Page 24 of Billy and Cord (Omega Hearts #1)

Billy sat cross-legged on his couch, a mug of tea cooling in his hands as he watched Cece pace back and forth across his living room.

Tristan lounged in the armchair, his curls catching the afternoon light as he listened with that quiet intensity he always had when something serious was being discussed.

“I still can’t believe they just showed up,” Billy said, adjusting his glasses. “After five years of nothing – no contact, nothing at all, they waltz into the Wonky Pig like... like they hadn’t thrown me out like week old leftovers.”

“They had no right,” Cece muttered, his hot pink streaks seeming to glow brighter with his indignation. He stopped pacing long enough to fix Billy with a look. “What did they even want?”

Billy’s stomach churned just thinking about it again. “They’re upset because people are talking about what they did. Apparently, it’s making them look bad.” He let out a bitter laugh. “They wanted me to fix it. To tell people it wasn’t that bad, or that we’ve reconciled or something.”

“Oh, hell no,” Cece said, dropping onto the couch beside Billy with enough force to make the cushions bounce. “Tell me you said no. After what they put you through?”

Tristan leaned forward, eyes sympathetic. “How did Cord handle it?”

A small smile tugged at Billy’s lips despite everything. “He was... amazing. He didn’t let them guilt trip me or pressure me. Just sat there like this immovable wall between me and them.” Billy’s fingers traced the rim of his mug. “I could feel through our bond how protective he was. How angry.”

“Good,” Cece said firmly. “That’s what a proper alpha does.”

Billy nodded, but the conflicted feelings wouldn’t leave.

“The thing is... part of me wanted to believe their excuses. That maybe they’d changed, you know?

That maybe they realized...” He trailed off, shaking his head.

“But they didn’t apologize. Not even once.

They still believe that the way they treated me was right.

All they were worried about was their reputation. ”

“Billy,” Tristan said gently, “you were fourteen when you presented. They had four years to accept you before they kicked you out. Then they had five years after that day to make things right. The things they did, that’s not a mistake, that’s a choice they made every single day for nine years.”

The words hit hard because they were true. Billy remembered those four years of constant criticism, of being told he was wrong, broken, disappointing. The verbal abuse had chipped away at him until there was barely anything left of his self-worth by the time they’d thrown him out.

“I know,” Billy whispered. “I just... I guess some stupid part of me still wanted my mom and dad, you know? I mean, Cord and I might have kids one day. I guess I hoped they could be grandparents at least. But now…”

Cece’s arm wrapped around Billy’s shoulders, pulling him close.

“That’s not stupid. That’s human nature.

But, honey, the parents you wanted? They never existed.

The people who showed up at the Wonky Pig are who they’ve always been – selfish, mean, assholes.

I know you wouldn’t let anyone like them near any pups you have. ”

Billy leaned into the comfort, grateful for friends who’d become his real family. “Cord says I don’t owe them anything.”

“Cord’s right,” Tristan said. “You built this life without them, Billy. You’ve got your work, your house, us, and now Cord. You don’t need their toxicity.”

“Plus,” Cece added with a sly grin, “I can imagine their faces when they realized their omega son is mated to that gorgeous hunk of an alpha. Bet that really burns their biscuits.”

That startled a laugh out of Billy. “Cece!”

“What? I’m just saying, karma’s a beautiful thing.” Cece’s expression softened. “But seriously, whatever you decide, we’ve got your back. You know that, right?”

Billy nodded, feeling the warmth of their support chase away some of the cold his parents had left behind. “Yeah, I know. Thanks, guys.”

“That’s what family’s for,” Tristan said simply, and Billy knew he meant it. This was his real family - chosen, loyal, and loving. His parents might have thrown him away, but he’d found something so much better.

His phone buzzed with a text from Cord: Mission going well. Thinking of you. Home by dinner.

“Okay, now we’ve got that unpleasant business out of the way, let’s talk about something a lot more fun. Your new house. Spill the details,” Cece demanded. “Floor plans, color schemes, everything. And don’t you dare hold back on the wedding details either.”

Billy pushed his glasses up his nose, a small smile tugging at his lips despite the heaviness that still lingered from discussing his parents.

“The house has four bedrooms, which Cord insists we need for when we have pups.” His cheeks flushed at that.

“There’s this amazing home office space with built-in shelves that’ll be perfect for my workspace. ”

“Four bedrooms?” Tristan chuckled. “That’s planning ahead.”

“Right?” Billy nodded. “I told Cord when he showed me the listing that two bedrooms would be plenty to start, but he got this look - you know the one alphas get when they’re thinking about providing for their family?”

Cece made a swooning noise. “God, that’s so romantic. What about the kitchen? Please tell me it’s gorgeous because you know I’ll be over there stealing food constantly.”

“It’s got this huge island with a breakfast bar,” Billy said, warming to the topic. “And the backyard backs onto woods, so we can shift and run whenever we want without worrying about neighbors.”

“Perfect for pups,” Tristan noted with a knowing smile. “They’ll need space to learn to shift safely.”

Billy’s hand went to his neck, fingers brushing over Cord’s claiming mark. “We’re thinking of putting in a small pool too. Nothing fancy, just…”

“Just big enough for an otter to have a proper swim?” Cece interrupted with a grin. “Because you know I’m gonna be living in that thing come summer.”

“Actually, yeah, Cord mentioned that.” Billy laughed, the tension finally easing from his shoulders. “He said we needed to make sure all our friends would feel comfortable visiting.”

“Your alpha’s a keeper,” Tristan said softly. “Now, about this wedding...”

Billy groaned, but it was good-natured. “We haven’t even set a date yet. Everything’s happened so fast…”

“Which is exactly why you need us,” Cece declared, pulling out his phone. “I’ve already bookmarked about fifty Pinterest boards. Spring or fall wedding? Big or intimate? Indoor or outdoor?”

“I... I don’t know.” Billy fidgeted with his bracelets. “I never really thought I’d get to have a wedding. After my parents...” he trailed off, then squared his shoulders. “But yeah, I want one. I want to stand up in front of everyone and claim Cord as mine, too.”

Tristan’s expression went soft. “You deserve that, Billy. You deserve all of it.”

“Okay, so thinking practically,” Cece said, scrolling through his phone, “the Omega Hearts Foundation has that beautiful garden space they rent out for events. Mr. Brown would probably give you a good deal after everything.”

“Or there’s that vineyard outside town,” Tristan suggested. “Anthony took me there for a wine tasting last month. It’s gorgeous, and they have a whole wedding package thing.”

Billy found himself actually considering it. A real wedding. With flowers and food and his friends to celebrate with him. “It can’t be too big,” he said quietly. “I don’t... I don’t have a lot of people to invite from my side.”

“Quality over quantity,” Cece said firmly. “Besides, you’ve got us, and Cord’s team seems pretty tight. Plus, whoever from the neighborhood wants to come support you after that scene at the Wonky Pig.”

“Gods, don’t remind me.” Billy buried his face in his hands, but he was smiling. “Doris told me when we were shopping the day after that happened she’d already started knitting baby booties ‘just in case’.”

“That’s adorable.” Tristan laughed. “See? You’ve got more family than you think. Just not the blood kind.”

“The best kind,” Cece agreed. “Now, let’s talk color schemes. I’m thinking something that plays off both your wolf colorings…”

“Absolutely not,” Billy said quickly. “As much as I love my animal side, and I know Cord does too, I’d like a bit more color than the white, black, and browns of our animal halves.”

“Fair point.” Cece didn’t look remotely discouraged. “Then what about jewel tones? Midnight blue would look incredible with Cord’s coloring, and you could do silver accents...”

Billy let his friends’ enthusiasm wash over him, occasionally contributing his own thoughts but mostly just basking in their excitement. He’d learned a long time ago that his friends could have something organized in the time it took him to find the paper to make a list.

His phone buzzed with a text from Cord: Mission going smooth. Thinking about you. Bullet says to tell you he’s already planning his best man speech.

“Oh, gods,” Billy said, showing them the message. “Bullet’s gonna make Cord die of embarrassment, isn’t he?”

“Absolutely,” Cece and Tristan said in unison.

“It’ll be perfect,” Tristan added. “Every good wedding needs at least one speech that makes the groom want to sink through the floor.”

“What about wedding parties?” Cece asked. “I mean, obviously we’re your…” he stopped, suddenly uncertain. “I mean, if you want us to be...”

“Of course I want you both to stand up with me,” Billy said, reaching out to squeeze Cece’s hand. “Who else would I ask? You two are the only reason I even met Cord in the first place.”

“Dibs on planning the bachelor party,” Cece said immediately, then paused. “Do alpha and male omegas have a bachelor’s party? Or is it more of a... pre-wedding celebration thing?”

“Whatever it is, no strippers,” Billy said firmly. “Cord would literally kill anyone who touched me, and I’d rather not have our wedding preceded by murder charges.”