Page 69 of Knot Her Cowboys
“Should I not be happy after getting railed and cuddled?” She buttoned her jean shorts up and popped her bra back on. “That’s kind of the basic recipe to please an omega, isn’t it?”
“It is,” I agreed. “I guess I’m just not used to a reaction that big.”
“You fucking a lot of omegas to know that?” It was impossible to not notice the tightness around her eyes.
“Not particularly. Would you be jealous if I was?”
She pouted like I had caught her with her hand in the cookie jar. “Maybe. Are you jealous I’ve had alphas before this pack?”
“The only part of that I care about is if you were treated well. I’m not jealous by nature, maybe a bit envious, but I try to put my trust in fate.”
She cupped my face, drawing me into a sweltering kiss that had my body waking up all over again. “I knew I liked you.”
“The crying and fucking didn’t clue you in to that earlier?”
Riley laughed, locking her arms around my chest. “It did, but now it’s double confirmed. Can we stop for a fancy coffee in town?”
“We can stop for whatever you want.”
Once we were back on the road, she switched on the radio, adorably singing along and dancing in her seat. It was a little unfair of the universe to make her so perfect. I had never been able to specifically parse a list of qualities I’d wanted in a partner, but each one she displayed added itself, making itendlessly clear that—scent match or not—she was who I had been waiting for.
I pulled to a stop outside the county clerk’s office, and we walked through the doors, patiently waiting in line to be served. Riley anxiously bounced from foot to foot until I looped my arm around her waist.
“Nervous?”
“I’ll feel better once I have the proof.”
“Do you think you’ll want help navigating the banks or anything else to deal with it?”
Riley shrugged. “I’m not doing any of that. She didn’t have anything when I left, and I doubt she had anything when she died. Plus, it’s been enough years I don’t think it would matter anyway. I just want to be able to pull out the certificate and remind myself she’s really gone.”
“Fair enough.”
We were greeted by a young beta with bright blonde hair. “Welcome to the Department of Vital Records. I’m Brenda. How can I help you?”
“I’d like a copy of the death certificate for Darlene Fletcher, please. I’m her daughter.”
“ID, please.”
Riley showed her driver’s license and Brenda nodded, tapping away on her keyboard.
“Hmm, I’m not seeing any recent records for Darlene Fletcher. When did she pass?”
“About three years ago.”
Brenda’s eyes widened. “Taking your sweet time, I see. All right. Hmm, there really is nothing. Let me go ask my supervisor. The system glitches all the time.” She bustled off, returning with a middle-aged woman who had Riley stiffening next to me.
“Holy shit on a stick. Riley?” The woman peered at Riley through wire glasses.
“Who’s that?” I whispered to Riley.
“Angela. She’s the one who told me Mom was dead.”
“What are you doing here, honey? You’re back from New York?”
“We’re trying to find the death certificate for her mom, but nothing is coming up in the system,” Brenda explained. “It’s been finicky since they did that update.”
“What on earth are you talking about?” Angela asked, staring at Riley. “Your mom’s not dead. I just saw her yesterday.”
