Page 3 of When She Needs Them Most

“Let’s see,” Kase says, holding out a manila envelope. “There are two sets of keys and even the contact info for the utility companies. Mrs. Wilson is nothing if not organized.”

“Great, thank you so much.” I take it as the furry dog rubs her body against my legs. She stares up at me with big brown eyes, so I shove the folder under my arm. “Is it okay if I pet her?”

“Yeah, go ahead. She’s an attention fiend.” Kase laughs, scratching at his bare chest.

My nose twitches as I pick up hints of blueberry and something nutty.

Wow, so, he’s definitely an alpha. It’s a rich, compatible scent that has me taking a step away to prevent doing something silly, like sniffing him up close and personal style.

It takes a lot of focus and some lower back pain to bend low enough to give Sky good scratches. Luckily, she helps by directing her body to where she wants me.

“Okay.” I groan, standing fully before pulling the envelope out from under my arm. “Well, I’ll get out of your hair. Thank you so much.”

“Do you have a flashlight? Did someone turn the heat on for you?” He frowns and shakes his head. “We’ve had the keys, so I’m going to say that’s a hard no. Let me grab my coat and shoes. Sky and I will come over with you.”

“That’s okay. I feel bad enough that I had to bother you.”

“Chelsea, right?”

“That’s me.”

“Do you have someone waiting in the car? Or coming to join you?”

Glancing away from his prying stare, my head shakes as I stare at the floor. I should have guessed that was coming.

“The movers should be here with my stuff tomorrow. They weren’t able to unload everything tonight because of the drive.” I shrug. “I tried to book them early in the morning, that way I only had to pay for the truck for one day, but it took a lot longer than they expected…”

His head tilts as he frowns so deeply, his forehead wrinkles. “Yeah, I’ll bet it did. All right, let me grab a jacket. I’d feel better if I came over with you just to walk through. The house has been vacant for almost six months.” His face breaks out into a grin, making his blueish-green eyes sparkle. “It’s that time of year. The raccoons are always looking for places to nest. You never know when they’ll break in and make your new home their oasis.”

“If you don’t mind.” I smile back. “Then, yeah, that would be great. Thank you.”

“Of course. That’s what neighbors are for.”

Chapter Two

Kase

Our new neighbor is an omega.

A heavily pregnant omega, who, by the looks of it, is on her own. I’ve never been one of those pushy alphas who oversteps when it comes to other people’s business, but it takes everything in me not to interrogate her on what the hell she’s doing out here all alone.

She sidestepped my question about if she has help, but I’m pretty sure her lack of an answer says it all.

If she has a pack or even a partner, then they aren’t bonded. There’s no universe in which I could let my omega move without me being right there by their side.

I don’t recognize Chelsea at all, which means she’s likely moving from out of town or possibly out of state. That’s a lot for anyone to undertake alone, let alone a pregnant omega.

Even the thought makes my chest tight.

Alpha instincts are the real deal.

The walk from our house to her new home takes longer than Sky would like. She runs to the front door, sniffs the porch, and comes back to walk by our side. Her massive, blocky head continually nudges Chelsea’s hand until the woman gives in and offers pets as she sways along.

I’m no great expert when it comes to pregnancy, but I’d guess she’s at least eight months along. Maybe more. It looks like she’s about to pop.

Where the hell is her baby daddy?

It’s really starting to mess with my head.

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