Page 10 of Admiring His Omega (Hobson Hills Omegas #12)

“ L ower your knees to the mat, then slide onto your belly,” Mal instructed, demonstrating for the camera trained on him. “Sphinx pose.”

Truffle hopped onto his back, settling in and purring loudly.

They were nearing the end of the session, and Mal couldn’t keep his eyes from straying to the Zoom grid screen streaming on his smart tv.

Cain was in the top right corner, next to Bom, an elderly Korean woman Mal had met in Florida a couple of years ago.

His live yoga sessions had grown over the years.

He now held two sessions every day, and so far, Cain joined him for each one.

“One more deep breath, then let’s move into child pose.

” Mal smoothly changed positions, Truffle adjusting to stay in place on his back.

“Knees on the mat, toes touching. Widen your knees as much as possible.” He checked over the other ten members.

“Good, good. Now walk your hands out in front of you and fold on down.”

He let his breath out and cleared his mind. “Five breaths here. Let’s ground ourselves. Check-in and self-reflect.”

The quiet sound of breathing and Truffle’s purrs settled the chaotic mess gurgling inside him. It was a new mess, a fresh and delicious agony. It had taken years for Mal to fall completely for Rick, but damn if he wasn’t on the cusp with Cain after a couple of months.

I refuse to fall in love so quickly , he told himself, breathing deeply. I am not my grandparents. It’s just an intense case of like.

Mal moved through the rest of the short session, Truffle finally settling on the mat beside him.

“Let’s end in the Siddhasana pose for some box breathing.

This is meant to help reduce mental clutter.

Remember to use a count of four for each step.

Inhale, hold the breath in, exhale, hold the breath out.

All for a count of four. Four corners, like a box. ”

Mal counted out the beats for the first breath. “Good, now five more breaths.”

The session ended with a long, drawn-out om , and people began to log out, looking more at peace than when they had signed in.

“Fuck me, bro, I needed that,” Tripp, one of Mal’s friends from college, said, looking refreshed.

“Life too hard for a stockbroker?” Bom asked, wryly.

“Nothing I can’t handle, beautiful.” Tripp grinned. “You going to let me make you some money today? No extra charge, just send me some of your homemade kimchi.”

Mal cleared his throat, fighting a smile. “No soliciting during zoom calls.”

Bom rolled her eyes. “Pretty boy knows he’s not getting my money, Mal. I will send you some Kimchi though.”

“You’re the best, Bom.” Tripp looked happy.

“Don’t let him charm you out of your kimchi,” Marta, a young woman Mal had met in Arizona, said, stretching her legs out in front of her. “Next thing you know, you’ll have to feed him every day and get rid of his fleas. That’s what happens with strays.”

“Marta, my sweet, lovely Marta,” Tripp blew a kiss. “Are you ready to leave that wife of yours? Shayna and I will take good care of you. We’d make a happy throuple.”

Marta snorted. “I don’t know how your wife puts up with you.” She stretched her arms, then let out a painful yelp before cupping her breasts.

Bom looked sympathetic. “Is the baby not latching right?”

Tripp winced. “Your poor nips.”

Marta grimaced. “My nipples are cracked more than Tripp’s head. I love my baby girl, but I swear I don’t want to feed her ever again.”

“Try a warm compress and a salt-water rinse,” Bom said, nodding firmly. “That will help.”

“Shayna works with a lot of new moms at her clinic,” Tripp said. “I’ll ask her to text you. She’ll fix you up with whatever you need.”

“It sounds like you’re dealing for your wife,” Mal said, chuckling.

“Nah, nothing illegal,” Tripp said, grinning again. “More like medi-honey and nipple cream.”

“That is better than cocaine for a new, breastfeeding mama.” Bom grinned.

“Enough about my nipples.” Marta groaned. “Benson, how’s your friend doing?”

Cain, looking as calm and solemn as usual, nodded to them. “His case is progressing too slowly. That’s all I can really say about it.”

“Of course,” Bom nodded respectfully. “You must keep privileged information. I am following the case in the news too. I hope those villains get what they deserve.”

“I hope so too, but it will be hard.” Tripp frowned. “I know people like that. They have more money and power than they should and use it in all the wrong ways.”

“Actions have consequences,” Cain said, voice hard. “I will make sure they understand that.”

A shiver ran down Mal’s spine. “Super lawyer,” he whispered, a little in awe of Cain.

It had only been a few weeks since Roe was injured, but Cain and Jasper were working the case hard.

Every night, Cain would call and vent with Mal.

They were facing opposition at all fronts in Loriston.

Mal had faith, though. Cain was persistent and smart.

The others in the group gradually logged out, eventually leaving just Cain and Mal.

“I saw Roe at the bookstore in town the other day,” Mal said. “He looks okay. I think he likes Hobson Hills and the sheriff.”

The corner of Cain’s mouth lifted in a smirk. “He really likes the sheriff.”

“Who wouldn’t? Sheriff McKenzie is one fine man.”

Cain frowned. “I feel like I should be jealous here, but it’s hard to be when I agree.”

Mal laughed. “You’ll appreciate this then. I heard a lot of the omegas in town are messing with them. They keep flirting with the sheriff to make Roe jealous.”

Cain exhaled loudly, looking torn. “I really want to see that. Damn it. I need to stay here for a little longer. Jasper oversees the case, but I’m helping as much as I can with research and searching for evidence.

It’s taking longer than it should to get the courts to take Roe’s situation seriously. ”

“I’ll take pictures when I see them being cute.”

“You could just introduce yourself to Roe,” Cain said dryly. “He would like you.”

“Not happening.” Mal shook his head. “I gather my intel from a distance. Trust me, it’s better that way.”

“Gather intel?” Cain narrowed his eyes. “Convince me that you are not a spy again.”

Mal chuckled and blatantly ignored the order.

“Wait, if you only gather intel from a distance, what happened with me?” Cain asked, a slow smile spreading across his face. “I’m special, aren’t I?”

“The ego on you.” Mal rolled his eyes. “You’re the exception strictly because you help me prank the Wilsons. That’s all.”

“If you say so.” Cain smirked. “I regret nothing. I’m starting to really enjoy the pranks, especially the ones on Ernie. We have history.”

Mal rolled his eyes. “Your brothers are allowed to have friends. You shouldn’t be so jealous.”

Cain shrugged. “Let me enjoy what I enjoy.”

Mal cackled happily. “Okay. You are the best partner-in-pranks that I’ve ever had. I’ll be more understanding.”

“I’m honored,” Cain said wryly.

Mal hugged Truffle close. “My confidential informant told me that Ernie is begging the town council to support a Bigfoot festival for October, next year.”

Cain snorted. “Of course he is.”

“When are you coming back?” Mal asked, forcing the longing from his voice. “We have more pranks to pull.”

“Next weekend,” Cain said, smiling. “I’ll come up next weekend.” His brown eyes warmed. “You promised to cook for me again.”

Mal’s heartbeat increased, and he swallowed the lump in his throat. “I have a bruschetta recipe I want to try.”

“Sounds delicious.” Cain’s smile was different this time. He logged out, leaving the screen blank.

“Sexy smile,” Mal whispered, body heating. “Flipping heck. Why does he have to be so perfect? I very much should not fall for a Benson. They’re too close to the Wilsons and that would upset Grandpa David.”

Mal picked Truffle up and held the large cat in front of his face. “It’s okay, Mal,” he spoke for Truffle from the side of his mouth. “Grandpa David doesn’t have to know.”

Mal hugged Truffle. “You are so smart. Thank you, Truffle. I feel better now.”

He wasn’t sure that he had ever felt this happy in a relationship.

Mal was constantly surprised at how easy it all felt.

Cain was very different from Mal, but somehow, they fit.

They bickered here and there, but always in fun.

Learning about one enough, emotionally and physically, was comfortable and exciting all at once.

“Fuck it, Truffle. Grandpa always likes to tell me that life is too short to waste trying to be someone else. I like me. I think Cain might like me too. I’m gonna risk it.”

His cat nuzzled his head against Mal’s chin.

“Love you, buddy.”

The day moved slowly. Mal prepared for a new cooking episode, placed a large order online for ping pong balls to be sent to Van’s house for easy pickup, and took Betty and Truffle on a long hike into the state forest near Hobson Hills.

It was dark by the time they got back, and his stomach was telling him food was needed.

He parked his truck near his RV and grabbed Truffle’s leash. “Are you ready for some yum yums?”

“Meowr,” Truffle rumbled loudly.

Betty snuffled from the back, already asleep.

“Poor little piglet,” he cooed, picking her up.

“Need help?”

Mal let out a squeal that was absolutely, completely manly. “Bianca, don’t sneak up on me like that.” He turned to her. “What’s wrong?” he asked in a whisper, taken about to see her crying.

“Paula is so stupid.” Bianca picked up Truffle, lip trembling. “I hate her.”

“Come inside, sweetness. Tell me what happened.” Mal unlocked his door and carried Betty to the pet bed. “Are you hungry? How about some alfredo?”

“I love alfredo,” she said, settling on the sofa with Truffle.

Mal washed his hands, then pulled out the ingredients. “I made the fettuccine last week and the heavy cream is from Farm Fresh. You know it’s gonna be good.”

“So modest,” Bianca laughed and wiped her eyes.

“Now, start at the beginning. Why is Paula stupid?”

Bianca squeezed her eyes shut. “She’s so judgmental.

I’m an adult and know what I’m doing. She has no right to tell me that I’m –” She stopped mid-sentence.

“Anyway, she makes me feel like I’m the stupid one.

” She shook her head and opened her eyes.

“I don’t have to listen to her shit. I do know what I’m doing. ”

Mal winced, unsure how to comfort her. “Well, you aren’t an adult, you’re only sixteen, but you do have a good head on your shoulders. I would trust you with Truffle and Betty, and that means something.”

“I’m basically an adult,” she said, rolling her eyes. “I have a job and paid for the Vespa.”

“There’s a lot more to being an adult than having a part-time job and a vehicle.” Mal waved his cheese grater at her. “That’s a whole other topic, though. What did Paula do?”

Bianca stared at him for a moment. “You’ll tell Mom anything I say.”

“Yes, I will.” He nodded and vigorously grated his dwindling block of parmesan cheese.

Bianca sighed. “I am seeing someone.”

“Ha!” Mal gave her a smug look. “We knew it. Who are they? What do they look like? What’s their family like?”

“I’m not saying.” She gave him a firm look. “You and Mom wouldn’t understand. Paula doesn’t. She said it’s wrong, but love is never wrong.”

Mal gave her a sympathetic look. Paula and her dad had seemed nice, but a lot of bigots seemed nice before they found out you weren’t straight.

“Why do you think your mom and I wouldn’t understand? We aren’t exactly a conservative family.”

“You just won’t.” Bianca huffed and let Truffle leave her ever tightening embrace. “I shouldn’t have told Paula.”

“It’s hard to lose a friend, especially over something like this.

” Mal set a saucepan on the stove and began to slowly cook the butter and chopped garlic.

“Your mom and I will love you, no matter what. Even if for some reason we don’t approve of who you’re seeing.

Though, seriously, I don’t expect that to happen. ”

Bianca looked particularly stubborn as she grabbed Truffle again. “I’m not telling you who it is.”

“When you’re ready, I’m here.” Mal added seasoning to the pot as the butter and garlic sizzled. “You’re the daughter of my heart and I will never not love you.”

She smiled and hugged Truffle. “Thank you, Mal.”