Page 178 of Forget

It’s easier to stay warm if you’re dry.

The fairy lights light up the back of the truck faintly so we’ll be able to see, showing the heaters set up at the tailgate, which someone will move closer once everyone gets in. The thermos filled with hot chocolate is nestled on the mattress along with the pillows and blankets, and I can’t stop smiling about how it really is the perfect date.

“Wow,” she whispers, eyes wide.

“I have a laundry basket to store boots,” Evan says sheepishly, lifting it up.

“Great idea,” I praise him, loving the way he shifts with a small smile. “I wouldn’t have thought of that.”

“Come here, sweetness. I’ll boost you up,” Evan says, holding his hand out to her. He lets her come to him, and I watch as she is slowly changing us all.

There’s no reason to take what she’s willing to give so easily. In the bedroom, during a heat we may be very different, but she enjoyed that. Hmm, I need to talk to her to make sure she does.

I refuse to assume shit anymore.

Evan lifts her onto the bed of the truck, carefully taking her shoes off to drop them into the laundry basket. One by one, we follow suit, and I volunteer to be last. By the time I lift myself into the truck, tossing my shoes in before dropping thebasket onto the ground, Aisling is sipping from her hot chocolate thermos, and Domh is offering her a muffin.

Smirking, I sit across from Aiden halfway down the mattress, and wink at him. He chuckles as he sees me, getting comfortable as he throws blankets over both of us. Moving the heaters, he ensures that they’re in the right place before leaning back to enjoy everything.

We’re the only ones out here, the world completely silent. The lake is a frigid, beautiful sight, and I grab a beer and hand one to Aiden before opening one for myself.

The orange and red in the sky is stunning as the sun sets, the colors streaking in front of us on nature’s version of a strip show. Breathing deeply, the crisp air combines with the scents of my pack and scent match, and I find myself relaxing completely.

Everything feels perfect in this moment. Aisling is snuggled between Evan and Domh, her coat tossed to the side, since they put out a lot of body heat together. Sipping her hot chocolate slowly, our poppet smiles as she drops her head on Evan’s shoulder and she gazes out at the sky.

“It’s so beautiful out here,” she says in a hushed voice. “I don’t think I’ve ever visited the lake like this before.”

“Wait for the stars to come out,” I tell her. “That’s what we’re here for, poppet.”

“It feels as if we’re the only people on the lake,” Aiden murmurs. “I’ve been cursing the cold temperatures, ready for spring, but it really is gorgeous when you’re with the right people.”

Hiding my smile as I take a sip of my beer, I nod. I don’t often get to hear Aiden wax poetic, but he’s right.

The stars slowly make their appearance once the sun goes down, and we all snack as we whisper to each other and grin. It feels wrong to be too loud for some reason.

Slowly, the stars begin to appear, and Evan shifts to pull away more of the tarp, so we can see more of the sky. While I can feel the possibility of snow in the air, I don’t think it’ll fall. Our breath fogs up in front of us for a moment before disappearing, the heaters are doing their jobs.

We’re out here for a while when a shooting star flies by, and Aisling gasps. Thankfully, she doesn’t have her drink in her hand since she’s done, when she leans forward in shock and awe.

“Wow,” she breathes. “It’s so different in the city.”

Her hands hold Evan and Domh’s as she gazes out at the sky, and I place my hand on her thigh as I breathe deeply. Aiden looks happy as he gazes at his pack, head leaned back as he relaxes. It’s been a busy few months, and we’ve all been stressed out as well.

I’m glad he’s letting it all go so he can enjoy this. Aisling nods off around nine o’clock, and Evan and Domh just make sure she’s comfortable.

“I swear, I think she needed this as much as we did,” Aiden rumbles. “I’m going to start putting out feelers for a decent manager so she doesn’t have to put in so many hours at the haven.”

“She looks lighter today,” I agree. “I think I read somewhere that people who work in social work need to make sure they take care of themselves too. Wren does a lot behind the scenes, but Aisling can only be in so many places at once.”

“I would swear Mom said my cousin Aurelia is moving to Minneapolis and is looking for a job. I’m going to call her,” Aiden muses. “Aurelia was in project management when she lived in New York, but she’s looking for something different. I think she’s burned out.”

“Would working atOmega’s Havenhelp or hurt that?” Domh asks.

“I think help,” Aiden says with a small smile. “It was a thankless job, even though she liked seeing the pieces come together. The background from the previous job could be a benefit since there’s so many moving parts.”

“I think it’s worth a shot,” I agree, glancing at the sleeping omega. “Aisling needs the help.”

Hanging out quietly as we drink beer and enjoy each other’s company, I have to say this is the best Valentine’s Day that we’ve ever had.

---