direction, his deep forest pheromones getting stronger, making it harder to breathe.
In two long strides, he’s at my side, putting one of the masks on my face, before stepping back and keeping a respectable distance.
“Thanks. Again.” I adjust the mask so it’s more comfortable and keep glancing his way. Caleb is very quiet and unassuming for someone of his size, the guy is tall and broad, you’d expect that he’d constantly stand out, but he doesn’t.
He nods, calm, patient. Very different from the guy I first encountered not even a day ago. He was a lot more imposing at the time, though, part of that might have been because he looks even taller next to Vera and because he was protecting his Omega.
Our Omega?
My face heats up as I realise that this isn’t just ‘their’ pack, this is also my pack now.
Caleb chuckles, giving me a quick smile as I glance his way. “You’ll get used to it. Becoming part of a pack shouldn’t be rushed. You can take your time.”
He looks about to say something else, when Riley appears in the doorway, her hair wild around her. “I’m going with you to pick up Erika and the others too! I’m not being left behind.”
There are loud footsteps in the doorway, and then Jorge is pushing Riley aside. “I’m not letting you go without me to pick her up.” He’s too far away from me to be sure, but from the way he’s holding his chest and head, I’m pretty sure he’s letting out one of those possessive Alpha rumbles.
Caleb steps closer to them, looking confused. “Who told you that I was going? Derrick is going with some of his people, that’s all I know.”
“What?!” Riley looks surprised. “But Mathew and Vera are going. They’re getting ready right now. I thought that meant that you were going too.”
“No, none of us are going. We shouldn’t give Derrick even more work if we don’t have to.” With a sigh, Caleb takes one last look at me. “You good?” When I nod, he pushes past Riley and Jorge, going down the hallway, probably looking for the two Omegas.
The other two Alphas look at each other, confused, before they both give me a quick wave and follow the tall Alpha, raising their voices as they start bickering.
While the pack seems to be mostly focused on the Omegas, everyone looks to Caleb for guidance. There are some interesting dynamics going on that I’m sure I’m not even seeing yet.
Are they ‘good’ in the strict ‘following the law’ definition? No.
But they’re real and true and I can appreciate that a whole lot more.
Especially because it’s so clear that they share a lot of love and care and that makes up for a lot of things.
13
Jorge
Like hell I’m going to let Caleb and the others meet up with her when I’m not there. I don’t like that they’re going to be staying at our place for I don’t know how long, and nobody else seems to be bothered by it, but I don’t like it.
“We’re not going to go with Derrick to pick up Erika. Derrick is going with a small group of people, just to drive the cars over and to keep them safe. That’s it.” Caleb looks exasperated. “We’re not joining them.” He gives Vera and Mathew a level look. “We’re not.”
Vera shrugs, like whatever Caleb is saying doesn’t apply to her. “I haven’t seen her in months and months. She’s my friend, of course I’m going to pick her up. It would be rude not to. And once she’s here, it’s going to be all about work and responsibilities again, I just want to chat Omega-to-Omega for a while.” She slides a thin jacket over her shoulders.
If Caleb thought that he could stop his cute little Omega with reasoning, he’s very wrong. And I wonder why he even tries because it’s obvious she’s not going to listen right now.
“And she’s staying at my place, she’s here because I invited her, it would be rude not to be there to greet her. I’ve got to be a good host, make a good first impression.” Mathew finishes brushing his hair and puts his brush aside.
