Page 39 of His Snowbound Omega

My Alpha:I don’t need cameras to know how your mind works. You accepted the collar. You’re mine, omega.

Thorn:Whatever. Leave me alone. I’m eating.

My Alpha:Aren’t you going to ask me what I’m doing?

Thorn:No.

A photo suddenly filled his screen of Baal and Aster. They were at the hospital, outside somewhere, and his brother was in a wheelchair. The alpha leaned over him, both of them smiling at the camera.

My Alpha:I visited little brother and took him out for some fresh air. You can go straight to your jobs and put in your resignations.

The only thing keeping Thorn from scolding Baal was the fact that Aster looked extremely happy. He couldn’t recall the last time his brother seemed that at ease. Though he’d tried shielding Aster from it as much as possible, he had to know their financial situation was dire. Finding out that both his medical situation and their finances had been taken care of must be a relief, just like it was for Thorn.

Aster could fully focus on healing now.

That was thanks to the alpha.

Thorn placed his free hand on the gift box holding the collar. It was dangerous to want for things so clearly out of reach, and yet…He couldn’t help but allow himself to wonder, just for a moment, what life might be like if Baal Fae really was his alpha.

* * *

He didn’t get home until very late. After stopping at his three places of work, talking with his bosses, and then making time to still visit Aster before visiting hours were cut off, Thorn ran out of daylight.

Pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion was a coping mechanism he’d developed at a young age. Whenever things got too heavy, when the harsh reality of his life started creeping past his defenses, he’d overexert himself. It was the best way to clear his mind. If he was too tired to form thoughts, he didn’t have to worry about thinking himself to death.

His house was dark when he arrived, and he locked up behind himself and then entered the living room, flicking the light switch absently.

Strings of colored lights flared to life around the room, strung over the window and across the wooden beams above him. A tree, only slightly smaller than the one at the hotel, was tucked in the corner between the couch and the entrance way that led to the kitchen. The branches were bare, but when he approached, he realized why.

A stack of boxes had been set on the ground next to it, another note left on top of them.

If this isn’t enough, you know how to reach me. Don’t worry about enjoying yourself without Aster. He got his own tree.

-Your alpha.

Each box held various decorations in several color schemes. There were also packs of tinsels and more lights he could add to the tree. Some were the classic mini bulbs, while others had fun shapes like snowflakes and stars.

Thorn blamed the exhaustion when he found himself sitting on the floor, shifting through the boxes, an overwhelming sense ofsomethingtaking over him.

It wasn’t quite happiness, but it wasn’t a negative emotion either, despite the tears that pricked the corners of his eyes. He brushed them aside and then, before he knew what he intended, he tapped on his multi-slate.

“Are you home, frosty omega?” Baal’s rich voice trickled through the speaker.

Thorn hummed in response and then said, “I forgot the flowers at the hotel.”

There was a brief pause. “I’ll have them delivered to you within the hour.”

He picked at a strip of tape holding one of the clear plastic covers over a box of green and gold ornaments.

“Is there anything else you’d like to say to me?” the alpha asked gently.

He looked up at the tree. A part of him tried to find the trick, but no matter which way he spun it, it didn’t make sensefor this to be a trap. The alpha already had him, didn’t he? What need could he possibly have for going out of his way?

Unless he meant it.

Unless this was really just a thoughtful gift.

It probably didn’t mean anything to the rich alpha. Not nearly as much as it meant to Thorn, that was for sure. Hell, with a snap of his fingers, he could get a dozen workers to put this together for him all while he lounged in his office—or whatever he did to pass the time.