Page 3 of Pack Favero

“We’re prepping her for surgery, but I wanted to let you know what room number she will be in for her recovery,” the nurse explains sweetly, smiling at Zira with compassion. “Would you like to wait in her room?”

Setting my heart on fire in the best way possible, Zira turns to look at me with a questioning expression, and I smile at her. “We’ll be right here if you need us, okay? You’re not alone.”

“Oh. Are you her pack?” the nurse asks suddenly.

“Yes, we are,” Laz answers just as quickly, and I widen my eyes at Zira in hopes that she’ll go along with it for just a moment.

“Then please, follow me. Miss Favero needs her family now more than ever, so packmates are welcome to stay with their bonded for emotional support,” the nurse explains while she leads us to a room that will house Mother Favero while she recovers from whatever caused this hospital visit and surgery.

“Thank you. We couldn’t possibly be apart from our little lady,” Laz croons, playing the part to perfection. I’d question him if Zira hadn’t claimed my hand in hers and squeezed tightenough that I’m sure she’s cutting off circulation to my fingers. I couldn’t care less. I’d lose each finger with easy acceptance if it meant she never let go.

“Then by all means, make yourselves comfortable here. We’ll update you all when we have more to share,” the nurse offers, guiding us into a sterile and clean room before departing again, leaving Zira alone with Laz and me.

As soon as the door shuts behind her, I’m tugging Zira close once more, tucking her beneath my arm as I rub my hand up and down her bare arm. She remains silent, almost like she’s in too much of a daze to do much else than exist, and so I allow her to simply be for a little while. When she finally sighs, and leans further into me, I gently drop my chin to the top of her head and ask, “Do you need anything, Freckles? Something to eat or drink?”

I feel her shake her head before she quietly mutters, “I’m fine, thank you.”

“I’d say you were far from it, darling. You look pale. I’ll go fetch you a tea,” Laz informs, before striding out the room like a man on a mission.

Silence follows his departure for a long moment until Zira finally asks, “Who is that and why is he pretending to be my pack?”

I snort and sigh against her head before muttering, “That would be Lazarus Sharpe. Charming Englishman, excellent caretaker, and your new packmate.”

Zira blanches, turning impossibly paler, and I almost regret the words as soon as they slip free until she says, “Packmate. I didn’t know you had a pack.”

I smile softly, because there’s a great deal Zira Favero doesn’t know about me and my family, and I quietly tell her, “There’s three more where that one came from. I didn’t mention it because you seemed a little overwhelmed every time I wasnear.”

I pull back just in time to see her blush, a slight sweetness returning to her scent. It’s faint, but there, and it gives me hope for the future.

“You’re intense. Any sane person would be overwhelmed,” she mutters with another sigh, and I crack the first grin that stretches my lips over my teeth since the last time I saw her. Before I can reply, she wipes her hand over her face, removing the wetness of her tears as she says, “You don’t have to stay, though. I’m perfectly capable of being by myself while I wait. I’m sure you both have better things to do with your time.”

“Wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, Freckles,” I assure her instantly, leading her to a seat and claiming the one beside her. “We’re here until you don’t want us to be, okay?”

Her body deflates, almost like she was hoping I’d say as much without her asking for it, and I hold my hand out for her to take. She does, sliding her smaller hand against my palm, and links her fingers with mine. I place them both on my stomach, hugging her hand to my body, and she seems to relax that little bit further, seeking the comfort I’m willingly providing.

Eventually, Laz returns with three cups of tea, handing one to Zira first before offering me the second. Once he sits down, he smiles softly at Zira and says, “Drink. It’ll make you feel better.”

Funnily enough, she does, taking a cautious sip of her hot drink and sighing.

“It’s not as good as the tea I make, but the hospital is limited on options, I’m afraid,” Laz jokes, lips twitching when Zira huffs with amusement.

“It’s fine. Thank you,” she breathes sweetly, hand clenching in mine and she leans into my side. “I already told Barnes, but I’ll tell you the same. Don’t feel like you have to stay.”

“I’m rather content where I am, but should that change, I’ll waltz myself right out of those doors,” he jokes, and Zira hums, taking another sip of her drink before falling silent, leaving behind the ticking of the clock that hangs above the door.

It only lasts a short while before Zira mutters, “I have no idea how I’m going to pay for whatever surgery she needs.”

“Don’t worry about it,” I answer, intending to do whatever necessary to ensure Zira is taken care of. If that means taking care of her mom by extension, then I’m willing to do what needs to be done. “Just worry about your mom getting better. Everything else will sort itself out.”

I share a look with Laz as Zira falls silent once more, a conversation spoken between us without the use of words. He nods, and Laz stands, softly excusing himself. I know he’s going to fix whatever bills need paying for Zira, and I hope she doesn’t get too mad about it. The last time I paid for something resulted in a prickly omega that cold shouldered me for two days. It was a sandwich, too. Apparently, the omega has a prideful streak a mile wide, but she doesn’t know that my pack and I are wealthy beyond reason. We have more than enough money to spend, and what better way to spend it than on medical bills for the woman that is occupying more than every waking thought I have.

When Zira yawns loudly, I offer, “Why don’t you rest a little. I’ll wake you if we hear anything.”

“Are you sure you want to stay?” she asks instead, and I huff a laugh.

“I’m right where I want to be, Freckles,” I reassure, squeezing her hand in what I hope is a comforting manner. “Try and sleep. I’ll stay right here with you, and I’ll let you know if we have any updates.”

Without putting up much more of a fight, Zira does exactly that, nuzzling her face into my shoulder before her breaths even out, her scent softening into its usually sweet-and-creamy banana-split fragrance I’ve grown obsessed with.

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