34. Mila

Chapter thirty-four

Mila

W e return from the tailors, and the blood is still rushing hot through my veins.

I saw what he was doing to Lachlan and Barret, but the Alphas didn't want to cause a scene.

Probably in fear of upsetting their Omega.

Apparently, the Governor's Ball is a huge deal for him and Omegas in general. It's their one chance to leave the confines of their homes and be treated like royalty.

Omegas don't get out much, it seems, and my heart aches for poor Oliver.

I bet there is so much of the world he would love to explore, and maybe one day we will get to see it together.

Maybe we can see the ocean together.

I bet it's as beautiful as his eyes…

"I still don't understand what the problem was. That man's hands were nowhere near my balls," Oliver gripes as we enter the front door, heading for the kitchen.

I promised everyone coffee for when we got back.

Anything to take their minds off their troubles.

Gryphon comes out of the living room when we arrive, and I freeze, showing him the respect and reverence he deserves as Pack Leader.

His eyes are focused on Oliver, as if he is the only person who matters.

He barely acknowledges me.

He and Oliver still aren't on talking terms.

Once Oliver got what he needed from his Alpha, he kicked him back out of the nest, and Gryphon hasn't returned since.

The Omega is still pissed that he sent me to a hotel.

I don't blame Gryphon for what happened to me.

After all, it was my choice to pursue that Alpha at the bar.

If I had just stayed in my room, then I wouldn't have gotten into that mess in the first place.

Gryphon's eyes gleam red in the light. "Whose hands were on your balls, Oliver?"

Oliver clenches his jaws, curling his fists at his sides. "I don't think that's any of your concern, Alpha... "

The Alpha's eyes flash as he steps closer, taking Oliver's cheek in his hand. "I think it is. You are my Omega, Oliver, and if another man outside of this pack has touched you in any way, then I would like to know. Was it the tailor? I can get him fired…"

Oliver rolls his eyes, pushing his arm away. "I'm fine. Nothing happened. Besides, Mila already took care of it."

Finally, Gryphon peers my way. His face is hard.

I try not to look him in the eye.

Instead, I look at his chin. His gloriously dimpled chin…

"She did now?" he whispers.

"Yes. And are you going to say thanks? She protected your Omega, Gryphon. Show her a bit more respect."

Gryphon's jaw tics, and my heart pounds.

"Thank you, Mila, for taking care of our Omega. Where would we all be without you…?"

Silence. None of us speaks as Gryphon finishes his thanks.

Oliver shakes his head. "Yeah, with a little less sarcasm next time, Gryphon. Come on. I'll make you coffee, Mila."

I look around at him as he pulls me into the kitchen. "But… I was going to—"

"My way of saying thank you. Please, I insist."

I drop my shoulders and relax for the first time in hours. I was tense throughout our time at the tailor's.

I'm just glad that he didn't get a chance to put those hands on me… I won't need a custom-made dress for the ball after all.

Because I am expected to wear my uniform…

I've never even owned a dress before. I've never had the chance to.

I wonder what it would be like to feel like a princess, like you see in all those old classic storybooks.

Must be nice.

Oliver places my coffee down before me on the table, and I take a leisurely sip, humming when I taste the honey.

My favorite.

Barret and Lachlan had to make their own coffees. Gryphon headed out to God knows where, and I can truly relax when he's gone.

I just don't understand that Alpha. He seemed angry with me that I protected his Omega. I was just doing what I was trained to do.

He thinks I am trying to steal his place in the pack.

But I can never replace him. Oliver may be mad at him now, but he still loves him.

He won't shut up about him, moaning about what a big asshole he is being.

If that's not love, then I don't know what is…

But what would I know? I have never been in love before.

Just like I have never worn a dress.

"When you've finished your coffee, there's something I want to show you, Mila…"

I look up at Oliver. "Really? What is it?"

The Omega taps his delicate nose. "You will soon see. I want it to be a surprise…"

My heart hiccups, and I wonder what he is hiding.

Lachlan sniggers and I glance across at him. "What's so funny?"

"You…. you have froth on your lip..."

I reach up and wipe my mouth. How embarrassing.

Lachlan laughs, slamming his fist down hard on the table as he makes everything shake. Barret shoves him to make him stop, but the Alpha has lost it.

It seems he is easily tickled.

Oliver huffs, standing up. "Come on. Let's forget about him…"

He reaches his hand down for me, and my mouth dries. It looks as if he is about to show me my big surprise.

Lachlan is still tittering when we leave the kitchen. Barret shoves him harder, pushing him off the chair this time.

I guess the sight of me with a cream mustache was just so amusing…

We stop outside my room, and I look at Oliver.

"What am I going to find behind the door?"

He shrugs, placing his hands in his pockets. "Not much. Just my way of saying thanks. I… was kind of pathetic during my heat. But you were there to help me ease the pain. I really appreciate your help, Mila. Even though it goes beyond the call of duty..."

My cheeks flush, and I peer down at my feet. "It was no trouble at all. I couldn't stand to hear you in pain, so I tried to help in any way I could."

Oliver's breath hitches, and I'm too afraid to meet his eyes. I'm too afraid of what I may feel when I do.

I do not deserve him at all, and if only there were more people like him in the world. He truly is one of a kind.

"Well, let's go in. I can't wait to see the look on your face…"

My. It must be something exciting. There's no missing his anticipation.

It makes his eyes shine bluer.

He opens the door, pushing me inside at last, and I double-take when I spy the beautiful ball gown waiting for me on a hanger.

I don't breathe. I don't blink.

All I see is that dress…

"Ta-da!" the Omega cheers. "This is your surprise!"

I gaze up at him in shock. "Is this dress really for me?"

He chuckles. "No. It's for Lachlan... Of course it's for you, Mila. You didn't think I was going to let you go to the ball in your uniform, did you?"

I step closer, running my hands down the silk bodice. It's encrusted with real gems, and I jerk my hand back as if they're made from fire.

I can't wear a dress like this. It's too nice for me…

I am unworthy.

"But… this is an Omega's dress…"

He shrugs. "So? And you have all the right Omega measurements."

I shake my head. "No, no, I can't… Betas aren't supposed to draw attention. I can't take away the attention from you, Oliver. It is your night, not mine…"

Silence spreads between us as I make my sad little declaration.

It's true, though. No one will care about me at that ball. It's all about the Omegas.

A chance for their Alphas to show them off.

"I don't care, Mila. Honestly, I've never cared for all the attention. But… when I imagine walking into that ballroom with you on my arm, wearing that dress, then… yeah… for the first time, I do want all eyes on me… I want them all to see you… to know that you are mine …"

All the breath leaves my lungs. Oliver gazes at me so passionately, and the way he growled the word mine just now… he almost sounded Alpha.

He steps closer and takes my face in his hands. I have to crane my neck just to meet his eyes. "You will look perfect, Mila. I just know it."

Tears spill from my eyes, and now I feel stupid. I am supposed to be a soldier, the tough girl…

I do not care for pretty shoes and dresses…

Except I do.

I really do.

I want a guy to sweep me off my feet. I want him to protect me and put me first. It's highly selfish, but I can't help these feelings.

They live deep inside me.

I've always put others first. I have been taking care of my dad since I was fourteen.

But no one has taken care of me…

Until now.

He wipes my tears away with his thumbs, purring softly to soothe me. "And don't worry about Gryphon. I will handle him."

I whimper now, and he presses my face against his chest, and his purr doesn't stop. He runs his hand down my back.

"It will be your night, Mila. Your night. Not mine. All for you…"

It's more than I deserve, but I don't want to be ungrateful.

I want him to know how much I appreciate his thoughts.

Okay. I will make the night all about me.

Anything to make him happy.