27. Mila

Chapter 27

Mila

I have to shake my head to ensure I'm hearing right.

Did he just say… nest?

I meet his earnest blue eyes, and Oliver nods.

I have no idea what comes over me next. I have to cover my mouth, the tears threatening to escape.

This can't be real, and I have to pinch myself to ensure this is happening.

They're all looking at me. All four of them, assessing my reaction, and I have no idea what to do with myself, or how to behave.

So, I become a sheep, hunching my shoulders as I gaze down at my pancakes. "Oh… thank you… I don't know what…"

I can't finish my sentence, but the guys don't seem perturbed by my lack of a response. They merely seemed pleased.

I'm not sure what to even do. What do I do with my hands?

Instead, I tuck them beneath my legs, trying my hardest not to cry.

I think a part of me is still too afraid to bare it all in front of them, to cut my heart right open.

What if this is a trick and they betray me again?

Just like I am about to betray them…

This doesn't feel right. I don't deserve a nest, pancakes, or their company in bed.

I don't even deserve to be watched in my sleep by Lachlan.

They still think I came here of my own free will. They don't know about the leash around my neck, the one Lily tied.

I can't accept their kindness.

But I don't move an inch from my seat. I merely nod my head, and Oliver gives a heartbreaking smile.

"Then it's settled. We will leave in an hour."

They return to their pancakes, and when Lachlan scoops up another piece and places the fork toward my mouth, I shake my head, a sick feeling in my gut.

I just hope I can keep my pancakes back.

***

Being out in public with the pack is hard.

Only because I feel as if Lily has eyes on us at all times.

Even when we pull up to the store, I feel as if I am being watched, silently judged from every angle.

Everyone knows what I am: a liar.

I never really came back to this pack of my own accord; I am here only because I was promised freedom. The chance to escape this frivolous Omega's life.

But is it really so frivolous? When you get to have blankets and all things soft?

Plus, you get pancakes, and get to wake up beside Alphas…

As good as this life is, it should still be a choice. It should not be forced on us.

It's either find a pack while you're still of age or die alone and packless, unloved, with no means to support yourself.

Why does any Omega have to rely on a pack? We are not that vulnerable.

I, myself, know how to stab an Alpha in the diaphragm, and maybe they should start teaching better fighting techniques at the Academy.

Something other than fencing…

Lachlan rushes to the shopping carts, asking if I want a ride.

Okay. I am not three, but the idea of being pushed through all the aisles does sound fun.

So, I let him scoop me up in his arms so he can place me inside the cart, and now he pushes us through the automatic doors.

" Weeee !" he screams, and everyone looks at him.

"Not so fast, Lachlan," Oliver scolds, but the Alpha doesn't hear him, too lost in the moment.

He really does know how to seize life, this one.

I wish I had the same outlook too.

The Alpha has no care in the world as he pushes me down aisles full of blankets and other nesting materials, and despite myself, I laugh.

"Here comes the choo-choo train. Move out of the way!"

He knocks a couple over, but luckily, they land on a pile of pillows.

The Alpha laughs like a maniac the whole time, and he even gets up on the cart himself.

In the end, we go crashing into a giant tower of pillows, and so many freaking pillows…

I get this is a store that supplies nesting materials, but come on.

Yet I can't deny that I want them all.

Lachlan cradles my head during the crash, and for a moment, I lose myself in his piercing blue eyes, and nothing has ever felt more right.

This is where I am supposed to be… in his arms.

His gaze falls to my lips, but before it can go any further, I turn my head away, my cheeks flush with embarrassment.

Not quite there yet.

The others arrive on the scene at last, and I have never seen Oliver looking so disappointed in his Alpha.

I also can't help but notice that he looks a little jealous too, and that can't be…

He has to be jealous because his Alpha's attention has gone to me. Another Omega.

"Well, Lachlan, you've had your fun, but it's time to give someone else a chance. Stop hogging Mila all to yourself."

Hold on…

Lachlan pouts when Barret helps me out of the cart, and now he drops me to my feet, wiping lint off my shoulder.

I meet his eyes. Nothing but sweet, dark promises.

He can't wait to see what I pick out for my nest, and my cheeks flush again.

Thankfully, Oliver distracts me by taking my hand and leading me down the aisle, and I'm like a child in a candy store.

I already know what color I am going to choose.