Page 20 of Claimed By His Omega Dragon's Fire
“Thank you so much for one last mocha,” Theo says, his voice deep and jolly. He is never putting the Santa allegations to rest. “We’re going to miss having you here.”
“We really are,” Elias says, taking the iced latte from me. “Having you around has really fueled my caffeine addiction. I’ll have to talk Theo into getting us an espresso machine.”
“I’m not sure you need this much caffeine on a regular basis,” Theo says teasingly, wrapping his free hand around Elias’ back. Elias leans against him. The two of them make an adorable pair.
“Thank you again for letting me set up my truck here. You have no idea how much I appreciate the kind gesture.”
“It was our pleasure,” Elias says with a wide grin. “We got coffee and we got to see another wonderful connection form,” he adds, giving me a little wink that leaves my cheeks bright red despite myself.
Theo gives me a knowing look. “It’s our favorite part of owning the lodge.”
“Oh,” I say, not really knowing what else to add. They leave shortly after that, wandering back into the main lodge and leaving me alone to finish cleaning my truck.
Pulling out my phone, I send a quick message to my brothers, letting them know everything that’s happened. I fill them in on my upcoming festival, on meeting Aiden, on our instant connection, and how I’m trying to figure out what the hell I’m supposed to do next.
It doesn’t take long before I get a response, telling me to stop being an idiot and follow my instincts. Raphael reminds me that he wouldn’t have met his wonderful new mate if he hadn’t taken a chance and that maybe, now it was my turn to jump into the unknown.
Sounds scary but what’s life without taking a few chances?
It’s the end of my little vacation. My truck is fully stocked, everything has been replaced, and I’m ready to get everything tied down in preparation for my next journey. My only hesitation is wonderingwherethat journey will actually lead me.
I could make my way to the fair I’m scheduled to appear at. It’s a few days away but I can always park and chill there while I wait for the festivities to begin. Or I could plan a little detour to Aiden’s village.
The decision takes care of itself when Aiden bounds over to my truck, looking bright eyed this morning. His smile disarms all the worries threatening to build up inside my chest. Being around Aiden iseasy. Why wouldn’t I want to continue being around him? Why wouldn’t I want to enter his pack lands and see what it is about it that makes him go all soft around the edges?
“Hey,” he says as he steps over to me, leaning down to kiss my cheek. His nose runs across my skin as he scents me. When he pulls back, his cheeks are pink. “Sorry about that. You just smell extra good for some reason.”
“It’s fine,” I say with a grin, patting his chest.
“I was thinking--” he starts to say, his words breaking off as he suddenly looks unsure. I wait for him to continue. “Would you be interested in maybe following me home?”
“Like a lost puppy?”
Aiden snorts, shaking his head. “Something like that,” he murmurs softly. “I can’t imagine just leaving this place without you, Brock. I don’t want to hold you back or weigh you down, but I also can’t just go back to life without you by my side.”
I place both of my hands on his chest. After a moment of hesitation, Aiden places his hands on my hips. “Lucky for you, I don’t want to be without you either,” I tell him, the vulnerability of the confession making me ache. “I still have a festival to attend in a couple of days. And I’m not giving up my truck. But yes, I’ll follow you home.”
Aiden’s big hands cup my face, his eyes growing serious. “Brock. I would never ask you to give anything up for me. I like that you have your own truck. I like that you’re so independent. I downright adore that you’re so fucking fiery. Please don’t even think about changing.”
My heart swells inside my chest. His words leave me warm all over, a faint blush across my cheeks. Gods, how the fuck am I supposed to keep myself from falling head over heels for this man when he says shit likethat? Then again, do I really wanna keep myself from falling? Falling for Aiden feels not only inevitable but it also feelssafe.
If I give my heart to this alpha, I know he’ll hold it gently.
“Okay,” I say softly, a little smile tugging at my lips. “When are you checking out?”
“Already done. You?”
“I’m good to go.”
“Perfect,” Aiden says, giving my forehead a soft kiss before pulling away. “Follow me?
“I’ll be right behind you.”
I watch Aiden walk away towards his vehicle. I was expecting this moment to be nerve wracking or anxiety filled. Instead, it feels right. It feels like we were destined to meet. We’ve slotted together in a way that feels almost supernatural in nature and instead of fighting against that, I sink into it, letting it fold around me like a well-loved blanket around my shoulders.
I quickly climb into my truck and get it turned around. When Aiden pulls out of his cabin, I follow behind. Flipping on the radio, I let myself relax as we drive away from the lodge and towards Aiden’s home.
It takes around an hour and a half before we’re pulling into a little town. It’s the kind of place where everyone knows everyone. The type of place to settle down, have the white picket fence and the backyard of kids and a dog. It’s simple yet so incrediblyhomey.
