“How about we shower and get you into something comfortable, food in your stomach, before this hits fully?”
I wrinkled my nose at the thought of leaving my nest but finally nodded and followed him out.
“What sounds good?” he asked as he led the way back down. The thought of food wasn’t enticing at first but my stomach was empty and growled loudly at the temptation of home-cooked food.
“Is it too much to ask for brunch?” I asked hopefully.
“That sounds perfect. Why don’t you go shower while I get started and send the guys off with a proper list,” he offered. Standing on tiptoes I brushed a kiss over his lips and nodded.
“Thank you,” I said, rushing off before I could tempt myself further. The moment I was in the shower a craving hit and I couldn’t stop myself from calling out. “Boone!” Hopefully they were still here.
I apparently didn’t need to worry from the thunder of boots on hardwood before the door was yanked open. My head poked out of the shower and I gave him a sheepish grin.
“Will you buy me some cookie dough ice cream while you’re at the store? I just got a craving for it and it sounds so good,” I pleaded pathetically. He gave me an exasperated laugh and nodded.
“Anything you want, baby girl,” he said as he came over and kissed me soundly. “But don’t scare me like that.”
“Sorry, I was just afraid you’d left,” I apologized quickly before ducking back into the shower and taking my time shaving and lathering myself in soap. Jack had apparently stuck a fall scented body wash in here and I didn’t hesitate to use it. The pumpkin vanilla scent was amazing.
The smell of bacon drifted in, officially forcing me to hurry and finish up. I was even more starving now and I knew it was my usual pre-heat hunger hitting. I’d probably put the guys to shame with how much I could eat and I was even more grateful to have them. I usually got through with tons of takeout, securely delivered through a slot. Something they would be appalled to hear about.
As I got dressed I couldn’t help but let my nerves rise a bit. I’d spent my heats alone in a secured room, miserable. This was about to be different. I had real alphas to knot and a beta to keep me satisfied. They would keep me safe and comfortable and the thought alone had tears brimming in my eyes. I’d always been so fiercely independent that giving myself over to them felt significant. And this was yet another way I was slowly becoming part of this pack. And that thought no longer freaked me out.
Holliday Hollow was where I belonged.
And this pack was my home.
“Autumn?” Jack called out. “It’s ready.”
I was shocked it was done but with a glance at the clock I realized that I’d taken the longest shower of my life. I threw on a shirt I stole from Boone and wore my boy shorts underneath, not bothering with more. They were about to see only my naked body for days, it couldn’t hurt and I was way too hot for more than that.
“Oh my god, Jack!” I gasped as I took in the spread. In the time since we’d parted he and the guys had managed to get a mix of breakfast and lunch items prepared. From sandwiches, to eggs and bacon, to french toast, and… “Are those tacos?”
“Yup,” he answered proudly. “Breakfast with chorizo and regular ones with beef and cheese.”
“This is beyond what I expected, Jack. All this for me?” I was touched. In fact my emotions were so all over the place my eyes watered again and I swiped at it angrily, embarrassed for being a huge sap. “Sorry, it’s so nice.”
“Uh, then why are you crying?” he demanded in panic. “Is something wrong?”
“No, it’s perfect,” I promised. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. And the guys just pulled up so you better dig in.” He threw me a wink and I grinned, giving him another kiss before taking the plate he offered and piling it high.
A low whistle sounded and Hunter laughed. “Damn, brother, did you cook up the whole fridge?”
“You’ll all need your strength,” he countered, unapologetic. “I’m taking care of my pack.”
“Don’t count yourself out, beta, you’ll be participating,” I called out before taking a bite of my taco and moaning at the perfect blend of spice and melted cheese. “Holy shit, this is so much better than my usual takeout.”
“Having a beta like Jack has its perks,” Hunter said proudly as he dropped shopping bags on the counter. Boone came in then, eyes wide as he saw all the food.
“Damn, I’m starving, let’s hurry this up,” he told the others, handing over bags before rushing back out.
“I’m going to carry up my laptop to the nest if you want to relax and watch movies after this until it hits,” Jack told me as he put away groceries. “I have to take a few more things up to the fridge there anyway.”
“You guys are spoiling me,” I told him as I shoveled food in like a starving woman.
“We are,” he agreed. “You deserve it, Autumn.”