Page 63 of Met Your Mate

"Say good night, Star. I'll have breakfast ready in the morning and come get everyone," he adds.

A genuine smile tugs on my lips at his direction. "Good night," I say to the four of them, and grab my bag Lucas brought upstairs for me.

Tomorrow, I'll have to bring my bag of goodies Casey bought for me at the hospital. After they're washed, though. I don't want any hospital lingering on my new things.

An array of sweet words follows me as I cross the threshold into my new room and close the door. I hesitate on whether to lock it or not.

Like he could hear my thoughts, Lucas calls out, "Leave it unlocked so we can come get you in the morning."

For the first time since I basically yanked him to me through our bond, I grasp the tether that binds Lucas and me and send him what I think would feel like warm appreciation.

I tune out their rumbly conversation and follow the tasks Ronan asked me to do with my little pouch of toiletries. Pausing on the way to the bathroom though, I look back at the water bottle tucked into the pocket of my bag.

He didn't tell me to drink water, but I snatch the bottle with a burst of independence and joy, making me tingle with giddiness.

I hum to myself, mixing the suggestions from my alpha with pauses to drink water. I feel like I accomplished something for myself. One act that I chose.

Maybe one small decision at a time and I'll figure out who I am without chains weighing me down.

Chapter Fifty

RONAN

It's a new day.

The first day at our new house. A temporary house, I think. Except, I kind of hope it can be permanent.

There's enough room and space to build a family. Babies... kids. That's a topic for further down the road, but it's something I imagine in this little town with my pack.

Plus, it feels like we're on the edge of the world here. Flying in the dark didn't give me much of a view of the small town, but based on the lights, the peninsula immediately gave me a sense of seclusion. A safe place to enjoy a peaceful life with my new family.

I can't wait to explore the area and watch Freya take in our new home.

Thinking of Freya wandering the Victorian style streets I've seen online reminds me of her prominent cheekbones.

Motivation to feed my omega gets me out of bed in time with the rise of the sun. I take a few minutes to myself for a shower and run through my usual morning routine. The safe house is stocked with the essentials, but we will all need to do some shopping.

Not that I don't think we appreciate the donated soaps, basic clothing, food, and toiletries, but I think I can speak for the others when I say they deserve to have the shit they want now. If Elliott needs something to oil up all his muscles, shit I'll buy it for him if it makes the big guy happy.

Tossing on a pair of grey sweatpants and a white T-shirt, I dry my dripping hair with a towel quickly before I deem myself presentable and comfortable.

I'm really going to have to get used to living with five other people. Especially a pack. We are only going to get closer from here on out, which probably means seeing every one of them naked at some point, too.

Barefoot, I step into the hallway, not bothering to close my bedroom door behind me. I don't fight my urge to check on my omega first and take the few steps to her door.

Not wanting to risk disrupting her sleep, I grip the door handle and turn it slowly. Meaning to just peek my head in, I keep the door as closed as possible to fit my head through the crack.

The first thing I notice is her white, thick comforter folded in the corner of her room along with four of the five pillows that decorated the mattress last night.

Rumpled sheets and one pillow are strewn haphazardly on the bed in the early morning light and warmth of her lamp. Did she leave it on all night?

I'm surprised to see my girl isn't in bed, and even more fucking confused when the light in her ensuite bathroom is off.

"Freya?" I call out, letting myself into her space.

With each moment I don't have eyes on her, the more my heart beats erratically. I don't touch her sheets, knowing how omegas can be about their nests and their safe spaces.

I do look under her bed, in the closet and even the fucking tub in her bathroom, though.

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