Chapter 29

Chapter Twenty-Nine

CERENITY

M oaning, I stretch my muscles. My heat finally broke, but I have no idea what day it is. I'm laying on clean sheets that still smell like the guys, though I'm alone in this big bed.

"Hey sleepy head," Augustine murmurs. "How do you feel?"

I know this isn't what he meant, but I can feel all the guys on little threads that connect us now. It's an incredible sensation, and I can't believe I fought this for so long.

"Hungry," I answer instead, though Auggie smiles knowingly. "What day is it?"

"Monday," he says, chuckling as I wince. "I texted Tay, letting him know we'll remain closed this past weekend, but he insisted he could manage."

"Really?" I squeak, pushing myself into a sitting position. My vagina may need to be iced after all the sex I just had, but I have to admit Auggie looks really good in his low slung joggers.

"Sweetheart, you cannot look at me like that," he groans. "Everything is handled at the club for tonight too, and then we're closed until Friday. I'm going to draw you a bath so you can relax."

"Hey," Gabriel says, popping his head into the bedroom. "I'll bring you food. Jasper and Tommy aren't here right now. They went to accept a few deliveries at The Underground."

"Cute name," I say with a giggle. "Unsurprisingly, it works. I feel like I kept you all hostage for a week."

"No, that was Jasper," Auggie says with a wink as he picks me up. Gabriel moves to the bathroom to start the water, searching for the bath products.

"Woah, you have everything in here," he murmurs as he picks up a large blue bath bomb.

"You can thank Auggie for that," I tell him. "He always knows when I'm low."

"The spidey sense also extends to bath needs. Got it," he says with a smirk as he puts it in the now perfect water. "Don't fall asleep in the tub, please."

Rolling my eyes, I slip into the bath with a sigh now that the bath bomb is dissolved. "I haven't made it this far to die in the bathtub," I mutter. "Oh, Auggie? Can you do me a favor?"

"Always," he says, brow raised.

"I need to call the facility to check on my mom, can you bring me my phone? God, it's probably dead, huh?" I groan.

"Ah, I will absolutely call as your devoted alpha because the doctor there is creepy," he counters. My lips part as he shakes his head. "Cere, you reminded me I need to go to City Hall to deliver our paperwork, ask Shaw to bribe someone so it looks like I put it in last week, and then call him. Are you sure we can't just pull your mom from there?"

Sighing, I process his words. Dr. Brunes was very intense while I was there with his questions. It isn't safe for me to go back. I'm not someone who hides behind anyone, but I don't want the doctor to be any more interested in me than he already is.

"I really want to get her out of there, but Mama said my fathers are looking for her," I explain. "She can feel them through their bond, the whispers, and she's not willing for them to get their hands on her."

"We'd never let that happen," Auggie growls.

"You and I know we wouldn't," I remind him. "Her paranoia is being fueled by them. We need to find Pack Cockburn so they can't hurt her anymore. They're torturing her, Auggie."

Wincing, he bites his lower lip as he shifts his weight. "I've actually been paying a private investigator to look for them," he says softly. "Please don't be upset, I knew they weren't good people even if I didn't know everything, but he hasn't found fuck all about them. It's the damnedest thing, especially if your mom says she can feel them near her."

"He could have been paid off," I suggest. "They're very well off, I remember her telling me. I don't think the investigator is going to be helpful."

"I'd say not," he grumbles. "I'll find another avenue to look into them. In the meantime, I'm going to get this figured out. Try to relax, please? I'm charging your phone and it's blowing up… Fuck, I can see you tensing. I shouldn't have told you about that."

Giggling as I watch him cringe, I shake my head. "Checking my messages and calls will be relaxing for me, because it's hard for me to do nothing in a bath, as nice as this is," I say.

"Alright, I know when to fold. I'm still on ‘spoil my girl' momentum, even though it was hot watching Tommy spank your bratty ass," he says with a chuckle as he walks out.

Shivering, I can vaguely remember just how sexy that was as well. Glancing down at my body, I can still see the healing old bites from when Arthur kidnapped me. They're more fading bruises at this point thanks to the arnica and medicated cream I've been applying to it.

The new bite marks belong to my alphas, and I can feel Tommy and Jasper sending me concern and love through our new bonds.

It's weird not being alone anymore, but incredibly peaceful to know if I spiral, someone will be there to catch me or follow me down the hole. Jasper still panics when I cry, and I think it's adorable.

"Hey, what are you thinking about?" Auggie asks as he walks back into the bathroom. Just because he can feel me through the bond, doesn't mean he can read my mind. I love that he doesn't try to either.

"How my alphas bites are going to be pretty when they all heal up," I murmur as he sets up the bamboo tray across the tub.

"Mine," he grunts with a feral grin. "I fucking love being able to see my bite on your skin. Gabriel is still very proud you claimed him back. I didn't know omegas could do that."

Shrugging, I think about it. "I wasn't sure if I could, but I kept wanting to, so I did. Even if it wasn't as strong of a connection, it was still something I wanted," I explain.

Draping a washcloth over the tray, he sets up my bottle of water, phone, and wireless charger in case I need it. Bemused, I smile as I watch how well he loves me. This is just the way Auggie takes care of me. He's in his element as my alpha.

"Do you need anything else?" he asks, glancing at me with his green eyes.

"I have food," Gabriel murmurs, setting a bowl of Indian chicken curry next to me. Inhaling deeply, I moan at how good it smells. I remember when I told Jasper I was going to feed him his dinner on the bathroom floor, and my lips twitch.

"It smells amazing," I admit. "Thank you so much."

"I'm running out to City Hall to put in our pack paperwork," Auggie says, leaning over to kiss my temple. "Be good. No fucking. Give her pussy an ice bag."

My giggles make him grin as he kisses Gabriel's cheek before he races out the door.

"It looks like you're ready to divide and conquer the world," Gabriel teases me as he gazes at my setup. Blushing, I nod as he chuckles.

"I'm going to go call my sister. Holler if you need me?"

"I will, thank you for the food," I gush, picking up a spoon to take a bite. Holy shit, that's good.

"Yeah, I'm going to leave before I get in there with you," he says, giving me a wink as he walks out quickly.

Eating and working through my texts, I answer them as I go. Messages from dancers making sure I'm okay, to Tay checking in, and even Aisling texting me.

Putting my empty bowl aside, I move through my voicemails, uncaring that I'm returning calls in the bathtub. I'm the only one who knows that.

One of my last calls is to Wren and Aisling, because I have a feeling I'll be on the phone longer. Getting out of the bath first, I take a quick shower to rinse off and then wrap the towel around me after I pat myself dry. Gabriel pops his head in as I start to walk out of the bathroom, brow raised.

"A part of me was wondering if you'd grown gills and a tail," he teases me. "I'm celebrating the end of training and my last fight."

" I'm sad I missed it. I just have one more call and then I'm done," I sigh as I toss my phone on the bed before walking to the closet. Gabriel makes a strangled sound in the back of his throat as I open it and I groan as I see the bags of trash inside.

"I didn't know if you wanted to go through it or would rather I just trash it," he says, wincing.

Biting my lip, I think about the pain I went through, and how I would rather start fresh. My nest should be made up of things that bring me joy and not remembrance of a rough heat.

"Trash it, please. All of it," I say, taking a deep breath. "I'll make new blankets in our new house. There's not enough room for us in the apartment, and it's silly that Tommy and Jasper are next door."

"I really want to tell him that," he confesses with a chuckle. "The bond is so odd, Jas and Tommy are poking at me. It almost tickles."

Smirking, I shrug. "Guess you should go tell them so he can start looking," I tease him.

Picking up the trash, he winks at me. "Whatever you want, Mistress," he says.

Giggling as he leaves, I find a tank-top and soft pair of pants. Then, I sneak into Augustine's room for a soft blue buttoned-up shirt, shrugging it on as I leave it open and roll up the sleeves.

"Cere, if you don't make that last call right fucking now, I will ignore what my alpha asked me not to do and come fuck you!" Gabriel calls out as I step into the hallway. "Goddamn, you're wearing his shirt. I fucking can't! I'm not made for following directions when you look this sexy."

Face flaming, I can't keep the smile off my face as I rush into my bedroom. "Just one call, and then I'll be out there to hang out with you. Maybe I'll ride you too. I don't like to be told what to do," I tease him.

"Mistress," he groans as I close the door behind me.

Shaking my head, I climb onto my bed and pull my contacts to call Aisling.

"Hey, I'm just calling you back," I say when she picks up. "I had the longest heat in existence."

Aisling snickers as she puts me on speaker phone. " Look, Wren. Our friend has risen from the land of cocks and knots," she says.

" Don't knock it until you try it," Wren snarks back. " Are you okay? Five days is…"

"Is what happens when you ignore your omega needs and meet your scent matches," I groan, finishing her sentence. "It's a long story."

" Well, come visit and tell us all about it ," Aisiling says. " I don't think you've seen the she-shed Wren's guys made us. It's the cutest ever."

" Yes, please come visit. I'll tell Shaw because security here is insane," Wren says. " They're at work, and Flynn is obsessed with French pastry making. He made a ton of food. I need someone else to help us eat it."

Lips twitching at the vision, I bite my lip. I really want to go, but I can't ditch Gabriel.

"I'm hanging out at the apartment with Gabe," I explain. "I don't want to just?—"

"See if he wants to come ," Wren suggests. " I've been wanting to talk to him anyway. My brother mentioned that he found a place for his mixed martial arts studio, and I want to hear all about it."

" Oh yes! He called and asked us about volunteering to teach self defense at The Omega's Haven , but didn't tell us about the rest," Aisling says.

Smirking, I get up to walk out of the bedroom and to where Gabriel is in the living room.

"Am I in trouble, Mistress?" he asks, lips twitching.

The omegas giggle, hearing him since they're now on speaker.

"The girls want us to come over," I tell him. "Will you drive me? They're sad you didn't tell them you're opening a studio here."

"Shit, I forgot. I'm sorry," he says, raising his voice a little for them.

" You can make it up to us by bringing your omega over to visit," Wren says. " We have fancy pastries."

"Right, I'm definitely in," Gabe agrees. "Text Cere the address, and we'll head over. I'll let the guys know we have plans."

Grinning, I squeal and say goodbye to the girls. Gabe shakes his head as he heads to his and Auggie's room to change, and I get a text from Tommy.

Tommy: Gabe texted the group chat that you're going over to Pack Mohan's. I guess that's better than thinking Gabriel has you all to himself.

Rolling my eyes, I take a photo of me with my tongue out. I'm sure I'll get sexual comments over it, but apparently he misses me.

Maybe a photo will help hold you over. I was going to cuddle with Gabe, but Wren has snacks.

Tommy sends me a laughing emoji making me giggle as I glance up.

"I think it's adorable that you have a chat together," I tell Gabriel as he comes out.

Shrugging, he hands me my flip flops and keys.

"They're needy alphas," he says with a sigh. "It was this or getting needy texts from them all separately."

Alphas are so much work.

Slipping into my shoes and pocketing a small knife, I head out the door with Gabe. It's definitely never boring.

The drive out to Pack Mohan isn't too bad, and I follow the directions Wren texted me. After going through a large gate with a video camera and down a long drive, I smile as I see their home.

"Paranoid as fuck," Gabe grumbles before stepping out of my car.

He's not wrong.

Wren and Aisling greet us as we walk up to the house. A quick tour of the bottom half of the house and a wave to Flynn who is glaring at a screen where a chef is speaking in a heavy French accent is all it takes before the four of us move to the she-shed.

This little house is perfect for their headquarters to talk about all things business.

I spend the afternoon talking and laughing with them as I eat pastries that are perfect, and toasting to the busy chef inside of the house.

"What do you see for The Omega's Haven? " I ask Aisling and Wren. "If you could name three programs you want to see happen almost immediately once the building is ready, what would they be?"

"A twenty-four hour hotline," Wren says immediately. "I already have volunteers set up to work from home so someone is always available. Sometimes people just want to chat, other times it's a little more serious."

"I can't believe Jasper got our paperwork through so fast for the building. It's ours," Aisling says with a happy sigh. "I was so close to tears when I happened to run into him."

Aisling explains what happened and how her designation and age were a factor while she was checking out buildings that said they were for sale.

"Now that it's ours, I'm admitting I need help. I'm working with Shaw for contractors who can do the work well," Aisling says. "No one wants to work with an eighteen-year-old omega, even if I can take care of myself."

"Assholes," Gabe grumbles. "What else do you see for the Haven ?"

"Community group," Aisling says. "Not strictly therapy, but somewhere safe to talk about things. We can offer it in outreach in the evenings. The building I found with Jasper is huge. The front part can be used to meet with omegas who need help, and identify what services they need. Then, the back area is perfect for a shelter. It'll be a safe place for omegas and their families to stay. I also want there to be a space for those who need to ride out a heat alone."

I wrinkle my nose because I know how hard it is to do that. "Please offer good toys, porn, and well insulated walls," I tell her. "En suite bathrooms where they can soak in bathtubs. Maybe a rage room to just fuck shit up."

"I didn't think about a rage room," Wren murmurs, making a note. "We can find things before they go to the dump to smash. I like this idea."

"Self defense is important," Aisling says. "I know you offered to do a class, Gabe. Tell us about your business too. You skipped over all of that when you called us before."

Gabriel flushes with embarrassment before he explains how he wants to open a martial arts studio that not only caters to fighters who are men and women, but also teaches self defense to children as well. If that kid wants to move into professional fighting, he's okay with that.

"Once a week, I'd like to come to the outreach part of the Haven to teach a class on self defense," he says. "I also want to eventually have a woman who can teach it as well, because I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable. However the knowledge comes, I think it's important to have."

Continuing to brainstorm, I find myself enjoying myself up until it's time to go.

"Cerenity," Wren says as she walks us out. "Would you be interested in helping us lead group? It wouldn't need to be each week, but it would be nice to have someone other than Aisling and I."

"I'd love that," I agree. "Thank you for asking."

Saying goodbye, I can't stop smiling all the way home. Maybe one day my mom will sit in a group and be able to help others. I'm convinced now she doesn't have a mental disorder, but instead my fathers are making her anxious and depressed.

My mother has gone through enough, it's time for Pack Cockburn to meet an unfortunate end.