Page 15 of Choosing Their Omega

I take an educated guess. Biological family members tend to have similar scents, after all. Especially siblings. “Does Uncle Knox smell kind of like your mama?”

Ben nods. He clings tightly to my shirt.

“I get it. Here, let’s go for a ride.” I stand up with Ben still in my arms. “Up we go!”

He giggles a little and wraps his arms around my neck. I want to wrap my arms around this sweet boy tightly and never let him go, so that I always know he’s safe. I was older when Mom left. It hurt, of course it did, but at least I was old enough to understand what was going on.

Ben’s only three, that’s what Cruz said on the drive over. He can’t quite understand it all, not yet, and that has to make it all so much scarier.

I carry Ben out of the play room and into the foyer, looking around for Knox. I can’t hear anything in the direction of the kitchen anymore, but I head over there just in case.

Ben rests his head on my shoulder, his soft dark hair brushing against my neck and jaw, and I ache somewhere deep in my chest.

I’ve always liked kids, but it’s been a long time since I was a babysitter. Back then, I was too young to consider children of my own. I was more of a big sister figure. Since Grandma died, I’ve been too busy trying to survive and get out from under all of her medical debt. Not really any time to consider kids.

Now, it’s like that need, that idle ‘maybe someday’ daydream has come roaring back and I kind of want to cry over how right it feels to have a small, warm child in my arms, resting his head on my shoulder, trusting me.

I rub Ben’s back as I enter the kitchen and dining area. This home is lovely, if a bit bare, like the men haven’t had time to decorate as much as they want. Hockey really is their whole lives. I’m sure an Omega would be good to take this house and finish making it into a home.

That’s not my place to say, of course. Especially as a Beta.

The area is empty, though, and I’m about to turn away when I hear voices at the other end. I head toward them, and notice a door that’s partially open. It seems to lead to a laundry room.

“I’m just saying, you can’t pick someone up off the street that you’ve just met and expect me to be happy to welcome her into my home without question.”

It’s Knox. My stomach twists immediately.

The person replies—it’s Cruz, but I can’t quite pick up what he’s doing.

“Look, I’m not accusing you of just thinking with your dick. I think you’re right, I think we need someone more… permanent for Ben. But…”

Knox’s voice goes below what I can hear. I feel trapped. Ben wants to see him, but I can’t interrupt this conversation, not when it’s about me. And not in a positive way either.

“Lily?” I hear behind me, and I jump in surprise, turning around.

Lawson walks up to us, smiling at me and then Ben. “Hey, buddy.”

“He wanted to see Knox,” I explain. “But I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“Oh.” Lawson looks toward the laundry room door and winces a little. “Uh…”

I transfer Ben to Lawson’s arms and then step back. “Look, it’s fine, really. I appreciate you taking the time to meet me.”

The door opens, and Cruz and Knox step out of the laundry room. Ben holds his hands out. “Uncle Knox!”

The two men look at me, and I know that I can’t hide whatever is on my face right now. They know that I heard them.

“I was just heading out,” I say, forcing my voice to stay bright and cheerful. I have no idea how long it’ll take me to walk back to my car since I can’t afford a ride, but I’ll manage. Maybe it will be nice to take a walk and just be alone with my thoughts for a while. “Thank you, Cruz, for the offer. It was lovely to meet you all.”

My voice doesn’t crack, which feels like a miracle, as I turn and hurry out of the room and toward the front door.

“Lily.” It’s Knox, of all people. “Lily, wait.”

I’ve just reached the front door when I feel his hand on my shoulder, turning me around to face him. “What is it?” I ask, trying to mask how tired I feel.

If I don’t get out of this house soon, I’m going to start crying, and I really don’t want to do that in front of everyone. I don’t want to do it in front of anyone, actually, but especially not people I just met.

Knox’s hand on my shoulder is warm and grounding. “Please don’t leave.”

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