“You’ve been here two hours,” I point out. “I’ve been snubbed by three different octogenarians and accused of lookinglike someone named Timothy who apparently stole a woman’s husband in 1972.”
“That was Edith,” Walter stage-whispers. “Timothy ran off with her Harry, forty years ago. You do look remarkably like him.”
“Wonderful,” I mutter. “I have the face of a geriatric home-wrecker.”
The bell rings; apparently, it’s nap time, saving me from further comparisons to the infamous Timothy. We say our goodbyes and promise to return soon… or not, although Walter was kinda growing on me.
26
Everett
Perfect conditions. That’s what the meteorologist said.
I’ve packed everything we might need: thermoses of hot cocoa, a basket of fresh-baked cookies from Bea, and enough fur blankets to keep us warm.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the flutter in my chest.
It’s a surprise date with Melody.
Just the most beautiful, kind-hearted omega I’ve ever met, who happens to be my scent-match and who kissed me during a snowball fight yesterday, and I want this to be perfect.
As soon as I kill the engine of the snowmobile, the front door opens, and there she is, my omega.
“Hi,” she says.
“Hi yourself,” I reply, suddenly feeling like a teenager picking up his prom date. “Ready for an adventure?”
“I’ve been ready since you texted. Though you were very mysterious about the details.”
“That’s because it’s a surprise,” I say, extending my hand to help her down the steps. “Trust me?”
“Absolutely.”
That single word does things to my heart that I can’t even explain. I’ve known this girl for barely a week, but it feels like she’s always been a part of me, filling spaces I didn’t even realize were empty.
I help her onto the snowmobile behind me, showing her where to place her feet, how to hold on. When her arms wrap around my waist, I’m grateful for the darkness hiding my ridiculous smile.
“Hold tight,” I tell her, kick-starting the engine. It roars to life, vibrating beneath us.
We take off into the darkness, the snowmobile’s headlight carving a narrow path through the trees.
Melody’s arms tighten around me as we navigate a sharper turn, her body pressing against my back. The vanilla-clove scent of her surrounds me despite the rushing wind, making my head swim with desire and the overwhelming need to protect, care, and ensure she never comes to any harm.
Protection. Possession. Pack.
“You okay back there?” I call over my shoulder.
“This is amazing!” she shouts back, her voice carried away by the wind. “I’ve never done anything like this!”
Pride swells in my chest. I want to show her everything—all the hidden corners of Perfect Pines, all the secret spots I’ve discovered over a lifetime of exploring these woods.
We reach the clearing at the top of the hill, and I hear her sharp intake of breath. We can see the entire valley below.
“This is the best spot on the property,” I explain, setting down my backpack. “My dad used to bring me up here when I was a kid.”
I pull out the first blanket, a thick waterproof one, and spread it over the snow. I add two plush faux fur blankets on top, creating a nest of warmth.
“Sit,” I encourage, patting the soft surface. “The show should start any minute now.”