Page 104 of Where There's Smoke
“Sounds about right!” I laughed.
Our little bubble popped when other people started coming up to say hello. Melody was quickly absorbed in conversations about the rescue. Watching her speak about what she wanted to do to protect animals and give them the best chance in life made my chest burn with appreciation for just how wonderful an omega we had somehow found.
Damn, we’re lucky.
“What the fuck did we do to deserve her?” Samson asked with a chuckle as he watched her talk animatedly to Sunny and a firefighter from Sixteen, Dotty in her arms and receiving enough pets to last her for a while.
“Ha, I was just thinking the same thing. We’re lucky assholes, that’s for sure.”
“There's something to be said about having an omega in the firehouse, isn't there?” Walker Landry said as he walked up to us, greeting us with a half hug.
“I hate to admit it, but you might be right.” Elliot laughed, his eyes locked on Melody.
A black sedan pulled up outside of the station, and I glanced over, thinking it was another visitor. When Chord Smokestepped out of the car, Melody squeaked in happiness and ran over to him, throwing her arms around him.
“You came!” she exclaimed happily.
“Of course, I did. Your guys told me about what they were doing with the rescue, and I had to see it for myself.”
“I would show you around, but I haven't even seen it for myself yet!” Melody smiled so big as she shook her head. I could watch her for hours.
Chord stepped back from the hug, nodding. “We can look together later.”
“Did you come all the way out here for this, though?” Melody asked in disbelief. “That’s a hell of a drive.”
“Good to see you, dude,” I greeted, shaking Chord’s hand.
“Same,” he replied before turning to Melody. “Well, of course, I had to come see your new place, but actually, Lilia and I are considering moving out here. I thought I should take a look at some real estate while I’m in town.”
Melody started, utterly shocked for a moment by her brother’s words before another squeal left her chest, and she threw her arms around him in another joyful hug.
“That would be so amazing! Why, though? I thought you loved New York?”
“So the baby can get to know their Aunt Melody, of course.”
“Of course.” I shook my head, smiling at the thought of my niece or nephew. “But I know that’s not all. Tell me.”
Chord grimaced, putting his hand on the back of his head to muss up his hair. “Honestly, ever since Reed got arrested, our parents have become insufferable, and I think you had the right idea moving across the country. Plus, there’s the entire conspiracy to commit arson thing they’re dealing with, and they still think I’m willing to defend them because, clearly, their delusions know no bounds.”
Melody winced, reeling back slightly. “Conspiracy to commit arson? What the hell does that mean?”
“It means that since our folks put so much pressure on Reed to do ‘anything’ it took to get you home, and the way they were obsessed with you mating that pack, they are at least partly responsible for Reed’s actions. Yeah, he’s using it as a bit of a defense, but honestly, I’m kind of okay with it if it means that theyallface some jail time. Plus, there’s not much Reed can do to get out of the attempted murder charge.”
We’d been dealing with the fallout of Reed’s attack on our end too. Melody had been a champ, working with the lawyers and police about what happened that day. Her statements had been pretty damning, and in a weird silver lining, Melody’s injuries actually supported her words. She had the burns to prove she was trapped inside the building, and Reed’s prints were all over the place.
“Wow.” Melody looked down for a moment, but then pulled herself upright, smiling at her brother. “You know, I agree. And we’re going to put all that behind us. So, say no more. I'm pretty sure the guys have several beers on ice. I think it’s about time we get you one of those. And you’re more than welcome to stay with us while you’re looking for a place.”
Chord grinned, visibly relaxing as the siblings headed off toward the firehouse. They’d both been through a lot in their lives, and seeing them together was damn incredible. I was proud of Melody and all she’d done.
Throwing his arm over his sister’s head, Chord replied, “I thought you would never offer.”
All I could do was smile. Because, apparently, sometimes where there’s smoke, there wasn’t just fire. There was also the love of your life and the start of something incredible.
Chapter 50
Melody
Four Weeks Later
