Chapter 27

I’m wrapped around Wren and don’t want to move. We spent the night getting up to an alarm every four hours to wake her up and ask her questions, and then crashed again. She’s finally off her IV drip, and I’m very comfortable right now.

“Ambrose,” she whimpers, wiggling against me. Everest is currently curled up on the other side of me, and Shaw is cuddling with Flynn along the bottom of the bed. We didn’t even bother moving.

“What, honey?” I ask, kissing her hair.

“I have to pee,” she says adorably, making me bark out a laugh.

Letting her go, I watch as she gets up, walking quickly for the bathroom.

“That was really cute,” Everest chuckles, sitting up as he stretches. I hear the toilet flush and then the shower turn on, frowning.

“She didn’t take one last night,” Flynn says sleepily from the bottom of the bed. “I’m starving. What time is it?”

Picking up my phone from the nightstand, I blink at the time in surprise. “It’s almost eleven in the morning,” I tell them.

“I’ll get food cooking, and check on our guest,” Shaw says, kissing Flynn on the cheek. “If you’re up to it, why don’t you go help our omega with her hair?”

“Ugh, all of the pins,” he groans. “Wren, let me help!”

Getting up, he walks to the door and pushes it open, where Wren is currently trying to get the hairpins out and crying. Standing, I walk quickly over to her in panic.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” I ask her, eyes wide.

“I was trying to get the pins out, but I didn’t expect my side to be so sore,” she says, her face screwed up in annoyance and pain.

It’s really cute.

Moving to the water, I shut it off, chuckling. “Flynn and I will get these out for you,” I say, getting started on pulling out the pins.

There’s blood in her hair, making me swallow hard as Flynn and I work together. Blood doesn’t ever bother me, but it’s a reminder of how we almost lost her. Her hair slowly releases down her back, a mixture of brown and red twists and curls.

It’ll go back to just being brown once Flynn washes out the blood. Flynn and I exchange a glance before he pulls his shirt up and over his head.

“Come on, Little One,” he says. I turn her around, twisting the fabric of her shirt around my fingers at the hem of it with my brow raised for permission.

At her nod, I lift it over her head, noticing that the bruising is traveling up her side from the taser and her fight with Trey. It’s a myriad of black and purple, making it difficult for her to move.

I drop to my knees to help her undress until she’s naked and able to get into the shower that Flynn turned back on. Blowing out a breath, I leave them to get clean together, knowing Wren is in good hands.

Leaving the bathroom, I find the bedroom is empty, and continue into the hall. Making sure to close the door behind myself, I walk toward the stairs.

“How is she?” Jasper asks, stepping into my path and surprising me. I know he didn’t walk out of thin air since the door to his room is right there, but since I was distracted, I didn’t notice.

“She’s sore,” I tell him honestly. “Flynn and I just helped her get the pins out of her hair, and the bruising up her side is pretty bad.”

“So go easy on the hugs,” he grunts as he falls beside me to continue downstairs.

“Yes,” I say with a smirk.

“I need to get back soon, but what’s the next step?” he asks. “Is Wren safe here?”

“Corbin has his brother under lock and key, and we’ve killed most of the rats at this point,” I admit. “The boss knows he’s going to need new point men while we transition to other positions.”

“That almost sounds like corporate speak for you’re breaking up with him,” Jas teases me. “I don’t think the mafia works like that.”

He knows as well as I do that it doesn’t.

“You’re right, but Corbin can see the writing on the wall, and doesn’t want to lose us,” I rumble. “We’ve been run ragged for years, and he needs more people. The three of us also want to be able to work from home more.”

“You’re lucky that Corbin is willing to do this, but he’s always had a soft spot for your pack,” he admits. “This house is so isolated, it’s good that you’ll be home more.”

“That doesn’t mean Wren isn’t going to want to work either,” I remind him as we walk into the kitchen.

“Aisling has been blowing up Flynn’s phone,” Everest says, chewing a piece of bacon against the counter. “She wants an update on our girl.”

“I figure she won’t believe anything that doesn’t come from Wren,” Shaw says with a shrug. “They bonded hard last night.”

“I saw,” Jas rumbles, amused. “The squealing was adorable. My sister never really had friends growing up, so it was fun to see. She’ll need friends in this life. I’m also not against her working.”

“It’ll be nice for her to have a distraction too,” Shaw murmurs as he makes stuffed chicken breast with spinach and bacon. “She’s going to have a lot to process.”

“Where will they work from?” Jasper asks. “I’m just trying to see if you guys agree with her working from an office building.”

“Why would Aisling need to spend overhead money for a new organization on an office?” Everest asks, looking out the window at our huge backyard. “I can see the perfect space for a cute little she-shed for their business. Shaw, I think we need to go to the store today for supplies.”

Shaw snorts as he cooks, shaking his head. “Yeah, that actually would be the perfect solution. I think I trust Aisling enough to give her the address too, when it’s set up that is.”

“Does that fit with your cookie cutter idea of us?” I tease Jasper.

“God, I didn’t mean it like that,” he groans. “You’ve never been the stereotype, but I feel like there’s certain questions I should still ask as her brother.”

“Wren and the pack are a learning process,” I sigh. “We’ve had ups and downs, and we’re still figuring each other out. But she’s ours, so we’ll continue to find our way through.”

“Good, because if you gave me a bullshit answer, I might have to punch you,” Jasper says with a smirk.

By the time Wren and Flynn come down, lunch is ready, and we’re laughing and chatting.

“Hey, Sweetness,” Shaw murmurs as she comes in with wet hair and sweats. “How are you doing?”

“I’m sore, but I found some CBD lotion in the cabinet,” she says with a small smile. “It’s starting to feel better. Remind me never to get tasered again.”

“I have been,” I remember, wincing. “It really fucking sucks.”

“Bastard hit her with it twice I think,” Flynn says, frowning. “It’s kind of jumbled because of the sedative.”

“The bruising is still pretty awful,” I mutter. “Did you put arnica gel on it too?”

“I did,” Flynn replies with a nod. “The gel first and then the cream for relief. The heat of the shower helped though.”

“Hungry?” Shaw asks, grabbing plates to start serving.

“Starving,” she admits. “Did I miss anything? It’s so nice to have the blood out of my hair.”

“Things I never thought I’d hear my sister say,” Jasper grunts. “Apparently your new friend Aisling wants to make sure you’re okay.”

“Really?” she asks, surprised. I don’t think she realizes how easy it is for people to get attached to her.

Flynn picks his phone off the counter, scrolling through the texts with a smirk. “Yes,” he chuckles. “Please call her before she loses her shit.”

Connecting the call, he hands it to her while she stares at it as if it’ll bite her.

“Babe, it’s ringing, take it,” Flynn says with a wide grin.

“Hello? This has better be Wren,” Aisling says, making us snort.

Jerking into motion, Wren takes the phone from Flynn.

“It’s me, hi,” she says gingerly.

“I’ve been calling all night,” Aisling says. “I don’t need all the details, that can wait until I come over this afternoon. Do you hear me boys?”

“Yes, ma’am,” I say immediately, shaking my head. “I’ll have Flynn text you the address.”

“Wait, seriously?” Aisling asks. “I figured I’d have to threaten someone’s knot.”

“I’d like to keep those intact, thank you,” Wren says with a giggle.

“Please don’t,” Jasper groans, pretending to gag as I hide my smile. He’s too easy to fuck with.

“I guess we can let them keep their knots,” Aisling says with a sigh. Whoever she dates is going to have their hands full. That’ll be fun to see.

“Thanks for that,” Wren mutters. “I promise I’m okay. Are you really coming over later?”

“Yes,” Aisling says immediately. “Is four alright?”

Wren glances at us, and I nod. It’s her house too.

“That’s fine. I’ll have Flynn text you the address now. Be safe,” Wren says.

Biting my lip, I think about that.

“Do you want one of us to pick you up?” I ask Aisling. “I’m dropping Jasper back at his car today, it wouldn’t be any trouble.”

“No, I’ll be good, thanks. Dad has bulletproof glass on the SUV windows, and I’m bringing my gun and knife. See you later, Wren!”

Shaking my head as the call disconnects, I watch as Flynn takes the phone and texts her.

“Let’s eat, and we can plan for Hurricane Aisling,” Shaw teases as he brings the plates to the kitchen table by the large front window.

Rolling her eyes, Wren walks over to sit. I am noticing she’s a lot more comfortable around us, and it makes me stop worrying that she’s going to leave us for some reason. I shouldn’t be thinking this at all, but our life is a lot. A part of me still will worry until I’m bonded with her.

Crowded around the table, we tuck into our food, and I have to admit it hits the spot.

“You should cook more, Shaw,” I say as I swallow. “Flynn’s food is always delicious, but this is really fucking good.”

“It is,” Flynn says with a nod. “We need to make this again.”

Wren takes another bite making a happy sound, which is adorable. Jasper sneaks peeks at her, and I can’t imagine being away from someone for so long. His sister is a completely different person now.

“So it sounds like you’re going into business with your new best friend,” Shaw says as he eats. Wren’s eyes widen as she takes a bite, nodding because her mouth is now full.

“Would you be okay working from the house if you had a dedicated space for it?” Everest asks. “It would lower your overhead, and you’d be able to help more people.”

“Can we help with start-up costs?” Flynn asks. “I think it’s amazing that you’re doing this.”

“I want to do this on my own merit, but I don’t know how much it’s going to take to get this off the ground,” she sighs. “There’s so many things that omegas need.”

“Have a fundraiser,” Jasper says. “People will open their pocketbooks for a fancy party and a good cause.”

“It’s Minnesota, they also like their fights,” I remind him.

Jasper rolls his eyes, grunting. “Okay, we can set up an underground fight, and have the winnings from the betting go toward the non-profit Wren and Aisling are starting.”

“Wait, what’s happening right now?” Wren asks, confused.

“Your brother is now the manager for a lot of very talented underground fighters,” I explain. “Most of it is in Illinois, but would your boss be willing to lend some fighters to the cause?”

“Yeah, I’ll ask him. We don’t fuck with the auctions or skin trades either,” Jas says. “Tommy knows why I’m against it, and it’s never been a palatable source of income for him. He’s got little sisters, one of whom is an omega. He always complains about lack of services, so I think he’d be interested in helping.”

“Yeah?” Wren asks with wide eyes.

“Yep, give me a second. I’ll clear it with him now,” he says, eating his last bite of food before he stands. “This was really fucking good, Shaw.”

“Glad to hear it,” my alpha says, color rising in his cheeks. His cooking isn’t something people usually compliment him on.

Jasper steps out of the kitchen to call Tommy, and I raise my brow at my omega.

“That’s one thing checked off,” I say, smiling. “The next thing is where you’ll work.”

“We probably don’t need much space,” she says, confused.

“Omegas need their own space, Wren,” Flynn reminds her gently. “Aisling may stab one of us otherwise.”

Wren snickers, because she knows it’s true.

“If you won’t let us put money toward your organization, then we’re making you an office building,” Everest says. “I saw a she-shed once, and I think it’s a great idea for this.”

“A what?” Wren asks, confused.

Pulling out my phone, I show her a picture of what they can look like. It’s a small building that she can customize however she’d like.

“I’m going into town today to get some supplies with Shaw, probably after lunch,” Everest says. “What are things you’d need if you could customize your own office?”

Eyes sparkling, she starts telling us all the things she’d want before stopping.

“Aisling should be part of this conversation. We should wait, right?” she says, lip pouting.

“Nah,” Flynn says, video calling Aisling.

“Miss me already?” she says with a smirk. “What’s up?”

“We’re designing you and Wren a she-shed,” I tell her, popping my head over Flynn’s shoulder. “Wren wants you to help us plan.”

“Are you serious right now? Our own space?!” Aisling squeals. Flynn gives Wren a knowing look, making her shake her head at him.

Flynn props the phone up so we can all see her, and I start clearing the table with Everest.

“It’s our contribution to your new organization,” Shaw explains. “It’ll be in the backyard, surrounded by the flowers Everest is planting, but most of all, it’ll be safe.”

“Safe is good. My dad was just asking me about this, despite my reminder that I can take care of myself,” Aisling says.

“I’ll call him and tell him you’ll be safe on our property,” Shaw says.

“The security is insane,” Wren whispers theatrically.

Wren and Aisling excitedly talk through everything they need or want for their new place of business, and I pull out some paper to write it all down.

“I’m going to give you a crash course on technology, Wren,” Shaw says. “I’m also ordering you a phone and a laptop.”

“Do I really need either?” Wren asks, confused.

Aisling stares at Wren for a second, and I know she’s trying to figure her out. Good luck on that. I’m sure they’re going to have a long talk very soon.

“Yes,”Aisling says. “I’ll answer any questions you may have too. It’s time to join the world of technology, Wren.”

That’s all she says as she suggests some built in bookcases, so that they’ll have more storage and Wren”s hazel eyes light up.

I can’t fucking wait to see how this plays out. Anything that makes Wren happy is a win.

Aisling and I are curled up in the living room, and the house is pretty quiet. Amb is somewhere in the house with Flynn, having dropped my brother off at his car already. Shaw and Everest are currently at the store getting all the materials for our she-shed, which I’m still in awe about.

Jasper’s boss also agreed to the fundraiser idea, and the taboo aspect of it drawing in more donations for a walk on the wild side. Lastly, I also have a phone and laptop ordered, and have a basic idea of how to use them.

“So,” Aisling says, chewing on her lip. “Are you Amish or something? Is that why you don’t know how to use technology? Or were you in some kind of weird cult? Please blink twice if you need help.”

Blankly staring at her, I blink twice before bursting into giggles at her horrified look.

“I was not in a cult, nor am I Amish,” I tell her with a grin. “Jasper is my brother.”

“Okay, I didn’t see that,” she murmurs. “You can tell me if I’m overstepping, but every time you say things like I don’t need a phone, I’m worried you’re in a situation you need to be pulled out of. Your pack looks like they worship the ground you walk on though.”

Thinking over the last month, I nod. “They do now, and I believe that. We didn’t have the easiest of starts,” I admit. “They actually bought me at an auction. My brother has been trying to find me, and he asked them for help.”

“What?” she gasps. “Is that why you’re so passionate about helping omegas?”

“It is,” I say. Slowly, the entire story comes rolling out, and Aisling holds my hand with wide eyes, brushing away tears here and there. I also tell her about last night with a few amendments, and how I killed Trey.

“Fuck yes!” she cheers just as the guys walk through the door.

“Weird way to say hello, but okay,” Everest calls out as he and Shaw pop their heads into the room.

Aisling wrinkles her nose at him, brushing away the last of her tears.

“I hope you know how incredible your omega is,” she says. “This girl is going to change the fucking world.”

“We know,” Shaw says with a small grin, winking at me. “We’re going to unload the SUV and grab Flynn and Amb to help us. Need anything?”

“No, I think we’re good,” I tell him with a smile.

Shaw still walks into the kitchen, bringing us a pitcher of water, glasses, and a platter of cheese and crackers.

“Now you’re better,” he says, kissing my forehead before he jogs out of the room. “We’ll check in later. Flynn! Amb! Get your asses down here.”

“Bossy, but sweet,” Aisling says with a smirk as she pours herself some water. “Now that we’ve gotten the hard stuff out of the way, let’s get to planning.”

Pulling out a notebook, she takes in my raised brow with a shrug.

“You should know how to use technology, but paper and pen work just fine,” she teases me.

The rest of the afternoon is spent discussing every need an omega may have in our society, and how we can help. It’s not going to be an easy job, but we have all the time in the world to accomplish it.

If even one omega is able to have a better chance at navigating life than Aisling and I did, then it’ll be worth it.