Page 11 of Vegas Baby!

“Bryce,” he said, introducing himself. “That’s my scent match you’re holding.”

Ava let out a squeak of distress, some of the burnt sugar sneaking back into her delicious praline.

I narrowed my eyes at him. “Doesn’t sound like she likes that.”

“It’s complicated.”

“I’m sure,” I said flatly. I had heard that before. “Ava, would you like to go to a safe space right now? My room is all yours if you want it.”

She blinked at me with enormous hazel eyes. “I don’t want to steal your room.”

“You’re not stealing anything. I ammorethan happy to sleep out here tonight. My room has a lock. Consider it yours if you want it so you can rest.”

Ava whimpered and tucked herself back under my chin. “It’s been a really long day.”

“I bet.” I nuzzled my cheek against her hair, freezing when I caught myself scent marking her. Fuck. “Okay, let me check your vitals, make sure things have calmed down.”

Luke and Micah hovered with their juice and ice for her. I directed them with my eyes for them to set it down on a coffee table and set about checking over Ava once more.

My purr had done its job. Her blood pressure and heart rate were at a much more comfortable level. “Perfect. Let’s get you settled in.”

Ava didn’t protest a peep when I stood up with her in my arms, carried her down the hall to my bedroom, and set her on the edge of the bed.

I settled on my knees in front of her. “Sweetness, are you safe with Bryce? Do you need help?”

“I just met him today.”

My gaze slid down to her belly.

“Does the little one in there belong to anyone in this apartment?”

She shook her head.

“And where is the father?”

Her eyes immediately filled with tears.

“Okay.” I pulled her back onto my lap and got my purr going again for her. “We’re not going to talk about that today, then.The important thing is that you have a bed to sleep in and a roof over your head tonight. What are your thoughts on pizza?”

“I like pizza.” Her nose rooted against my neck, her inhale followed by a sigh. “You smell really nice. Kind of Christmas-y.”

“Roasted chestnuts.”

“That’s what it is,” she agreed. “I was trying to figure it out. Why don’t I feel as panicked about you being a scent match as I did with the others?”

“My scent is magic like that. It’s always been relaxing for people, and one of the reasons I went into being a paramedic.”

“Oh. Okay. I didn’t mean to cry all over everyone.”

“Don’t even worry about it. You’re keeping us all on our toes. Do you want to snuggle in and I’ll get your drinks and ice?”

She mumbled something I didn’t quite catch.

“What was that, sweetness?”

“Would you stay?” She said it so quietly I could barely make out the words. “This is the first time I’ve felt calm for hours. If I’m by myself, I’m going to overthink.”

“I can absolutely stay with you. Let me catch everyone up and get some food ordered. I’ll be right back,” I promised. “Feel free to climb under the blankets if you want.”

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