Page 22 of Such a Grumpy Omega
Home.
My house had been more of a place to sleep than anything else for years, with my work taking up so much of my time. And I had no less to do now, but I was finding ways to make my job more efficient, to let others help me with my tasks, to delegate. I’d never realized how little I did that, and my staff was very good at what they did. Especially since we were working on our own development for real people now.
So I let them do their jobs without watching over them so much, trusted their training, and used the time I freed up to make a true home with my omega. The first step was moving him in, and since he was carrying our pup, I refused to let him lift anything heavier than a bath towel.
“Alpha, I can do this,” he protested when I took a box of glassware from his arms. “You’re making me look weak in front of all the other omegas.”
“Enjoy it,” Talon said as he passed with a stack of books. “And let your alpha pamper you.”
Most of the other owners and their omegas had joined us for moving day. I’d planned to hire a company, but Everly had a fit when he learned what it would cost, so I’d rented a truck instead, and when they learned about our plan, everyone insisted on coming over. They were calling it a housewarming gift, and we were going to throw them a pizza party after the boxes were unloaded.
A couple of the other omegas were also pregnant, and they took charge of Everly, lining up on the sofa to chat and discuss their various complaints. Their laughter carried to the rest of us, and it warmed my heart to see my omega with such good friends.His only grumpiness these days was when his ankles swelled, and that was easily enough dealt with.
“I didn’t know I had so much stuff,” I heard him saying as I returned after carrying the box to the truck. “This place isn’t that big.”
He’d already donated several pieces of furniture and some of his housewares, but he was right. No reason he couldn’t have anything he wanted, though. If there was no room, I’d donate my own things. His sofa was soft and comfortable and would go in the family room for TV watching, listening to music, cuddling the baby, and snuggling one another. “Okay, omegas, the couch is the last thing.”
“We’re ready.” Everly took the hands of the omega on either side of him. “Carry away.”
Their laughter was way louder and more hilarious than the joke earned, but it didn’t matter. The sound made my heart light, and I couldn’t wait to get my omega home so we could settle in.
A few hours later, the truck was unloaded, and our friends had eaten their way through several large pizzas, drunk beer, wine, and soft drinks, and left us to our own devices. I closed the door behind them and leaned against it.
“Well, omega?”
He looked up from where he was searching through a box. “I’m not going to have any underwear tomorrow if I can’t find them.”
“You weren’t so concerned that first time at the club,” I pointed out, smirking.
“I was younger and slimmer,” he grumbled, pushing the box aside with his foot. “You don’t suppose I left it back at the apartment?”
“No, I did a walk-through before we left. Not a single thing left behind.” I bent to steal a kiss. “I’ll find it. Anything inparticular I should be looking for? A box like this one?” We had so many kinds.
“I thought so, but now I’m not sure.” He flopped back with a sigh. “How can I go to my healer appointment with Jabez without underwear. I’ll have to cancel.”
“No, you won’t. I promise I’ll find them for you, if I have to search every box, and if by some miracle they fell off the truck—”
He gasped. “You don’t think that happened? My big old grampy underwear is probably blowing around a street corner as we speak.”
“I expect to find it, but what I was about to say was, if I cannot, I’ll just pick you up some more at the paternity store first thing in the morning. But let’s not worry now.” I went to the kitchen and got him a lemonade, settling him on his familiar comfy sofa with the TV remote before launching my search. I went through all the boxes markedclothesorbedroom. No sign of the missing shorts. I branched out into toiletries, linens, blankets…finally winding up with nothing left to go through but kitchen boxes.
And then, long after dark, I shouted with triumph.
“You found them?” Everly appeared at my elbow, remote still in hand. “Where?”
“In the box of cookbooks. Isn’t that strange?”
His cheeks flushed. “No…”
“No?” Confused, I removed the underwear from under the books. “Something you want to tell me?”
“I’m sorry. I was running out of boxes to put things in and I was sure I’d remember.”
“Omega, nothing is ever dull with you around. Why don’t we go to bed. It’s been a long day.” I hugged him, gladder than I could express to have him here with me.
“Okay. Did you happen to see my pajamas anywhere?”
Chapter Twenty-Two
