Page 72 of Where There's Smoke
“I almost envy you because I could use a distraction like that.” There was the hint of innuendo in his voice, but I could see the sympathy radiating from his stare. Chord clearly knew that finding out I was an omega had been anything but a cakewalk.
“It’s been a lot,” I admitted, nibbling on a slice. “But I’ve started to adapt. Pack Wilder has been amazing.”
“And you’re dating them?”
“Kind of. We haven’t really labeled it yet, but…” I dropped my stare to the table, eyeing the supreme pizza I’d ordered. “Would that be a problem?”
Chuckling, Chord reached across the table and took my hand. I looked up at him, and the soft honesty of his smile eased my nerves a bit.
“Not with me. Mom and Dad might have something to say about it. But you know, screw them. They’ve been dicks to us for wanting our own lives, and I’d worry that if they knew everything going on, they’d find a way to use it to their advantage.”
I thought of how Fitz came from a wealthy family, and Chord was right. If they knew about Fitz’s money, they’d be on the first plane out, seeing if they could milk him for all he was worth. I couldn’t let that happen. I wasn’t sure just how rich his familywas, but the pack’s house certainly suggested he’d been raised with significant money.
“You’re not wrong,” I agreed, nodding. “So, let’s keep that detail between us, shall we? I care about the guys. I really do. And I think they care about me. I don’t want our parents to ruin that.”
“I’m totally on board.”
Chord grinned, and we kept chatting over old memories and silly stuff from our lives, catching up. It felt so great to talk to Chord again, and we found a familiar connection, one I was glad hadn’t diminished because of the distance. As lunch wrapped up, we hugged and said our goodbyes. Chord had business in town, and he needed to prepare for a dinner with clients. My little brother was off, living his dream, and I was proud of him.
“I wish you could stay longer.” I squeezed tight before letting go and settling down on my feet again.
“Me too. It’s been nice. Alas, duty calls. But I’m glad you’re doing well. I’m really happy that you have people in your life who care for you, something that’s pretty damn clear to me based on the reaction I got at the firehouse.”
We both laughed. “Yeah, they’re something, all right.”
“Let’s not be strangers. I’ll be better at texting, and you can always message me to chat.”
I smiled, genuinely touched. “I like that idea. Thank you, Chord.”
“Eh.” He waved me off before yanking me under his arm and digging his knuckles into my scalp like when we were kids. “I love my sister, and I’m here to look out for her. Even if that means taking the bullet with our parents.”
Groaning, I playfully shoved him off me, and then we hugged again. “Thank you, again. I’ll definitely text you.”
“You better.” Chord kissed the top of my head and then made for the door. “Talk soon, Melly. If you need anything, a place to stay or cash, just call me.”
“Bye!” I called out, waving. I was ready to go back to the firehouse and chat with the pack about all this, but it’d been nice to have one-on-one time with my brother. If only both of them were so cool.
Chapter 35
Fitz
“Ican’t believe they sent Chord to check up on me!”
“So, I guess it’s time we asked about your family in a bit more detail,” I said as Melody made herself a cup of tea.
“What do you want to know?” she grumbled, tossing a tea bag into the mug. She had seemed all right when she first got back, but the tension had been visibly growing in her, and now Melody was a veritable storm cloud, ready to crack thunder and start a downpour.
Elliot walked up behind her, gently taking the mug out of her hand and guiding her toward the table, taking over the task. She muttered quietly to herself but did as he silently requested.
“I guess… we want to know everything,” I said, doing my best to keep my voice calm. I didn’t want to push her, but there was obviously something going on.
“My family is a bunch of assholes, so I moved across the country to avoid them,” she said simply. “Except Chord.” Crossing her arms, she leaned back in the chair like a petulant child. It didn’t quite have the intimidating effect she probably hoped—it just made me smirk at how adorable she was.
“I think we’re going to need a bit more information than that,” Sam said as he went to the cabinet, grabbed a bag of candy, and opened it. He took one for himself before holding it out to Melody. She glowered at him for a moment before taking a whole handful.
He eyed her, and Melody sank into the chair with a sigh, her eyes closing. “I’m sorry. I just don’t like talking about them.”
I shrugged, walking over to the table and taking a seat across from her. “I can understand that. Some families are a real pain in the ass.”
