Carter's Savior

Thirty-Five

Carter's POV

'Carter, what am I supposed to do?' Ezra signed to me as we walked into the shop, UK right behind us.

I don't know why Ezra was signing like UK couldn't understand. But seeing as he was behind us, he had no idea what we were discussing. Which is good because if he did...

'I don't know what you want me to say. You have a crush on a forty-something-year-old.' I signed back and sighed.

Ezra rolled his eyes and groaned in annoyance. We were talking about Finnick, a family friend. Well, our parents' friend. We don't call him uncles like Uncle Byn and James because he's never stepped into that role. He was just a guy that was around. Ezra had a crush on him when he was younger, but they never spoke. Finnick rarely spoke to any of us other than our parents, which made the crush even more ridiculous.

None of us has seen Finnick in years, maybe five or six. And I thought Ezra was over the stupid crush seeing as he hasn't talked about him. Plus he's seemingly moved on trying to find his mate. But I guess I was wrong. Because now he is freaking out that Finnick (codename Lion) is going to at the family vacation. But nope, the obsession just came right back, harder than before.

These damn Micakayas. Once they want something...they won't stop until they get it.

'I bet he looks so good, got all those grays.' Ezra signed and got a dreamy look on his face.

'The grays? That's what does it for you?' Uncle Ray watched as we fully stepped in, and a giant smile covered his face. He was currently doing a cut so he couldn't come to hug me but I knew he was going to smother me once he was done.

'Yes! The grays! And he is just so...big.' Again, Ezra got that weird dreamy look in his eyes.

'You're big too you know.' Which was true. All the Mickayas are humungous. Even Eliezar might be an omega, but he was still bigger than the average wolf. It made no sense.

'It must be in the genes. The Mickayas are the certified piners.'

UK walked behind us and clapped our shoulders which immediately made us stop. He might not know who we are talking about, but that doesn't mean he needs to know about Ezra's big crush.

"Carter!" Uncle Ray yelled grabbing my attention, putting a smile on my face. "Go ahead, take the durag off, and let me see what you're working with." I rolled my eyes knowing exactly what was about to happen. All the other barbers' eyes were on me as I took it off.

A collective 'whoa' flew from their mouths as they looked at the mess on my head. I knew it was all in good fun.

'Alright, everyone! I know, I know. I haven't found a barber yet but I'll be looking.' I signed but then I stilled. I know Uncle Tino said they learned to sign but that doesn't mean the whole pack has.

"Look all you want to, but I promise you, no one is going to be as good as Ray." One of the barbers said back and they all laughed.

I felt all anxiety leave my body and an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation washed over me. Never in a million years did I think I would ever be important enough to so many people. I thought the moment I closed my mouth and words no longer came easy, no one would care. I keep getting proved wrong and there is no better feeling than that.

"Ezra, you're up first." Jamie, one of the barbers said and Ezra ran right over. Leaving me and UK alone.

We were sitting at the front, a decent ways away from everyone. The shop returned to their usual conversations which meant I'd finally be able to talk to UK about all that I've been feeling.