Not Ready (Assurance Security Duet #1)

by Jillian West

Is that her discomfort I’m picking up on? It must be, right? It’s rather unsettling. Her strawberries and cream scent is currently quite tart, which indicates she’s stressed or anxious. An itchy feeling takes over, trying to convince me that I need to obliterate all her problems right fucking now.

I’ve been riled since I saw that motherfucker in her bedroom early this morning. If I could have crawled through the computer screen, I would have strangled him to death with my bare hands.

This is the problem with having friends. It’s exceptionally difficult to convince yourself to kill them when the need arises.

Did I specifically put her in the guest room that links to mine via a shared bathroom? Yes, I did. No, I do not feel even an ounce of guilt. If I thought it would pass as appropriate, I would’ve put her in my goddamn bed, right where she belongs.

I’ve known for two years that Vale is meant to be mine. In no universe did I see her coming with a bonus human being. But after I got over the urge to track down the guy who ghosted her, I realized pretty quickly that I really don’t care that the baby isn’t biologically mine. I figure, ninety-nine percent of being a parent is showing up and putting in the work, anyway. If anything, I’m grateful she doesn’t have to birth one of my gigantic babies on the first try. Seriously, I was nearly twenty-three inches and eleven pounds at birth.

I’m legitimately concerned that I’d track her down and bond her before she could escape again. Then I’d have to spend the rest of our lives apologizing for my crazy ass while trying to win over her trust. I’d really rather not have to go that route, but my impulses are full-blown caveman on the crazy meter.

“You know, I’ve heard alphas are caregivers. I haven’t had much firsthand experience myself, but thank you. It always reassures my impulses to have someone looking after me.” Her small hands land on my chest, giving me a pat. Well, fuck.

Is it wildly inappropriate to be attracted to my very pregnant wife-to-be?

“You smell really good.” Bishop snorts, shaking his head. He’s never this lighthearted. It’s strange seeing him so chipper. Mercy simply smiles as Vale sticks her damn face into his armpit. That can’t be normal omega behavior, right? It’s kinda cute in a weird way, but normal people don’t act like this.

“Well, until I got the random urge to bury my face in your other pit, but I’m guessing that’s spillover from the bond. She’s really enjoying herself.” I bark a laugh. That does have to be wild.

They’re already at the whole I love you stage? I’m baffled. Maybe it’s because I’ve never experienced the emotion romantically, but Jesus fucking Christ, that came out of nowhere.

I text Hargrove, asking if there is some safe area where we should park. His response of lol isn’t helpful,

He said he was concerned about his skills? He shouldn’t be. I’m going to get him a gold star… Maybe a trophy, if he keeps that up.

Holt agrees, scooting down until he’s face-to-face with Vale. He plants his hand on my forehead, pushing me back. “Move. If I’m invited, then I’m doing more than watching.” She nods wildly, licking her lips.