Page 206 of Omega's Heart

We scrambled to get into our seats, then Quin peeled out of the empty landscape, headed for the distant lights of the city. I held my mate’s hand and thought about how different my life was now, and how happy it made me. Glancing over at Kaden, I thought he was happy too.

He leaned over and whispered in my ear. “How tired are you?” His hand slipped out of mine to rest on the top of my thigh, or at least as high up as the baby would let him.

Alphas and their one track minds. “Not tired at all.” I laid my head on his shoulder and we rode the rest of the way in the comfort of each others’ scent.

C H A P T E R 1 0 6

W e ended up going back to Nevada Ashes, but instead of being work, it turned into a sort of vacation. The Alpha was glad to talk enclave planning with Kaden, but still flat out refused to accept any of the Mutch money. We did finally wear him down into agreeing he would be fine if a few other packs had gotten funds first, but it took Kaden and I both working on him.

I also got to spend my mornings in the Mate’s sewing room, meeting more of the pregnant packmembers. Which led to afternoons spent at the puppies’ water park, with its fountains and spray guns, or in the swimming pool on the other side of the enclave, relaxing and talking with the parents of the pups shrieking and splashing around us. I got a bit of a sunburn and ended up spending the night stretched out on the bed while my mate applied cold cloths to all my red bits.

Life, however, waits for no one and after a couple of days, we had to cut the fun short. I had things to do at home to get ready for the baby, Kaden had things to do for work. I missed Hunter, too—saying good night over the phone wasn’t near enough. I didn’t know how Kaden endured it.

I almost wished we’d stayed, though, when I turned my phone on after we touched down in Memphis. There was a text from Holland waiting for me.

I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?

Doesn’t matter, I texted back.

“What’s that?” Kaden asked, glaring at me until I surrendered my carry-on bag to him.

“Holland. Good news and bad news, he says.”

“Huh.” Kaden set off toward the baggage carousels and I followed behind, watching for Holland’s response.

There was nothing for a couple of minutes and I assumed that he’d been interrupted by something. Then a big block of text showed up on my screen. Julius’s sister is coming here for her sentence. We just found out, they’ve already started the transport. Can you pick up a few things? I got her measurements from Julius so I can get clothes for her downstairs, but she has a few favorite foods that we don’t normally carry in the enclave.

Of course! Send me a list, we’ll stop on the way out of town. “Minnie’s coming to Mercy Hills!” I told my mate, over the moon with excitement for my friend.

Kaden smiled, but his eyebrows pinched together and his mouth took on a guilty slant, entirely at odds with the relief shown by the rest of his body.

“Kaden?” I asked slowly. “What did you do?”

He made a face at me. “Let’s just say I took the senator’s name in vain. I’m probably going to get my ass kicked for it, but I called up their local representative and applied a little pressure. Not that I could actually do any of the things I was hinting at, but he didn’t know that. That poor kid doesn’t have two clues how to defend herself, despite being an alpha. She’d never survive in the adult prison, let alone in Sterling Penitentiary. So I bent the rules.”

“Maybe he won’t find out.”

Kaden shook his head. “Oh, he’ll find out.” He glanced over at me and I could see the effort as he tucked that worry back into some other part of his brain, to be looked at probably when I wasn’t around. “Has Julius found out yet?”

“I don’t know. I should ask.” I paused, watching him. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

He touched my arm lightly and smiled. “I’m fine. It’ll be fine. I probably shouldn’t have told you. You don’t need any more stress than you have right now.”

“I’d rather you told me anyway. I’m your mate, Kaden.”

“I know.” The carousel clunked into motion and he moved away to watch for our suitcases.

My phone buzzed with Holland’s list of things for Minnie.

I texted back, Looks doable. What’s the bad news?

Veronica emailed Quin to ask about coming back for a while next month. She said you invited her for the baby’s birth.

Kaden hadn’t mentioned that he’d actually sent the invitation, but we had talked about it. That’s fine. If you can find a place for her that isn’t with any of us, that would be preferable. If not, can we borrow some furniture? We’d only furnished our bedroom and the baby’s room so far—the other two bedrooms were empty. Which I freely admitted was a waste but I also was enjoying not having roommates. Outside of Kaden, that is. It made pouncing on him whenever the whim struck much more convenient. And soldier boys really responded well to orders, especially when given by their naked mate.

Well, I guessed I was committed now. My mother wants to come visit too. I supposed if we’re stuck they can both stay with us. I think. I have to talk to Kaden. It’s been busy.

That’s okay. We’ll figure something out.