Page 13 of Choosing Their Omega

Luckily, none of them seem offended, although Knox continues to stare at me like he’s trying to see into my soul.

“We’ve been pretty focused on the hockey,” Lawson explains cheerfully.

“Which is why we could use some assistance with Ben, here,” Cruz adds, his tone a little firm as if to remind everyone exactly why I’m here.

As if on cue, I hear, “Uncle Knox?” and turn just in time to see a small boy rush out and barrel into Knox’s legs, wrapping his arms around his calf.

Ben would be adorable no matter what, with his dark brown hair just like his uncle and big, blue eyes that he must’ve gotten from his mother. But when he’s up against Knox, who’s huge… it makes him look that much cuter. He really is so young.

“Heya, squirt.” Knox’s entire face lights up, and he softens completely. He looks like he’d take a bullet for this child, no questions asked. It makes my heart thump loudly in my chest.

Cruz crouches down. “Hey, Benjamin, would you like to meet someone? We thought she might be a good friend for you.”

I crouch down too, so that I’m on Ben’s level. “Hey, Ben.” I hold out my hand. “I’m Lily. It’s nice to meet you. Your uncles were telling me how cool you are.”

Ben grins at me and my heart races even harder. Oh my god, he’s the cutest kid I’ve ever seen.

He takes my hand. “Hi, Lily.”

“Hi. I love your eyes, they’re a pretty color.”

“Got ’em from his mom,” Knox says quietly, confirming my suspicions. He sounds heartbroken, and it makes my heart want to break too.

I never had siblings. I was an only child. But given what happened with my parents, I’m certain that if I’d had a sibling, I would’ve loved them so fiercely it would’ve hurt. It would have been the two of us standing together against the world.

To have that sort of platonic partner, the one person who from birth has your back, and lose them… it sounds devastating.

“I was hoping you could tell me about yourself?” I ask Ben. I don’t want to force Knox to dwell on his loss, or upset Ben. “Maybe show me some of your favorite toys?”

Ben nods. “You smell pretty.”

I see Miles flush and Lawson stuff his hand into his mouth to hide his laughter.

“Uh, Ben,” Knox says, crouching down as well. His tone is so, so gentle. He’s just a big papa bear with his nephew, I can tell. “We don’t say that. It can make some people feel embarrassed.”

“It’s okay,” I assure him quickly. “I don’t mind.”

Scent is hugely important for kids. They imprint on their parents or pack, the people who raise them. It was really disorienting for me when Mom left and I had to move in with my grandmother. It took me a long time to stop desperately searching for Mom’s scent, but the fact that I immediately loved Grandma’s helped a lot.

“If he’s going to be with me a lot,” I say, not wanting to upset anyone or reveal too much of my own history, “he’ll need to be comfortable with my scent. Those early pack bonds are really important for kids.”

“See?” Cruz says, looking at the others triumphantly as he stands up. “I told you she was a good fit.”

“Let’s see how Ben feels,” Knox says, his voice low and guarded.

“I’m glad you like how I smell,” I tell Ben, before he can get distressed. It’s hard when you’re a kid and all the adults are just talking around you like you’re not there. “I like how you smell too. In fact you better be careful. I might want to eat you up!”

I tickle him and Ben shrieks with laughter, darting away. “You gotta catch me!”

“Okay.” I put my hands over my eyes. “I’ll count to ten, you’d better hide!”

I hear Ben giggling as I count. When I open my eyes, the four Alphas are gone too.

I stand up. After a moment, I can hear voices in the kitchen, the men talking. Probably still debating over whether or not they want to hire me. I hope Cruz doesn’t make them do it because I’m homeless.

If they feel I’m not a good fit for Ben, then yeah, it’ll suck. I could really use this job. But I also refuse to accept it if I’m not truly wanted. I won’t invade someone’s home like this. Especially when there’s such a young child involved.

“Okay, ten, ready or not!” I yell so that Ben can hear me, then I go to find him.

---