Page 61 of Not Ready

A shiver runs down my spine.

I can feel the sincerity in his words.

It’s such a ridiculous thing to make my heart soar, but omega impulses are strange. He’s very good at making me feel safe and protected.

Now, I just need to figure out what makes him feel loved and give it right back to him.

Chapter Twenty-One

Mercer

“Ineed you to understand exactly how much I hate your guts right now,” Bishop growls, jabbing a meaty finger at my chest.

My head tilts. “Would you prefer we accompany you to Boston? Then we can simply stop by DC on the way back to handle packing Vale’s belongings.”

“Oh, fuck you,” he hisses. “She’s going to need plenty of breaks just during the two-hour trip to DC. There’s no way I’d force her to make the drive to Boston. I don’t want her anywhere near the Alvarez takedown.”

“We can agree on that.” Even the thought seems to make my skin crawl. Vale comes down the steps from the garage and heads in our direction. “Here she comes. Try to set her at ease.”

“Listen to me real fucking good,” Bishop whispers. “If she has any waves where she needs alpha pheromones, then you better make sure she’s taken care of. Trust me when I say it’s impossible to miss. She’ll get hot, and she’ll come to you.”

“Got it.” I clear my throat, giving Vale a smile. She still hasn’t reached us, but she’s getting closer. “Just remember your words, in case it’s necessary.”

“I’m fucking serious,” he growls, yanking his hair out of the bun it’s been up in. “She means more to me than anything. This isn’t just normal alpha-and-omega dynamics going on. It’s her body asking for what it needs to ensure she and the baby stay healthy.”

“I fully understand the severity of the situation,” I assure him. “Are we technically able to call her our wife yet? Or only after the meeting?” I swipe a hand through the air. “It doesn’t matter. I understand how delicate of a position she’s in.” I straighten out my tie. “I’ll be a loving and doting husband, even if the title doesn’t apply just yet.”

“You fucking better.” His meaty finger jabs into my pec painfully, and I slap the appendage away.

Vale’s face is red, and she sniffles as she appears at Bishop’s side.

That’s definitely not going to help him actually leave to complete the job. He wraps his forearm around the back of her head and tenderly pulls her into him, murmuring in her ear.

It’s an affectionate moment that I have no right to intrude on. And yet, I don’t step away. She’ll likely need comfort if we can successfully pry them apart. My mind is still quite focused on my assignment. I can only hope she trusts me enough to ask if she does feel unwell and needs a snuggle.

I’m fairly sure Bishop just gave me his version of his blessing to pursue her.

Not that I needed it.

The omega builds their pack. His or her alphas may offer feedback, but permission is never needed, even if bonds are in place.

However, Vale does seem especially tender. I don’t see her making any huge life choices, like adding a pack member, without Bishop’s blessing.

And I have it.

Watching Vale silently cry as Bishop drives away has my heart dropping into the approximate location of my gut. Her lower lip wobbles as she swipes at her eyes, and my discomfort only grows.

Holt stands by the rear door of his truck, looking at Vale with an equal level of misery. “I hate to say it, but if we want to make it back home by tonight, then we need to head out.”

“Come on, love.” I stretch out an arm, and Vale walks right into it. “Would you prefer to ride in the front seat or the back? And if you’d like to be in the back, would you like me to sit with you?”

“You’ve got long legs. You’d be all scrunched up in the back.” Her face nuzzles around my chest, and she finally gives a contented sigh.

“I’ll manage if you’d like to use me as your human pillow.” We brought several actual pillows and the blanket from the bed she and Bishop have been sharing. Traveling, in general, is something I wish wasn’t necessary, but I’m also a private person. I wouldn’t like the idea of complete strangers going through my things, either. And Dr. Garza gave the okay for her to make the trip. “Let’s snuggle in. If you’d like to trade out, we can do that once we get moving.”

“Okay,” she agrees. “Maybe I should visit the restroom one more time before we go.”

I chuckle. “Go on. We’ll get the truck all warm and toasty.”

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