Page 8 of Match (Damselverse #1)

Chapter eight

Halle

B efore I can introduce myself to the new Alpha with my messy towel-dried hair, a big ball of white fluff jumps up toward me, knocking me hard to the ground, and I can’t stop the sound that spills from my mouth.

It's a laugh.

How long has it been since I laughed?

It’s been a long time. I haven’t laughed since I stopped hanging around with Zara.

Not since my grandma died. Grandma always had a dirty mouth after all, and she shared my enthusiasm for smutty romance.

The dog covers me in her slobber as she licks my face, and the laughter just keeps pouring from my lips.

She’s a golden retriever, and I love golden retrievers. Such friendly dogs, but goddamn stubborn.

Grandma and I had a retriever called Sandy once, and she used to love the sea. So much so she refused to leave the water when it was time to go home, even when the tide was coming in.

However, Sandy was the color of, well, sand , but this retriever is almost as white as snow. She looks like a baby polar bear.

It’s been some time since I received some puppy kisses. My old pack never let me have a dog.

They wouldn’t even let me have a goldfish because they were, and I quote, ‘freaky.’

What kind of Alpha is scared of a fish?

Dane laughs, stepping forward to pull the dog away from me, and it’s only then that I notice her pink diamond collar. How precious.

“That’s enough, Sabrina.”

Sabrina? So, that’s the white ball of fluff’s name. Well, Sabrina and I are going to get along swimmingly.

Now I get a proper look at the new Alpha, and my cheeks heat up instantly.

Just as I feared. He’s as gorgeous as the others.

Aiden has long, golden hair tied back in a ponytail and vivid green eyes that remind me of a cat’s.

They seem to judge me in the same manner, too, peering deep into my soul. He stares at me for way too long, and I swallow hard.

Before I lose my nerve, I hold out my hand. “I’m Halle. But Dane calls me Petal.”

Aiden continues to stare me up and down. Then he smiles tightly, taking my hand, and I ignore the faint spark between us.

Not again.

“Aiden. So, you’re the one who burned down Penn’s bookstore.”

My heart breaks at the accusatory tone in his voice, and then I look down at my feet. “Yes. And I feel terrible about it. I’m sorry.”

Aiden sighs, and I ignore the cool air of his breath as it wafts against my arms. He smells wonderful, like a newborn puppy—another one of my favorite scents.

“It’s fine, Halle. If Penn can find it in his heart to forgive you, then so can I. It’s all good. But seriously… didn’t anyone ever tell you not to play with matches?”

I squeeze my eyes tight shut. “I’m only just starting to learn the error of my ways.”

Dane gripes. “Lay off, Aiden. She’s been through enough. You’re already aware of her situation. She was living in that basement.”

If only the ground could swallow me whole... This is so embarrassing. I try to find a way to rectify the situation. “But I’m not staying here for long, I promise. And while I’m here, I will earn my keep. I will cook, clean, do the dishes…”

My other Alphas certainly expected me to do those things, even though they hated my cooking.

They said it tasted like cardboard.

Aiden holds up his hand. “There is no need, Halle. And you are free to stay as long as you need. No conditions.”

Oh.

Well, I guess that settles that.

My eyes sting, and then I have no idea what comes over me. For some reason, I begin to fucking cry.

Pathetic.

All three Alphas look at me, startled. Penn looks downright uncomfortable, and Aiden is confused.

But Dane steps forward, purring softly as he wraps his big arm around me. “Come now, Petal. You’re safe now, and all is forgiven. It’s all water under the bridge.”

“But… I haven’t done anything to deserve your kindness.”

That’s when I feel Penn’s probing gaze, and I half expect him to say something, anything, to cheer me up, but he just keeps his mouth shut.

At least Sabrina comforts me, licking my hand. Such a sweet dog.

I want to keep her.

Aiden exhales, moving toward the kitchen. “I think we should order takeout. How does takeout sound, Halle? You in?”

“Takeout?”

My Alphas always had takeout, but they never ordered me anything. Not even a shrimp.

Instead, they made me stay upstairs on an empty stomach. The pricks.

“Yeah, takeout,” Dane responds. “We always order when we’re stressed, and I think tonight is as good as a night as any. So, you in?”

A small smile crawls across my lips, and then I wipe away my tears. “Sure.”

Aiden pulls out his phone, making the order. “What do you want, Halle?”

I bite my lip, thinking.

It's been some time since I got to be a part of a family takeout. So, this is a momentous occasion. I must make the most of this.

At least I’m not overstepping a line…

“I want to order everything.”

Well, there goes my tiny waist. But who cares…

My Omega is hungry.

For takeout and knots.