“Sweetheart, I’ve got a ton of money from Uncle Malik. We can work things out until you decide what you want to do with your life. You’ve got your degrees. Are you even using them at the hotel?”
“No.” I shook my head against his chest. He was so warm and comforting. I’d never felt so safe in my life.
“Then why don’t you quit? You can go work in that café you like if you really want to have a job.” I’d told him all about my job at Rosie’s when I saw a takeout cup in the truck from there.
“You wouldn’t mind?”
“Not at all. Your happiness is all that matters to me. If that’s working at a café while you figure out your next steps, then great.”
“You’re amazing! I’m so lucky.”
“No, I’m the lucky one. I got myself a cute, smart omega.” He kissed my forehead tenderly. “Now, why don’t we gather up everything you can’t live without and go car shopping?”
My sister’s calling interrupted our packing. We’d barely started while I worked up the courage to call the hotel and quit. Vanessa saved me the stress by getting there first.
“Hey, Ness.”
“Hi Sully. Listen, I know you’re supposed to be in soon, but we don’t think that’s a good idea. Mom and Dad… they just need time, okay?”
“So I’m fired? No, congrats on your mating and the baby—“
“It’s true? You’re pregnant? And you really mated to a dingo shifter?” I couldn’t get a read on her reaction.
The line was silent for a moment, probably confirming things for Vanessa.
“Sully, I’m proud of you for taking your own path! Congratulations. I’d love to meet your mate—“
“Imri. His name is Imri. He’s got three adopted kids, Rowan, Sandy and Berry. He’s the best, Vanessa. I think you’d like him.”
“If you do, then I’m sure I will. Just give Mom and Dad time to wrap their headsaround it.”
“Ask her if she’d like to come for dinner soon,” Imri whispered.
I passed the invitation on, which she readily accepted. I couldn’t help but smile at my mate. After how things went with my parents, he was still open to trying with my family.
“Can’t wait to meet you, Imri,” Vanessa called. I’d put the phone on speaker so I could pack at the same time as talking to my sister. He returned the sentiment. “Proud of you, Sully,” she repeated before she ended the call.
We packed up everything I really wanted quickly after that. I even called Rosie’s to check if they were still hiring. I had a job starting the next week before I managed to get my question out.
Imri’s arm around me was the only thing stopping me from breaking down when I left my parents’ house. Dad tried to apologize.
“Sully, please, give us some time. I… we just need to get used to the idea.”
Silence filled the space between us until he finally spoke again. “You’re safe, aren’t you?”
“Of course! Imri would never hurt me. I’m where I want to be: with my mate.”
We left then, Imri feeling my pain over the bond. I knew I’d shocked my parents, still I’d hoped for a better reaction.
“Why don’t we go car shopping tomorrow?” Imri asked. “You look worn out.”
I felt mentally and emotionally exhausted. All I wanted to do was go home to the woods where I felt loved, safe, warm.
He drove us back, leaving me to process the day in silence. His hand kept returning to my leg, reassuring me he was with me. Together, we’d get past this.
The house, our home, was full of life and laughter when we returned. Everyone was delighted I didn’t have to work, so I could play instead.
Surrounded by my new family, thoughts of my mom and dad felt a mile away. They’d adjust, or we’d learn how to be without them. I didn’t regret chasing the dingo in the woods since it got me my mate and a new, better life.
