Page 73 of Dubious Match
He’s big on consent, which means that I’ll be in control of what happens, and my body will be forced to heal before I’ll go into heat. It doesn’t mean that my body won’t force me to heal faster than normal in an effort to get a knot or four.
Being an omega is very confusing.
“Doesn’t change the fact that you need to stay with someone,” Malcolm reminds me.
“Hollis, not to be a knot block, but you do have a choice,” Caleb says. “Lars and I will take care of you, feed you, and make sure you’re good to go.”
The growls in the room increase and I groan.
“Or I could just take her home with me,” Cian says. “Don’t make this more complicated than it has to be. Hollis, you choose.”
Four pairs of puppy dog eyes meet mine, and something inside of me, the vulnerable omega side, decides that she wants her alphas. Ugh. I really need to talk to them about things and why I’m so skittish.
In the grand scheme of things, I’ve avoided opportunities to be happy. I never choose myself, and the alphas of Pack Ledger are good men. This once, I’m going to choose myself. It doesn’t mean I don’t miss my baby sister any less.
Right?
“I want a tray of Lars’ lemon squares,” I say. “I want my clothes and things too. I’ll agree to stay with Pack Ledger then.”
“Do you want brownies too?” Lars asks, laughter in his gaze. I’m pouting while trying to be an adult.
“Maybe throw them in for good measure,” Brice says softly. “Thank you, Hollis. I really need to take care of you. I’m freaking the fuck out that you’re so hurt.”
“With that decided, I will leave you be,” Cian says, standing. “I’m going to check in regularly, though. If you all fuck up with her, I’ll bury you under my garden.”
“It wouldn’t be the first person under there,” I say without thinking. “Ugh, I think my medicine is kicking in.”
Cian snickers with a shrug. “Thanks for the street cred, kid.”
“Brice, stay with her,” Malcolm says. “I have a feeling they won’t let us all stay.”
“We’re staying,” Caleb says. “Pretty sure I don’t care what the hospital says.”
“You’re on guard duty,” Cian says as he leaves. “You two don’t count as guests. If anything comes up, let me know.”
“Yes, sir,” Lars says.
Malcolm presses his lips carefully against my forehead before leaving, while Remy and Felix don’t know if they should touch me or not as they say goodbye.
“I’m a mess,” I say gently. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“I’m so sorry, Holis,” Felix whispers. “I grabbed you water, and by the time I was able to get back, you were gone.”
There’s nothing I can say to make him feel better, so I simply nod. I hate that they blame themselves for this. It wasn’t their fault.
The brothers trail out sadly, and Lars closes the door behind them. Ugh. I have a feeling Brice has an earful for me.
“Do you think the bed will break if I get in it?” he asks, surprising me.
“What?” I ask, laughter coating my tone.
“Your ears aren’t broken,” he grunts.
“I don’t think it’ll break, but you may break me,” I tease him.
“Fuck, I’m going to have to risk it,” he says.
I don’t know how, but he manages to lift my body so that he can get in behind me to cradle my body with his. I have to admit, it’s much better than when I was alone in bed. Humming under my breath, I breathe in his sweet scent, his chest the perfect pillow. If my face didn’t hurt so much, I would scent mark the fuck out of him.
