Page 8 of A Home for His Omega

“I’m not a fool,” Henry said, hurt. “Yes, I may mismanage my money sometimes, but I’m not stupid enough to spend it on someone who doesn’t deserve it.”

“We don’t need it,” Teague said, shaking his head. “You shouldn’t worry about us.”

“Seriously?” Sam gave them an exasperated look. “Teague, Henry is part of our family too. He lives and works here, so let him help when he wants to. Henry, no one here thinks you’re stupid. We love you for the sweet baby bumblebee that you are.”

“You’ve been talking with Audrey.” Henry winced. “Shit.”

Sam ruffled Henry’s hair, making him huff. “Yes, I have. Now, Teague just needs to get used to accepting help from his family. Remember, he only had his dad to rely on for most of his life. Now, there’s all of us. It may take him some time.”

Teague sighed. “Why do you have to make so much sense?”

“Because I’m very sensible.” Sam linked his arm with Henry’s. “Let’s go see get ready for the incoming bird.”

By the time they reached the house, a blue minivan was parked in the driveway. A short, blond woman slammed the door behind her as she got out.

“Fuck off!” Columbo’s squawks and curses were loud enough to wake the dead.

The woman closed her eyes, expression pained. “All day and all night. Please take this bird before I murder it.”

Henry hurried around to the back of the van. Through the window, he could see Columbo. His feathers were dull and missing in places. He looked ragged, exhausted, and very unhappy.

“Fuck off,” Columbo squawked again, head bobbing aggressively.

“Hey, handsome,” Henry crooned. “It’s going to be alright.”

Sam led the woman to the house to fill out paperwork while Teague and Henry carried the bird and his large cage to one of the smaller barns.

“I have a space set up for him next to the exam room,” Teague said, grunting as Columbo flapped around, unbalancing his cage.

“Poor guy.” Henry huffed as they settled the cage in the exam room. “What can I do to help?”

Teague smiled softly. “You’re a good person, Henry. You know that?”

His cheeks heated as he blushed. “I’ll go check if she brought food for him.”

“Umhm.” Teague studied Columbo, then began to gather the tools he would need for the exam. “One day, you won’t run away when I compliment you.”

“Sure, and one day you won’t hesitate to accept my help.” Henry left the room, flustered. It was easy with Sam. They understood one another and were friends. Teague was different. With Henry and his family, Teague was like an unhappy hedgehog most of the time, all his quills up for defense. He still had that soft underbelly, though, and Henry had seen it more than once.

“Fuck, I’ve been spending too much time with the animals.” He rubbed his face. “Get it together.”

Memories of a handsome face and a soft voice made him sigh. He bet that Tomás would have known what to say to put everyone at ease. The young alpha had such a calm sense about him.

“He has cataracts, osteoarthritis, and a case of candidiasis.” Teague helped Henry settle Columbo’s cage onto the table in front of the window of his new temporary home. It was just an empty storage closet next to the exam room, but it had a window and was quiet.

The poor bird looked miserable. “Fuck off.”

“I think that’s all he can say.” Teague chuckled. “I don’t blame him, though. He’s been through a lot and is in pain.”

“What does he need?” Henry asked, shifting from foot to foot.

“Medications will clear up his infection, but honestly, he needs a stable home.” Teague looked around the room. “Not a storage closet. However, what we can give him is a nutritious, balanced diet and a clean environment.”

“I’ll take care of him and make sure he gets some exercise every day,” Henry said, nibbling his lip. “Do you think anyone will adopt him?”

Teague shook his head. “Probably not. With a little time, he might be able to handle some company. Bring Journey with you when you visit him, alright? He’s good with the older animals. I don’t think Columbo will ever be comfortable enough to stay in our living room with all our animals, but maybe we can fix up one of the rooms for him.”

Henry studied the parrot. “I have to make a call. I’ll check on him before I go to bet tonight.”

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