“I found the right woman,” I tell him, ruffling up his dark hair. He swats me away, but I stand there for a long moment. “The least interesting thing about you is your designation, Axel. No matter which way it goes, you’re still you, and that would be more than enough for that special person or people who walk into your life.”
“I do mean it, I’m glad we’re officially going to be brothers,” he says softly and I smile.
“Me too,” I reply before leaving the rooftop terrace.
He’ll figure his shit out, just like I will. I have the girl and the pack, all that’s left to do is to truly accept the gift I’ve been given.
The Sørensen goodbye was a tearful one, and I have a feeling at least a few of her parents will be coming up within the next few weeks to check on their daughter.
Forrest rented two U-Haul vans to bring Claire’s stuff back to their home—our home.
Thankfully, we had a dozen people to help pack, or else it would have taken ages to pack up all my Omega’s treasures.
She’s in the truck with me while Forrest and Wells drive together. Her leg shakes and I place a firm hand on her thigh and give the muscle a light squeeze while rubbing my thumb against her smooth skin.
“I’m nervous too,” I tell her and she sighs, lacing her fingers with mine.
“It feels right. I know this is the right choice, it’s just scary. We’ve never even seen the house. What if it’s super rustic? Oh my God, what if he has dead deer heads on the wall?” she says with a look of disgust on her face.
“They’ll change whatever you ask them to. It’s going to be our house too,” I say, trying to sound confident, and she rubs her thumb over my knuckles.
“Our house,” she says with awe.
“We’re going to be a pack. Forrest will have his bond mark on you and so will I. They’re going to be my family, too. It might take a while for all of us to feel like that, but I promise we’ll get there, baby.”
She lets out a dreamy sigh and changes the music to something she can sing to. Together, we keep our anxiety at bay as we make our way to our new lives.
I’m scared shitless, but it surprisingly feels right.
The driveway is long, but as the three-story stone home comes into view, Claire bounces in her seat.
“Oh, thank God. It’s cute,” she says happily as we follow the other moving truck. “It’s our pack house, El. This is really real.” Her eyes fill with tears as I park the truck and she gets out quickly.
She’s full on crying at this point as Forrest and Wells get out of their truck.
“She hates it. We’ll tear it down, sweetheart, don’t worry,” Wells says.
“It was built two years ago,” Forrest says, his eyes wide, like he can see millions of dollars being destroyed right in front of his eyes.
“You will not tear it down. It’s beautiful. I love it. Can we go inside?” she asks.
“It’s your house, princess. It’s your house too, Elliot. Whatever you two need to feel comfortable here is important to me,” Forrest says plainly.
Well, damn. Why does he have to be so reasonable and generous?
I clear my throat with a nod. “My parents will bring my things next week.”
“More in-laws! Oh, my fuck. I’m going to be related to so many famous people now, I’m not sure my body can handle all of this power,” Wells says.
“You’re literally world famous yourself,” I remind him and he waves me off.
“House tour time,” Wells exclaims, grabbing Claire’s wrist and dragging her inside the three-story grand foyer.
The home is modern, while still having mountain charm. There isn’t much decoration, but I know Claire will change that sooner rather than later. We tour all the main areas first, the family room, kitchen, dining room, library, and Wells’ gear room. I didn’t know it was possible to own this many pairs of skis.
“I’m going to have custom skis made for both of you this winter. Do you ski, Elliot?” he asks.
I clear my throat and shake my head. I’m not sure why I lie about it, but maybe it has something to do with the excitement on his face. Either way, there’s no turning back now.