Sugar Coated

34

Delaney Linwood

I lay in my bed and waved at the morning as it passed me by. I'd stayed at Rosie and Foster's packhouse much later than I'd intended. They'd offered me the spare room, but it didn't sit right with me. It wasn't the spare room I wanted. So, despite being grateful for their hospitality, I'd snuck away back to my home. Rosie drove me of course –I'd never manage any actual sneaking around her. She wouldn't take no for an answer even when I told her I'd keep to the busy lit streets of downtown.

I'd thanked her in between discussions of our three blind mice costume we'd settled on. And all the while I'd crept looks over my shoulder. We'd made a whole day of our being together downtown and I couldn't shake the nerves that followed me since leaving the Sinclair packhouse. I felt vulnerable and exposed.

It didn't quite stop until I was back at home, the deadbolt locked as well as the chain across the door. I'd barely settled enough to sleep, throwing myself in the sheets without a care in the world and tossing and turning all night.

Which was how I'd woken, tangled in one of my duvets with my clothes in a pile around me where I'd thrown them after I'd stripped into the bare minimum of what was comfortable. My phone was ringing in the bedsheets and I scrabbled through them like I was digging for buried treasure.

Tights, throw blanket, khakis, duvet, fuzzy sock, jumper dress, sweater, fuzzy sock, sweater, ah Phone!

I turned off the alarm and stared at the screen as it came to life, the do-not-disturb timer finally disengaging.

Sugar Coated: 53 Messages.

My mind blanked as soon as I saw the notification. I'd been so happy yesterday that my fingers froze over the pin pad on my phone. What if it's bad news? What if they decided against me?

My chest hollowed out as I rolled onto my side, facing the wall curling on myself while I cradled the phone in front of me. Rosie would tell you you're being foolish Delaney and she'd tell you she'd kill them if they dumped you.

That knowledge helped to soothe the riot of nerves enough that I was able to unlock my phone. It didn't stop me from meandering through my apps for a while though, flicking from one social media account to another until a banner dropped down alerting me to a new message.

Sugar Coated Jax Sinclair: Sleeping in late, Doll? You're burning through your time already. Only two and a half days left.

I read it and re-read it and when I still didn't know what he was talking about on the third read I dove into the group chat. The first message came through late last night, just before midnight and it had come from Em

Em: You probably already have your phone off so no stress if you don't get this until morning <alarm clock emoji>... but I will stress if I don't say it. I'm out of my mind, Doll, and I would really like it if you'd consider staying here long-term while we court you.

Em: We've been talking about it all night. The spare bedroom is yours.

Em: <pleading face emoji>

Jax: It's a pack decision, Doll. You're pack and you belong with us. If you're interested we could pick up some brunch downtown and talk about it.

Andres: From one Beta to the next, they can be very persuasive. I'd recommend a public outing to keep a level head...or a private outing for any other type of head <smiling face with horns emoji>

Jax: Andres....even over text you push your luck.

Em: No let him keep going. I like his idea better