9. Hunter

Acommotion brings me to the porch, where I find Cross, one of the security team guys we've been provided by the Kings, facing off with a visitor. Cross and his team have been guarding the house and our pack when we go into the city. Even though they're necessary, and a good group of guys, I would like my space back. They're not my pack and their presence is like a constant awareness under my skin.

Sadie's aunt Bethany stands there, a tiny thing in her flannel and jeans, but that doesn't fool anybody. She glares at Cross, then lifts her brow at me. Sadie gives me that same damn look, and every time, it brings a bucket of trouble. The thought causes a smile to tug at my lips.

"Hunter Beau Jackson, tell this fine gentleman to let me through." Her words are polite but delivered in that way some people have of saying one thing and meaning another.

She moves to step on the porch and Cross risks his life to block her way. Brave man.

She huffs and turns that glare on me. Like I said. Trouble.

"Now, Aunt Bethany, Cross is only doing his job. You can take it out on me, but I can't let you inside."

I'm not risking it after what happened with the doctor last week, even for her aunt. That visit almost broke me, seeing my omega torn up like that. She was hurt and I felt helpless to stop it. I've been watching on the sidelines for too long, trying to play cheerleader. But that isn't my role. This is my pack and I protect my own. That I didn't is on me and I'm gonna have to live with knowing I waited too long. It's not like I'm keeping my omega prisoner, but no one is getting near her nest but her pack.

"You think I'm trying to come into a nesting omega's space like I don't have the sense I was raised with? Stop posturing. If you won't let me on the porch to even explain, then go on out to my truck and grab what's in the back."

"Yes, ma'am." I weave around Cross, who shoots me an amused look, and loop around to the passenger side of the old company truck. From the back, I grab a wooden box full of bags of herbs and a few small plants. "What's this?"

Aunt Bethany leans against the truck's side and watches me for a moment, a satisfied smile on her face. "If you'd let me on the porch…"

Then I'd know.

The lemon in her scent is full of tart sweetness. She laughs at me, but it's all teasing, her gaze turning fond. That's the way of elders here. They're always reminding you that you don't know shit, and they're too amused by their own cleverness to tell you before you bust your ass the first time. Pains in my ass. All of them. And I love them anyway.

"Graham called and told me what's going on. He asked me to bring over some herbs from the garden. I figured it was time he started one of his own."

I jog the box back to the porch and return to her.

She pushes at the gravel with her boot, then looks at me, her face lined with worry. "You're doing the right thing protecting her and your pack. She belongs here. I've made a lot of mistakes, not stepping in when I ought to, and I've paid heavily for them. Your instincts are right that even my scent may disturb her. I'm sorry I can't do more. What's happened, it's?—"

She looks away, her voice full of rocks. "The omegas in our family are made of grit and like to pretend the rules don't apply. When she's feeling better, she and I can talk." She wipes her eyes and nods toward the house. "I put in some recipes for the herbs. They're for pre-heat, but they'll help. And Lizzy's gonna bring by a few things."

"Thank you, Aunt Bethany." I stuff my hands in my jeans pockets.

"Thank me by taking care of her," she says, voice sharp.

"I promise." And I mean it. I will make sure Sadie gets well. I'll make it my mission to ensure we never let her get to this place again. I should have stepped in sooner, should have pulled all of them home. But I'm putting it to rights now.

The doctor's visit was a wake-up call. I've always wanted to lead a pack, wanted to make a life like the one I grew up in. The life I want is just out of reach, but I'm determined to get us there. One of those lessons that the elders don't teach is that lives like that look easy, but they're hard won. They take showing up for people every day. Even after the days we make mistakes.

Aunt Bethany seals our pact with a final nod and gets in the truck. She waves to me in the mirror as she drives off, and I turn back to the house. It's got good bones, a beautiful home of rich history that I'm proud of, but it's the people inside that matter. And I want this home filled with laughter and love. Right now, it's got a lot more of one than the other. But I'm gonna find that balance.

Inside, the house is quiet. Lo is getting ready to head back to the city for the Alpha Council, Tristian had an early class, and Graham and Elliot have already left for work. I've got my dad covering the garage for me, and I've never been more grateful for my family's support.

I'd barely asked before my dad offered to take over the shop, saying "I get bored anyway." Even though I know he and the dads love retirement. That's the kind of alpha he is, the kind he taught me to be. Not all bio families are like mine. Though they meddle, mine love hard. Sadie, and hell, most of my pack, didn't have that growing up. But I can give it to them now.

When I get back to the nest, Sadie is still asleep, curled up in a ball of blankets. Lo gives me a kiss on his way out the door, longing on his face as he lingers, watching her.

"I'm so proud of what you're doing for her. Go on so you can come back."

"Yes, Alpha," he says. He sends me a little burst of appreciation through the bond.

I smack his ass and send him off. Then I crawl in the nest beside her and pull her back into my arms. She's warm from sleep and her mound of blankets, her scent mellow today. My purr rumbles in my chest, blocking out everything but this.

Elliot's laid-outinstructions for lunch are easy enough to follow that even I won't fuck this up. I go to grab the soup from the fridge and notice Graham's lunch on the shelf. After I set the soup to reheat on the stove, I text him.

Graham calls, so I put him on speaker and cut up an apple. "How many times is it now?"

"Lost count." He breathes heavily on the line.

"Just admit it. You're forgetful."

Graham is a sore loser. He's always teasing, but he can't take the heat. It's hilarious and endearing. But it makes for easy pickings.

"We're mocking up the flowerbeds this morning. I was rushing out the door and then Elliot needed a map. I'm not forgetful."

"Sure. Tell yourself that."

"Fuck off," he says on a laugh. His laugh dies. "She good?"

"Good as. Slept through breakfast. I'm about to bring up her lunch."

"Make sure she eats," he says, his alpha laced in his tone. "I'll be home as soon as these beds are finished."

"We're good. Don't stress. I called Dad this morning. He's got the shop, so I won't need you home early this afternoon. I filled him in and he's back until we say."

Graham sighs. "That's awesome, Hunt. We'll make sure and tell him thanks from all of us."

"No sweat. He was glad I called. Aunt Bethany stopped by too. She said you reached out. That was good thinking."

I ladle the soup into a bowl and make up a tray. Next I add a glass of Tristian's lemonade and the apples.

One of Graham's crew asks a question and he goes back and forth, leaving me in background.

"I'm out, Graham. See you tonight."

"Don't forget the flowers," he says, grumbling "not forgetful," as he hangs up.

I add the vase he's left on the counter to the tray and clean up my mess while the soup cools.

A creak on the stairs has me running.

Sadie's small feet come into view, then miles of her smooth, willowy legs. Further up, she's drowning in one of my old white T-shirts, her sleep-mussed hair a lion's mane of red. She's cute as hell right now, her cheeks pink from sleep and her eyes soft.

I bound up the stairs and pick her up, taking her back toward the nest. "Where do you think you're going?"

She lets out a squeal and wraps her arms around my neck. "To the kitchen. I woke up starving."

"Good, because I was about to bring up lunch."

She nuzzles into my cheek, scent marking me, and my alpha preens. Inside her nest, I set her gently on the bed.

When I move to pull back, she palms my cheek, a sweet smile on her face. "Thank you, alpha, for taking such good care of me."

"I'm sorry I let you hurt for so long before I got you what you need, baby. That's on me. I promise you that nothing else is more important than you and this pack."

Her eyes well, but her bond isn't full of sadness. She leans in and I take the offering. Her soft lips yield to mine, each of us soothing the other. It's sweet and savoring and full of hope. I pull away before my dick gets the idea this is something it's not, kissing her forehead.

"Lunch."

Her stomach grumbles on cue. I run down and grab the tray.

When I return, Sadie's smile is wide. "That's a good look on you, alpha."

"I'm at your command," I tease, though we both know it's true.

She laughs and sits up, spreading out her long legs so I can place the tray over her lap. She leans in and smells the flowers, running her fingers over the petals.

"Graham?" she asks, a pleased smile on her lips.

"Yup. I spoke to him while I made lunch, and he reminded me. He forgot his lunch in the fridge. Big surprise."

Sadie takes a sip of her soup and moans. "So much baked potato goodness."

The sounds she makes around food are indecent. My dick gets a mind of his own, but I ignore it, basking in my alpha's satisfaction at providing for and taking care of my mate.

"You know, I never knew food tasted so good before I moved here."

"You were missing out then," I tease. "We lured you away from that big city with a sexy beta, Tristan's cooking, and Elliot's cookies."

"Straight facts," she says around another spoonful. "Don't forget Graham's flowers."

"How could I forget those? But I see how it is."

"Don't be sore, alpha, your bad attitude gave me something to prove."

"I had to lead with something, and we all know it wasn't gonna be my cooking."

"The tattoos helped."

My laugh is full of surprise. Teasing from her mouth might be one of my favorite things. That means my girl is feeling safe enough to push. I peck her lips before settling in beside her with my own bowl.

She eats with gusto while I tell her about my dad and her aunt's visit. Her smiles are coming more frequently. I take that win as fuel and let it light the fire inside me.

When she's eaten it all, she lies back against the pillow and sighs. "I think we should take Graham his lunch."

I sit up, my stomach twisting at the thought of her leaving our house and the safety of her nest. "Princess?—"

"No, Hunt. I know I've been overdoing it. I'm sorry I pushed myself when I should have listened to my instincts, relied on my pack. But I'm feeling good today."

I study her for a moment and choose my words carefully. I hope. "We don't know how you're gonna feel outside the nest and I don't want you sick. The scents might be too much."

She makes a humming noise, thoughtful for a moment as she considers my words. "You're right, we don't know. But I want to do what I can when I can. I know I need the rest, but I think the fresh air and a drive would be good. I miss our town. We could even go on the bike."

Sadie loves to ride. She's been hooked ever since the first time she hopped on the back of my fully restored ‘52 Harley Panhead. And there's nothing I love more than seeing one of my mates there. "And we'll ride again. But not today."

She pouts, her bottom lip jutting out. I lean in and bite that pouty lip, turning the sting into a kiss. We make out lazily, with no destination and no wandering hands, until I pull back on a satisfied sigh.

"To town and back. No other stops," I say.

"Yes, alpha," she sings, crawling from under her tray in a hurry.

I tackle her before she gets to the end of the bed, rolling us both until I'm braced above her. Her hazel eyes are filled with tiny gold and brown specks. Right now, they look green and bottomless.

"Sadie Jackson, I sure am glad you were stubborn enough to call me on my shit. My life is fuller with you in it."

"Right back at you, alpha."

I let her get dressed and then I give her a piggyback ride to truck, complete with giggles.

We ride to town, windows rolled down and listening to music. Sadie's hand floats out the window and a bright smile makes camp on her face.

The trip is easy. Graham gives us a small tour, excited to show us all the progress he's been making, and then we're back in the truck fifteen minutes later. No reaction to scents, though Graham had his crew take a break while we walked the site. I'm restless, though, even with security following along behind and I don't feel any better until we're back in the house.

"Why don't you go on and lie down. I'll come up after I make us a snack."

"I ate lunch an hour ago. Besides I'm not tired yet."

I grumble. "What is it you want to do?"

"Hold on. I'll be right back." She dashes up the stairs and returns a few minutes later with the camera I got her as a courting gift.

"I said one stop, Princess." I cross my arms over my chest. She can give me that cute pout all she wants. I won't fold. Again.

"I want to fool around with it while you work. Let me hang out with you in the garage."

The thought of her in my shop right now with all those alphas, even my crew, makes my muscles clench.

Sadie turns her head to the side, giving me a questioning look. "I mean in our garage."

I let out a breath. "Alright, but no more than an hour or two."

She kisses my cheek on her way toward the kitchen and I wrap my arm around her waist. "I can see about Betty. Maybe you can look at my colors and select the one you like?" I started restoring the old Bronco for Sadie back in November, but she's been sitting in the garage since December untouched.

"Yes!" she cries, escaping from my arms and running toward the garage door.

I humor her while she flits about the garage, taking pictures. When's she's lost her wind, she sits down in the chair I keep over by my tool chest. She looks through the paint catalog I set out for her as I finish up replacing the brakes. By the time she's yawning, I'm done. I scoop her up, taking her back up to her nest for another nap. There isn't anything I need to do today but hold her as if it's the most important job in the world. Because it is.