Page 15

Chapter 15

Miller

I check the address one more time.

Freya Rose lives in a sketchy part of town. No doubt still expensive, but her apartment complex is old and if she is our omega, there is no way she is staying here another night.

I drum my fingers on the steering wheel, checking my watch again. Two hours until my shift starts at the hospital. The things I do for my pack.

I can’t place it but there is something about this omega that nags at me. Most would kill to have an omega like Freya in their pack. She’s gorgeous, successful, and from what I remember of our hospital visits, quick-witted and charming.

Her curves alone would drive any alpha wild. Add in her baking skills, and that she wants a family, she could have alphas lined up around the block.

Yet here she is, living in this run-down building with a broken elevator, climbing six flights while caring for a newborn. I’d scaled those stairs myself earlier, hoping to catch her at home.

My phone buzzes. Thorne.

“Have you seen Zane? His commander called asking if he’s okay. Called in sick today.”

“Haven’t seen him...” I trail off as movement catches my eye. A smile spreads across my face. “Well, correction. I hadn’t seen him until two seconds ago.”

“Thank fuck. Is he okay?”

“His arm is around the omega.”

“What the hell,” Thorne growls.

“Think about it,” I say, watching Zane guide Freya toward my car, his hand protectively wrapped around her. “When was the last time you saw him this happy? He’s absolutely besotted with her. She’s the reason he called in sick. We need her in our home, Thorne. She’s perfect.”

“Perfect? A single mother omega?”

“Yes, perfect. Look how she’s transformed Zane already. When’s the last time he took a sick day? Or smiled like that?” I should take a photo, but Thorne is too jaded to see what I do.

I grip the phone tighter as Zane pulls Freya to a stop on the sidewalk just up from my car. His fingers thread through her hair, tilting her face up to meet his gaze and then their lips touch. Something in my chest tightens.

“What’s happening now?” Thorne demands.

“He’s kissing her.”

“In public?”

“Like he can’t help himself.” I shift in my seat. “She’s got her hands on his chest, and damn if she isn’t glowing.”

“Tell me about her. Everything.”

“She owns—Well she used to own a bakery downtown. It burned down around ten days ago. That’s how they met.”

“Okay.”

“And when I met her, I thought she was smart, funny. The kind of omega who lights up a room.” I pause as Freya breaks the kiss with a laugh, playfully pushing at Zane’s chest. “And she doesn’t give a damn about his scars.”

“Where exactly are you right now?”

“Outside her apartment.”

“What the fuck, Miller? You’re stalking her too?”

“Making sure she’s safe. This building’s a dump. The elevator’s been broken for weeks.”

“Give me the address. Now.”

“Why?”

“I need to run a background check. Make sure she’s not after our money.”

“She’s not.” The certainty in my voice surprises even me.

“How can you be so sure? Maya already duped me.”

I watch as Zane wraps his arm around her waist, guiding her toward my car. “Because her parents are fucking rich as sin and she lives here.”

“Oh. Okay. So, what now?” Thorne’s voice sharpens.

“Let me deal with it.” My fingers tighten on the steering wheel. “Look, I need to go. They’re heading this way.”

“Miller—”

“Yeah?”

“You want her too,” Thorne says flatly.

“She’s ours, Thorne. You’ll feel it when you finally meet her.” I hang up before he can protest. My eyes locked on our omega. Because that’s what she is, ours. Even if she and Thorne don’t know it yet.

I get out of the car, eyes locked on Freya. She looks petrified, and I know why.

“Hello, Dr. Astor,” she says, voice trembling.

“Freya,” Zane interrupts, placing a hand on the small of her back.

But Freya continues, panic lacing her words. “I’m so sorry. You never got to meet my alpha, Zane.”

“No pack?” I decide to prolong her agony a little longer.

“That was a little lie.”

“You don’t say.” I laugh, holding up a hand to stop her. “I’m not here because of the lie you told me. Am I, Zane?”

“Zane?” Freya whispers, turning to him with wide eyes. “Do you know Dr. Astor?”

“This is my pack mate, Miller,” Zane says, taking her hand in his.

Freya stares at me, shock written across her delicate features. “Dr. Astor is your pack mate?”

I step forward, taking her other hand in mine. Up close, I can’t help but notice the way her eyes sparkle, the flush of her cheeks. “Miller,” I murmur, savoring the feel of her skin against mine.

“I asked Freya to live with us until her elevator is fixed,” Zane tells me, watching as her expression shifts from surprise to uncertainty. “And she agreed.”

Perfect!

“I can’t do that,” she protests.

“You can,” I assure her. “I’ve already spoken to Thorne.”

“Thorne?” Freya’s gaze darts between Zane and me. “I’m going to live with a pack?”

“Your pack,” Zane whispers, his hand sliding down to intertwine their fingers.

I smile, already imagining the way her presence will transform our home. “What do we need to take with us?”

“Your home is lovely.” Her gaze travels over the beach and to the ocean.

“It’s a nice place to live.” I take Stone from Freya’s arms, inhaling deeply as his sweet baby scent mixes with hers. The combination is intoxicating, and I have to fight the urge to slam my mouth on hers.

“I bet.”

“Is this weird? Me and you living here?”

“Not at all. You’re not my patient, Freya.”

She nods. “And it’s not like I’m—”

“My pack will look after you both now,” I interrupt whatever she wants to say as I cradle her son close to my chest.

I lean into her head and smell her hair.

Freya’s eyes widen, her lips parting in surprise. “You weren’t very discreet with your sniffing, you know.”

I chuckle, unable to keep the amusement from my voice. “I thought I smelled strawberries on you that day you came into my surgery. I told Thorne about you.”

“You did?” Surprise coats her words. “I’m back taking inhibitors. So that is surprising.”

“Why? I asked you to stop taking them.”

“I did, but the world is a scary place for omegas.”

I nod my head as my gaze drifts to Zane, who’s watching our exchange with a smile. “And yet, despite that, I can smell the lime, too.”

“You can?” She smiles. “I have three scents, but nobody but Zane has ever smelled all three. The last one only comes out when I am stressed or in heat.” She laughs. “Or in labor.”

My cock stirs at the thought of her being in heat or her having our babies. “I’m looking forward to it.”

She swallows, her lower lip trembling as she whispers, “You are?”

“But I’m sure if you come off the inhibitors, you’ll find out if this is your scent matched pack.”

“You think that might be the case?” Her voice wavers with disbelief. She inhales deeply. “I can’t believe this is happening to me.” She glances between Zane and me. Hope shines in her pale green gaze. “Can I call Harlow and tell her that two alphas like my perfume?”

I laugh, reaching out to tuck a stray strand behind her ear. “We’re not that kind of pack, Freya. You’ll have your freedom to do as you please—almost.” My hand skims down her arm, electricity crackling in its wake. “We might get a little bossy with you occasionally, especially Thorne, but most of the time, we’re pretty chill, aren’t we, Zane?”

Zane nods, his expression softening as he watches Freya with me. “Absolutely. You’ll get used to us in no time.” He pulls her close to him. “You’re already used to me.”

I love that Zane is lighter…happier with her around.

Freya glances at Zane, then back to me, uncertainty flickering across her face. “Can I...can I sleep in Zane’s room until I get used to you and Thorne? I mean, I like you, but it’s still weird, isn’t it?”

I chuckle, shifting her baby in my arms. “Fine, Freya. We’ve waited this long for our omega. I’m sure we can give you a little time before we turn into beasts.”

Her eyes widen, and she squeaks, rushing away from the balcony, holding her phone in the air. Zane’s gaze never leaves her.

A smile tugs at my lips as we watch her hover nervously by the door as she talks to her friend, her eyes darting around as if she’s afraid to touch anything. “It’s happening Zane, but you have to convince her to stop taking the inhibitors. You know Thorne has a problem with omegas who disguise their perfume.”

I shift Stone in my arms, cradling the sleeping baby close, as I turn and head back into the house.

Freya covers the handset as I pass by. “Are you sure Thorne will be okay with me staying? He sounds—”

“He’s on his way,” I interrupt, giving her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, Freya, tell your friend the address if it makes her feel better about you being here. And don’t worry about Thorne. He can be a bit...intense, but he’ll come around.”

She nods, chewing on her bottom lip. “I don’t want to cause any trouble. Maybe I should just—”

“No.” I reach out to squeeze her hand. “You’re staying. This is your home now, too.”

Freya’s eyes widen, and she glances down at our joined hands. She isn’t as nervous as most omegas, but obviously the chat she is having with her friend is bringing that side of her nature to the fore. “But what if he doesn’t want me here?”

Zane’s gaze sweeps over Freya. His lips curl at her fear. “I’ll deal with Thorne.”

“No. I’ll call him now.” I kiss the palm of Freya’s hand before I stride to the office, already calling his number. He should have been home thirty minutes ago.

“Yes,” he replies, not waiting for the phone to ring out.

“Freya and Stone are here. Where are you?”

“She’s the one from Club Midnight.” Thorne growls. “The annoying one who used to follow me around.”

“She’s not annoying.” But I’m getting annoyed with him. “Did you smell her?”

“Smell her? You’ve been to Club Midnight. There are that many scents mingling with sex and sweat. Who knows what anyone really smells of?”

I sigh. “And there lies your problem. You were duped once, and you can’t accept it.”

He remains silent for a moment.

“Where are you?” I ask, noticing the car is muted, too.

“Outside. Sitting in the car.”

“Get the fuck in here.”

“She’s not my omega, Miller. I don’t want her here.”

“Well, tough shit,” I retort. “She’s staying. Zane thinks she is a full scent match, and I like the perfume I can smell on her.”

“Is she on scent blockers?” he asks.

“Inhibitors. Zane told me when she wasn’t taking anything, her full scent was ours. And Zane likes her, and I do too. So, you’re going to be civil when you get here. She’s been through enough without you acting like an asshole.”

“I’m here.” The sound of the front door opening has me rushing towards the sound.

Thorne strides in, his face thunderous when he sees me holding the baby.

“You made it!” I exclaim. “I was worried you might disappear to a hotel for the night.”

He pulls his shoulders back, lifting his chin in defiance. “Where is she?”

I nod to where Freya is still talking to her friend. “In there. Be nice.”

Thorne opens his mouth to argue, then his eyes narrow, nostrils flaring.

I give him a pointed look. “She’s staying.”

Freya turns to him and flinches, her fingers tightening around her phone. “I..I need to go, Harlow.”

She disconnects and rushes to me, taking Stone from my hands. “I-I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother you. I just remembered I need to go home because—”

She can obviously feel the tension from Thorne, and her omega is ready to run.

“No,” I snap, stepping between her and Thorne. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Thorne stays quiet as Zane goes to her side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. “It’s okay. This is Thorne, my brother. Thorne—Freya.”

“Your brother,” she repeats.

I nod, my gaze sliding back to Thorne. “Are you going to say something?”

Thorne’s jaw tightens as his eyes fix on Freya and Zane. “We already know each other.”

She swallows. “I wouldn’t say we know each other.”

“What’s going on,” Zane asks.

I watch the tension crackle between them, my amusement growing as Thorne’s face darkens.

“She used to stalk me at Club Midnight,” he spits out, pacing the living room like a caged animal.

Freya barks out a laugh, bouncing Stone gently in her arms. “Stalk you? Please. I’d rather follow a grizzly bear around. At least it would have better manners.”

I can’t help but chuckle, earning a death glare from Thorne.

“You followed me around,” he growls, spinning to face her.

“Only when I was desperate.” Freya rolls her eyes. “What was it—twice? And trust me, I must have been completely wasted both times to think you were worth talking to.”

Thorne’s growl deepens, reverberating through the room.

“And that’s not sexy,” Freya says, wrinkling her nose. “You sound like a broken vacuum cleaner.”

“Then why are you pressing your thighs together?” Thorne stalks closer.

“Because I need to pee.” Freya shifts Stone to her other hip. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should head home. I’d hate to be tempted to slip arsenic inside your morning muffin.”

Thorne’s eyes lock on Stone, his expression softening. “You’re staying.”

“No, I’m not.” Freya lifts her chin. “I’d rather run up and down six flights of stairs than stare at your miserable face all day.”

“You’re staying.”

I smile. This is going to be interesting.