Page 73 of Talk About… History

Was she nesting?

My omega heart was breaking for her as I walked up to where she was curled up on her bed, wrapped in a fuzzy blanket, looking smaller than I ever thought possible.

“Hey, Mama,” I whispered. “You okay?”

Her eyes brimmed with tears but she nodded.

“You’re not,” I said gently, hoping she would let me in. “I’m not a kid anymore, let me be here for you.”

“I’m fine. The doctors said I just needed to switch off my suppressors for a cycle and it’s just hard. I don’t want to go through a heat without them,” she admitted, a sob breaking free. In that one small sound I heard just how broken her soul was. I had just met my mates, my true scent-matches, and I couldn’t imagine losing them all.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I curled up next to her, holding my Mama like she’d done for me more than once in my life.

“I’m so sorry,” I whispered. “Are there any other ones you could try?”

“They said I could take a sedative through it,” she admitted, but sounded reluctant. “Or I could find a heat partner.”

“Just this heat?”

“I guess,” she sighed, her voice so small. “They think they’re making me sick and are finding an alternative that won’t affect me, but the first med has to be out of my system for a month and going off, generally triggers a heat.”

I wiped away the tears falling down her face and whispered soothing words, hoping to calm her.

“Would a heat partner be so bad?” I asked, trying to be as gentle as possible.

It was a sensitive topic, but she’d been alone so long now. Over ten years of solitude wasn’t good for anyone, especially an omega. It was in our nature to crave a pack.

“It’s not replacing them, but giving you a chance to find a connection we need as omegas. Maybe try a dating app first if you have time?”

She blinked up at me, eyes watery making those hazel eyes shine brighter.

“You wouldn’t hate me?” she whispered. Her voice wavered on that and she finally showed me her vulnerability.

“No, Mama, never,” I said, keeping my voice strong and sure. “Neither will the guys. We just want you happy and healthy. You’ve raised us, kept us functioning, now it’s your turn to have a life.”

“I’ll think about it,” she offered, before gripping my hand and forcing me to look at her. “If you promise to go see that pack of yours.”

“I was just thinking that,” I said, giving her a grin. “But I’m also okay if you want a girls’ night.”

“No, go, I need to shower and stop wallowing. Maybe I’ll consider making a dating profile like you said,” she hedged, watching me closely but I just grinned.

“I have a fancy camera, let’s do a photoshoot tomorrow and we can find a proper set of profile pictures for you,” I offered. That was all it took for her to shoo me away.

“Fine, fine, then get out I need to make a hair appointment and find something new to wear,” she said, launching out of bed and nearly sending me to the floor in the process.

She disappeared into the bathroom in a flurry and I left, knowing I’d already lost her focus. I couldn’t even be offended that I was dismissed so quickly, seeing her excited about something was enough to have me rushing off to confront my brothers.

If they even hinted at ruining this for her, I’d kill them all. In fact, I tugged my phone out and sent a message to our group chat.

Avery: We need to talk. Now. Where are you?

Cameron: Good morning to you, too, drama.

Maverick: We’re at Whitaker Brews, we had a distributor come in this morning for a meeting. You coming here or want us to meet you?

Avery: On my way.

Nash: Why do I feel like I need a shot for this conversation?

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