74. Chapter Seventy-Four

Chapter Seventy-Four

Beth

I steel myself to run into Rourke on the apartment landing, but when I check the peephole I don't see him, and when I step out onto the doormat and glance both ways, I confirm the coast is clear. It doesn't mean he isn't lurking somewhere nearby, but right now I'm just relieved that he isn't lying in wait right outside my door.

Today is going to be weird enough without adding another argument with my ex-boyfriend into the mix. Hopefully he was so bored last night hanging around out here that he doesn't bother to come back. There are plenty of other Betas in this city that he could be chasing around.

I straighten my sweater and make double sure to place my key inside the front pocket of my purse. Thinking about the hole I got in my jean pocket the other day, I also check the lining of the pocket to make sure there's not an escape route for the key. There isn't, so I zip it closed and head down the stairs.

It's funny, I'm not as nervous as I thought I would be.

Maybe that's because I'm getting to hang out with my best friend as well as work on an interesting project that has me fully engaged and excited to keep going.

Either that, or it's because I woke up feeling better about the whole true mate thing in general.

I get to the building's front door and step outside to see Secret standing a couple feet away from the steps to the door, looking as stunningly gorgeous as ever with her long dark hair that seems to stay in a perfect style no matter what, and her slender, model-like body type.

If she wasn't my bestie, I might be jealous.

Especially since she's also an Omega.

"Hey, Secret," I greet her as I get to the bottom of the stairs. "Thanks so much for doing this."

"Hey, Beth." She smiles. "I'm glad I get to meet these guys."

"You could be less happy about it," Ryan mutters.

He's kind of a quiet, stoic type, and he holds himself like a soldier.

It wasn't a surprise to find out he works as a security guard.

Secret rolls her eyes. "I'm only interested in meeting them to find out if they're good enough for Beth. It's not like I'm looking to pick up another mate or three."

He frowns, but he doesn't say anything else.

"Hey, Ryan," I greet him.

He mumbles something that could be a greeting.

Secret shakes her head. "Ignore him. He got out of the wrong side of bed this morning. Tell me more about these guys. I need to know everything."

"It's this way to the restaurant," I start, leading them down the street.

Secret falls into step beside me, and Ryan keeps a little bit of distance from us, walking behind and being quietly observant.

"Okay, come on," Secret says. "Tell me how you felt when you met them."

"How I felt?" I ask, picturing Enzo fucking Arrow and knowing I can't let her know about that little incident. It feels too private. I clear my throat. "Instant attraction, I guess."

"Good start." She nods slowly. "How did you feel about them after that initial reaction?"

"I don't know. I like them. They seem … different from other guys. I thought maybe that was a pack thing."

"Anything else?" she asks.

I get the feeling she's searching for something specific, but I don't know what.

I take a second to think about it.

"I feel safe around them, or I did until Jack told me they think I'm their fated mate."

"Hm," Secret murmurs.

"What?" I ask, feeling a little anxious about the answer.

"Did anything strange happen when you met them? Was there any coincidental stuff that you can't really explain?"

"Okay, now you're getting spooky," I admit. "There was this thing with a coin that I lost and Gio found. Then Gio took me to meet his pack, to the place Jack had already invited me out to."

She smiles. "Honestly, Beth, I'm not sure why you need me for this."

"Are you saying everything adds up?"

"I'm saying it would be a lot weirder if it turned out they weren't your true mates. I don't know what it is that you're not sure about. It all seems pretty obvious."

I stop walking. We're getting close now. The restaurant is just around the corner.

"I have to admit something," I tell her. "I dated an Alpha in high school. In Sapphire Valley."

She raises her eyebrows, and they disappear under the frames of her glasses.

"I thought … You really seemed to hate Alphas. Oh. Oh ! I'm so sorry, Beth. I had no idea."

"He told me I was his true mate. He really had me fooled."

"What an asshole! If you give me his name, I'm sure Seth can find him to make sure he learns a lesson for hurting you."

"I appreciate the offer, but he's a cop and I feel like that might complicate things for Seth and all of his rescue efforts. I'm sure we'd both rather have him out here in the world helping to save Omegas and women in general from the creeps who try to use them. Rourke just broke up with me after he'd had his fun. It's nowhere near the same level of awfulness."

Secret sighs. "It makes me mad that an Alpha did that to you."

"I want to forget about him, but I don't know how to forget about what he did."

"I get it," she says. "That's … You should take it slow with these guys. I'm sure they're great, but it'll put your mind at ease if you take your time. You don't have to rush into anything."

"Thanks."

"For what?" she asks, genuinely confused.

"For being here with me and helping me work this stuff out. You're a good friend. I'm lucky to have you." I give her an impulsive hug, which I swear makes Ryan huff behind us.

That's a hyper possessive true mate bond in action.

He'd never stop her from hugging a friend, but he doesn't have to like it.

I let her go. "Come on. We're probably going to be late for lunch."

Her mouth drops open. "Lunch? Are you telling me these guys have been making you food?"

"You think my future mates would ever not be the kind to make my food and serve it to me?"

She laughs, and I join in. It feels good to joke about it.

Getting so tense yesterday was awful.

I feel a little sick about that when I picture Jack's shocked expression now.

He didn't understand my reaction, and I couldn't explain it. I was too mad to stick around.

I owe him an apology, for sure.

"This is it," I point out when it's straight ahead.

"What is?" Secret asks, looking around.

"This," I tell her, moving ahead and trying the door.

It's unlocked. They knew I was coming, so it's not a big surprise.

"You're kidding," Secret says, looking around. "This place is a restaurant?"

"Uh huh. It might not look like it now but come back in a week. We're redecorating."

She smiles at me. "You certainly sound like you think these guys are yours."

Mine? Huh. I like the sound of that.

Maybe if I don't think too far ahead, I might be ready to take a chance.

I guess I'll find out soon enough. I reach back for Secret's hand.

"Come in and meet Pack Esposito."