Page 11 of My Omega's Miracle

We both sat down, and I began cutting up the chicken, putting a leg and a breast on his plate and one on mine. “This smells delicious,” I said.

“Thanks. I do love to cook.” Noel wiped his brow with a napkin. “And clearly, I work up quite a sweat doing it. Is it hot in here to you?”

My brow furrowed. “I mean, it’s warm. We’ve got the fire going. I don’t feel too hot, though.” The thermostat had stayed the same temp throughout the day, only fluctuating by a few degrees when the wind really picked up.

“I guess standing around the stove didn’t help.” He picked up his glass of water and took a deep drink. I watched as his throat bobbed. A trickle of water went down his chin and neck. I wanted to lick it. Suddenly I was feeling the heat, only it had nothing to do with the temperature in the room.

“Did you cook for your pack?” I asked.

His mouth twisted as he set the glass back down. “I did, but I didn’t like it as much. Everyone complained about my cooking. I don’t mean to sound ungrateful. I did get to live there my whole life, but my family doesn’t really like me. It’s… it’s been tense. I’ve long ago given up the idea that they would accept me, but at least I could be of some use cooking, baking, and cleaning.”

“Don’t tell me you like cleaning,” I said, smiling. I wanted to loosen the mood. I yearned to know more about him, but didn’t wish to dampen the mood of the day by talking about how awful his family was. How could anyone complain about this cooking when it smelled this good? Even if it were bland and cold, I’d never complain about food that was prepared for me.

He laughed. “I don’t hate cleaning. It’s a necessary chore, and as long as you keep on top of it it’s not too bad. I do like organizing—taking a mess and bringing order to it. That’s kind of fun. Mopping floors and scrubbing toilets? Necessary, but not fun.”

“I get it. I’ve lived in a small house by myself for a few years, and honestly, I let it get a little too dirty before I finally clean it myself. Mom has offered to do it for me, but it just felt weird. I should take care of myself, you know?”

“There’s nothing wrong with accepting help, Garrick. You have a lot of responsibility, and I am sure there are times when your time would be better spent with your pack than cleaning your home.”

I grinned. My mom had made the same argument.

“When I return home, I’ll be moved into the main pack house—the one I grew up in. Since it is meant to be a central hub where all members of the pack are welcome, it is also maintained by all members of the pack. So I’ll be off the hook for cleaning for a while.”

“That’s a smart idea. Our Alpha’s house is large, like a mini-mansion, but you’re only allowed there by invitation. I’ve never been inside, but I’ve heard its grand.”

I ground my teeth together until my jaw hurt.

Noel tensed and the air in the room filled with the bitter scent of fear. “Is something wrong? I can eat somewhere else if you’d rather be alone. I know I can talk too much sometimes.” He went to stand, taking his plate with him.

My arm flew out, and I put a hand to his forearm. “Stay,” I said. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just… When I hear about how awful your pack was to you, I get angry. Not with you, Noel. Never with you. You shouldn’t have been treated that way, ever, and I’m sorry.”

His lips curled into a tentative smile, shy. He blinked at me from behind his thick frames. “Thank you, Garrick. I always thought it wasn’t right the way they were. I wondered sometimes if I deserved it, though. That maybe I had done something. Hearing that there are packs like yours and Alphas like you makes me happy.”

The fear scent that had my wolf on edge disappeared, and in its place was a peppermint and mocha scent I couldn’t quite place. Noel settled back into his chair and lifted his fork. “Did I mention that I made dessert also?”

I shook my head. “You didn’t.”

“There’s a cherry pie cooling in the kitchen.”

I was hungry. But not for pie. Each moment I spent with this omega had me longing for things I never thought I needed. A mate. An omega to call my own. One who would stand by my side and lead with me.

“That sounds amazing.”

Chapter 9

Noel

I went up to bed long after the sun had set. We had lost track of time decorating, talking, enjoying the meal that I made. Garrick gushed over the food. I wasn’t sure if he really liked it or if he was being kind, either way I appreciated it. I would take exaggerated compliments over no compliments. The food had been good. His mom had packed enough food for an army, and the items they had given me at the diner were not going to waste. The cherry pie had turned out delicious, and I wished I had ingredients to make another one. Garrick had eaten half of it.

I hoped the upstairs would be less warm than directly in front of the fire, but it seemed almost hotter up here.

Sweat dripped from my brow, though Garrick didn’t seem as affected by the heat of the cabin as I was. I had been roasting while I set up the tree.

I took a damp cloth and put it over my face and tried to sleep.

I was in only my boxers, with no blankets over me. I didn’t care if Garrick saw me, I was too hot to care.

Sleep came, but it was fitful and not at all restful. I dreamt of hands on me—but not violent hands. No, these were warm and kind, stroking my skin like I was some sort of prized possession. It was the kind of touch I’d never allowed myself to even think of having.

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