Page 22 of Indigo

Before she can protest, the call connects, and I leave the room for some privacy. I don’t want her to know how insane this plan truly is.

“My boy!” Papaw answers after two rings.

Papaw is one of Dad Levi's dads. He’s always been a proud father even though his son didn’t follow in his footsteps and chose to pursue music instead of medicine. My mom and dad did well as a country duo, and while they are the face of their music, my other dads are lyricists and producers. Which means the whole pack was pursuing the same dream, but Papaw never questioned them.

Now that my parents are a household name, it’s hard to believe how much they went through. I can’t flick through the radio without finding their music, but the road to success wasn’t smooth, and Papaw never gave up on them. And that’s why he's the one I call when I decide to go forward with this insane plan.

“I heard the news. Congratulations, my boy. This is a miracle.”

He’s so fucking proud. I hear it in his voice, and I’m sick to my stomach to receive this amount of support when my Omega reeks of fear. Instead of entertaining his happiness, I tell the truth.

“She doesn’t want to be mated.”

Damn, that statement doesn’t even start to explain what is happening, but it’s a goddamn summary.

“No?”

“Is there anything I can help to soothe her heat, Papaw?”

“Nash…” he says, and even in my mind, I can imagine him shaking his head. So Papaw is supportive, but not insane. Got it.

“Papaw… I just need help.”

“Nothing can stop the heat.”

“I know,” I sigh. “But there are things that can help hold off, right? I heard about this.”

My chest hurts, so much grief taking space when I wish it was happiness. A call to your grandfather after a scent-matching. It’s supposed to be filled with joy, not whatever this is.

“I need time, Papaw. I know I can change her mind, but I need time, and biology is not giving me the time.”

“What if I never agree with this?”

Indigo’s words come back like a monster refusing to give up. I don’t want to dismiss her, but I need to believe that one day she’ll want us as much as we want her. If I only have more time to show her who we really are. If only she’s lucid enough to ever make the choice.

“You youngsters…” he tsks. “What is the point? This is a scent-match. It’s fate. Knot her, and then you have the rest of your life to make her fall in love.”

“She doesn’t want us,” I grit between my teeth. Damn Papaw for making me spell it out, something I’m not ready to say.

“Torturing you all won’t help the situation.”

No, it won’t. He’s right. I rub my face, taking a breath before talking. He doesn’t understand that giving Indigo this is the only way she will ever trust us.

“I need to try. She’ll never be ours unless we give her a chance.”

He’s quiet for a long moment, and I hold my breath. I knew it was crazy before I made this call, but I can’t leave her curled into a corner crying her eyes out because of me.

“Nash, I love you, but you’re asking me for advice on something that will only hurt you and your mate. Holding off the heat will tear this girl apart.”

“And what’s the alternative, Papaw?” I shake my head, pressing the heels of my hand into my eye socket. “She left, stole a damn truck to escape us. She’s scared. You know how much these Omegas suffered. She’s been abused and—”

“I know. I know.” I hear the understanding in his tone. “I just need to warn you as your grandfather and your doctor of the risks of what you’re doing.”

“Thank you. I know you have to say it.”

“Well, I do. But if you insist on being insane…”

“I absolutely do.”