Page 55 of Ready or Not

“And the first being a wife.” Sofia chuckles. “How fortunate you found one.”

Mercy growls and covers it with an awkward cough. His arm tightens on my shoulders, pulling me closer. He’s very unhappy. That much, my impulses can pick up without a bond.

I snuggle closer, trying to offer him comfort. “Assurance isn’t only personal security services. They help omegas in need, provide security for those of us who couldn’t afford it on our own, and all sorts of other worthy endeavors.”

“Yes, yes. I’m sure they do lovely things.” Sofia dismisses me with a wave of her hand. Her gaze stays on Mercy. “Your grandparents’ pack didn’t amass a fortune so that you could blow it all within a single generation. We all give to charity, but your brothers are setting up their packs for the future.”

“It always comes back to me not going into the family business.” Mercy laughs, but there’s no humor in the sound. “I never had an interest in finance. I’ve made a solid life for myself outside of that, and you can’t stand it.” He looks at me and, over my shoulder, to Cooper. “They cut me off when I was nineteen. When I chose to enlist, it didn’t fit the mold of what was expected of my future. As such, I was on my own.”

“You’re feeling overly dramatic tonight.” Sofia sighs. “You know it comes down to whether your fathers and I approve the transfer.”

“I do,” Mercy agrees.

My stomach drops.

This isn’t going well at all, and I don’t even think I’m the main problem.

I look between Mercy’s dads, but they don’t meet my eyes, so I refocus on his mother. “The world is a scary place for omegas not born into a pack. My mom tried to take care of me and keep me safe, but she didn’t have a pack at her back. Did you know omegas go missing more than any other designation? And female omegas are at an even higher risk than males?—”

Mercy clears his throat, cutting me off. “I’ve missed you. It’s been nice seeing you again, but my wife is due in less than a month. It’s getting late, and the last thing she needs to do is defend me to you. The doctors warned us to keep her stress to a minimum. As such, we’re going to head home. The five of us can meet for lunch tomorrow.” His arm leaves my back, and he yanks out his wallet, tossing a whole bunch of hundreds down.

“Carrigan,” one of his fathers says.

Mercy shoves his wallet away. “I’m afraid Vale and the baby’s health come above all else.” He nods for Cooper to scoot out. “I love you all, but I’m not going to argue finances and semantics in front of my very pregnant wife.” I scoot toward Cooper as Mercy follows. “Who, by the way, was very excited to meet you, but nervous about if you’d like her.” He pauses, glancing back at his shell-shocked family as Cooper helps me stand. “I assured her that you’d love her every bit as much as I do. Only, I’ve clearly forgotten how your love was always conditional. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re heading home. Call me tomorrow morning if you’d like to have lunch.”

He stands, leans over, and kisses his mother’s temple before placing his hand on my lower back to lead us out.

Chapter Eighteen

Mercer

“Are you okay?” Vale asks as Garza holds the door open for us to head out into the cool night air. This year has been unseasonably cold. Normally, we don’t have this kind of chill until mid-November.

“Yes, of course. Are you?” I ask, pulling the sides of her coat together. My fingers deftly work the buttons, ensuring she’s nice and toasty warm.

“You didn’t have to do that. I was okay.” Vale’s fingers dig into my sides as she stares up at me. “Although, it was insanely hot seeing you stick up for me.”

I grin shamelessly. “I quite liked being able to call you my wife.”

“I liked hearing it.” Vale stretches to meet me as I bend to kiss her thoroughly.

“Come on, Mr. and Mrs. Mercer,” Garza says, ruining the moment. “Let’s get to the truck so we can get home.” He claps me on the back.

“It’s actually Mr. and Mrs. Reed.” I smile at my wife. “Well, once I receive the marriage certificate. I need that to legally change my name.” Stepping around Vale, I place a hand on her lower back. She drags her feet a bit, rubbing at her abdomen. “Is everything all right, love?”

“Yeah.” She nods, glancing around. “I mean, I think so.”

Garza makes it to the end of the building, turning back to see what’s happening.

“Are you having indigestion? Do you need the restroom before we leave?” The idea of heading back inside with my family isn’t the least bit appealing, but if Vale is feeling unwell, I would manage it.

“No.” Her adorable little nose wrinkles. “I’d rather just get home.”

“Are you sure?” Garza scratches his beard.

“Yep, positive.”

“Right, then. Let’s go. I’m quite fond of the idea of snuggling the night away.” My heart pounds at the thought.

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