Page 7

HALO

Once the hugs were through, I walked over to Skye, brushed some hair off her shoulder and kissed her forehead. I sat on the bed and took her hand.

“I’m here,” I said. “I came as fast as I could.” I forced a smile.

“You wouldn’t believe how hapless the crew on the shoot was.

Costume changes took forever, one of the boots I was supposed to wear got lost and we scoured the set looking for it, and the spray tan looked so patchy we had to re-do it.

You spoil me. Only my perfect omega knows how to make me look my best.” I curled a strand of her strawberry blonde hair around my finger. It looked duller than I was used to.

“I’m never going to another gig without you by my side,” I placed another soft kiss on her forehead. Straightening, I took a magazine from my bag.

“The new edition of Beta Better Best is out.” I flipped through the magazine until I found the cover story and began reading aloud to her from the article.

Soon after, Charisma arrived with food and Skye’s favorite blanket. I tucked Skye in under it, and rubbed the corner of it against her cheek.

“Your aunt Charisma brought your favourite blanket,” I cooed, stroking it against her pale skin. “Feel how soft it is? It still smells like you.”

In the den area of the room, Severen and Charisma were talking in hushed voices that I couldn’t quite make out. It didn’t matter, all that mattered was being with Skye, and making sure she was alright.

Charisma came to the bedside. “I’m going to oversee the move. The house was left open and exposed, with the movers left standing there without knowing what to do. I’ll take care of that. You just stay with Skye.”

“Thank you, Charisma,” I hugged her tight. “You’re a queen.”

She looked down at Skye. “I’ll see you soon, my sweet. You just stay strong.” Then, Charisma drifted from the room, and out of the scene.

Days passed. Because of my career, I was used to living out of my suitcase, so self-care wasn’t much of an issue with regards to personal grooming.

Of course, no matter how nice this hospital room was, it was still a hospital room.

Even though the couch folded out into a bed big enough for three, Severen and Crux chose to pull the fold down chairs to Skye’s bedside and sleep in those, while I curled up at the foot of Skye’s bed like a devoted puppy.

Anything to stay close to her, and to help keep her strong.

Throughout the room, our auras were a complex web of emotions, but also of suppression and wishful thinking.

The air was thick with our alpha-ness all frazzled and wan.

We did what we could to stay civilized. The room had an outdoor balcony and Crux would spend a lot of time out there, chain smoking.

Severen pretended to read or write, and I practically only left Skye’s side to bathe or fetch something for all of us to eat.

Every day I would read from new magazines or online gossip websites.

I would brush her hair, massage her scalp, wash and lotion her hands or feet and put little under eye pads on her face.

Maybe it was a way of distracting myself, keeping busy, but I liked to think it helped her feel good.

Omegas enjoyed being pampered, and Skye was no exception.

On occasion, Charisma would facetime and show off the state of the house. She brought in a team of designers to make the house beautiful. Everything from the kitchen, to bathroom, to finally, the nest. It was coming together well. Better than any of us could have ever done.

We all wanted it perfect for when Skye came home.