Arranged Salvation: Arranging Love Book Three, page 9
“But if you leave,” Gideon continued before I could fully process. “You won’t have to worry about Tennyson finding you, but you’ll be travelling for a long time under very difficult conditions. I can’t promise consistent or good medical care. It’s one of the things we’ve been struggling with the most.” Who was we? “We need some trustworthy doctors on our side. The omegas do their best, but unfortunately, we’ve lost some while trying to get across the border.”
Arden growled. “Fuck that. Are you telling me that if he tries to run, he might die or lose his baby before he ever gets to safety? That’s better than staying with me how?”
Gideon straightened to his full height. “Because he’ll have the chance to make his own life, without an alpha controlling every one of his decisions.”
“I won’t do that!”
“Yet, you signed a legal affidavit without even speaking to him first.”
“I didn’t have a choice!”
I cowered into the couch as both alphas continued to raise their voices. Their anger wasn’t directed toward me, but experience told me that hardly mattered. I brought my knees up to my chest, trying to protect my belly for when the blows came.
And then it stopped. “Fuck. I’m so sorry, little mouse. We won’t hurt you.”
He kept saying that. Everyone kept saying that.
“Shit. I’m sorry, Bastion. Arden is right. We shouldn’t have raised our voices like that.”
“And Gideon is also right. This is your decision. I will support it and help you either way.”
I forced myself to look up. That was it? Their argument was over? But there were no punches being thrown or things being broken. I . . . didn’t know what to make of that.
I knew one thing though. I wasn’t going anywhere. Maybe crossing the border would be the better option in the long run, but I might not even make it. And there was so much unknown to that. I’d be completely alone. I didn’t know how to live on my own, let alone take care of a little person who would depend on me entirely. What did I do for money? Or food? Shelter? I had to imagine there was some kind of plan for those who chose to run, but I didn’t know what it was, and that was terrifying.
District 8 was my home. For as terrible as it could be, it was the only place I knew. What would I do by myself in a strange place?
And then there was Arden. He was still watching me, but he had pushed himself into the other side of the couch and hunched his shoulders, trying to make himself as small and unassuming as possible. He was doing that for me. He was putting himself at huge risk, just for me . . .
A thought crossed my mind just before I made my decision, and I had to ask it before I could choose either way.
“My brother isn’t forcing you to do this, is he?”
Arden’s eyes widened in shock, like he was so surprised by the question, before he broke out in laughter.
“No. Mr. Strongfire isn’t making me do anything. He made that very clear. This was my decision completely.”
And he wanted me to stay. If I chose to leave, I’d hurt Arden. And I didn’t want to do that.
So I took a deep breath and met the eyes of the alpha who would be in charge of me from now on. “I want to stay with you, alpha.”
Why did the relief in his eyes make me smile so much?
CHAPTER 9
Arden
He chose to stay with me.
He chose to stay here. With me.
That probably shouldn’t make me as happy as it did. I should have encouraged him to run. But the thought of Bastion being anywhere but with me, under my protection, made my skin crawl. How could I keep him and his child safe if I didn’t even know where he was? No, he belonged with me, in my home, by my side at all times. It might have been wrong, but it was so fucking right.
As much as I liked to think I’d let him go if he chose to leave, I just wasn’t sure. My inner instincts were screaming when Gideon presented the option for Bastion to run. I wanted to kill the alpha for even suggesting it. It was a complete overreaction. I understood that, even if that was how I felt. I also understood that the suggestion was a good one. And I probably would have let Bastion go if he said that was what he wanted. That was, until Gideon talked about the dangers he would face and about omegas dying and not getting the health care they needed. We had some connections across the border, namely Lorenzo Messina, the notorious businessman with rumored mob ties, who was also the alpha mate to one of Mr. Strongfire’s half siblings. It might be possible to smuggle Bastion to him without the added risks, but unless he changed his mind, I wasn’t going to bring that option up.
No, fuck that. Bastion would stay here, and I would make sure he and his child got all the medical care they needed. I just needed to figure out what that was. I’d have to ask Mr. Strongfire. He had a bunch of little siblings he helped raise. He likely remembered what his mama needed to make those babies grow healthy and strong, especially in those circumstances.
I watched the omega out of the corner of my eye as I drove back to the estate. We had a long road ahead of us, and Bastion and I had a lot to talk about, but since he fell asleep as soon as we got in the car, all of that would have to wait.
Did it make my alpha preen knowing that the, no, my omega was comfortable enough with me to fall asleep despite it only being the two of us in the car? Yeah, maybe just a little. Whatever. I couldn’t figure out why Bastion triggered my instincts so heavily, but I wasn’t going to question it. He was mine now, and I’d lean into whatever tools I had to make sure he was safe and cared for.
My phone rang when I was about ten minutes away from the main house, but Bastion didn’t even stir. I answered:
“This is Arden.”
“Arden, how’d everything go?” Oh fuck, with my focus on Bastion, I had forgotten to let Mr. Strongfire know what was going on. Bastion was still his brother, and he was concerned and felt responsible for him.
“Sorry, sir. I meant to contact you earlier. I was just focused on getting him home.”
“Don’t worry about it. Malik called me. Your focus needs to be on Bastion.” He paused for a minute. “How is he?”
I sighed. The urge to touch Bastion was strong, but I’d never do that when he was asleep and couldn’t stop me.
“Tired. Confused. Scared.” Beautiful. Mine.
“Understandable. Listen, I know you probably want to take him back to your space, but do you mind coming back to the house and maybe spending a few days here? Lyric is really shaky, and I think it would be good for Bastion to be close to him. And honestly, I’d like it too. I haven’t had a chance to speak with him, but my instincts are still telling me he’s family and needs to be under my roof.”
I’d do anything for his little omega mate, and if he needed Bastion close after the ordeal they went through together, then of course we could stay in my rooms in the house. Besides, there was no way I’d trust anyone besides myself to guard the Strongfire family for the next few weeks.
“Of course, sir. I think I’d feel better with that too. I want us all close.”
“Agreed. I already spoke to Emerson. He wasn’t happy but agreed that he and Jett would come back for a couple days, at least.”
I snorted. “I’m sure he was thrilled to move back in after finally getting his privacy.”
“He wasn’t amused, but I don’t really give a fuck. I need my family here. I just sent Malik and Isak to drag my sister and the rest of them back home too.”
I wasn’t sure, from a security standpoint, if having everyone that my boss loved and cared for in one spot was the smartest strategy. But I also understood where he was coming from. His alpha side would be insisting that everyone under his protection was within eyesight, otherwise he wouldn’t be able to function properly. And Mr. Strongfire had some of the strongest instincts I’d ever seen. I would figure out the best way to protect them all.
I was also a little worried how Bastion would react to having that many people around, but I’d find a way to keep him from getting overwhelmed. Ideally, things would settle down in a week or two and everyone could go back to their own places, including us.
“Understood, sir. We’ll be home soon.”
“Okay, good. I’ll keep everyone away so you can get Bastion settled without overwhelming him.”
I calmed a little. Of course, even with everything else going on, Mr. Strongfire was considering how his brother might be feeling. I should have known.
“Thank you. I appreciate it.”
I hung up shortly after, Bastion sleeping soundly the whole time.
When I pulled up to the estate, I was happy to see the guards all alert and ready. They stopped me, like they should, but then allowed me through with sharp nods once they saw it was me.
I once again didn’t bother parking my truck in the back and left it right in front of the home. I debated waking Bastion up but didn’t have the heart. I just had to hope he didn’t wake while I was carrying him and panic.
My omega didn’t even stir as I took him out of the car as gently as I could and carried him up to the front door.
Mr. Strongfire was waiting for us as we walked in, but, like promised, no one else seemed to be around. He stepped back to let us through, brow furrowed in concern.
Mr. Strongfire must have showered since he got home, and I couldn’t wait to do the same. It was rare to see him in anything but a suit, but right now, he was in gray lounge pants and a long-sleeved Strongfire Enterprises sleep T-shirt. He looked exhausted, though, and I could smell how worried he was.
“How is Lyric?” I asked once the door was closed and locked behind us. Tomorrow, I would have to make sure I checked on him, but today, my focus was on the omega who was just starting to stir in my arms.
My boss shrugged. “Restless and on edge, but I guess we all are. I don’t want to be away from him for long, but I wanted to check in on Bastion.”
Like he heard his name, Bastion stiffened in my arms, and I could tell he was waking up.
“Easy, little mouse. We just got back to the house. You’re okay.”
“Arden?” he asked sleepily, and I couldn’t hide my smile if I tried. I guessed when he was still half asleep and out of it, he lost his filter enough to use my first name. I loved it.
“Yes, it’s just me. Your brother, Orion, is here too.”
Bastion’s eyes flew all the way open, and he nearly tipped out of my arms when he twisted his body and squirmed, then he gasped in pain when he realized what he was doing.
Not wanting him to hurt himself more, I helped set him to his feet but still held onto his arm, just to keep him steady.
Mr. Strongfire kept his distance, and I could see that he was actively tamping down his alpha energy to be less intimidating to his skittish brother.
“Hi, Bastion, it’s good to see you finally awake and back home.”
Bastion’s eyes widened to the size of saucers, though I couldn’t figure out what surprised him. “Th-thank you, alpha. For everything.”
Mr. Strongfire grunted. “Of course. You’re family. I’m going to let Arden help you get settled. I hope you don’t mind that I asked him for you both to stay in his rooms here for a while. I think both Lyric and I will feel more settled having everyone close.”
Of course, Bastion had no idea what he was talking about, but he just tilted his head in acknowledgement.
My boss smiled softly at his brother before bringing his attention to me. “I’ll catch you up on the most recent developments tomorrow. For now, both of you get some rest. Lyric found you some clothes that will hopefully fit, Bastion. We’ll get you your own tomorrow.”
“I’ll get him clothes, sir.” I was surprised by the sharpness in my tone, and from Mr. Strongfire’s raised eyebrow, so was he. But Bastion was my omega. If he needed new clothing, I would provide it for him.
Luckily, my boss let it go with an affable shrug. “Of course. Well, I’m going to get back to Lyric. Every time he dozes, he’s been having nightmares, and I don’t want him to wake up alone.”
Bastion likely had more questions but stayed quiet as Mr. Strongfire smiled one last time before walking back toward his bedroom.
Once we were alone in the hallway, Bastion looked up at me as if he were asking what was happening next, and I fucking loved that he was looking to me for guidance. I could smell just a twinge of fear on him but it was faint, like he was starting to, just a little bit, trust I wouldn’t hurt him. Pride swelled as I held my hand out for him to take.
He stared at it for a long moment before putting his hand hesitantly in mine. My inner alpha was fucking elated. I’d never felt like that before.
“Come on, little mouse, let me show you to our rooms and get you settled.” Bastion didn’t say anything, but he didn’t remove his hand either, so I took that as a good sign and led him toward my rooms.
As I unlocked the doors, I suddenly became nervous. I had no fucking clue what I was doing. My rooms were nice, but they weren’t much. What would Bastion think of them? Or my cottage? The entire structure could likely fit in Tennyson’s home 100 times over. Would Bastion be okay with such a downgrade?
I sighed. There was nothing I could do about that now, and my boy looked like he was going to topple over. I needed to get him cleaned up and in bed. Everything else could wait.
Still, I couldn’t stop myself from muttering, “I know it’s not much, but I have a cottage too. We can pick out some things to make it more homey for you. It’s a little bare now.”
I was rambling, but this was the first time I had anyone in my chambers besides the Strongfires, let alone my omega mate. Suddenly, I felt like I wasn’t enough.
But Bastion squeezed my hand, like he was trying to comfort me. “It’s nice, alpha. Truly. Thank you for allowing me to stay in here with you.” We were back to alpha, I guessed. I let it go for now.
“‘Course.” Where else would he stay? Unless he truly didn’t want to be alone in a room with me, I needed him close. In my space where I could look after him.
But that did bring up a point. “Are you okay staying here alone with me? Obviously, it will have to at least look like we share when the investigators come, but I can get you your own room if you’d rather.” Please don’t rather. Gods, I don’t think I can take it.
But Bastion was shaking his head rapidly. “No! No. I’d like to stay here, if you don’t mind. I-I don’t want to be alone.”
Fuck, my heart. I took a step toward my omega, my arms opening to wrap him tightly in them, until I saw him stiffen. I froze and put them down to my sides.
Bastion was swaying on his feet and his eyes were halfway closed. He needed more rest, but he needed to get clean too.
“Here, little mouse. Let me help you sit. Then I’m gonna draw you a bath. I don’t feel comfortable leaving you alone in the shower right now.”
My omega just nodded sleepily and let me lead him to the edge of the king-sized bed. Once I was sure he wouldn’t fall over, I went to the bathroom and started the water for the tub.
When I saw that my bathroom suite had both a shower and a tub, I didn’t get it. I didn’t need a tub. Fuck, I could barely fit in a damn tub. But now, I was grateful that Mr. Strongfire was always a little extra because this was exactly what my boy needed.
Once the water was started and I poured in some of the prettily scented stuff Lyric had snuck under the sink for me, I went back to the room, relieved to see Bastion exactly where I left him.
I knelt in front of him and took off his shoes. He let me with no resistance. I paused before reaching for his pants. “Little mouse,” I called, getting his attention. His sleepy brown eyes met mine. “I’m going to undress you. I’m not going to do more than that. I won’t touch you anywhere you don’t want me to. Is that okay?”
Bastion was staring at me with open confusion, though I couldn’t work out why. Finally, he nodded. “Okay.”
I wasn’t thrilled with the response, but it was good enough for now. I kept my eyes on his face and my touch clinical as I unbuttoned Bastion’s pants and gently pulled them and his underwear down his legs. As I looked down to take them all the way off, I couldn’t help but notice the scarring on his thighs. I quickly averted my eyes and tossed the clothing to the side.
Bastion was watching me with a tight expression. He hadn’t moved a muscle, his shoulders stiff. It was killing me, but I didn’t know how else to convince him I’d never hurt him besides showing him. I didn’t even sneak a peek of his cock as I sat up on my knees.
“I’m taking your shirt off now, sweetheart.”
He didn’t respond, but he didn’t back away either. I took it over his head as quickly as possible and immediately stood up, giving him space.
“Do you need help getting to the tub?” I asked, keeping my tone as light as possible. The stink of fear was back now that he was naked, alone with an alpha, and I was near panic. Should I leave? Go find an omega to help him? But who? I wouldn’t ask Lyric, not now. Was Jett here yet? Maybe I should just wait till Jett got here. I knew he’d be happy to help his brother.
But then Bastion stood up. His whole posture was stiff, though he didn’t bother to cover up his private areas. He didn’t answer, but he did hold a shaky arm out to me. I took it, trying to hide my elation, and led him to the bathroom. The tub was filled, the smell of lavender overpowering everything else, so I stopped the water.
Bastion seemed hesitant but allowed me to guide him to the tub and help him step in the water. Once he was settled in, I was unsure what to do. His eyes were already closing, so I didn’t want to leave him alone, but I also didn’t want to be the creepy alpha watching as he bathed.
Finally, I asked. “Can I stay? I won’t watch you, but I don’t want to leave you alone in case you fall asleep.”
Bastion opened one eye, and he looked so adorable like that, I found myself smiling. “Can you—I mean if you don’t mind—um, help me? I-I’m sorry.”
Why would he apologize for that? I wanted nothing more than to help him.
