Page 60 of Talk About… History

“Thanks,” she whispered, so much emotion in her tone that we didn’t pull away from the embrace for several beats. I waited for her to let go first and when she did her smile was just as bright as before.

My mate was resilient and strong, I was already so proud of her.

“Let’s not shut out the others,” she joked, taking my hand in hers and heading for the table where the others were waiting, watching us.

“There they are,” Ford grinned, tugging her into his lap the moment she was within reach. Mason frowned, looking like he wanted to protest his exuberant friend, but Avery just let out a surprised laugh and settled in, wiggling in his lap for a second to get comfy.

The poor guy bit his lip and groaned, head dropping back in pure painful bliss.

I chuckled and took a sip of my drink, glad Nash hadn’t added too much alcohol in. Drinking wasn’t something I did often and the last thing I needed was to show how much of a lightweight I was.

“Thanks for coming, guys, it means a lot to me,” Avery said, giving each of us a look in turn. The way she made sure we all felt seen was perfect. No one could truly let jealousy take hold when she worked so hard to ensure we were all present in her mind.

“We wouldn’t have missed it. Packs celebrate together,” Cohen said, giving us a look that said he’d make sure we kept that promise.

“How is the live going?” Mason asked. Nash was chatting to the phone so I knew it was in full swing now.

“They’re going to kill me,” she said with a groan. “I completely ghosted them. Let me check in.”

She gave Ford a quick peck before rushing off to the bar. The brothers clearly teased her but didn’t look upset. That was enough for me to turn my attention back to our newly formed group.

“So, what’s the plan with Avery?” I asked bluntly.

“I plan to court her, take her on dates, and get to know her at her pace,” Cohen said easily.

“That’s our plan as well,” Ford said. “I know she has a pending date with Mason and I’m also working on finding a new contractor since the last failed. She made it clear she doesn’t want to mix business with anyone she knows so I’m looking for someone who is local, but not a dick.”

“Actually, I might be able to help there,” I admitted. “An old neighbor I had growing up had his own business and prided himself on being an honest man. He’s only about a thirty minute drive out so it’s close enough. Here, let me find his website.”

Mason took a drink of his beer while I pulled it up and sent the link to the group chat.

Ford and Cohen also looked the link up, Cohen chiming in with his own approval.

“This guy did some renovation work for the shop and my workshop at home,” Cohen said. “Definitely an honest man.”

“Aw, look at us being a real pack,” Ford said, a teasing grin on his face before his expression turned more serious. “She seems to want to take things slow and I’m fine with her pace. I’m not going anywhere and I want to make that clear to her. We won’t be using and leaving her or anything like that. I actually think we should plan a group date as well. She needs to see us united as much as we need to get to know her on individual levels. Eventually she’ll go into heat and even if she wants to suppress it, I want her to trust us enough to support her.”

Ford was more insightful than I gave him credit for. He was right, the sooner we had a united front, the better.

“Okay, this may be presumptuous, but there’s no going back anyway,” Cohen said. “But where is everyone living?”

“Ford and I have a month to month lease in town,” Mason explained. “We live above the sandwich shop.”

“I’ve got a place near the clinic,” I said, “but I’m listening. What are you thinking?”

Cohen ran a hand over his stubble, thinking it over before explaining.

“I’ve got this big place on the outskirts of town. Big old brick farmhouse and a workshop. Big yard for my dogs, I’ve got two, and plenty of empty space. The rooms are yours at any time if you want them. Maybe us making the effort but not pressuring her would present us as a cohesive pack. I think she is going to want to feel secure before she is all in. This could help reassure her that we are taking her seriously.”

It was an interesting idea… albeit risky. We knew next to nothing about each other. Cohen was right that there was no going back, so maybe this was exactly the kind of wild idea that I needed.

“My house needs a few renovations, and I bet I could allocate funds from the clinic to make it a sort of safe house for omegas. Maybe even convince them to buy it,” I admitted. “I’d considered it before because it’s a three minute walk from work and we need more rooms for wayward omegas, but didn’t have an alternative yet.”

“If they need anyone to help with those renovations, Ford and I are licensed and hard workers,” Mason said. “I’ve been considering getting our name out there for a mixed bag of renovations and handyman work.”

“You should do that,” Cohen said. “There’s a small office on the corner of Fox Street and Main for rent. I don’t know what your finances are at, but it could be a good thing to consider.”

“Well, no point in secrets, but we’ve got a savings we’ve been pouring into since we graduated and got our first jobs,” Ford said. “I had a bit of an inheritance when my parents died so that’s in there, too.”

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