“Nothing but junk.” Mario rolled his eyes and slapped it closed. “Night, Jensen. I’ll see you in the morning.”
“Good night, Mario. Sleep well.” Jensen tipped his cap.
Mario smiled and turned the corner for the elevators. Within seconds of pressing the button, the elevator opened. Mario tapped P2 and the glass elevator zoomed up to one of the higher floors. When it came to a complete stop, the doors opened, leading the way to the solitary unit on this floor. His.
Walking over a plush grey carpet, Mario stepped up to his door. He lifted his wallet from his pocket and waved it over the sensor, leading to the walkway of his home. The lights came alive as he walked, until he arrived at his living room which was bathed in all natural tones.
“Ahh home.” Mario was still mesmerized by the soft browns and greys. All the furniture from the sofas, chairs, dinette set matched the walls earthy colors. He picked up the remote to turn on the big screen television which sat on one wall, and pushed another to control the blinds, covering the panoramic view of the city. Having a penthouse, he could almost see through the clouds.
Many would say a place like this was built for an alpha and in Mario’s heart, he was one. He’d purchased it without anyone’s help. He was proud of that fact, and even when he decided to finally settle down, Mario would make sure to not let the alpha forget it.
As he loosened his tie, Mario headed into the kitchen. More lights illuminated while he moved through his home and was soon greeted with his granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. He pulled the tie off and dropped it on the counter, closest to the fridge. When he opened it, he cocked an eyebrow, wondering if he should have leftovers from last nights’ takeout or if he should order out again. He hadn’t gone grocery shopping and although Jensen had offered to send one of the building staff to do it for him, Mario refused. He was very picky with his food as well as who prepared it. When he shopped it was simple things that could be made in thirty minutes or less or microwavable.
Cooking wasn’t one of his strong suits.
Pulling the carton out the fridge, Mario opened the box and gave it a quick sniff. He figured it was still edible, so he placed it in the microwave. He pushed the timer, then walked away from it to make his way to the bedroom.
As Mario turned the corner, his phone rang an old school rap song he’d selected for his best friend, Marko. He pulled his phone from his leather jacket pocket and smiled. “What’s up?”
“Nothing much, man. I was on my way home, but I thought I’d stop by before I turned in for the night.”
“Only on one condition.” Mario removed his jacket with one hand while trying to hold on to his iPhone. “You got food?”
“Leftovers from tonight’s feast, yeah. Are you hungry?”
“Yep. I could eat a horse right now. The Chinese I have warming isn’t all that appetizing.” Mario dropped his jacket in the chair closest to his bed.
“All right, will do. I got plenty.”
“Sweet. Then I can toss out that fried rice,” Mario said with a laugh. “Just text me and I’ll let you in.”
“Okay.”
“See you in a bit then.”
“Yep.”
Mario disconnected after Marko agreed. He dropped his cell on the bed and began peeling off his uniform. Though he hardly ever flew any planes, he still wore the uniform, because it looked snazzy.
Mario was trained by a family friend to be a pilot at age fourteen, and never wanted to do anything else. The official outfit made him feel a sense of pride too. What better way to represent your company than wearing the suit that symbolized Capri Charters?
Despite his affinity for the garb with gold wings on the shoulders, Mario preferred his sweats and t-shirts. He pulled a set out of the drawers and put them on. When he finished dressing he wiggled his toes loving the feel of the cool wood on the soles of his bare feet. Mario was the kind of guy who only liked wearing shoes outside. Once he got home, they needed to come off immediately.
Grabbing his cell, he walked back to the kitchen. The food had been done for a while, so Mario took it out and pitched it in the garbage. It was good, but Marko’s version of a home cooked meal would be better. Mario’s mouth watered thinking about the food Marko prepared. The man was an ace in the kitchen. Even better, he was Mario’s downstairs neighbor, meaning he wouldn’t be far away. Being friends had it’s special set of benefits and one of them was living in the same building.
Marko texted saying he was at the door. Mario ambled through his hallway to the foyer and unlocked it.
“Hey.”
Mario smiled at Marko then dropped his gaze to the bag. “What’s in there?”
“Roasted lamb, potatoes with gravy, broccoli spears with s side of cheese sauce--”
“Say no more, man. Gimme!” Mario grabbed the bag which was still somewhat hot.
“Uh right.” Marko laughed and closed the door behind him. “I suppose you really are hungry.”
“Yeah. Momma Lolla talked my ear off earlier.”
“Oh? About?”
“Mating of course,” Mario yelled back.
“Well, it is about time for you to settle and find prince charming.”
“Ugh. Why? I mean, can’t I sleep with the prince then find another along the way?” Mario emptied one of the styrofoam containers onto a plate.
“You can, but Lolla and Daphne want you to find Mr. Right. I do too actually. So does, Al.”
“Yeah, yeah. You and Al are blissfully happy and I should follow suit, right?” Mario smirked as he placed the plate inside the microwave. It was only lukewarm, so he figured a minute should make it hot enough to eat.
“Yes you should. We’re about ready to try for a baby too. My little bundle needs someone to play with.”
“They’ll be waiting a while,” Mario singsonged, pulling the plate out when it dinged.
“Oh c’mon, Mario. You’re not getting any younger.” Marko’s voice was in the same room with him now.
Mario looked up at Marko’s concerned eyes and shrugged. “I’m not old as dust yet. I got time.”
“Dude. The prime of an omega is between twenty and thirty. You’re twenty-eight.”
“So what? Like I said, not old as dirt, but not fresh out of the womb either.” Mario popped a piece of broccoli in his mouth.
“No, but time is a wasting, man. I’m ready to get Al pregnant, now and he’s ready too. He stopped taking his suppressants last week.”
“I’m happy for both of you.”
“Mario…” Marko groused and plopped in the seat next to him.
Mario inched away and shook his head. “No pressure to mate, okay? I get enough of that from Momma Lolla. I’m telling you, it’ll happen, but not before I get this company where it needs to be.”
Marko sighed aloud. “It already is, but I’ll tell you, when the urge comes it won’t stop until it grabs you. You use your company as an excuse. Just admit that you’re fucking scared.” He sounded annoyed.
“Oh I know. I go through that heat shit monthly, remember? And for your information I’m not afraid of a damn thing.”
“Sure you’re not.” Marko rolled his eyes. “I’m not blind, Mario. I’ve been there for you when you’ve gone through your heat.”
Mario blushed. His heat cycle was his one weakness. No matter how many suppressants he took sometimes it was so strong he needed Al and Marko to lock him in a room while he screamed and begged to be fucked.
“It's almost time?” Marko whispered.
“Don’t freaking remind me.”
His last cycle was the hardest for him where he’d almost ruined his friendship with Al and Marko. He’d tried to manipulate Marko into fucking him by flooding his apartment with pheromones ever time his friend came to check on him. Mario had apologized so many times he felt guilty every time he thought about it even though Marko and Al forgave him.
“Stop nagging me.” Mario growled and swallowed a piece of meat. He wouldn’t be los
ing his appetite because his friend repeated the finer points of being an omega. “I don’t want to throw you out for talking nonsense.”
Marko laughed. “You really should’ve been an alpha because you have the temperament of one.”
“Love me or like me, I and who I am. And I’m not gonna change.” He winked at Marko who rolled his eyes. “You aren’t eating?”
“Nah, I ate earlier. I’m gonna go. My baby is waiting on me.”
Mario nodded at Marko. “Okay. You kids have fun and don’t make so much noise the next time you decide to have sex in the elevator.”
“What? You—”
Mario laughed and ducked the hand flying in his direction. “Yeah, I heard and so did the whole damn building. Next time put a sock in his mouth. There’s so much “oh Marko fuck me right there” I could take before I wanted to scream.”
“You sound jealous.”
“Jealous my ass.” Mario snorted.
Marko laughed.“Whatever. Night man.”
“Night.”
Chapter Two
Jaivon DePenna walked into the home he shared with his brother and lover.
They had an unconventional relationship that society might not understand. Not only were they brothers, they were also alphas. Jaivon couldn’t say for sure what it was that made him fall in love with his brother. He simply knew he never saw Bryce in a brotherly way.
Jaivon hated that they had to keep their union a secret from others. He wanted to be free to do things like any other couple. Other than being brothers it was unheard for two alphas males being together. From the moment that Jaivon and Bryce recognized their mutual feelings they knew they’d need an omega to complete their bond and who would accept their relationship. One who would commit himself to them and ultimately bear their children.
From the beginning, their parents understood their relationship. Both of them were worried their parents would disown them, but their folk’s love for Bryce and Jaivon seemed to be unconditional. In fact, their mother expressed relief they found comfort in each other. She was assured that her babies who were born six minutes apart were truly never alone.
“Babe are you ready?”
He and Bryce were finally going on vacation after four years.
“Yeah, give me a hand with these bags,” Bryce said while he walked out of their bedroom.
Jaivon eyed the three packed bags and wondered what the hell Bryce packed. They were only going away for a couple of weeks. Honestly, he hoped they would spend more time in the hotel than out of it. Things had gotten so busy for them in the past four years he knew they needed this.
“Don’t you think you’re a bit over packed? We’re only going to be gone for two weeks right?”
“Yeah, so?” Bryce glared at Jaivon as if daring him to say something more. “I know how you get when you sleep in unfamiliar places. You toss and turn all night complaining that the sheets are too rough to sleep on. So I brought your favorite sheets and yes before you ask, I’ll make the bed when we get to the hotel.”
“You make it sound like I’m fussy or something?” Jaivon smiled when Bryce huffed.
“That’s because you are.”
Bryce went to walk away but Jaivon stopped him pulling him in his arms. Although they were brothers there are a lot of differences between them. Bryce was six minutes behind Jaivon. Also, Bryce was an inch shorter than him. Jaivon had a muscular build, with deep brown eyes, while his lover had a runner’s form with light brown eyes that he often got lost in.
Jaivon had dark brown eyes. While Bryce wore his hair in neatly styled dreadlocks reaching down the middle of his back, Jaivon was bald by choice. He was low maintenance, except for his well manicured beard and goatee. They had different tastes in movies and music. Bryce liked watching action and foreign films with subtitles. Jaivon liked comedies and music that touched him deep in his soul. The only thing they had in common was their beautiful smooth brown skin.
Bryce was so fucking gorgeous sometimes, Jaivon couldn’t believe they were lovers. Or that Bryce chose to be with him despite society’s opinion of their relationship. Jaivon knew he loved Bryce, but lately he’d felt the strain between them. It was one of the reasons why they were going on vacation. They needed to figure out a few things. They were disappointed they hadn’t found their mate or even gotten a whiff of him. Sometimes Jaivon wondered if Bryce would walk away.
Although in Jaivon’s heart of hearts he knew that Bryce wouldn’t, he couldn’t help but be concerned. After all, they’d built a life together. They’d joined the military right out of college, going from one duty station to another. And after eight years, they figured they’d done enough.
Once they got out, Bryce put the college degree he earned in the military to use and taught eighth graders at one of the best private schools in the Tri-state area. Students loved him for his sense of humor and quick wit. Bryce’s was so personal he'd also won his colleagues over who regarded him as one of the best teachers in their school district.
Jaivon however, felt a different calling. Since he’d always been into fitness, he used his own money and benefits to open JB Fitness Center. After a successful first year, he expanded, and opened another. Now after six years, there were five JB Fitness Centers in Providence, Maine and New York. Jaivon loved Bryce so much he would do anything to keep him in his world. They’d built a life together and he hoped a bond that could never be broken.
“You know I’m not going anywhere, right?” Bryce’s words pulled him from his thoughts.
Jaivon stared at his twin with widened eyes. He’d always been amazed at their closeness. “How did you know that’s what I was thinking about?”
“You’ve never been able to keep anything from me, Jai.” He moved closer, standing on his tiptoes and kissed him on the lips. “I love you. You’re part of me and I’m part of you. I’m yours no matter what.”
Jaivon sighed. “It’s just... I want this to be—”
“I know,” Bryce said, cutting him off. “Trust me. It’ll be great. We’ll figure things out, okay? Don't worry. This is our vacation And again, I love you. I’m not going anywhere.”
Jaivon managed a smile, feeling relieved. To know the man he held in the highest regard had his back was a huge weight off his broad shoulders. “I love you too, you.”
“You better.” Bryce playfully punched his arm.
Jaivon winced and rubbed the spot his brother hit him at. “Man you pack a punch.”
“Pssh. Cut that out. You know you're built like a brickhouse.” Bryce separated from him and picked up the bags. He turned on his heel, following his brother.
“Don’t forget to lock the door.” Bryce called over his shoulder.
“Yes, dear.” Jaivon chided him while pulling the key out the lock.
Bryce snorted. “Do you remember the name of the charter company we hired, smart ass?”
“You gotta admit my ass is smart and cute.” Jaivon snickered.
His sibling eyed him and grinned, but continued walking.
Realizing his joke didn’t go over well, Jaivon cleared his throat. “Uh, yeah, it’s Capri Charters.”
“How fitting, since we’re going to Italy, and staying on the island of Capri.” Bryce mused, holding out his hands for the bags.
“I thought you might like that.” Jaivon handed them to Bryce, then walked to the driver’s side while Bryce pressed the button to close the trunk.
Jaivon had asked their parents to stop by every now and then to pick up the mail and water the plants. They’d also left extra dog food for the pups since their mom and dad were pet sitting.
Jaivon hopped in the driver’s seat and waited for his lover to join him. When he did, he leaned over the console and softly kissed his lips. “Ready?” Jaivon went to pull away but Bryce grabbed his shirt collar connecting their lips in a deeper kiss that made his toes curl and heart pound.
Bryce moaned as their lips separated. He slowly opened his eyes gazing at him with lust and love.
He took his time pulling back. “I'm ready for something else.” He managed through short pants, then put on his seat belt.
“You’re trying to make me fuck you in the driveway.”
“It’s not the first time.” Bryce licked his lips as his gaze traveled down to Jaivon’s mouth then back to his eyes.
Fuck, he makes me want to eat his sexy ass up.
Jaivon was about to give into his lover when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He reached in and pulled it out seeing the notification about traffic on the way to the airport.
“Think you can wait until later baby?”
Bryce huffed and released his collar straightening out the few wrinkles in the fabric. “I’ll be good for now.” He reached down and his palm kneaded Jaivon’s cock making him grunt. “But the second we get to the hotel, I’m riding this.”
Jaivon moved away quickly and reluctantly moved Bryce’s hand from his crotch. He was trying not to get caught up in his brother’s pleasure. He put his belt on and turned the key on the ignition.
Jaivon is so ready for their vacation.
Ready to eat authentic style pizza and to romance his lover the best he could and hopefully, fill the void in their relationship. They were good together. Each time he made love to Bryce, he fell deeply in love with the man. But they both knew that something was missing — a large hole that could only be repaired by an omega mate.
Bryce peered at his brother and lover from the passenger seat, noticing the worry lines etched on his face. There was nothing he could say to assure Jaivon everything would be fine. Bryce understood their relationship could be scorned at by society and no one would understand what he felt for Jaivon was real. Mostly because Bryce had never seen Jaivon as his flesh and blood. Most would believe they had a terrible upbringing and clung to each other in a need to escape but they would be wrong. He and Jaivon had the perfect childhood.
His feelings for Bryce started during his teenage years. Bryce saw Jaivon as more of a companion than his brother. The emotions ran too deep between them to be just family. Perhaps it had something to do with sharing a womb. They’d always be close no matter what.
When an Omega Loves Page 2