Page 49 of Claiming the Pack's Omega
God, I wish I could be carefree like a little kid.
“I have no idea what you’ve had to go through all these years,” Mom whispers, stroking my hair. “But you’re so strong. You’ve always been so strong, I’m so sorry I didn’t see what you were going through.”
“Don’t—don’t apologize, Mom, it’s not your fault you didn’t know.”
I basically did everything I could to keep her from finding out. From anyone in my family finding out.
I feel Dad’s strong arms wrap around the both of us, his thunderstorm scent swirling in a protective cloud.
“Are—are you guys disappointed in me?” I whisper, keeping my face buried in Mom’s shirt.
“Hell no,” Dad whispers. “We’re just glad you’re safe now.”
I finally have the courage to lift my head and look up at both of them. “Are—are you guys happy about the house?”
They glance at each other, sharing a look that normal-me would be able to decipher in a split second. But I’m tired.
“This house is beautiful,” Mom says. “And of course we’re grateful, we both just wish it didn’t have to come at the cost of you.”
I shrug, flashing them a watery smile. “It’s okay, I’m just glad you like it.”
I can’t bring myself to say I’m used to it. That would tear them apart.
“You should get ready for bed,” My dad says, squeezing my shoulder. “Your sister is waiting for you in the room at the end of the hall.”
“Okay, goodnight guys,” I say, taking one last breath, soaking in their hug before pulling away.
I grab my two duffel bags and make my way to the bedroom at the end of the hall. Daisy is back in her pajamas, splayed out on the queen sized bed.
She lifts her head up at me, blinking sleepily.
“I’ll be in bed soon,” I whisper. “Just gotta get ready and get off this makeup.”
“Okay,” she says, smiling at me before yawning and closing her eyes.
I grab a pair of pajama shorts and an old t-shirt and go to the bathroom down the hall. When I’m all done getting ready for bed, I head back and slide into bed next to Daisy.
“I love you,” She murmurs.
“Love you too, peanut.”
I stare up at the ceiling. I’m so tempted to grab my phone and scroll, I’m not super tired yet. Normally, I prepare to stay up a lot later than three in the morning on nights I’m supposed to be working.
The door creaks open and I sit up in bed, the unexpected noise in the unfamiliar room setting me on edge.
I relax when I see the outline of my brother.
“Hey, Eli,” I whisper. “What’s up?”
He shuffles over to the bed. “Can—can I sleep with you guys tonight? I know I’m old now?—”
“You’re never too old for something like that,” I say, interrupting him. “Come on in.”
I scoot over and lift up the comforter for him to come in. He reaches for my hand and I give him a little squeeze.
“The other room just felt too big,” he says.
“Yeah, I get that.”
