Page 82 of Ondine: Vol. 2

He looks toward the ceiling like he’s looking for strength. “No. But that’s based on my past experience. My friends and families’ experience. Statistics. Data. History. Popular consensus.”

I laugh, despite it not being a joke. “Nothing but trouble.”

This rewards me with him relaxing just slightly.

He turns his eerie green eyes to me. “She told me about you. She said you were special.”

Special? Pride and joy floods through my veins. Ondine thinks I’m special. She told her little boyfriend I’m special.

I’m looking at this guy and I have not one ounce of jealousy or fear about him. It’s incredible. I’m actually just so happy Ondine found someone.

“Let’s hang out, Arnie. I’ll be up early to meditate and go for a hike if you’re up too. I’ll come grab you.” He looks so confused but intrigued. I study his face to see if I can figure out what his walls are up for. “She picked me. And she picked you. Yeah?”

I wish I had another cigarette but Jake would probably eat one of my eyeballs if I smoked in his house.

“That’s right. I have to go to see my friend and pack my things. Last time I was at my place Jake kicked me in the stomach and cuffed hands behind my back. So I got some things I have to take care of. Will you let Ondine know that I’ll be back?”

I nod.

I turn to leave, but Arnie says, “Freddie.”

“Yeah?”

“Jake’s blackmailing me.”

I snort.

“Sounds like Jake. Listen, Ondine needs me. We’ll talk about it tomorrow. Get you sorted. Ok?”

I leave him much better than when I first arrived. He looks a little less burdened. I think he was worried about the potential of not bonding with Ondine. Do betas care about bonds?

24

Christening

Ondine

Freddie knocks on the door to the nest, and I call out, “Come in.”

I already know it’s him. I could feel the cords of our bond growing more and more taut. He enters as I kick off my black velvet skirt and blouse and set them on a low table next to my little portable nest. I roll my nylons down and off my legs.

“God, I missed you,” he says as I unhook my bra. The feeling is akin to a good climax. He comes up to me and his thumb rubs over the lines in my skin from my bra strap.

He watches as they fade away.

I lean my body against his.

“I met your beta,” Freddie says to me. And I can’t help smiling thinking about Arnie. “He’s cute.”

“I love him.”

“He loves you too. He said he needed to go get some things from his old place. He’d be back later.”

I grumble at the idea of being apart.

“How did it go with the boys?”

“Good. So good. They are all set up. Jake just offered me a job. He wants me to open up a special division at Meier Protections Group that helps protect these kids. I think I’m going to do it.”