In Trouble, page 23
I decide wooing them, like Blaize wooed me, is probably the best way to go. So, armed with my now brimming bank account, I invite them out to dinner at the fanciest restaurant our side of town has to offer.
Seeing Hugh dressed up in a button-down shirt and trousers that aren’t made from either leather or denim is worth the expense in itself. It looks as if Zoe made him drag a comb through his long hair and tie it back as well as trim his beard.
“Don’t you look smart,” I tease as we meet outside the restaurant. “Did you actually bathe too?”
He scowls at me. “I feel like a monkey in a suit.”
“Hmmm, more like a gorilla.”
“A very handsome gorilla,” Zoe says, running her palms down his chest. “Who may just get laid if he promises to keep it on until we get home.”
I grin at them both. That warm sensation in the centre of my stomach that’s been sitting there for days, radiating to the tips of my fingers.
“What?” Hugh asks me with suspicion.
“Nothing,” I say in a way that sparks both their curiosities. “Let’s go get some food.”
“Aren’t you going to tell us what this is all about first?” Hugh asks, holding the door open for me and Zoe.
“Not until we’re sitting down with a glass of wine.”
“Am I going to need something stronger than a glass of wine?” Zoe examines my face as we’re approached by a waitress.
“Only if you want. Tonight’s on me.” They know about my windfall, and some of the details about how I earned it. Partly because Hugh was concerned I’d stolen something I shouldn’t have (well, kind’ve true, but for a good cause) and partly because Zoe was convinced the new alphas in my life were paying me for sexual favours.
The waitress shows us to what I’d requested be the nicest table in the restaurant. It’s a quiet spot by the window, which means our conversation won’t be overheard.
Hugh struggles to cram huge legs under the table and stares at the napkin like it’s something foreign.
“Just put it on your lap,” Zoe tells him, prodding him with her elbow. The two of them study the menu for some time, going backward and forward over what to choose.
“I’ve never eaten anywhere this nice,” Zoe runs her finger down the menu for a fifth time, “I want to make sure I don’t waste my choice.” Hugh bristles beside her a little and she rests her hand on top of his, squeezing in a way that tells him she’s not complaining.
Finally, they make their choices and, after the waitress takes our orders, the older omega and alpha settle back in their chairs and wait for what they know is coming.
“So now you’re going to tell us?” Hugh asks. “I feel like it’s bad news, something I’m not going to like.”
“Why?” I ask.
“Because you’re buttering us up with a fancy meal.”
“I’m not buttering you up.” I smile at him with affection. “I wanted a chance to thank you both.” I feel those tears welling in my eyes again. Fuck, I never cry and here I am doing it again in the space of a week. “You know I love you guys, and I’m so, so grateful for everything you’ve done for me over the years.”
Zoe reaches over the table and squeezes my hand, meeting my gaze with a wet smile.
“Are you leaving us?” Hugh asks with a frown.
I shake my head and wipe away the tears and Zoe dabs at her eyes with a napkin. “You two matter most to me in the world and I wanted you to know that I’ve decided to join Blaize’s pack. I’m going to be their omega. I guess eventually even be bonded to them and have babies with them and …” I grin as the mental picture of it all fills my mind.
Hugh and Zoe stare at me, and then a smile sweeps across Zoe’s face and she scoots her chair around to wrap me in a hug.
“I’m so happy for you, Connie.”
“You are?” I ask, the tears properly flowing now.
“Yeah, of course I am. I’ve never seen you this happy before.”
I nod, because she’s right. Happiness, it’s always been something that’s sort of eluded me, been just out of reach. And yet, now, here it is perching right in the centre of my chest. Love and happiness – things I never imagined could be mine.
Zoe draws away and I peer at Hugh. He looks a little less convinced.
“I think I’d like to meet them. Check their intentions are good ones.”
“You can,” I tell him.
Zoe snorts. “Were your intentions good ones when we first met?” she asks, her alpha arching an eyebrow. His gaze sweeps down the orange flared dress she’s wearing and the accompanying high heels.
“If fucking your brains out,” he says, pulling her towards him and kissing her shoulder, “counts as good intentions, then, yes.”
They stare at each other with googly eyes, and I decide it’s time to tell them my other bits of news.
“Actually, I’m not staying for dinner.” Their faces snap my way.
“You’re not?” Zoe asks, confused.
“No, it’s about time you guys had a night out, just the two of you. And,” I say, reaching into my clutch bag and pulling out a plastic card I slide across the table. “I got you a room at the Royale Hotel for the night.”
The two of them stare down at the room key with their mouths open.
“But … but the boys?” Zoe says.
“Are going to be looked after by Chrissy tonight. Don’t worry, not me.” I lift up my palms. We all know that would end in disaster, although if our pack is serious about the children thing I’m going to need some more practice in the future.
“This is too generous.” Hugh slides the key back reluctantly. “You need to save that money for a better place of your own.”
I push the key towards Zoe. “Blaize owns the hotel, and it’s his treat. Besides, I’m moving in with the pack.”
“You’re moving in?” Hugh says at exactly the same time Zoes says, “He owns the whole hotel?”
“Yes and yes,” I laugh. “So let me do this one thing for you two. I know you don’t get enough time alone.” I stand up, hooking the strap of my clutch over my shoulder, “and maybe one day in the future when I’m swamped with kids,” Zoe’s eyes widen so much they look like they might pop straight out of their sockets, “you might return the favour and babysit for me.”
Hugh drags Zoe closer towards him. “It would be our pleasure, Con.”
* * *
There’s just one thing left I have to do.
I take Mop with me for moral support and together we walk through the blustery late autumn day, along the pavements, to a more upmarket part of Studworth. A middle class area where the front doors are all nicely painted and the lawns neatly clipped.
We find a row of shops. Snuggled in the middle sits a charity shop. I pause, Mop snuffling about by my feet, and read the notice.
It’s somewhere raising money for disadvantaged kids, those who need a helping hand and a big dose of love.
It feels entirely appropriate, like fate has intervened.
Tying Mop to a lamppost, I crouch down and ruffle the fur under his chin. He slurps at my cheek and I draw in a big steadying breath.
“Wish me luck, boy,” I say.
Then I do what I should have done a long time ago. I rebalance the shoe box tucked under my arm and step inside the shop.
A little old lady with glasses hanging around her neck looks up from where she’s straightening tea cups on a shelf and smiles at me.
“Hello dearie, got something to donate?”
“Yes,” I nod towards the box. “I’m afraid it’s a random collection of sh … bits and bobs. But I think some of the stuff is worth quite a bit.”
She reaches out her hands and I pass over the shoebox. Instantly, my arms and my shoulders feel lighter.
The woman carries it to the counter and lifts the lid, peering inside. “Oh yes, what a collection.” She looks at me with sympathy. “Did someone pass?” I don’t respond, and she nods. “It can be hard to let go. But don’t worry, dearie. It’s a positive step to take, and this is going to a good cause.” She pats my shoulder and I smile.
“Yes,” I say, “I think it is. And I don’t need it anymore.”
Chapter 33
If I thought providing Hugh and Zoe with a night in a fancy hotel would buy me some time before doing the whole meeting-the-parents business, I was wrong. They both message me the next day asking when it’s going to happen.
I’m sitting at the kitchen, waiting while Ric cooks me more pancakes.
“Hugh wants to meet you guys and give you the once over,” I tell them as I scroll through my messages.
“Does he now? And what happens if we fail this test?” Logan asks, tugging my chair along the floor towards him, and nuzzling into my neck.
“Then we’d probably have to call the whole thing off, so you’re going to have to do your utmost to impress him because I’m not prepared to give you alphas up.”
Logan nips at my throat. “Then invite them around.”
“I can cook us all a roast,” Ric says, flipping a pancake into the air and catching it with ease in the frying pan.
“They’ve got kids,” I warn.
“Excellent,” Logan says, “I’m great with kids.” I roll my eyes. I bet he’s about as good with kids as I am. Most definitely a massive push over.
“And a dog.”
“Invite that bratty friend of yours too,” Blaize tells me from the other side of the table.
“And his alpha?” I venture.
“And his alpha.”
“This is sounding like a party.” Logan nibbles my ear. “What are we celebrating?”
“Us,” I tell him.
* * *
It’s the start of December and fairy lights hang twinkling all around the kitchen-diner. Logan and I spent all morning pinning them up, despite Sonnie arguing it was far too early. I’m glad we did, and with the roaring fire it makes the place seem even more homely. Especially now it’s filled with all the people I love most in the world.
I’m at the sink washing up with Zoe. Her boys are spread out across the sofas playing video games with Sonnie and Logan. Mop’s stretched out on the floor, lifting his head and yapping every time the boys yell. Ric’s taken Hugh out to the garage to admire his sports car and the other vehicles he’s collected in there. Blaize and Frank talk quietly at the table, knocking back bottles of beer, and Giorgie’s sneaked Sadie off to her bedroom where he’s promised to demonstrate a new contouring trick. Not that she needs it. That girl has cheekbones to die for.
“This is nice,” Zoe says, rubbing a tea towel around the rim of a soapy glass.
I sigh, “It is. I never expected everyone to get along so well, you know.”
“Well, with my three,” Zoe eyes her boys, “I promise you it won’t last much longer. War will erupt sooner or later and I’ll be dragging them home kicking and screaming.”
I run the wet sponge over the base of one last pan and balance it on the draining board. I’m desperate to know what she thinks of the pack, what Hugh thinks too. I’ve been on tenterhooks all afternoon. It seems to have gone smoothly. Yet…
“So you approve?” I ask her. “Of this pack?” I hope she does. I want her to.
“Does it matter if I do or don’t?”
“Yes.” I yank the plug from the sink and let the soapy water drain away. Then I turn and lean against the sink. “I know it probably shouldn’t. But yours and Hugh’s are the opinions that matter most to me.”
“I like them.” Zoe bumps her shoulder against mine. “If I’m honest, I was worried that maybe I’d like one or two of them and not the others. But they’re all …”
“Hot?” I say, bumping her back.
“Obviously hot, Connie. But good too. Deep down, you can see they have good souls. I trust they’re going to be good to you.” She tosses the tea towel onto the counter. “And if they’re not, they’re not so big that my alpha won’t be able to beat the living daylights out of them.”
“That should be enough to keep them in line,” I joke.
From the sofa we hear a squeal of complaint and when we look over, Zoe’s youngest son is pummeling the oldest with a cushion while Logan tries to wrestle them apart.
Zoe tuts her tongue. “What did I tell you? That’s our exit cue.”
“It’s fine,” I say. “Stay a bit longer.” I stroll to the fridge and pull out a fresh bottle of wine. “Have another glass of wine and let Logan deal with it. Apparently, he’s good with kids.” We glance over to where the youngest is now bashing Logan’s head instead.
“Really?” Zoe asks.
We take our wine glasses back to the table and sit with Frank and Blaize and soon we’re joined by Sadie and Giorgie. Both omega’s show off their glamorous makeup and bask in the praise from the gathered alphas.
“This is a very nice pad,” Sadie says, balancing on his alpha’s lap. “You need to have lots more parties.”
“We’ll see,” I say. I guess that’s one thing that’s changed. The thrill of getting all dressed up and partying the night away at some nightclub seems less appealing now. Not when I can drag my four alphas into bed with me and spend the night fooling around under the covers with them instead. That is a million times more satisfying.
“Or we could just go to one of your clubs? I assume we’ll be getting free entrance now,” Sadie says, pointing Blaize’s way.
“Of course,” he says, the side of his mouth twitching before his gaze falls back to me.
Beside me, I see Giorgie’s gaze swivel between Blaize and me.
“You know, there’s a new club that’s just opened on Queen’s Street. Omega’s get in free on a Sunday night.”
“Don’t you have uni tomorrow?” Sonnie calls from the sofa.
“I don’t have class until the afternoon,” she calls back. Then addresses Sadie, “Wanna go? Apparently, it has a revolving dance floor.”
“So tacky,” Blaize mumbles.
“Sounds amazing!” Sadie claps his hands together. “Would you take us, Babe?” he asks Frank, who smiles in an indulgent fashion and nods. “Great, let’s go choose your outfit.” He jumps to his feet and beckons to Giorgie.
“Is he going to be a bad influence on her?” Blaize asks.
“Probably,” me and Frank say together.
“But don’t worry, I’ll keep my eye on them,” Frank says. “And I’ll bring her home nice and safe.”
“She’ll end up crashing at Sadie’s,” I tell him. “I can guarantee it.” Frank simply shakes his head as if to say, “that’s Sadie for you.” He really is the most laid back alpha I’ve ever met. Perfect for Sadie.
“I’ll go and check he’s not dressing your sister in something inappropriate.”
“We’d better get going too,” Zoe tells me as Hugh and Ric reenter the room, deep in discussion about motorcycles or something of that sort.
“You know he used to be in a motorcycle gang?” Zoe says to me, a misty look in her eye. “The first time I met him, he was riding that thing. It was so hot.”
“I think that gang’s still going, you know,” Hugh says, standing behind his wife and resting his hands on her shoulders.
“What, a bunch of forty-some-things cruising around on bikes?” Zoe rolls her eyes.
“Nah, those guys have long since settled down. It’ll be some young bunch of alphas now.”
“What was your gang called?” I ask him, and, for the first time ever, I’m surprised to see the tips of Hugh’s ears redden.
“Jfujdfgjfyt,” he mumbles.
“Pardon?” I say, a smile breaking across my face.
“The highwaymen,” Zoe says with a big grin.
I snort. “Very original.”
“We thought so at the time.” Hugh swings his gaze around the kitchen. “So you’re moving in, Con?” I nod. “So what you going to do with that money, then? Don’t blow it on clothes and shoes. Invest it.”
“Actually,” I say, “I’ve been giving that some thought.”
“You have?” Ric asks.
“Yes,” I peer up at Hugh. “I’m thinking of opening my own tattoo parlour. A place just for omegas. Somewhere safe and private they can come to get work done.”
I wait, with bated breath, to see what my friends make of that idea.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Hugh says.
“Me too.” Zoe nods.
“You do?” I stutter.
“Yes, I’ve been waiting a long time for you to work out that that’s what you should do. I was thinking I was going to have to fire you just to get you to do it. You’ll kill it, Con.”
I jump forward and wrap him in a hug. “I’ll miss you, though,” I whisper.
“We’ll be round babysitting, remember.”
“Come on Biker Daddy,” Zoe says, giving Hugh’s arse a slap and winking his way. “Let’s get your sons home to bed.”
The next moment, Hugh has the two biggest sons slung over either shoulder and Logan has the smallest balanced on his. We help load the boys into their car seats and after more hugs and kisses and waves goodbye, they’re pulling down the drive.
“Jeez, that was frigging exhausting,” Logan says, collapsing into the sofa. “Maybe I’m changing my wish list to two kids instead.”
The other alphas drop onto the sofa around him. I remain standing in the centre of the room, gazing down at them all. Under the flickering fairy lights, their skin changes different shades of colour.
They peer up at me.
“What, piccolina?” Ric asks with a quizzical look.
“That went really well.”
“Of course, it went well,” Sonnie says.
I grin wider.
They stare back at me.
“Are you feeling OK, little bookworm?” Logan rubs his chin.
I rock up onto my toes and then down again.
“I’m really happy.”
“Oh … kay…” Blaize’s gaze skips across my face.
“Really, really happy.”
