Page 73 of Whatever It Takes

In no way do I want to spend a second night on that fucking couch.

“Yeah, we really only need one,” he says, shrugging. “We’re both bonded to Briar. Omegas like to have their pack safe and together in one place.” He snorts. “We’ll all be moving into the pack bedroom when we get back to Vermont. What did you think was going to happen?”

My head tilts.

I never gave it much thought. My family pack sleeps together in their pack bedroom and each of my fathers has their own bedroom they can retreat to if they need some space.

Christ.

I really should have put more thought into what it would be like blending into one big happy pack.

I need to find someone to murder. Having someone to take my anxiety out on will help reset my energy.

Briar is perfect, and she has to be on the verge of loving me by now…right? I’ve been obsessed with her since day one. I’m convinced obsession and possession are how I express my love.

“Once this is done, I want you on your computer,” I tell Calder. “It’s time we set up a completely new identity for Briar.Keep her first name and birthday the same, but I want a fully fabricated identity that won’t be questioned when you move to your next step.”

“What is my next step?” he asks, blinking profusely.

“I want my marriage certificate in hand by the time we make it back to Vermont. You’ve got a bond with Briar, and it’s only a matter of time before Keir does too. Whatever. I’ve accepted reality, but I want my marriage to Briar legalized now. Pack commitment licenses take three membersoutsideof the omega. I’ll leave it up to you to decide which option you prefer.”

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Keir

Briar is a snuggly little omega after whatever training Easton put her through while we were in town.

I feed her by hand, and she sits in my lap as we watch a movie. East and Calder tackle assembling the bed in one of the empty upstairs bedrooms. Once they’re done, they barrel down the stairs.

“I’ve got some work to handle,” Easton tells us, nodding. He takes off toward the hallway that leads to the downstairs bedroom.

Calder’s head bobbles up and down a few times, and he shoves his glasses up as they fall. “Me too. I mean, I have my own work to do. Do either of you need anything before I commit to that?”

“I’m good,” Briar says, running her hand over mine.

“Did you get our gift handled?” I ask, being purposely vague.

Calder smirks. “I did, and it’s pretty impressive.” He comes over, bends down, and kisses the squirmy little omega whose ass is still planted on my dick. “I hope you enjoy it. It’s from Keir and me.”

Briar laughs. “I’m sure I’ll love it.”

He stands and heads off, while I’m still contemplating how sketchy he and Easton have been acting for the last hour or two.

Whatever.

At least they’re preoccupied with something, leaving me and Briar to enjoy our alone time. Once the movie credits roll, I intend to take Briar up to lounge the rest of the day away.

Briar’s head tilts as she studies the contraption Calder and I found at the specialty store in Blacksburg. “This is my courting gift? I mean, it’s great. I just have no idea what it is.”

A low chuckle escapes as I slide up behind her, planting my hand on her soft stomach. “It’s a portable nest. It’s for those who don’t have one in their house or apartment but need a solution.”

It looks a little like a tent with straps that go under the mattress to hold it in place. It’s also tall enough that someone my size can knee-walk around the bed without taking off the top of their head. There’s a zipper panel on the side for climbing in and out, and if Easton and Calder did their jobs, it should be set up like a full nest in there.

“I had no idea they even made those things,” Briar says softly. “That’s really thoughtful of you guys.”

I kiss her temple from behind, nuzzling my cheek to hers. “I did some research, and there’s no telling when your full-blown heat will start, especially since you’re coming off long-term suppressant use. It could happen all at once, or you could continue to have irregular waves while your system gets used to the new normal without the medication in mix. If it makes you claustrophobic, we can pull it off in less than five minutes, but it’s here if you’d like to use it.”

“That’s a great gift.” Her fingers run over my hand as she speaks. “Seriously, it’s so thoughtful.”

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