4. CAMILA

Chapter four

CAMILA

I'm fully stuffed on sugar and popcorn, Zana demanding that we find at least one green food. Ethan immediately made a beeline for the slushies but was quickly guided to the burger cart which had lettuce. I wave my hands, too stuffed to eat another bite without spoiling dinner. If I eat nothing at the church's get-together later, my father will have a few choice words that I'd rather avoid.

"I can't eat another bite," I mumble, looking around the fairgrounds to see if there's anything else I want to visit. The plan was for my brother and his mates to have an afternoon of fun while I saddled up with my friends. The ones from college are a few states over so all I have here is a few from the church. After seeing Penelope, though, I didn't really feel like finding the others. Violet and Sofie definitely don't know anything about Teo's newest relationship or they would have told me .

I checked my phone but once I realized it was dead, I decided not to go on a manhunt to see if they were lingering somewhere lest I run into Teo. Chloe, on the other hand, I'm not so sure what she knows. Penelope is her bestie, we're just the afterthoughts. Seeing as I'll see all of them soon anyway, I decided to enjoy myself for a little longer. "Sorry for crashing your date," I mumble.

Reid chuckles, throwing an arm over my shoulder. "You're not all that bad to hang out with, Mila. Zana and I are both only children so it's nice having someone to talk to. Betas gotta stick together." I manage a smile before shimmying away, wandering until I see an 18+ sign. My father has always preached that this part of the fair is off-limits, holding depraved stalls that will only drag us into sin.

I know better now. I also know that somewhere back there, Kolsen and Amiri are manning a stall. Just the overwhelming memory of their presence has me backing away. Maybe I'll bring it up when I catch Amiri at the café again.

Or I'll just chalk this day up to a wonderful memory and check off ‘kissed a stranger' on my list.

"You stay hidden pretty well, Camila."

I whip around and narrow my gaze at Teo. Penelope is nowhere to be found and I'm not sure if that makes this moment better. "Did you need something? You have my phone number. It works just fine." Not that I would have picked up. My phone's dead.

He snorts. "Would you have picked up? No, look, I didn't come to fight with you." Teo throws his hands up but that makes him seem almost more threatening. "I saw what you did back there. Why didn't you tell me that's what you needed? A little more force and manhandling? You said you didn't want to submit but I just needed to be a little more demanding, right?" Teo steps forward and I retreat, confused and a little scared. "Is this part of the game? Is this what you need?"

"What are you talking about?" I spit out, holding my hands out to keep Teo from coming too close. He's not deterred, walking me back into one of the barriers along the edge of the fair. "Teo… Teo!" I shuffle through the last several hours, wondering what the fuck he is referring to when I realize he's jealous of Kolsen. A stranger. A man that I have every right to kiss because Teo and I aren't dating. I slap at his chest. When that does nothing but spur him on, I lean my head back against the barrier before throwing a knee up between his thighs.

He stumbles back, groaning and holding his cock as I stand there, pissed that he was going to try something with me. "What the fuck?"

"First off, we're not dating. You're not allowed to be jealous after you asked me to be your pack Beta. Not your Beta, the Beta for your pack. Second? And most importantly, you know I don't like it like that." I smooth down my dress before fisting my hands at my sides lest I deal out more violence. Teo deserves it but not here. There's too many people and Teo will try to spin this into something that gets me in trouble. Even if only a few people are lingering this far back, I don't want to chance it.

Teo grunts, still bent in half. "I know for a fact that you do like it like that, Camila. You've shown me that diary of yours, remember?"

I still regret that. I regret that I ever found Teo trustworthy enough to share a piece of my heart with him. The things I've fantasized about touch on a few items on the list I currently have in my purse. I just haven't been able to find someone I trust enough to try them out with. Teo made fun of me for my desires—the desire to be watched or to watch, the desire to play with more than just hands and lips and cocks, and the desire to be fully consumed by men as they take me apart .

I huff out a breath as Teo straightens up, a pained expression on his face. At the same time, I step away from the barrier so that Teo can't try that shit again. "Yes, Teo, I have a few desires that I would love to indulge. Desires that I'm more than capable of indulging now that you and I aren't dating. But you know what I was talking about. I don't like being forced or being handled roughly."

It's why I was so surprised by Kolsen's fingers wrapped around my wrist. The grip was firm but not painful. It was a controlled strength that had me wondering how much farther that control extended.

"Your loss," he pushes out. "Just make sure you're at the church soon. You know you'll get in trouble if you're late. Besides, I have an announcement."

Teo leaves as if he didn't just attack me and I make my way back to Reid. I shake my head, not wanting to rehash what just happened. As much as I love my brother's Beta, he doesn't need to know everything about my failed love life. The ride to the church is silent as I stare out the window, confused by my attraction and worried about Teo's announcement. Whatever comes out of that Alpha's mouth in front of all our parents and friends is going to be nothing less than a disaster.

"You going to be okay, sis?" I turn to look at Reid who offered to drive as I come back to my senses. Ethan is sprawled out in the back seat in a sugar coma, his head in Zana's lap as she runs her fingers through his hair. "Hey, I don't know what happened before we left but I can tell that you're a little shaken. You need some backup?"

"My father would run you off so fast. No, I'm okay. It's just more food." I'm all peopled out at this point but if any of the occupants of this car attend, I won't hear the end of it. Ethan hasn't spoken to our father since his wedding to Zana, one that our father refused to attend. They see each other in passing but the only connection between them is me. They hardly ask about each other and Ethan is just happy to see me when I visit or attend events with them in my free time.

I give them all a small wave before slipping out of the car and dashing around the back of the church. Several white tables with plastic white tablecloths are set up, loads of food piled on top, chatter spread across the church lawn. It's a different feel to the fair, more stringent, less cheer, and no mysteriously beautiful Alphas waiting for a $5 kiss.

A Beta pops up on my side, grinning at my discomfort. "Girl, you have to learn how to relax when you show up to these things or everyone's going to believe you hate them." Violet's words relax me as I turn to see her in a cute shirt and pants set. She dresses similarly to Zana and she pulls off the look every time. Her blonde hair is piled on top of her head, big brown eyes catching everything unfolding here. She's not just a friend. She's also a bit of a gossip whore, let loose by her parents once they realized they couldn't control her. "Hey, so Teo and Pen? When did that happen?"

"You ask like you didn't know."

"Bitch, seriously? I've texted you like all afternoon. Thought you might have found another Alpha or something to piss Teo off. Sofie and I had no clue. Chloe did. Her and Pen are besties." Violet holds up her pointer and middle finger, twisting them together to show what she means. "Okay, so cool. No one knew. Now, tell me about this Alpha you kissed. Teo had a lot to say when he showed up a few minutes before you."

This isn't a safe place to describe Kolsen. Or Amiri. Or where I know them from. Saying that I kissed one of the owners of Temple , a club that's only a few blocks from here? That will be a disastrous result if my father finds out. I'm not scared of what will happen but dealing with the fallout is going to be annoying as fuck .

Violet groans, yanking on my arm playfully. "Fine, fine. I'll do my own research but bitch, if you were going to start the list without me, I would have liked to know!"

She's also the one woman who's stuck beside me every step of the way. Violet might not have an art degree but she works the front desk at the gallery. Her bright personality brings in some of the most expensive clientele and even though she doesn't attend the church anymore, her parents do. It's the only reason she's allowed to dip into free food events like these.

"It wasn't on purpose," I say as I start heading toward an uninhabited corner on the lawn. I'm here for the food, to say hello to my father, and then I'm running home for a much-needed shower and a nap. "Teo just made me so fucking angry. I was feeling pretty today when I got there and I just wanted a little reassurance. It sounds dumb but that Alpha-" I cut myself off, feeling that heat build up in my lower belly again.

I don't know what that is but it feels like an overreaction.

"Whoa, girl. What was that? Did you meet your mate?"

"No?"

"Do it again. Think about him kissing you. Touching you. Loving—oh girl, you're fucked. That's definitely a mate. Your scent gets all sweet and your cheeks are rosy red. Oh my gosh, I need all of the details but later. Right now, we have the buffalo chicken dip to stuff ourselves with before Teo makes that announcement." Violet's easy change between topics gives me whiplash as I'm dragged to the buffet table.

Mate?

That's never been in my plans. Mostly because of my father's stupid wishes. It was just easier to follow his rules than act out. I try not to think about Amiri but it's the same reaction as with Kolsen. That means they're both mates.

The problem is that knowing they own Temple means there's one more individual—an Omega I haven't met—that could derail all of these feelings in an instant. My heart drops into my stomach as I pile up a plate, managing a few quiet hellos until we find a seat on the lawn.

My father catches Violet and I minding our own business, stalking over with an expression that reeks of disappointment. "What is this I hear about you disrespecting Teo at the fair?"

I knew that Alpha would twist what happened. The problem is that I don't know if Teo decided to lie about asking me to be his pack Beta or attacking me just before we left. Or both. "I'm not sure since I didn't disrespect him. Teo has certain things he wants in a relationship and I'm not the Beta to give that to him. Dad, I know you want this to work. We will figure this out on our own, like adults and then we will bring it to you."

That placates him for the moment, Violet raising a brow as if to challenge my father. The man just grunts and stalks off, making a beeline to one of the other pastors, most likely to complain about my behavior.

Everyone here knows me as the quiet, well-behaved daughter of Ezra Thomas, a pastor and widowed father. Most of that is bullshit but I'll hide beneath the personality shoved on me a little longer. It keeps a roof over my head.

People start to crowd as the time passes, Teo holding up his hand to get everyone's attention. When that doesn't work, he holds up a small glass, clanking it to silence the chatter, Penelope still attached to his side.

Sofie finds us, plopping down onto the grass before scooping a chip into my dip. "Hey, just got here. Did I miss the announcement?" She's much smaller than we are, the three of us sure that she would present as an Omega. Much to our surprise, the Beta is feistier than Violet and I combined. "Oh, is the announcement Pen? That's a terrible choice. Sorry, I'll be quiet. Hey, V!"

I gladly hand her my plate, watching her stuff her mouth as Violet and I share a quiet laugh. Teo seems to puff out his chest before holding out a hand for Penelope. "Today is a very special day. I asked Penelope for her hand and she said yes!" Teo holds up her hand, showing off an obnoxiously large rock that had to set him back a few thousand. My anger boldens as I try to reel in my emotions. That Alpha had the audacity to ask me to be his pack Beta when he was going to propose to another woman?

It's customary that Alphas marry their Omega, giving them another layer of protection. I just find it disrespectful how it all happened, especially since I don't even know when Teo started dating Penelope. Violet and Sofie are in shock, most of our church surprised before they start congratulating him. There's a lot of claps on his back and hugs given to Penelope. My gaze locks on Chloe who is squealing and hanging off the Omega. No surprise there.

Violet nudges me as the three of us fade into the background. "How are you feeling about this?"

"I've dealt with it. We broke up so him moving to Pen doesn't really hurt. What does is when he asked me to be his pack Beta. Multiple times actually."

Sofie chokes on a chip, growling. "Oh, yeah, that's a no from me. Are we killing him? I have a shovel."

"That's not funny," I push out.

Violet giggles. "It's a little funny and no, Sofie, we're unfortunately not killing anyone. Well, not with weapons. Maybe with a little bit of kinky fun, though?" She jabs me in the side again and I grit my teeth to keep from snapping at her. I don't want everyone here to know about that list, although Sofie probably already does.

My shoulders sag as I try to stealthily pull out the list from my purse. Sofie grabs it, her grin widening until it takes over her entire petite face. "No shit? Camila!" She grabs my arm and starts roughly rocking me back and forth. "This is some next-level stuff. Are you ready—no, I know you're ready for it. But with whom?"

"Her mate."

Sofie whips her head around to stare at Violet. "Goddamn, I missed so much shit by skipping out on the fair. Spill! It's not the guy you kissed at the—that's a real lucky break. Camila-" I wrap a firm hand around her mouth to keep her from squealing all my secrets just as Teo and Penelope make their way to us. I'm assuming they've made their rounds, letting everyone congratulate them for their union. My father will have words about that later but I'm choosing to ignore that unpleasant thought.

Penelope doesn't even look at me but I didn't suspect she would after I turned down Teo's offer. The Alpha huffs a disappointed sigh as he stares down at the three of us. "Party at Temple tonight. Don't be weird about this, Camila. Offer is still there if you want it." Then he's gone and I'm back to being angry.

Angry and confused.

And a little excited that I might run into my mates again. The mixture of bourbon and coffee–just the thought of their scents wrapped around me has me shoving my hands between my thighs.

Violet lightly taps my arm, bringing me back. "Okay, so I got a sense of every emotion from you. I need a little rundown on who we're doing and who we're no longer talking to." Sofie hums in agreement as she chews, mumbling ‘And who we're killing' .

There's no good way to explain everything that happened today so in a garbled mess is the way I end up doing it. "Teo offered me a position as his pack's Beta, not his Beta. Just for the pack. I of course said no, stormed off, and kissed an Alpha at one of those booths. Teo accosted me later on and I had to shove it in his head again by kneeing him in the dick that I didn't fucking want him or the offer he was giving me. Then we came here."

They both clap my back, Violet moving to squeeze my shoulder. "Fucking finally someone gave him a nut shot. Hopefully, he can't produce kids after that. Little Teo and Penelope's running around is going to be a nightmare." We chuckle at the joke but Sofie quickly diverts back to the original conversation.

"And?" Sofie asks, licking her lips. "Because there's an and. I can feel it."

"And it's not one mate. It's mates. "

"And?"

"It's Kolsen and Amiri."

Silence meets my words until their faces contort in utter surprise and excitement. They reach across my lap, shaking each other as they scream soundlessly, the chips and dip forgotten as the plate slides off Sofie's lap. They apparently figured out who I'm talking about faster than I did, Violet smiling over at me. "And their Omega? Sasha? I've heard he's a gorgeous little minx."

My face falls because that's the lagging problem. "I haven't met him yet."

If the Omega of a pack rejects a new member, that's it. In no world would those Alphas step over their Omega's wishes to get to me. I want Sasha to accept me for the mere fact of having a pack and falling in love. But the thought of being part of a pack that owns a club? Just a little terrifying .

Who am I kidding?

The list is great in theory but actually acting out half those things, things that are most definitely everyday happenings in Temple isn't something I'm remotely ready for.

"Oh, um… and Amiri is the coffee guy," I add before pushing to my feet and dashing across the lawn. Violet and Sofie are on my heels and I know that prepping for this night out is going to be set with a few shots, more squeals, and two hype women that are going to push me into a new relationship or a disaster.