Page 8 of His Omega Bear

Plus, I heard my papa's voice in my head saying, “He’s still new in town you can’t show up empty handed.”

I started back up the drive and peeked into a Suburban parked there with a baby seat in the back. “Well, no one with a baby seat and car seat mirror can be all bad,” I muttered.

I headed up to the porch and knocked on the door, hoping that whoever was inside would be friendly. A few moments passed before I heard movement. He was coming down the stairs. The door opened, revealing a tall, dark-haired man with a baby in his arms. He looked surprised to find me there.

His dark curly hair was disheveled, like he’d just woken up or run his hand through it several times. His eyes are a hazel brown with flecks of green and wow were his shoulders broad. He had on jeans and a t-shirt. Both pieces of clothing looked like they’d been worn in.

“Can I help you?” he asked, his voice low and deep.

I was about to speak when the smell of baby powder hit me.

It was quickly followed by the scent of sweat and something else, maybe apples, orange. Was that nutmeg? It was clean and fresh, a hint of laundry detergent and a hint of sweat.

He smelled… Fuck; I had to breathe it in again.

How?

What were the odds?

The cold wind rustled, and a bird sang nearby. But all of that paled in the background, looking into his eyes.

He held the baby in the pink onesie closer to his chest to protect her from the cold. This time, his voice was more irritated and his face scrunched in confusion as he asks again, “Can I help you?”

Shit! He was going to close the door. I opened my mouth, but no sound came out. So I did the next best thing and held up the cookie tray.

His scowl slipped slightly, and the tightness around his mouth relaxed. “You brought cookies?”

I bobbed my head up and down.

The baby started mewling and I could tell this time was gonna turn into full-blown tears.

My mate stepped aside. “Come in. It’s cold as shit and I need to close the door.”

Oh shit. My mate. I’d found my mate. Or he’d found me. And he was inviting me into his house.

Either way, he was here. And he had a baby. And he was human, too. Although the baby smelled like shifter and family so maybe I wouldn’t have to have the talk with him.

Still, he was here. My mate was here!

Chapter 3

Jaxson

Fuck, how… why did it feel like I was fighting the worst war of my life? And damn, I was losing. If I stopped bouncing Emilia for even a second, she cried. Like straight up, she wailed like she would never stop. I had to stay on the move.

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d sat down and eaten a hot meal. By the time she started crying and I took the time to soothe her back to sleep, my food was cold and usually inedible. And sleep? What even was that?

Shit, I sniffed myself surreptitiously, and had to say a thank fuck cause no funk. Showers were yet another luxury my niece didn’t think I should have.

It would serve Mr. Nosey hot neighbor right for showing up at my front door if I smelled. Although I was surprised it had taken this long, honestly. I figured small town was nosey neighbor central. But the last thing I needed was an interruption. Fuck, I could use a nap and a shot of tequila… and not in that order.

I really didn’t have the energy or inclination to play host or smile or anything more than I was currently doing.

“Thank—” Before I could think of a good way to tell the nosey hottie to leave, Emilia made her shit is going to hit the fan in five seconds cry, and my body immediately swayed side to side to try to soothe her.

“Come in,” I sighed and turned, heading towards the kitchen. If he tried anything, I could easily take him. “I didn’t catch your name.”

“Oh, it’s Rhys. I’m Jayson’s cousin. And who are you?”

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