Page 65 of Dream Mates
Armed with more snacks, courtesy of Lexi picking up a grocery order for us, all seven of us piled onto the couch in the movie nook, a tangle of limbs and blankets, as we dimmed the lights, and settled in.
Like yesterday, all our scents tangled in a soothing concoction. Only this time, Riley was here.
Everyone was all here. It was perfect.
Chapter Sixteen
Jett
“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?” Brennan asked as I laced up my hiking boots.
I rolled my eyes. Brennan had been in full-on overprotective alpha mode since Evan’s heat ended. While charming, it was also wearing on me.
“This is a hike that Evan and Wes can go on, it’sfine.” It was sort of funny that the two members of our pack that were ex-military were the worst hikers. Even Riley was better.
“Just checking. Do you need to take tomorrow off and come back with them instead of returning with me tonight?” Brennan sat next to me on the bed, dressed for our hike in cargo pants and an athletic shirt that showed off his muscles.
“Fuck no. I’m looking forward to a drive back all alone with you.” I gave him a kiss. “Dinner alone with you.” I gave him another. “Having the house to ourselves all night long.”
The last kiss was lingering, a promise. While he’d gone out of his way to make time for me here, it would be nice to have complete privacy.
“Mmmm. I like the sound of that. Maybe we can stop for dinner at that little Italian place? The one with the patio?” he offered. “Share a bottle of chianti and some tiramisu.”
“That sounds great.” I finished tying my shoes and we went downstairs where Riley, Evan, and Wes waited in the living room.
Everyone was dressed pretty much the same as us, only Riley’s boots were black, and she wore makeup and big earrings.
Grace was curled in the alcove with Spencer as they watched a documentary on something sciency. They waved at us as we left, Evan and Wes giving her kisses.
We piled in the car and drove to the trailhead. Riley was very talkative, but Wes was quiet. As we started our hike Wes lagged and kept checking his phone, frowning. I hung back with him, as Brennan and Evan chased Riley up the trail.
“She’s with Spence, she’ll be fine,” I assured him, trying to set him at ease. He really hadn’t been away from her since she’d come back.
Wes’ frown deepened. “I know. That’s the problem.”
Oh. What?
“Did they mate, and I not realize it?” That’s all I could think of. Wes and Spencer were like brothers.
“No, but they’re fucking now.” His fresh laundry scent became bitter.
“Now? They weren’t fucking before?” My head tilted.
Wes shook his head. “They were having fun playing games. But, I guess while we were up here, everything changed.”
“Oh, I would have thought after he gave her the motorcycle–” I stopped as pain filled Wes’ face. “Hey, if you’re not okay with it, talk to them.”
“And be the asshole? I’ve already said that I was fine with it. And I was. When he got her the motorcycle, him planning a special trip for her, even when they were on the boat. But then, suddenly, I’m not and I don’t know why.” He raked his hair with his hand. “I should be fine with it. But…”
“Wes, Grace isn’t going to love you less, or not want to spend time with you, just because she has Spencer, too,” I assured, kicking a rock out of the middle of the trail. “If you’re feeling neglected, talk to her.”
His head hung. “Everyone can take care of her better than me apparently. Bren gave me a fucking lecture. Sure, he’s been with female omegas before, but Grace ismine. I know her better than anyone else.”
Wow. He was still blaming himself for shit he couldn’t control.
“Youdo.After all, she’s your scent match. No one can care for her like you can. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be a learning curve–for you, for her, for all of us.”
He pouted, picking up a rock and throwing it at a tree. “So even you can take care of her better than me.”
