Page 2 of Claimed By His Omega Dragon's Fire
“It’s okay,” Avery says with a smile. “Being reliable isn’t a bad thing, Aiden.”
“If you say so.” I sit at the table that Avery directs me to. Then he passes me a piece of cake as everyone files into the Hunts’ back yard. Everyone gets some time to stop by me, give me a card, and talk to me for a few minutes.
I get a lot of thank yous that leave me feeling emotional and overwhelmed. I love this job and I don’t do it for the thanks or attention, but that doesn’t mean my pack’s words don’t hit me square in the chest. They love me just as much as I love them.
Ellie bounds over to me, a woman so full of life and excitement. She’s our local hairdresser and Avery’s best friend. Not that I would ever want to be on anyone’s bad side butespeciallynot Ellie’s. When she joined the pack, she was so ready for me to reject her and fight me on it, but instead, I knew she’d fit right in. I don’t know if I just have an extra sense that comes with being pack alpha but I can usually get a pretty accurate read on people, and I knew this was her place.
“Heya, Aiden! Since everyone else is coming to say some sappy shit I thought I should as well.”
“You don’t have to--” I start to say but Ellie cuts me off.
“Nah, it’s okay. I actually want to.” She crosses her arms over her chest, looking a bit uncomfortable before she plows on. “Ever since I came here, you’ve never made me feel bad for not being a wolf and I really appreciate that. You’re a really good alpha. If I had a sibling, I’d totally try to get them to hook up with you.”
I sputter and ignore the way my cheeks turn bright red. “Ellie!”
Ellie grins and ruffles my hair. “The rest of the year’s haircuts are on the house. To say thank you,” she says before adding. “One of these days I’ll matchmake you with the perfect omega.”
“Okay, I think that’s enough Ellie time for today!”
She giggles as she walks away. Frost comes and fills her space.
“Thank you again,” Frost says as he steps over to me, resting a hand on my shoulder. “After I was kicked out of my pack, I never let myself hope I’d have something like this again. I craved community but never thought I would find it again. So thank you, Aiden, for letting me come here and stay.”
I shake my head, doing my best to breathe through the tears that threaten to spill. “I’m glad you’re here, Frost. You make Avery happy and having you around as a handyman has meant taking a few tasks off my docket which I appreciate more than you know,” I tell him, both of us chuckling.
“You’re a good alpha, Aiden.”
“Thank you. That means a lot.”
“Avery and I have a gift for you. More than the party and the cards, that is.” Frost pulls something from his back pocket, handing it over to me. “This is for you.”
I take the envelope and open it up, looking inside. There’s a gift certificate for a week-long stay at a lodge that’s not too far from here.
“Before you ask, yes, it’s the same lodge where Avery and I met. I’m not saying you’re going to meet the love of your life there but I’m also not saying it’s completely off the table,” Frost explains with a laugh. “The owners there really are something special, and the place is quiet and fun even if you’re there by yourself. You work really,reallyhard, Aiden. We wanted to give you some time away. You deserve a break so you can relax and recharge.”
“But what about--”
Harry jumps into the conversation. “Before you say no, just know that Alex and I have everything under control. It’s not like you’ll be gone long, Aiden. Just a week to rest.”
“I can’t ask you to--”
“You’re not asking. We’re offering.”
“This is too much.”
Frost shakes his head. “Everyone pitched in a little bit so none of us are breaking the bank by giving you this. Come on, Aiden. When was the last time you actually took a break?”
I open my mouth to respond before snapping my mouth shut again. Fuck. Whenwasthe last time I took a proper break? Have Ievertaken a break since my father died? I don’t think I have.
“Jesus,” I breathe out, running my fingers through my hair. “Okay, I see your point.”
Harry and Alex high-five each other, like somehow they’ve just won instead ofmebeing the one to receive such a generous gift. My pack is ridiculous but they’remineand I love them.
“Fine,” I finally say, rolling my eyes for good measure. “I’ll go. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
“Respectfully,” Harry says with a grin. “You’re gonna love it and we all know it. Stop being a brat.”
“A brat? Me? Harry, I thought we werefriends!”
