Page 11 of Choosing Their Omega

“That’s sweet of you to say, but it is what it is.”

Cruz looks like he wants to fight that, but he doesn’t say anything. Instead he asks, “Were you fired?”

“Oh. No, I had to quit my job. Money’s been tight since then. My landlord wasn’t really understanding about waiting to collect rent.”

“Parasites,” Cruz mutters. “As if they don’t depend on other people for their income themselves.”

“Why am I not surprised the competitive captain of a hockey team has strong opinions?”

“Well, you see, because I became captain by being so nice and accommodating all the time.” Cruz winks at me. “But I get it, seriously. Professional hockey is demanding and super competitive. You have to dedicate all of your time to the sport, and not everyone makes it into the pros. So if you wash out, you have to start all over. It’s a big risk that doesn’t pay off for everyone.”

“I always wanted to go to college. Just to have the experience of learning.”

“What would you study?”

“English. I’m a big book nerd, I just love reading. I would read to my grandmother while she was sick in bed. It was a way for us to spend time together when she didn’t really have the energy for anything else.”

Cruz grins. “Ben could use someone who appreciates books. We’re all outdoor, physical guys.”

“Watch out, I’ll start reading to you all too.”

“Oh, no, what a horrible fate.”

Cruz keeps grinning at me, and I feel lighter inside joking with him. I haven’t wanted to tell my friends about what happened. I know that Shay would offer to let me stay at her place and crash on her couch, and Maddie and the others would offer some cash, but I don’t want to rely on their kindness and wear out my welcome.

I’m used to solving my problems on my own. I’ve had to, ever since Grandma got sick. I hate asking for help.

But now help has arrived, in the form of Cruz, a handsome Alpha who isn’t taking no for an answer. I just hope that this goes well. I hope that the rest of his pack likes me.

We finally get to a beautiful street with a large park at one end, and Cruz pulls up in front of a massive house. My jaw nearly drops. This is so far out of my price range, or anywhere I’ve lived in my entire life, that it’s almost laughable.

Cruz opens the car door for me and offers me his hand. I get out and try not to gape at everything around me. “I’ll get you inside, then I’ll get the groceries.”

I nod, at a loss for words. Cruz smiles and squeezes my hand before letting go. “Hey, just breathe, okay? I’m sure they’ll love you. Especially if you can chirp me. You’ll fit right in. I’m sure the others agree I need someone to take me down a peg sometimes.”

He winks, and I grin at him, some of my anxiety sliding away. I don’t know why he’s being so kind, but I can’t help but respond. It’s been forever since someone was this kind to me, and offered to take care of me in some small way.

We get up to the house and Cruz unlocks the front door to lead me inside. “Everyone’s home, and Miles should be back from—”

He’s cut off as a large adorable beagle leaps at me, barking with enthusiasm.

“—walking the dog,” Cruz finishes.

Well, that’s one way to get welcomed into the house.

Chapter 4

Lily

I crouch down so that the beagle can nuzzle me. I scratch behind his ears. “What a good, beautiful dog you are!” I coo.

I love dogs, but I’ve never been able to own one. They’re expensive and I haven’t had the time to dedicate to caring for one. But this boy is so sweet and friendly, it warms my heart. I immediately feel better with this happy boy in my arms, begging for pets.

“That’s Winston,” Cruz says. “Sorry about him, he just loves people.”

“No, it’s okay, I love dogs.” I grin down at Winston. “And you’re such a big sweet boy, aren’t you? Aren’t you? Do you like scritches? Of course you like scritches!”

“Winston… oh.” The man talking stops in surprise upon seeing me, and I look up.

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