Page 40 of My Knotty Mountain Men

“Soooo,” Rylee says, swinging her arms back and forth. “What happens now?”

We all kind of just look at one another.

“Well, I’m having a baby,” I throw in, looking at my best friends. “These are my scent matches. The fathers of my kid. I don’t want to be away from them again.” I bite my lower lip, tears welling in my eyes. I turn to the guys. “But I have a job, a life back in Calling Wood. I don’t know if I can just give it up.”

“You can, and you will.” Jenny nods her head. “You know Tia has been doing amazing at helping out. She will be more than happy to take on your job until they find someone to replace you.”

Tia is a sweet, feisty little red-headed Omega that reminds me a lot of Jenny. She’s also pregnant, due to have her first soon. She’s been attending Calling Wood well past the first year most Omega’s who find their packs do.

She’s one of the rare ones who wants to get an education and stand on their own. I admire that, and she has a pack that’s super supportive of her wants and dreams.

Her Beta, Knox, used to work with Jenna. So, we’ve seen each other outside of school on a few occasions.

When I brought up the plans I had to change, to improve, the matching program Tia was interested in helping me.

She’s been working for me part time ever since. I don’t think she’s going to make a career out of it like I have, but I could see her sticking with it while she’s at Calling Wood.

“But what about you girls?” I ask, tears breaking free. I don’t want to leave my friends. They’re a very big part of my life. Hell, they are my life.

Now, I have new people to make a life with. My pack. Fuck. They are part of my pack in some ways, right? We’ve made our own little family.

But it’s not the pack we all need in the end. I know Rylee wants her own Alphas, Jenna is aching to join a pack, and Jenny is an amazing Alpha. Any Omega would be lucky to have her as theirs.

I can’t hold onto them like this forever. Our friendship won’t change if I’m not there every day, it’s too strong for that.

“It’s not like you’re never going to see us again. Hope you don’t mind, but we plan on coming back here and living in this cabin during the summer months and any breaks.” Rylee shrugs. “You’re stuck with us, babe. We’re not going anywhere.”

“Spring break is only what, a month or two away. Then it’s another two months without seeing one another, then we get you for a whole summer,” Jenna says.

“And you know we’re going to come back once this baby is born,” Jenny reminds.

“I love you,” I sob, stepping out of Thomas’ hold to give my girls a group hug.

I don’t deserve them, but I’m so damn lucky I have them.

“Come, sit,” Jenna instructs. “You’ve had a long day, lots of emotions.”

“And you haven’t been able to keep anything down. I’ll make you some soup,” Jenny says, stepping forward.

“I’ll do it,” Both Thomas and Aiden say.

Jenny stops, cocking a brow at the two Alphas in a stare-off. “Bit of advice. Don’t fight over taking care of your Omega. It’s only going to upset her. Just take turns.”

“Fine,” Thomas says. “You can make the food.”

Aiden grins, puffing out his chest. I smile, loving how happy he is just to make me food.

“Because I get cuddles,” Thomas chuckles, scooping me up. I laugh, wrapping my arms around his shoulders as he brings me over to the couch, sitting me down on his lap.

Grinning like a love-sick fool, I snuggle into Thomas. I don’t realize I’m rubbing my cheek against his chest until I see Nolan looking at me with soft adoration. “What?” I ask him, smiling.

“You’re scenting him,” Nolan chuckles.

“And she can do it as much as she pleases,” Thomas defends, his chest vibrating with his husky voice.

I could listen to them talk all day.

I think it’s safe to say I’m hooked.

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