Page 96 of Talk About… Dramay
With that thought, my mood started to drop.
My stomach churned as I walked down the block to my car. Rockwood Valley was surprisingly busy during the afternoons with everyone coming and going from the various shops.
Cohen’s Creations was right next to where I parked and curiosity got the best of me. I pushed open the door and breathed in the fresh herbs that filled the air.
“Welcome in!” The beta behind the counter greeted me. I recognized him from Avery’s pack. “Oh hey, how are you liking Rockwood?”
“It’s great,” I said, and I really did mean that. “Just left a committee meeting about an upcoming community building.”
He narrowed his eyes at me.
“You alright? I know moving can be a lot,” he said. “That didn’t sound as enthusiastic as you tried for it to be.”
“I’m fine,” I reassured him, not wanting to unload on a stranger, but Cohen wasn’t having it. When I tried to walk away, he followed.
“So, what are you looking for?” I was thankful he wasn’t asking about me anymore, so I just shrugged.
“Nothing in particular, just wanted to check out the shop,” I admitted. “Maybe some tea for the pack.”
“We also have some artisan chocolate over on the other side if your omega has a sweet tooth. Mine demands a box a week at minimum.”
His chuckle was quiet and free. He didn’t seem to struggle having a pack full of alphas.
“Do you ever feel like the odd man out as the beta of the pack?”
The question burst out of me before I could stop it. He didn’t even flinch.
“It might be different because I have an alpha and our omega,” he started. “But sometimes. Then they remind me that I’m important. I’m Avery’s calm place as well as a calming forcein the pack. She always tells me I’m what holds them together and keeps their crazy in check. I’m positive you do the same for your pack.”
I sighed. “I thought so, but sometimes I feel a bit overshadowed by the others.”
“Don’t pull away,” he warned me. “That’s the worst thing you can do. She wants you there, you are mates. The transition periods can just be sticky sometimes. Bring home something that brings you all together and you’ll realize how much they want you there.”
“Any suggestions?” I asked, trying to think of anything that would do that.
“Does your omega want a puppy?” he asked, giving a huff of a laugh. “I’m partially joking, but there is a shelter event going on down at the vet clinic.”
“I feel like I need to take her with me for that,” I mused. “But I think she might just love this. How about some gourmet treats for her as well?”
He gave me a grin. “I’ve got you. Just call this a welcome to town, present.”
“No, let me pay you for it,” I argued, but he was already packing it up and ushering me out the door.
“Not a chance. Go get your pack and find your place. You matter,” he said firmly, closing the door after shoving me out of it.
Could anyone kindly kick you out? Because I think that’s exactly what just happened.
Taking the bag, I hurried to the car and called up Oriana.
“Roman!” she answered on the first ring, her voice bright and eager. Warmth spread through me at the sound. “How did it go? Tell me everything.”
“Wait, tell us everything,” Lane argued. “I want to hear as well.”
“Actually, I know we never talked about it, but how do we feel about pet adoption?”
It went dead silent on the other end before a squeal high pitched enough to crackle through the phone echoed out.
“Shut up, are we adopting a puppy?!”