Page 72 of Talk About… Secrets
“No, you aren’t,” he said, shaking his head. “Those aren’t the only articles. I saved one the other day. Here.”
He opened it up and handed over his phone. It was a cute picture of me holding Drew’s hand, leaning into him as we laughed together. One of those candid shots that somehow captured a perfect moment.
The title read:Former Football Player Finds His Mate
It was an article talking about how happy he looked, about his career, and how he had talked about wanting to find the mate he lost a long time ago.
“That was one of the last interviews I did,” he said. “I already knew I was going to find you, Grace, and I did. Don’t let those assholes get to you. They meannothing. I guarantee it’s just some petty ex trying to spread misinformation about you to feel better. At the end of the day, who got those men?”
“Me,” I said, a smile tipping the edge of my lips. “You’re all mine.”
“Damn straight we are,” he said. “You landed a former football player and three of the most successful businessmen inthe state. Hell, in the country. Let the petty, miserable, jealous omegas say what they want. It doesn’t change a damn thing.”
I let out a sigh and leaned forward, resting my forehead against his and breathing in his earthy scent. It helped settle me even more. I didn’t feel like crying anymore. Even the anger had simmered down.
It was crazy how just being in their presence, breathing them in, and letting our bonds stay open always settled me so quickly.
The front door opened and the rest of my mates came in. Beck was rubbing his chest, and the other two were looking around, almost frantic.
“We felt something through the bonds,” Beckett said as he came forward. “What happened?”
I looked at Drew and nodded for him to go ahead. He explained quickly about the tabloids, my reaction, and his reassurances.
“You are ours, Grace. And nothing is changing that,” Beckett said. “I’ll keep telling you as many times as you need to hear it.”
“Well, now that we’ve left the business in the capable hands of our assistant, I say we play hooky for the rest of the day,” Cade said. “I needed out of that building in the worst way. And our omega might need some cheering up.”
“You know what sounds so good right now?” I said, rubbing my stomach. I wasn’t far enough along to really be showing, I just looked a little bloated, but it was a habit I found myself doing more and more.
“Tell me it’s a craving,finally,” Spencer said, lighting up. That man couldn’t wait for me to have one.
“Actually, yes,” I admitted. “I amdyingfor some mozzarella sticks and cheesecake. I swear I don’t want to eat themtogether, I just want them both.”
“We can make that happen. How about we go out to eat?”
“Perfect,” I said, lighting up. I rushed upstairs to get ready, putting on another sundress, extremely happy I had a whole closet full of them. At least until it got colder. Then it was big, fluffy sweaters all the way.
We were out the door in five minutes, my stomach rumbling and ready for the treat.
We were about halfway through the yard when I heard it. A tiny mewing, high-pitched and distressed. I froze, the guys still talking and not noticing at first that I’d fallen behind.
Spencer was the first to turn around and walk back toward me, looking confused. I held a finger to my lips, and he walked up silently, looking around and listening.
Then we both heard it. His eyes widened, and we started looking around, trying to find the source.
We began walking toward the big backyard that backed into the nearby field. There were a few fallen logs near the edge. I walked that way first, thinking they might need somewhere to hide.
There, nestled in a hollow portion, was a torn burlap sack. It had been torn open and three little kittens blinked up at me.
From their skin and bones bodies, they definitely needed some help.
“Do you think they have a mama nearby?” I asked, glancing around.
I hadn’t realized the guys had come up behind me, but Drew gave me a reassuring squeeze. “I’ll call the local shelter and see if they picked up a pregnant cat.”
He stepped away to make the phone call while Beckett gently dragged me back.
“You don’t need to get all scratched up, omega. Let us handle this part.”
