Page 26 of Rugged Hearts: Part One

“Had you bonded you likely would’ve died from his sudden loss,” he replies bluntly. That is a given, especially if someone only has one bond. That’s why it was amazing my dad held on for nearly another year after losing my mom.

I can’t deal with this. So, like a mature adult I walk away instead of arguing more. Weaving through the house, I end up back on the front porch. I walk around to the side and see some chairs. I feel too angry to sit, so instead I pace this part of the porch, ignoring the chill in the air. Clearly being scent matched doesn’t guarantee you’ll like each other. Micah doesn’t like me, which is fine, I don’t need him to. I’ve been fine on my own until now. I don’t need this pack to swoop in and fix all my problems. That’s not how life, let alonemy life, works. I’m still pacing when Parker finds me. I’m surprised it’s him that came. He doesn’t interrupt my pacing, just leans against the railing and waits, letting me work it out of my system.

Eventually I stop in front of him, finding his playful attitude nowhere to be seen. He looks so serious right now, brows pinched together and lips pursed. His blond hair falls is slight waves around his face, the longest part almost to his shoulders. Without a word he opens his arms and I don’t need to think twice before I’m entering his embrace for a hug. Safe. My muscles instantly relax as I take in his scent.

“Don’t listen to Micah. He’s an idiot who can’t get out of his own way.” I’m not sure what he means by that but I don’t want to talk about Micah right now.“I actually have a surprise for you. I was going to show you later but I think, no I know, it will cheer you up.”

I lift my head from where it’s been resting against his chest to look at him.“You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“It’s nothing like that. Come on let me show you?” He puts his arm around me as he starts to guide me back into the house.

26

PARKER

Anxiety is running through me at showing her my office. I didn’t think I’d be so nervous. Itiskind of a safe space for me but I’m so comfortable with my pack coming in, I assumed that would extend to Thea. Which it does, and it’s not that I don’t want her here. I know my plan will make her forget about Micah being an ass. He needs to figure his shit out.

I open the door, and try to see it through Thea’s eyes. The room is a good size. There is a closet that lines the wall next to the door, leaving the rest of the room a basic square shape with no windows. I work at all hours and I can’t handle the stimuli the windows would bring. Some of the guys call this my work cave which is a pretty apt description. The far wall to the right is my desk with its multiple monitors and computers. The opposite wall is my—well, it’s not a couch. It’s basically an oversized chair a couple people could probably fit in. The cushion is wider than the typical furniture, plus it has a plush fabric covering it. Actually thinking about it, an omega would probably love this. There’s a matching ottoman that, when pushed up against the chair, makes it almost into a bed. It’s the perfect spot when I need a break from work and screens. I also have an LED lighting system hooked upall along the top of the walls, lining the ceiling, changing the color modes based on my mood. Right now they’re set up in a purple and pink cycle. Those colors make me think of Thea.

“This is my office. I work completely remote for the IT company I told you about.” I run my hand through my hair nervously.

Her hand runs along the chair, her fingers spreading through the plush fabric. She lets out a little gasp when she touches it. Smiling, I plop into it and pull her in with me. She’s laughing as she’s basically laying half on top of me. Her smile is beautiful; I want to make her smile as much as possible.

“Was this the surprise, showing me your office?” she asks.

Taking a breath, I tell her, “No, I set up a way for you to video call Connor’s parents.”

Her jaw drops and she’s rushing to sit up. “Really?” she says tentatively, a slight shake in her voice.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t say it if I couldn’t do it. You don’t have to worry about him tracking it. It’s end-to-end encryption. Plus I have our end running through some extra hoops that would be hard to follow for most.” I cut myself off before I get too technical.She’s looking at me like I just handed her the moon. The alpha in me is puffing up in pride. I never felt like I fit the “alpha” stereotype but in this moment, making her happy is all I want to do.

Getting up to go to my desk, I finish setting it up so all she has to do is hit a button when she’s ready. When I’m done I find her standing behind me, some shock still evident on her face.

“It’s ready when you are you just have to click this button and it’ll call Sophie,” I say, standing up. “Sit here, you’ll be more comfortable. I’ll give you some privacy.” I move to leave but she grabs my hand. Looking back at her, I find uncertainty dancing in her eyes.

“Will you…will you stay with me?”

“Of course, if you want me to. I don’t want to intrude.”Sometimes I do that, overshare or cross a boundary that I didn’t realize was there. Definitely don’t want to do that with her.

“You won’t be. I don’t want to be alone…” She squeezes my hand tighter. I squeeze back and give her a reassuring smile. There’s an old desk chair in the closet which I roll out for me to sit in. I move it closest to the wall so I won’t be in the camera view as much. Unfortunately given the size of the room the camera will still pick me up a bit.

Thea looks at me then the monitor and back to me. Instead of saying something, she stretches her hand towards me. Reflexively I take it and it forces me to roll closer to her. We aren’t completely side by side but I’m now in full view of the camera for this call. She’s squeezing my hand so tight but it doesn’t hurt. I give her a few light squeezes in response. I’m here with you.Taking a deep breath, she presses the button.

Ring. Ring. Ring.

“Hello?” a woman answers, likely Sophie. She hasn’t connected the video yet so she can’t see it’s Thea. I look over at her, seeing that she’s frozen. Squeeze. Squeeze. Squeeze.Then she’s tightening her grip on my hand.

“Sophie?” Thea says.A loud gasp and then a banging sounds from the other end. Did she drop the phone?

“Thea? Oh thank the Gods, are you okay? Please tell me you are!” she rushes out, sounds like she’s crying.

“I’m okay. Safe. Sophie, you should see an option to connect video. Press it then we can see each other.”There’re sounds like she’s fumbling with the phone and then a shaky video fills the screen. Sophie is definitely crying and when she sees Thea, it turns into full-on sobs. Thea in return has silent tears streaming down her face.

Squeeze. Squeeze.

The shaking doesn’t relent likely from her holding the phone. “We’re never going to be able to talk if we cry the whole time,” Thea jokes, sniffling all the while.

“Oh Gods, the guys. Max! James! Mateo!” Sophie shouts, making Thea and I wince.