Page 35 of Rugged Hearts: Part One

“I didn’t drool on you, did I?” she asks playfully.

“Oh yeah can’t you see the giant swimming pool size puddle on my shirt. It’s actually impressive,” I say, messing with her. Her eyes dart to my shirt then back up to me with a mock scowl at my lie.

“Ha-ha very funny.”

Standing I pull her up to her feet, I may not be as tall as the alphas in my pack but she’s still so short compared to me. Her curls are a little all over the place but that’s okay. I tuck some of it behind her ear. Her eyes widen at that action.

“I had a great time tonight, Thea.”

“Me too,” she says a little breathlessly. Gods I need to get out of here before I try kissing her and screw this up. She moves even closer to me and I’m not sure what her plan is until she’s wrapping her arms around me in a hug. I return it and lean down so my head is in the crook of her neck. Her fucking scent. It’s pure heaven.

She releases me and we both smile coyly at each other. Gathering my belongings, we’re soon at the door saying goodbye. We hug goodbye which was just as nice as the first time. I know I have the biggest, dopiest smile on my face, and it’s all from a hug. I bet if I told Eli he’d mock me endlessly but I know he’d feel the same. Any contact, any connection she allows I’m grateful. For the first time in a while I’m looking forward to the future. I know even with everything going on it will work out. It has to.

31

THEA

It’s been a week since I was last with the entire pack. We’re all having dinner together tonight. I asked Parker if I can come a little early so we can call Connor’s parents again. I didn’t get a chance to ask Sophie about the scent match thing. As I pull up to the house there’s no obvious sign of who if anyone is home. Well I know at least Parker is home.

I text him that I’m here as I wait on the porch. We definitely aren’t at the level of me being comfortable just waltzing into their house. It’s not long until he’s opening the door and giving me a big hug. Hugs are quickly becoming my favorite. I know it’s probably because I’m touch-starved but these guys seem to just give really good ones.

“You look like a Goddess,” he blurts out before his face goes red.

“Thanks.” I duck my head a little. I’m not used to compliments. I was never shy with Connor, but we had eight years together. If these men will be helping with my heat I need to work through that quickly. I’m not self-conscious—well, usually. I guess the idea of someone who’s not Connor seeing me in such an intimate way intimidates me a little. He was the only person I’d ever been with. I love my body and know I look good. Guess I’ll haveto work on being more open with them in that way. Or just wait until my heat takes over and hope my hormones block out any worries I’d have.

That definitely isn’t healthy, Thea.

I put my hand in Parker’s, interlocking our fingers as we walk into the house. I’m actually the one leading him to his office, which is funny. I enter the room and look around. It’s just as it was last week except the lights along the ceiling are in blue.

“I have everything set up like last time.” He pulls out his chair for me to sit.

I feel awkward for what I’m about to ask. “Do you mind if I call them alone this time?” His face falls only slightly before I rush out with, “I just have some personal questions to ask Sophie. Don’t worry, I’ll be asking to talk to her alone too. No men allowed,” I awkwardly laugh off.

“You don’t have to explain yourself. Whatever you need, I’ll have my phone on me so just text.” He gives my hand two squeezes before he leaves, just like he did last week. I wouldn’t have made it through that call without him.

I’m less nervous and more excited to call them today. I press the call button before it’s picked up quickly.

“Thea, is that you?” Sophie yells excitedly into the phone.

I laugh. “Yes it’s me, I said I’d call in a week.”

“It’s her! James, get over here and get the camera on,” she orders.

“We really need to show you how to do this,” James mutters as he handles the phone, turning on the video. Out of all of Connor’s dads, James is the one he was most alike personality-wise. Max may have been his bio dad which was clear in their stark resemblance but all three of these men raised him. Now little pieces of them remind me of Connor.

Ugh don’t go there today, Thea.

Once everything is set up similarly to last week and everyone seated in view of the camera, there’s a slight awkward silence. As if we’re each waiting for the other to speakfirst.Max, of course, is the one who breaks the silence. “No Parker today?”

I bite back a smile as I say, “Nope, just us. Unless you rather talk with him I can go get him…” Sometimes dealing with Max being a sarcastic pain in the ass is best. Mateo is the one who smacks him upside the head.I can’t help but laugh a little under my breath at Max’s annoyed expression. I know it’s just for show. The first half of our call goes by quickly with us catching up on what’s been happening in each other’s lives. We get to a good stopping point where it seems like the perfect opportunity to talk to Sophie.

“Would you guys mind if I talk to Sophie alone for a little bit?” I ask tentatively. I don’t want them to think I don’t want to talk to them, but it’ll be weird enough talking about heat stuff with Sophie. I can’t fathom them being included when they’re like my dads. I internally shiver in disgust.

They all look at each other in silent communication. It’s not the first time I’ve seen them do that; I noticed it from the first time I met them years ago. I wonder if it’s a bonded thing or pack thing. Probably both.

“Of course honey, we’re here if you need us okay?” Mateo says as the three of them get up and leave.

Sophie scoots to the edge of the couch getting closer to the camera. Taking a deep breath, I begin, “I’m not sure how to say this. I’m still processing it all but I really need your advice.” I pause to stop the tears from falling.