Chapter 361

Six months later…

“Good morning, Alannah!” I swung into the office with a slam, startling our poor omega. But the swish of bags had her hopping up and coming around the desk.

“Amy, what’s all of this?” Alannah rushed to my side and pulled the bags from my hands.

“These are your birthday presents.” I squealed as I pushed her toward her desk.

She stumbled over her feet, and Rick moseyed out to see what the commotion was. “What’s going on?”

“It’s Alannah’s birthday!” I screamed as I pushed her back into her chair.

“I know.” Rick smirked and turned back to his office.

Alannah sat confused as the bags sat at her feet. “Amy, I can’t accept these.”

“Of course, you can. You have been my secretary for a few months now, and you never mess up my lunch.” I smiled big and then leaned in with a whisper, “and don’t think I don’t know the extra attitude you have been getting from Brandon. He’s been in a mood recently, and I know you have had to take the brunt of his aura when he comes in here swinging.”

She looked up at me with tears in her eyes. “It’s my job.”

I shook my head. “It’s your job to serve, not to be abused. And I know I’ve not been the one abusing you, but my boyfriend…” I nearly gagged at the words. “But it is my job to apologize for him.”

She shook her head. “You have been amazing to work for. This is all too much.”

“Well, then you probably won’t like my present either.” Rick came in with a bag in his hands and dropped it at her feet. “Happy birthday, Alannah.”

She looked at the pile of bags and then back at us. “I don’t know what to say.”

“There is nothing to say. Just open the gifts.” I pulled out a chair and slid it to Rick. Then I pulled another and sat down. I picked up one bag and handed it to her. “Open.”

She sniffled and nodded. “Okay.” She opened everything one by one. “This is amazing and way too much.” She looked at the gifts on her desk. I just clapped. “I’ll take one, and then you guys can return the rest.” She went to grab the sweater I gave her, but I shook my head.

“You will take everything we gave you. You deserve it.” I pointed to the pile of things, “Each one of the gifts is something you or your mate needs.” Her head snapped to mine. “You thought I didn’t notice, but we aren’t stupid.” I pointed to the clothes. “You always wear the same clothes to the office, so we got you more options.”

“The ring?” She turned to Rick, who blushed.

“We overheard Ternen last month.” He looked away as Alannah turned away.

“Hey now.” I grabbed her hand. “Don’t look away. And goddess, please do not feel like you or Ternen have to be ashamed. Rick and I talked it over. You both deserve this.” Rick nodded. He pointed to the man's ring in her gift bag from him.

“I took Ternen ring shopping. He picked out his ring for himself. You just have to give it to him.”

Alannah wiped her cheek. “You took him ring shopping?”

Rick nodded. “When I met my mate, I couldn’t afford a ring for our mating ceremony.” His eyes grew misty. “But Shelly didn’t care. She loved me just for me.” He looked back at Alannah. “I was exactly like Ternen. And it took a male smarter than myself to smack some sense into my brain.”

Alannah looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“I started down a dark spiral because I felt like I wasn’t taking care of my mate properly because I couldn’t give her everything she deserved. Sound familiar?” She nodded and looked down at the floor. “It took my alpha.” Rick looked at me. “Your father.” I felt my face freeze. This was news to me. “He took me to the mall and bought me rings for me and Shelly, and then he laid into me.” He chuckled. “And I did the same to Ternen. I smacked him a little and gave him some good advice. Hopefully, he will do exactly what I did with it.”

“What was that?” Alannah asked.

“I got over myself, asked for a little bit more help, and I went to school. Ternen is a smart kid, and he has a ton of potential. I made a life for my mate and my pups. He will too.” Rick turned to me. “Your dad saved my life, and I hope you are exactly like him.”

I smiled. “I try to be.” He nodded and then went back to his office, leaving Alannah and I to our thoughts.

Chapter 362