Two Days Later

Carys

I can't believe it.

Swanley actually agreed that I could see Judson.

Admittedly, he’s been a little distant the last few days, and our bond has fluttered with some tension—or maybe I’m just struggling to adjust to having two people in my head. Kofi swears Swanley is okay with me seeing Judson, and that he's just stressed from work. Either way, the extra emotions in our house have had me on edge, and I’ve been concentrating on fixing my nest. It’s made me feel a lot better.

“Almost time to go,” I whisper to myself, applying a peachy-pink lipstick. It’s really more of a lip balm, but I was never good at makeup, so this is as good as it gets.

I check my outfit one more time, spinning around in front of the bedroom mirror. My pink summer dress falls to my knees, and the wide straps hide my bra. I wish I was the kind of girl who could wear flirty dresses with spaghetti straps, but I’ve simply got too much up top.

“Are you ready?” Isaac tiptoes into the bedroom. He looks so excited for me, smiling so wide his cheeks look like they hurt. “You look stunning,” he gasps, holding my hands out so he can see my full outfit. “Pink is your color.” He nods firmly.

So thankful for my beta’s kind words, I fall into his arms, hugging him tight. “Thank you so much for being so supportive.” I sniffle, praying I won’t cry.

“Is someone not being supportive?” Isaac asks, leaning back to look at my face.

I chew on my bottom lip, before admitting, “Swanley has been a little distant.”

Isaac lets out a breathy laugh. “Swanley just hates change,” he says as if it’s no big deal.

“Yeah, but nothing is changing.” I release my beta, combing my hair with my fingers. “It's only one meal, but he seems so…upset.” I settle on the word, knowing it doesn’t really explain how Swan has been acting, but I don’t know how else to describe it.

“Carys,” Isaac takes a breath, looking deep into my eyes. “Can I tell you something?”

“Of course.” I smooth out the front of my dress, waiting.

“When I met Kofi, Swan wanted nothing to do with me.”

My mouth falls open, shocked. “But he adores you.”

Isaac snorts, quickly agreeing. “And when Kofi came home and told us about you, he was completely against the idea of bringing an omega into our pack.”

I’m stunned. All my words fail me.

“Please, don’t be upset.” Isaac takes my hand in his. “Swanley had a rough childhood. Really rough.”

I squeeze Isaac’s hands, holding him close. “Was he,” I swallow hard, my heart already breaking for my alpha. “Did they hurt him?” I ask.

“Not the same way as you.” Isaac’s hazel eyes flicker to the scar on the side of my face. “His parents were traditional betas.”

“Two betas birthed an alpha?” I say, my eyes wide.

“They were just as shocked as you,” Isaac says, taking in my expression. “When Swan presented as an alpha,” his eyes dim, and his voice drops, “they panicked.”

“Panicked?”

Deep sadness pulls the corners of his eyes. “Apparently, his father had some bad experiences with alphas when he was a kid. He became convinced Swanley was dangerous, and would eventually hurt his siblings. They…” Isaac licks his lips, before saying, “...they sold Swanley to an alpha work camp.”

My heart instantly breaks for my alpha. I admittedly don’t know much about work camps, but I do know what it’s like to be thrown away by your own parents. It’s something I’ve worked very hard not to think about anymore, but for a long time, it really freaking hurt that my family took Preston’s side. “How old was he?” I ask, trying not to think about my own pathetic past.

“Fourteen.” Isaac’s eyes go glassy. “He was able to escape when he was seventeen. He met Kofi not long after, and his family ended up taking Swan in.” Isaac forces a smile. “Swanley struggles with trusting new people.” He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “He’ll get there with Judson. He just needs some time to accept the alpha into our pack.”

I immediately shake my head at his choice of words. “But I’m not dating Judson,” I say, eager to change the subject. “We’re just friends.”

Isaac’s eyes narrow and his smile shifts, more mischievous. “Yeah. I’m sure that’s all Jud wants too. Friendship .” But the lift in his voice makes it very clear that he doesn’t believe it.

“What does that mean?” I ask right as Kofi yells out, “Carys? Are you ready?”

Isaac shrugs, then turns around and disappears into the hallway.

“Isaac?” I follow the beta. “What does that mean?”

“Wow,” Swanley gasps as I enter the living room. He lays shirtless across the couch, a fitness magazine in one hand and a glass bottle of beer in the other. I can suddenly see all the tiny scars that litter his chest and arms clear as day. My heart fills with unimaginable sadness for the alpha.

How did he get those marks? From normal alpha rough-housing or at a work camp? How old was he? Was he scared? Did he cry? Did he say that he was sorry when they hurt him?

I know how that feels.

“That’s a pretty dress,” Swanley says as he shifts, setting his drink on the coffee table. “Where are you going?”

“She’s having dinner with Jud,” Isaac says. “Remember.”

Swanley’s vibrant eyes dim as he jumps to his feet. “You can’t wear that.” He drops his magazine on the coffee table. “Go change.”

“Why?” I look down at my outfit, not sure what the problem is. While I do have a small amount of cleavage showing, my dress is pretty modest for the most part.

“You look stunning,” Swanley says forcefully, almost like it’s an insult. “Jud is going to think this is a date.” His eyes narrow into angry slits. “You can’t wear this.”

“It’s not a date,” I say but I can’t help but giggle at his bizarre compliment.

Isaac rolls his eyes. “Would you prefer she wear a burlap sack?” he asks. “It’s just dinner.” He moves toward the kitchen, clearly done with Swanley’s outburst.

Swanley’s dark eyes narrow at Isaac’s back and he barks, “I’d prefer her to not wear the most fuckable sun dress I’ve ever seen.”

I can’t help but feel touched. I don’t often feel pretty, but Swanley has an interesting way with words. Smiling up at my seething alpha, I cross the living room, then push up onto my toes and kiss his cheek. “Thank you, alpha.”

Swanley curls his big body around me, wrapping his arms around my waist.

“I won’t go if you don’t want me to,” I whisper, not wanting Isaac to hear. “I don’t have to have dinner with him.”

A small smile lifts the corners of Swan’s mouth, then he cups my face. “Enjoy your dinner, omega.” He kisses my nose. “But if Jud does anything that upsets you, let me know.” His voice slips into a delicious growl, teetering somewhere between a little scary and incredibly sexy. “I would happily kill for you.”

My heart flutters and my nipples push tight against my dress. But I don’t have time to ask Swanley to ravish me.

“I appreciate your offer.” I can’t help but giggle, wondering if he can feel the heat building in my body. “But it won’t be necessary. Kofi is coming, and I’m sure he’ll do an excellent job of keeping me safe.”

“If you insist.” Swanley kisses me. I cup his face, feeling the sides of his beard. It’s extra soft like he just got out of the shower.

“Ready to go?” Kofi steps out of the kitchen and my knees go weak. The sexy pack alpha looks unbelievably good in his tight black slacks and crisp white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows.

“You look really nice,” I say in a breathy voice as my thighs tense. Both of my alphas are trying to kill me tonight.

“And you, my gorgeous omega,” Kofi steps right up to me, his big body looming over mine, “you look good enough to eat.” He places a soft kiss on my lips. “Shall we?” He holds out his arm for me to take.

“Wait a second,” Swanley holds up one hand, as if to stop both of us from leaving. “Judson isn’t coming here?”

“No.” Kofi shakes his head. “Why?”

“I want to see him,” Swanley says as if that were obvious.

“Why on earth do you want to see him?” Isaac asks as he steps out of the kitchen. He has a glass of white wine in one hand and a big bowl of popcorn in the other.

“I thought it was best that we meet him at the restaurant,” Kofi says. “I was trying to avoid you two having any kind of,” his eyes flicker to me, “disagreement.”

“I’m not going to start a fight,” Swanley says as if offended.

“Right,” Isaac snorts as he plops down on one of the couches. “I’m sure you were going to shake his hand and wish him a wonderful evening.”

“I just want to make sure he doesn't show up looking like a bag of smashed assholes.” Swanley turns on Kofi, pointing his finger at the pack alpha’s chest. “Judson had better bring his A game. Carys deserves only the best. So if he shows up in anything other than a suit, you had better kick the fucker’s ass.”

I can't help but huff. “This isn’t a date!”

Oh my goodness. I think this might be a date.

I had assumed Kofi would take me to a little restaurant in the town near our house. But instead, he drove us into a big city in the mountains. It took almost an hour to get here, but the sights and sounds are well worth it.

Throngs of people crowd the sidewalks, walking past fancy boutiques and specialty shops. I stare at each one as we pass, wondering what it might be like to go inside one.

We arrive at the restaurant just as the sun starts to set, and Kofi shocks me by handing his car keys to a young beta. I watch the young man get behind the steering wheel, then drive off.

I want to ask if they’ll give us back our car, but I’m confident that Kofi wouldn't just give it away like that. This has to be a service of some kind.

“Good evening,” a lovely blonde beta says, standing at a black podium. “Do you have a reservation?” Her black shirt and slacks are perfectly pressed, without a wrinkle in sight.

“Dr. Blackwell,” Kofi says, and I stand a little taller. My mate is a sexy, successful doctor. I don't know why, but that makes me feel a little less out of place.

“Right this way, doctor.” The blonde leads us through the dimly lit restaurant.

Small square tables dot the vast space with the swirling smell of expensive whiskey, clashing colognes, and charred meats filling my nose. Alphas sit with other alphas and betas, eating giant steaks. It’s all a bit overwhelming.

I give the room a sweeping look, realizing that there aren’t any omegas in here. “Kofi?” I hold his hand a little tighter. “Are omegas allowed to be here?”

His dark eyes go wide as if surprised by my question. “Of course.” He pats my hand, pulling me a little closer.

“We have a special parlor for parties with your kind,” the blonde smiles as she pushes open a large glass door. Fresh air fans across my face and my nerves instantly settle. It smells so clean in here. The overhead lighting is a bit brighter and the tables are circular for some reason, but it’s still cozy and very fancy.

Kofi holds out a chair for me at a small table, then he settles in at my side, resting his arm on the back of my chair.

“How does it smell so good?” I ask, admiring the fancy napkin folded on my plate. It kind of looks like a flower.

“Each table has an air purifier.” Kofi points to a small vase-like object in the center. Glancing around the room, I notice each table has the exact same object. And there are no flowers or candles. I appreciate it as both would probably be a little too overwhelming right now.

The waitress asks for our drinks, but before I can request a glass of water, Judson appears out of nowhere. “I was hoping to arrive before you did,” he says to Kofi. “You’re very punctual.” He checks his watch.

“My father was in the military,” Kofi places his hand on my shoulder, holding me closer. “Growing up, if you weren’t fifteen minutes early, you were late.”

“I always try to be early too,” Judson takes his seat on the other side of the table. I notice that he sits a little closer to Kofi. Maybe as a sign of respect? Either way, it seems to please Kofi.

Things are awkward at first. Kofi and Judson exchange pleasantries, talking about work—well, mostly Kofi’s work. When I ask Judson what he does with Swanley, he simply shrugs and says there’s not much to share. Apparently, guarding art is pretty boring. I guess that makes sense.

We order our food from the fancy menus, and then the two alphas spend the next few hours talking about professional sports, growing up near Cassville, and their shared love of vintage cars. I didn't even know Kofi liked cars. At one point, Judson even makes a light-hearted joke about Swanley’s hard demeanor, which makes Kofi laugh.

“Would you like dessert?” the waitress asks as she picks up the empty plates. Kofi and Judson both devoured their steaks, leaving nothing but their silverware behind. I ate about half of my pasta, but it was a little too rich to finish.

“They have chocolate cake,” Judson looks at me. “You love chocolate.”

I glance up at Kofi, letting him know through our bond that nothing would make me happier. “We’ll have the cake,” Kofi chuckles.

“It’s very good,” the waitress says to me. “And I’ll bring three forks, so you can share with your alphas if you feel like it.”

My whole body goes tight at her assumption, but before I can tell the waitress that only Kofi is my alpha, she disappears.

“So, Judson,” Kofi’s tone drops, more serious, and I’m instantly on edge. “What brought you to our little town? Surely it can’t only be Carys.”

Judson opens his mouth, then closes it. Pulling in a deep breath, he downs the last of his amber-colored drink before looking right at Kofi. “It is just for Carys.” His gaze swings to me. “I fucked up. I stood by and did nothing while you were hurt.” There’s so much pain in his dark eyes. “I was young and stupid, and thought that what an alpha did with their omega was none of my business…until I got to know you.” He gives me a sad, almost pained smile, before turning back to Kofi. “Every day, for the last two years, I have regretted not doing something to help your mate. So when I heard on the news that Carys had found a pack, I decided to track her down and tell her that.” His eyes drift across my face, lingering on my scar. “Otherwise, I fear that my guilt would have eventually eaten me alive.”

Judson’s words hang in the air, pulsing around me. My brain desperately searches for something to say to make him feel better, but I come up short. He feels unimaginable guilt for not doing more, and I feel the same way about not leaving with him that day. I’m sure there’s not much I can say that will fix that for either one of us.

“Alpha,” I place my palm flat on the table, and Kofi’s hand finds my knee. “You don’t have to feel bad. I’m okay now.” I look up at Kofi, needing him to confirm what I’m saying is true. “I’m so much better. Right?”

“You really are,” Kofi says softly, squeezing my knee gently.

Judson smiles at Kofi, before turning back to me. “I’ve thought about you every day since the last time I saw you.”

“Really? I’ve thought about you too,” I blurt out, then go completely still, hoping Kofi isn’t angry with me. But he doesn’t say anything, so I keep talking. “I think all the time about how you asked me to leave with you that day.”

“You asked her to leave with you?” Kofi asks, but his voice isn’t sharp or angry. In fact, he almost sounds impressed.

“I did,” Judson says, letting out a heavy sigh, then he looks up at me. He looks so young and vulnerable. “Do you ever wish you had left with me?”

I instinctively look at Kofi, not sure how to answer that. I want to tell the truth, but I don’t want to disrespect my pack.

“Go on,” Kofi says, our bond thrumming with his approval. “It’s okay. You can be honest.”

“Yes,” I whisper, dropping my gaze. “After everything happened—but before I fell in love with Kofi—you were the only thing that kept me going.” I squeeze the napkin in my lap. “I even used to fantasize that you’d come to Havenfield and save me. Isn’t that silly?” I force a laugh, but Judson isn’t even smiling. He looks so intense.

“If I had known where you were, I would have snatched you up in a heartbeat,” he says.

Tender love spreads throughout my chest, and Kofi circles his hand around mine. His supportive emotions move through our bond, and I know that he’s okay with me feeling this way.

Soon after, the waitress brings a mighty hunk of chocolate cake, but I’m too distracted to eat it. Perhaps Isaac was right. Maybe Judson wants more than just friendship, and I’m ashamed to admit that I want that too. There’s something about this alpha that calls to me. It’s deep, almost instinctual, but I feel like Judson and I are bound together in some way.

Once all the drinks are done and the table is cleared, Kofi and Judson shake hands. They continue to chat as we make our way to the valet. Judson’s car comes first, but before he takes the keys, he turns to Kofi.

“I understand if you don’t want me to see Carys anymore. And I have nothing but the deepest respect for you and your pack, but I hope you’ll consider letting me get to know her again.”

“I’ll think about it,” Kofi says simply. “Say goodnight, Carys.”

Judson’s intense gaze turns to me. “Omega Carys.” He holds out his hand, and I slowly slip mine into his. I keep waiting for Kofi to object, but he doesn't say anything, just letting us touch. “I’m so happy I got to see you again. Even if it was just this one last time.” Then he kisses the back of my hand, and he’s gone. He slips into his sporty black car, driving off into the night.

The ride home is pretty silent as we make our way out of the city. Slowly, the roads shift from multiple lanes with bright street lights to the quiet country, with nothing but the moon to light our way.

“How do you feel?” Kofi asks.

I consider pretending to be asleep, but I can’t avoid this conversation forever.

“Tell me honestly, omega.” Kofi repeats himself. “How do you feel about Judson?”

“He’s my friend,” I whisper at my lap. A slip of worry cuts through me as the SUV slows down, and Kofi pulls over onto the side of the road. I hope he isn’t mad.

“I asked for honesty, Carys.” His dark eyes drill into mine. “Now tell me the truth.” His alpha tones slip over me, and my body leans into him, eager to obey. “Do you have feelings for Judson?”

My head nods and fear spreads through me like a massive wave. “I’m so sorry!” I blurt out. “Judson was the only thing in my old life that I actually looked forward to.” Tears gather and fall as I begin to ramble. “I’d sneak to the front door and talk to him about the most ridiculous things. Stupid things like washing the carpet and wiping down the blinds. He listened to me as if what I had to say mattered.” My chin quivers as I stammer, “I s-started to fall for him. Which is…which is so stupid. I mean, we n-never even touched.” My body wracks as I fall apart.

Without a word, Kofi releases my seatbelt, pulling me into his lap. The steering wheel pushes against my bottom, but I ignore it, too desperate to feel my alpha’s warm embrace.

“It’s okay,” Kofi whispers, smoothing his hands up and down my back. “You’re safe with me, little one.” And it hits me: He thinks I’m upset because I’m talking about my old life, and not the guilt of liking another alpha.

“So you two never touched?” Kofi asks, still rubbing my back.

I lift my head, looking him hard in the eyes. “I’m not that kind of omega,” I say through my tears. “I’m a good omega.”

“I know you are,” Kofi quickly agrees, kissing my forehead. “I meant that you two have never even held hands? Not even a simple or innocent touch?”

“No,” I say. “We just talked. He was nice to me.”

Kofi presses his forehead to mine, looking at me as if I’m the most innocent thing in the world. “You’re such a good girl, Carys.”