10. Brody

Chapter ten

Brody

K ellen and Alastor fill my plate with eggs and bacon while we eat breakfast, and I can't stop gazing around at the messy kitchen.

It's all I can focus on at that moment, and I can barely eat as I study what looks like a streak of tomato sauce across the wall.

Or could it be blood? Who knows with this pack.

Two days I've been here, and the place is already a mess.

It's about time they hired a maid.

If they won't let me clean, then they could at least bestow the honor on someone else.

I was taught at the Academy that cleaning for a pack of Alphas is a privilege, but I don't do it because I want to.

I do it because I need to.

I'm an Omega, and we like a clean environment, which is ironic, considering how our heats are so messy…

It's something that we need to prepare for in advance, and luckily, Felicia gave my Alphas a special pamphlet in preparation for the big event.

They've already started decorating my nest, and I showed them my dream board.

They're determined to make my dream nest a reality, but truth be told…

I'm fucking terrified.

It was all the other Omegas ever talked about back at school, but every time they described its blessings, I would run out of the classroom to throw up in the nearest bathroom.

It gave Brigdet and her evil minions plenty of hours of entertainment.

When I finish my eggs and bacon, I get up to scrape my plate in the bin.

But then Kellen grabs my plate for me. "Allow me, Omega."

Wow. Such a gentleman.

I'm one lucky Omega.

Yet to my horror, he dumps the plate into the sink with the mountain of other soiled dishes, and I cringe.

This needs to stop.

I would use the dishwasher, but it's broken.

Typical.

I've seen all their rooms now.

Theo's is average at best. What you would expect of a dominant Alpha, and Alastor's room is spotless.

However, Kellen's looks like a bomb went off.

Pure, utter horror.

And to think I asked them to get me a puppy or a kitten, but this house is becoming a safety hazard.

If only they would let me clean…

I try to grab a brush all sneaky-like, but Kellen snatches it from my hand, shaking his head.

"No, Omega."

"But it's my job."

The Alpha shows his teeth. "No cleaning."

I pout, crossing my arms, and the Alpha almost caves. But then he points at the table, putting his foot down.

I still haven't finished my pancakes.

As I retake my seat, Alastor purrs, leaning closer to my ear.

"I'll help you clean later. Promise."

I meet the Alpha's brilliant green eyes, smiling appreciatively.

Out of the three of them, he's the only one who bothers to clean, and I'm glad one of them has sense.

I bet it was Alastor who cleaned the house before Felicia's inspections.

Too bad it's a dump again.

Finally, Theo returns, and he missed breakfast.

"And where have you been?" I say, trying to keep the sharp edge out of my tone.

He doesn't seem to hear or notice my ire, swooping in for a kiss. "Just out on an errand."

They seem to go on a lot of errands, and each time they come home, they reek of desensitizer.

I don't know them all that much. As a matter of fact, I hardly know them at all, but they do strike me as suspicious.

They're hiding something from me.

Kellen is a shit liar after all whenever I ask about their whereabouts.

It will be different when we're all bonded.

Then nothing will be sacred.

I will know all their deepest, darkest secrets, their most wanton desires…

And I'm bloody scared out of my wits.

We'll be able to sense each other from a distance and even read each other's thoughts, and it sounds headache-inducing.

My own rampant thoughts are enough.

Finally, we eat as a pack, and I start to feel at peace.

Still, the nagging feeling won't go, the one that tells me they are keeping something from me.

But I push it to one side as Theo grabs my fork and places my food into my mouth.

They make good pancakes at least.

Kellen makes conversation. "So, our Omega asked for a puppy."

"And a cat too," Alastor weighs in.

My cheeks blush. I am already making demands.

Theo laughs, feeding me yet again. "Then it shall be done."

Wait, what?

I meet the Alpha's onyx eyes.

He shrugs. "Anything to make my Omega happy."

While I appreciate the gesture, I find it rather odd.

Pets are a big responsibility. Yet he yields so easily…

What gives?

Still, I can't say no to a puppy and a kitten.

We need to get them when they're both young so they grow up to love each other.

Because enemies can be lovers too.

"What kind of cat?" Alastor asks.

"Siamese," I say without preamble. "A lilac point."

The Alpha purrs like our future Siamese.

"Then it is done."

My heart pounds. I always wanted a cat. My father was allergic, and I find Oriental breeds adorable.

Also, we need a creature who will make even me look good in comparison: Siamese are needy little cats.

"And what about the dog?" Theo says.

"Irish setter."

We all look at Kellen.

He grins. "What trouble could one more redhead bring?"

Fair enough. Irish setter it is.

They are lovely dogs. Gorgeous red fur…

"The dog needs to be a bitch and the Siamese a tom," I blurt next.

Theo gives a crooked smile. "Why?"

I don't know why; I just think a dog/cat relationship is better when the dog is female and the cat is male.

I shrug. "I'm just specific that way."

Theo grins, and he displays a pronounced set of dimples. "Well, then, let's start looking for some breeders."

He read my mind.

And reputable breeders only, please.

"Also, an elephant wouldn't hurt too."

They look at me puzzled.

It seems they've forgotten what they wrote on their applications, and they were just filling space in the end, weren't they?

Theo chuckles. "I would get you a whole zoo if it were possible."

My own zoo would be nice too: my animals would have wide enclosures with plenty of enrichment.

"So, what do you want to do today?" Theo asks.

I think.

"Can we go to the zoo?"

I really have a strong need to see some elephants.

It's probably my incoming heat, but I want to see some big trunks…

Kellen gets up. "Let's do it. Let's do all the things!"

Before I can shout, "Hear, hear," he scoops me up and runs me to the car. He even buckles me up in the seat, but I don't care.

It's nice to be doted on.

Now I lay my head on Alastor's shoulder as we pull out of the drive and follow the directions to the city zoo.

This is the life.