Page 101 of Knot Her Mountain Men

I shrugged. “Stress is exhausting. You’ve been through a hell of a lot lately.”

Morgan grumbled, swiping her cheek against my chest in a scent mark that had my heart galloping. “I suppose that’s true.”

“You have to be gentle with yourself. Healing takes a lot of time and energy.”

Pumpkin trotted over to the stairs, the rest of the pack ambling down. They had all thought to put on pants and correctly assumed Morgan and I had not. Kit tossed a pair of loungers to me and an oversized T-shirt to Morgan, as well as slippers for both of us.

“It’s not that warm down here,” Kit pointed out. “Put on at least a little bit of clothing.”

Morgan looked cute as hell in just a T-shirt and slippers. If it were a different day, I’d have been tempted to bend her over the couch and take advantage of her wearing nothing underneath.

Our omega accepted a hug from each of the pack, squeaking when Bear scooped her up. He whispered something to her that had maple and tea exploding, washing over me in a wave of desire. Okay, maybe couch bending wasn’t totally out of the question.

Bear tried to set her on the counter but she let out a little protest when her ass cheeks made contact. Kit spread out a tea towel for her, Bear settling her on top of that with no sound of protest this time. I laid a hand on the counter, the surface like a block of ice.

Maverick got a fire crackling away in the central hearth. The warmth would slowly permeate, but I was so used to the cold I didn’t mind it.

By the time breakfast was made and finished, Morgan was considerably more settled. “What’s on the chore list today? Am I finally allowed to help with something substantial?”

“Youareallowed to rest, you know,” said Kit.

“I did that most of yesterday. I’m tired of it now.”

“All right,” Kit relented.

Morgan opted to be my buddy for chores, coming to the garage with me to sweep all the dust and grit brought in by the vehicles. “Cleaning when someone isn’t going to fuck it up five seconds later is actually pretty satisfying.”

“It’s not so bad when people pitch in and do their share. You had to take care of a dozen adult toddlers. We know how to manage our own household, and you don’t have to feel obligated to help if you’re not up to it.”

“I know. That’s why Iwantto. I’m a lot more amenable to things when I’m not being forced to do them.”

“Fair enough.”

While we worked, I coaxed out some of her more positive memories, trying to discern how we could make her life better.

“I always wanted to live somewhere like this. That was a goal I had set for myself. I was willing to work in the city as long as I had to, but I was planning to save as much money as I could and move to the middle of nowhere.”

“And what about now that you’re actually living out here?”

She puffed up her cheeks, sweeping extra hard at a stubborn pile of grit. “I love it. I really do. If you all want me to stay, I have to figure out a job. I have to make my own money, even if it’s not much. I just…”

“I get it. Omega rights aren’t as far ahead in the world as they should be. None of us are going to blame you for wanting to take precautions.”

Morgan chewed her lip, staring at me for a long moment. “You’re not mad at me for wanting a backup plan?”

“Absolutely not. I think all omegas should have their own money whether they work or not. An alpha’s whole purpose is taking care of omegas, and that goes beyond making sure you have food and shelter. I promise we’re more than fine with whatever you need to feel safe.”

“Thank you. I have to think of things in a certain way so my brain doesn’t panic, but I promise I’m trying.”

“Mav and I will open an omega’s trust account for you.”

“A what?”

“An account specifically for omegas to ensure their needs are met in a pack. We can all put money into it, but you’re the only one who can withdraw. It’ll be enough for anything you need, including getting yourself a place to stay if you ever want to leave. We want you to stay, but we’ll do our best to support you if you decide to go too.”

“I don’t really want to go.” She sighed, leaning heavily on the broom, eyes shiny. “It never occurred to me that something like that existed. My mom definitely didn’t have an omega’s trust. Thank you for thinking of me, and for understanding.”

I cupped her cheeks. “You’re more than welcome. We want you to be happy.”

---