Chapter 45
Waking up to the smell of strawberries was always a nice surprise, especially when it was from an actual dessert rather than a spill of her own scent. But waking up to a handsome alpha carrying a plate of warm waffles with strawberries, whipped cream, and sprinkles was even better.
Felix’s expression was so soft as he climbed into bed with her. “Good morning, Hun.” He kissed her forehead before placing the plate in her lap. “I wanted to do something special for you now that we’re back home.”
Back home.
Gosh, it felt so different and surreal, and it hadn’t even been a full 24 hours since being back. Last night, the boys officially moved her into the omega suite and set up a bed big enough for all of them. They all kept her company throughout the night, and it was perfect. So perfect that Sonnet didn’t want to leave.
Felix chuckled and brushed back some of her hair. “Do you want to go shopping today?”
“For what?”
“Anything. Everything. We know our house is an adjustment, and we want you to feel like this is your space. There are a few home stores I’d like to take you to so you can redecorate the space, and maybe, if you’re feeling up to it, we can check out a nesting store. You deserve a proper nest, and now that you’ve moved into the omega suite, you should decorate the space how you and your omega feel fit.”
A real nest! I’m so excited!
Sonnet frowned and stared down at her plate of food. She wasn’t sure what she was feeling, but it wasn’t excitement. In the past, her nests had always been small and messy. Something for her to utilize only when she had to, but none of them had ever made her feel warm or safe like a nest was supposed to.
Sonnet?
Memories Sonnet had kept locked away for years were pounding at the door to be let in. Flashes of her birth mother with a face unrecognizable, men who looked like monsters, cash on the bedside table next to an ashtray, and shouting. So much shouting.You can never be an omega! Do you understand me? You cannot allow yourself to be a whore.
SONNET! Talk to me!
She flinched as Felix’s hand rested on her shoulder. “Sweetheart?”
“I’m sorry,” she rushed. “I think it’s still a little bit surreal being back here.”
“I understand. We can postpone shopping.”
“No! No, I’d love to go shopping with you.”
“Perfect.” He kissed her forehead. “After you finish eating and getting ready, we can go. The boys might meet us later, but for now I get you all to myself.”
He had a possessive sparkle in his turquoise eyes, which made her laugh and lightened the mood. But once the doorclosed and she was alone, the same anxious thoughts came creeping back in.
I’m sorry. I’m just scared.
I’m sorry, too. I can try to suppress the memories.
She picked at her waffle and sighed.No. Our past isn’t just your burden to carry, and I don’t want to keep punishing you for it. It’s just hard. I don’t know how to build a nest for us.
But you’re not alone anymore, silly. I’m here to help you.
Do you even know how to build a nest?
Well, no…because you’ve shut me out for so long! But I know together we’ll be able to make it work.
Her omega’s confidence was the gentle push she needed to eat, get ready, and walk out the door with Felix. He was dressed in a dark blue, short-sleeved button-up, with cream trousers, and brown loafers that matched his brown leather watch. He didn’t really match her, which made her giggle. She was wearing a soft green tee with patchwork white wide-leg pants, with a few random hand-sewn patches of pink, green, blue, and floral. She had a colorful handbag and a chunky and layered handmade charm necklace.
She looked good. She felt good. And for a moment, she wondered what it would look like to have a picture taken of them together and posted on the news. After all, Felix was successful, maybe the most successful out of everyone in his pack currently, so it was a real risk of being spotted. She added another layer of pink lipstick just in case.
Felix took her to an area of the city with stores she never would have gone into before. Her family was obviously well off. She never had to struggle, but her family focused their money more on travel than on clothes and jewelry. Her mom was even more focused on running charity events, nonprofit organizations, and on donating than on using her money onthings that would impress her women’s bridge group or wine club.
He pulled into a VIP parking lot with back access to some of these stores. He held her hand protectively and didn’t let go. All the workers were incredibly kind and helpful, and it was clear Felix had called ahead about his appearance. Hence, they kept the stores quiet and made sure no one with a huge camera was coming in.
The first two stores, Sonnet was too overwhelmed by the prices to grab anything. A part of her couldn’t rationalize spending $600 on a throw blanket.
