Page 87 of Claiming Their Omega

But eventually I feel comfortable enough to ride the bike by myself, without Hendrix or Cade on with me, holding me. I don’t go very far, and I keep it only a few miles an hour, but I do it.

I feel a little silly, that I feel so accomplished over something so small. But then I look over at Hendrix, he’s beaming at me with pride, and I realize, this is a big accomplishment for me. I was so scared to do this, to even be on a motorcycle, and now I’m riding it all on my own.

I come to a stop and turn off the engine, putting up the kickstand, and Hendrix immediately whoops and picks me up off the bike, twirling me around. I laugh and cling to him. I feel so alive, and so proud of myself.

“Look at you.” Hendrix sets me down on my feet. “That was amazing. I’m so proud of you. I told you, you can accomplish anything.”

I wonder if that’s a hint about my writing. If so, I suppose I can take it. He might have a point. “I feel… free.”

“You should feel free. Look at you! You could go riding off into the sunset if you wanted.”

I blush. “I don’t know about that. But I do feel… joyful.”

“Good.” Hendrix puts his hands on my waist and brings me close. “It’s inspiring.”

“Inspiring, huh?” I trail my hand up his chest.

Hendrix laughs. “Not that kind. I mean, yeah that kind, always that kind.” The look he gives me is smoldering. “But I meant more… another kind. Facing your fears kind.”

“Oh? In what way?”

“I signed up to compete in a rodeo a few towns over. It’s in a little over a week.” Hendrix grins at me as I gape at him in surprise. “I’m getting back on the horse. Literally.”

I’m so proud of him I could cry. I fling my arms around his neck and hug him tightly. “Hendrix, that’s amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

It feels natural that as I pull back, I go in to kiss him—and oh, does Hendrix reciprocate. He kisses me hot and deep, a searing kiss that I feel down to my bones.

We only pull back when I need to breathe, wrenching my mouth away reluctantly. It is time to go home, although a part of me doesn’t want to leave this moment. I find myself feeling that way a lot these days, enjoying the present moment and how wonderful it is and wishing that it didn’t have to end. I don’t think I’ve felt that way since I was a child.

When we get home, it’s the perfect lull in between chores, so I have time to go up to my room and take a quick shower and change before I start on dinner. The men love to help out on dinner and sometimes even take over, especially when I was out learning something new and I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, but I also love cooking my dad’s recipes. It just makes me feel so homey.

It's when I’m still in my towel after the shower that my phone rings. A name flashes on the screen—a name I haven’t heard or seen or even really thought about for too long.

My boss.

I answer the phone. “Hi, Jennifer!”

“Grace.” Jennifer’s voice is warm. “How are you? It feels like it’s been a year.”

“I know. I’m sorry about all of this. I know it’s unexpected.”

“I know, I know. But that’s what we have Omega leave for, in case of situations like this. I just wanted to know when you think you’ll be able to finish your leave and come back?”

I bite my lip, hesitating for a moment. The truth is, I had kind of forgotten in the last few days that I had this other life waiting for me. It feels strange, since just a few weeks ago that was all I wanted to do. Get back to it. Now, I feel strangely torn.

A call from my boss should make me excited and eager. Instead I have this weird ache in my chest.

“I’m being courted,” I explain. “So I’m not sure. I need a little more time. Not much longer, I don’t want to leave you guys in the lurch. But I don’t want to rush a decision like this.”

“Of course not,” Jennifer says seriously. “A courtship is a very serious thing, and it’s important to be sure when you say yes or no to the bond and the bite.”

“Of course,” I say, trying to ignore the way my stomach flutters at her mention of the mating bite. “I appreciate the understanding, Jennifer. I’ll get back to you soon.”

“Wonderful, dear. Enjoy your time! Bye-bye!”

I hang up and stare down at the phone.

Oh, god. I have no idea what to do.

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