“Good,” I say, letting him go, then I pull the key out of the ignition. “Now, come on. Let’s grab the package and get the hell out of here. I’d rather be home.”
We climb out into the cool autumn air. I smooth out my shirt, trying to look a little more presentable. I’m in my usual—worn jeans and a faded gray V-neck. Alex has on a pair of fitted black jeans and an old band T-shirt.
Marc initially wanted us to wear uniforms, but fuck that shit.
We walk around to the back of the U-Haul, and I grab the handle, letting the roll-up door rattle open. The metal clanks loudly in the quiet neighborhood. I glance around at the manicured lawns and pristine hedges. Not a single person in sight. Gives off money vibes—polished and empty.
“Places like this creep me out,” Alex mutters, stepping up beside me. “These people have massive lawns. Why not enjoy them?”
“Who knows.” I step back, scanning the large empty cargo bed. “Alright, let’s grab the package and go.”
We both turn and head up the stone path to the front door. Alex rings the bell once, then rocks back on his heels. The sound echoes faintly inside.
While we wait, he starts talking again—anything to fill the silence. “What do you think Tadeo and Sky are going to cook for dinner?”
“I don’t know.” I can’t help the faint smile tugging at my mouth. “But if I know them, dinner’ll be halfway done before we walk in.”
Alex chuckles. “Sky might be the best cook I’ve ever met.”
I cut him a sideways look and smack his arm, not hard but enough to make him flinch and grin. “You better never say that to Tadeo.”
“Never,” he says immediately, hand over his heart. “Swear on my life.”
The doorknob rattles, and both of us straighten instinctively—backs straight, shoulders squared. Work mode.
The door swings open to reveal a female beta in a stiff black polyester uniform, hair pulled tight into a bun that looks like it could survive a hurricane. She blinks at us, her brow furrowing as her gaze flicks from me to Alex, then to the U-Haul parked in the driveway.
“Can I help you, gentlemen?” she asks, polite but wary.
“We’re with Veniver Movers,” I tell her, keeping my tone calm and professional.
Her frown deepens. “I think you must have the wrong house. No one here is moving.”
I pull the folded piece of paper from my back pocket, then scan the top. The handwriting’s barely legible, but I can make out the name scrawled across the top. “We’ve got a pickup for a Dennis Carler.”
At that, the woman’s expression flickers. “ThisisMr. Carler’s home, but I wasn’t told?—”
Alex steps in before she can finish, leaning casually against the doorframe like he owns the place. His voice softens, all charm and grin. “It really sucks when the boss doesn’t tell you about pickups and deliveries. Doesn’t it? I mean, the least he can do is tell the people that really run the house what’s going on.”
Her lips twitch, almost against her will, and then she actually smiles. “I’ll go get Mr. Carler,” she says, smoothing the front of her uniform. “Please wait here.”
“Take your time,” Alex says easily, and she nods before going behind the door. It shuts, leaving us on the porch again.
I glance sideways at Alex, who’s still smirking to himself. “You ever turn that off?”
He grins wider. “Not when it keeps working.”
We stand there a minute, the muffled hum of the house behind the door. The breeze smells like cut grass and fresh mountain air.
“You know,” Alex shoves his hands into his pockets, rocking on his heels, “Sky’s nest is amazing. Her scent naturally sunk into every inch of it. Those blankets, the pillows—it’s heaven. Even with all five of us crammed into that king bed.”
I huff a quiet laugh. “Feels like sleeping in a pile of wolves.”
“Yeah,” he grins, then hesitates. “Sometimes I worry we’re crowding her, though.”
I shake my head. “Omegas like to be crowded. Makes them feel safe. Plus, she’d tell us if it was too much.”
He nods, seeming to take that to heart, his shoulders easing a little. “I really like those tiny lights she hung along the back wall. I thought they’d be dumb, but—man, they’re nice. Didn’t realize how relaxing that kind of light could be.”
