Page 93 of Where There's Smoke
Chapter 45
Melody
Reed
Look, we can’t keep delaying. You need to come home. You’re stressing Mom out. I thought you would be responsible and stop us from having to get the authorities involved.
Istared at my phone disbelievingly.
“Everything okay?” Elliot asked as he handed me a slice of pizza. Our little pack was in the den, watching some boring documentary and eating copious amounts of pizza.
Fitz and Samson were debating about historical artillery, so they hadn’t noticed me responding to the text. Elliot, on the other hand, was next to me, his arm thrown over the back of the couch where I sat, legs tugged underneath me. I had no doubt that he'd seen the text message, but he was still asking me.
“My brother is just continuing to be an ass,” I muttered, turning off my phone screen.
“Have you told him that, legally, you don't have to come back?”
I bit my lip. “I've been putting it off,” I admitted in a whisper.
“How come?”
I sighed, nuzzling into his side. His arm moved from the back of the couch, wrapping me up in his embrace. Pressing my nose into his chest, I inhaled his deep, rich, minty scent, easing the lingering tension with just Elliot’s presence.
“I've been enjoying the aftermath of bonding and didn't really want to ruin it with him.”
Elliot chuckled, my entire body moving as his chest jiggled with laughter. “Yeah, I get that. Unfortunately, another day or two, and we're going to have to get back to real life.”
I groaned, pressing my face deeper into his chest. “I don’t wanna,” I mumbled, knowing how ridiculous I sounded but unable to care.
We’d been living in a little post-bonding bubble for nearly two days, and I didn't want it to end. The other guys at the fire station had left us to our own devices, so it had been just our little pack, eating, snuggling, and doing…otherthings.
I was surprised I could still walk, honestly.
“Unfortunately, we can't avoid it. We've got to go back on shift soon.” Elliot kissed the top of my head. “As much as I wouldn’t mind spending more time with you indefinitely.”
I sighed, an overdramatic sound that had Elliot chuckling again. “I also have to get back to work. Everything's just been so peaceful the last few days.”
“It's been pretty perfect,” Elliot agreed, cupping my face, forcing me to look at him.
Our eyes held, my entire being zeroed in on my broody pack lead and the way he oozed care for me. His lips brushed over mine gently, this quiet acknowledgement of how much we wanted to stay here and how we both knew reality was waiting. I could feel the way he supported me through his touch, which helped to bolster me.
Pouting, I looked down at my phone. “I guess I better tell them.”
“Just put your phone on silent after you send it. We can watch that horse movie you’ve been talking about,” he offered.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Elliot Wilder, are you bribing me?”
He smirked, pulling me closer. “That depends—is it working?”
“Maybe,” I grumbled, pulling away with a smirk and picking up my phone.
Melody
Actually, you have no reason to get the authorities involved. As of a few days ago, I am officially part of Pack Wilder, and you have no say in the matter when it comes to a bonded omega. While I appreciate your concern, I can ensure you that I am very happy and looking forward to settling down with my pack.
I didn't appreciate his concern, if I was honest. It was a thinly veiled attempt to be polite, and I was sure he understood how angry I was. After all, he practically wrote the book on passive aggressive behavior.
The message had been sent for only a few seconds before dots came up on my screen. My stomach twisted and turned as my pulse ticked up. I’d really just told Reed off, my parents by extension, and I knew there was going to be serious fallout. But I did what the fire chief said and put my cell on silent. It was done, and I couldn’t go back now.
