32. Lachlan

Chapter 32

Lachlan

I knew from the very moment my Snowdrop was in pain, smelling the bitter tang of her fear through the thick undergrowth.

So, I rushed to her rescue at once, finding her doubled over beside Barret.

I didn't mean to spy on them. I trust Barret, I just… can't stand to be apart from her for too long.

And I'm glad I had the foresight to follow them because now we can both be there for her.

Her second heat will not be like her first.

Mila will never be alone ever again. Not so long as I breathe.

Before Barret can so much as express his dismay at my sudden appearance, I swoop her up in my arms, carrying her back to the house.

"Hey!" he snaps, stumbling behind us.

I ignore him. My main priority is getting her back to the house where we can comfort her.

She will not spend another heat in the woods.

We will be here for her this time.

Oliver still hasn't finished the nest, but I sense his worry through the bond, and I send a reassuring tendril his way to tell her that I got her and that he needn't stress.

Barret growls behind me. "You just can't help yourself, can you? Always swooping in to play the hero. Asshole."

He's right. I am being selfish here, but it's not about me or him.

It's about Mila.

So, fuck our feelings.

We're a team, and as a whole pack, we will take away her pain.

I place her down on the couch when we reach the house, and it seems her pain has subsided for the time being.

Oliver comes tumbling down the stairs, breathless, his face splotched with paint.

"What happened?"

Barret gripes, "Lachlan stole the show again. That's what happened."

I snarl at his condescending tone, but Mila shushes me.

"He's right, Lachlan. You need to give someone else a chance to shine for once."

I blink in confusion. Barret is smug beside me.

Before I can respond, Oliver pushes me out of the way, and who are we all kidding? Oliver will always come out on top.

He is her scent match. And nothing can compare to that.

Mila probably won't even need us in the nest, and my heart sinks as I watch them together, wishing I could be a part of it too.

I spy the same forlorn expression on Barret's face.

We're both not needed.

Gryphon appears next, most likely sensing Oliver's distress through the bond.

"What's—?"

He trails off, his pupils swelling when he flares his nostrils, breathing in the scent of Mila's latest scent spike, and then a low rumble sounds in his chest.

Well, he better get in line.

I'll be damned if he gets to satisfy my Omega's needs before I do.

But in the end, it's up to Mila.

The decision is hers, and I will respect that fact.

But I'll be there when she needs me. I won't sleep, I won't eat until I get to have my taste of her.

And I can't bloody wait.