Page 29 of Whole in His Arms

“We’re here for you, bro,” Roman said. “And if that means gossip and ice cream to take your mind off everything, then I’ll be a willing participant.” He laughed as he lifted the ice cream to his mouth.

River chuckled. “Gossip? Tell all now.”

Roman grinned, “Well, I have some juicy info. If you want to hear it.” He shrugged, like he could care less. “But you know if you don’t, then that’s your prerogative, too.” He went back to his tub of Rocky Road as River looked around at his brothers and cousin. They all had their eyes on Roman.

“You’re such an ass, just spill already,” River snapped at his smug-looking brother. He used his spoon to point at Roman, “Now share.”

Roman snickered. “Brody, one of the guys that works at my construction company, has been making eyes at a certain omega we all know and love.”

River arched an eyebrow. “He knows I’m taken, right?”

Roman rolled his eyes and shook his head. “You’re not the only omega in the group.”

River saw Ronin lean forward, brow arched in question, he looked at his twin. “I sure as hell hope he’s not getting ideas and looking at Ollie … or even Devon. And if it’s Devon, why would you be chuckling about it?”

Roman snorted. “Get a grip. Of course, he’s not making eyes at Devon, and calm your ass; he’s certainly not making eyes at Ollie.”

“What’s wrong with Ollie?” Ronin asked.

Roman ignored him. “Or River,” he added instead. Roman rolled his eyes again, which had them all chuckling, and River watched as Finn and Rick swapped ice creams. “Shawn. Shawn has been coming around a lot lately, and he and Brody seem to be spending time together.”

“Interesting! He didn’t say anything the last time he was here.” River thought back to the day he’d spent with his friend. “It’s probably still new and fresh. Do you think Brody and Shawn are mates?”

Roman’s head tilted to the side as he thought about it. “I think so, but Brody doesn’t want to scare him off; he’s hoping he’s finally ready. Don’t say anything to Shawn though.” He directed that at River. “I think Shawn wants to keep it low-key. They’ll tell everyone in due time.”

River stuffed a huge spoon of peanutty goodness into his mouth and pretended to consider it. Then he smiled and looked over to his brother. “Fine.”

This might have been just what he needed. Still, that tug on his heart told him Nix was not safe; he just knew it. But his family had managed to distract him. He felt loved and cherished by his brothers, and he just needed to remind himself that Nix would make it out of whatever situation and come home. He would come home.

Chapter Ten

Nix

Nix sat by the river until he got his thoughts in order. He knew it was time. He needed to speak to his brothers. River. River … he sighed. His mate was right; they would understand and they would help. He was too close emotionally to the situation, and if he listened to his tiger, he would do something stupid. Just six weeks ago, he would have, but now he had so much to live for. So much to return to. For the first time in his life, he wasn't alone.

You've not been alone in a long time.

He'd had the men from his unit. Ronin, Dax, Finn, Maddox, Zander. They'd had his back for so long. He knew he could trust them with his brothers and every other omega in their lives.

He sure as hell couldn't be clearheaded. Both Nix and his tiger were too emotional about the whole situation. If he listened to his tiger and himself, then he would run in there with no plan in place to try and free all the omegas.

But that would get people hurt. And those men and women had already been through so much. Nix refused to be one more person adding to their trauma.

He needed to stay calm and keep his head on straight. Telling his brothers was the first step. Nix got up and drew in a deep breath before turning and heading back to camp.

Dax must have had Maddox keeping an eye out, or maybe his friend was just looking out for him.Probably worried you’ll do something stupid.

He stopped in front of Mad and his friend’s hand squeezed his shoulder. “You okay?”

Nix wasn’t sure he knew what that meant right now. His emotions were swinging between joy and terror. He had River and his brothers. A real home with people who cared if he returned. Panic and anxious excitement. Panic because he knew how bad this could go, but excitement because he couldn’t wait to introduce both of his brothers to his mate and give them the life they deserved. Sadness but also hope. Sadness because he’d missed his Papa, but hope because his future held so much promise, starting with his little one on the way.

So yeah, Nix didn’t know how to answer that question.

“Ask me again in a few days.”

Maddox nodded. “You ready?” his friend asked.

He didn’t have to ask Mad what he meant. He knew.