by Lacey Daize
“What for?” he asked in a daze.
I kept my hands on his as I looked into his eyes again. “You were so angry for me, you were growling.”
“Was I?”
I nodded. Then, continuing to follow my gut, I rose on my toes and pressed a kiss to the side of his mouth.
There was a tense moment in which I questioned myself. Then Carlos’s arms wrapped around my waist and held me tight as he returned the kiss.
It was simple, a press of the lips, but every nerve seemed to spark with just how right it felt. I sighed happily against his lips as we parted.
I looked up into Carlos’s eyes, and noticed a pleased rumble from his chest.
“What was that for?” he asked after several seconds.
I smiled. “Because I wanted to.”
His arms tightened around me. “Is it ok if I want to kiss you back?”
I felt the blush over my cheeks as I nodded, then we were kissing again. Carlos wound one hand into my hair, tugging slightly so that he could deepen the kiss, and I melted into it. My lips parted as soon as he licked the seam, and I moaned as our tongues slid together.
I needed. I needed to be kissing this alpha. I needed the warmth of his arms around me, and his scent filling my nose.
“I should let you get ready,” Carlos said as we parted to breathe.
“Hmm?” I asked.
He chuckled and brushed his lips against my cheek. “You’re going out with Liam?”
“Oh, yeah.”
He pulled back and smiled. “He’ll be here any minute.”
“Ok.”
Carlos leaned in and kissed my forehead, then stepped back.
The loss of his embrace was like a shock to my system. I had to take deep, gulping breaths to remember what it was like to be away from him. Everything in me insisted that he was my alpha, and that my head just had to catch up.
Carlos looked at me as if his reaction was just as strong. He shook his head. “Have fun tonight, ok?”
I nodded. I didn’t need to read between the lines to know that he’d decided a bit of space was a good idea, and I agreed. If I stayed I’d likely have his knot in me within an hour.
Not that my cock thought that was a bad idea. There was a tent in my jeans and I could feel the slick near my entrance.
Carlos walked away with the gait of a man fighting a massive erection.
I scrambled to get ready and get my own cock under control, and was only mildly aroused when Liam pulled up out front.
∞∞∞
“Congratulations!” everybody said, holding up their drinks around the table.
Liam blushed. “Guys, it’s just a baby. I already have one. Remember?”
There was a round of laughter, then the omega to my right, Mason if I recalled correctly, reached into a bag and pulled free a brightly colored gift bag.
Liam’s eyes widened. “Are those what I think they are?”
Mason laughed. “For the table to share, but yes, first batch of the season.”
Liam must have noticed the confusion on my face. He chuckled. “Mason owns the local candy store. In the bag are his famous chocolate covered strawberries. I practically lived off them my last pregnancy.”
Everybody leaned in as Mason split the pink and white bag down the side to turn it into an impromptu plate.
The berries were no more than revealed than Liam reached out, grabbed one and bit into it with a moan. The rest of the table chuckled as more strawberries were taken. Finally I took one that had been dipped in first white then milk chocolate for a tuxedo effect and bit into it.
The combination of sweet juice and chocolate was exquisite.
“Those are the best I’ve ever tasted,” I said after I swallowed.
Mason turned to me and smiled. “Thank you.”
“So you run the candy shop?”
Mason nodded. “I always wanted to own my own candy store, and after I graduated from college I came back home to open the first one in Mountain Springs.”
“And not a minute too soon,” another of the omegas, Daniel, said. “Now instead of us driving to Mount Sable to get goodies like this, people come here to find some of Mason’s exclusive recipes.”
“Wow,” I said. “You must be hopping right now then taking orders for Valentine’s Day.”
A shadow passed over Mason’s face as he pasted on a false smile. “One of our busiest days.”
The awkward silence around the table informed me I’d stumbled into a minefield, and I knew enough to not push.
“Liam,” Daniel cut in. “What’s happening with the fire investigation?”
Liam sighed, but I felt the tension ease with the somewhat somber change of topic. “Not much right now. Devon…” his eyes flicked to Mason then back, “was put on it. It was obviously deliberate, but right now all we have is a standard match in a pile of stuffed toys. Since they weren’t made for children they weren’t even fire resistant.”
The strange air fell again.
“What are you hoping for?” I asked, trying to steer the conversation back from a brink that I could sense but had no idea where it was. “Boy? Girl?”
Liam smiled. “Healthy. But I think having a boy would be nice, even it out.”
I nodded. “I can see that.”
“If you’ll excuse me for a moment,” Mason said, standing and heading towards the door.
Sighs around the table.
“Sorry Andrew,” Liam said frowning slightly. “You had no way of knowing. Mason has a history with Valentine’s Day.”
I shook my head. “I should apologize.” I moved to follow to follow Mason out, but Liam stood and stopped me.
“Leave him be,” he said softly. “He doesn’t like to think about it, and we’ve all learned to just give him a minute rather than dredge it back up by apologizing.”
I looked toward the door, then nodded. “Ok. What’s the best way to avoid it?”
“If you need to discuss it, just call it the season.”
“Ok.”
Liam took my elbow and guided me a few more steps away, then lowered his voice. “Your scent is stronger than it was yesterday. Are you ok?”
I blinked. I felt fine, then I remembered. I raked my hand down my face with a groan. “My heat. I forgot in my excitement to get here. It’ll start in a day or so.”
“Do you have suppressants?”
I shook my head. “I left a trash alpha in New York. He’d been over at my apartment and tossed my suppressants, knowing insurance wouldn’t pay for replacements.”
“Seriously?”
I nodded.
“What are you going to do?”
I shook my head. “Carlos has me on waiting lists for a room. I guess I need to hope that a room opens up.”
“And if one doesn’t?”
I bit my lip.
“Look, I could see the chemistry between you last night.”
“We kissed before I came here,” I admitted.
Liam smiled. “I’m glad. I think you two would be good together. But you need a plan.”
“What do you suggest?”
“Write it down, before the hormones are too strong. Carlos is a good alpha. If you don’t want him there then we can invite him to stay with us for a day or so.”
I was silent.
“You’re not sure?” Liam asked.
“I… kinda do want him there.”
“Then write that down too. He’s honorable, and I believe that even if you were begging, he wouldn’t act during a heat unless he knew you meant it.”
The words made something flutter in my chest.
“It’s not too fast?” I asked. “I only met him yesterday.”
Liam smiled and shook his head. “Sometimes when the heart knows, it knows. All I know is that I’ve never seen Carlos look at happy as he did with you last night, and given your reactions, you’re just as smitten with him.”
I blushed.
The door opened and we saw Mason walk
back in.
I nodded. “Thanks. I’ll think about it.”
“Good,” Liam replied. “Now, let’s get back to enjoying the evening.”
∞∞∞
I had a pleasant buzz as Liam dropped me off at Carlos’s house, but even the alcohol wasn’t enough to make me forget his advice. My heat would start soon enough, and I needed to prepare.
I slipped inside, noting that the house was quiet and most of the lights were off. But there was still a lamp on so that I didn’t trip in the dark.
My alpha was so considerate.
I paused, wondering when I’d started thinking of Carlos as my alpha, and decided it didn’t matter. If the kiss earlier was anything to go on we’d be mated soon enough.
Assuming that’s what he wanted.
I’d have to find time to discuss my heat with him. But I’d do what Liam suggested as well, just in case.
I moved to the room I was in, found a piece of paper and started writing.
Chapter 8 - Carlos
Letting Andrew out of my arms was hard enough, and out of my sight to spend the evening with Liam and a few other omegas was almost unbearable. My alpha side was more insistent with every second that he was my omega, and that I needed to claim him as soon as possible.
The kiss only fueled that desire, and dredged up fantasies that I hated to admit I had. I saw visions of Andrew, moaning and begging beneath me. I imagined him beautifully round with child, then nursing our babies.
I wanted it all with him, and only him.
I hadn’t known him for a full forty-eight hours, and I was positive that I needed to spend the rest of my life with him at my side.
I awoke early the next morning, and decided the best thing for me to do was clear my head before Andrew got out of bed. I had a visit to make anyway. I left my omega a note that I would be back later, and put a spare key on the counter so he could come and go as he wished.
I didn’t know why, but I trusted him.
A few minutes after I left my house I pulled my car in front of Papa’s place. It was early, but I knew he’d be awake. He’d spent several years in the military as a young man, and though they didn’t put omegas in infantry divisions, he still had the training and structure drilled into him.
“Carlos,” Papa said as he opened the door before I could knock.
“Good morning Papa.”
He grunted and stood aside. “Get in here before all the heat escapes.”
“Yes Papa.”
I looked around as I stepped deeper into his house, and noticed how the treatments were affecting him. His house was normally spotless, another part of his training, but I could see dust in a few places.
“How are you feeling today?” I asked.
He shrugged. “I ain’t dead yet, so can’t complain.”
I sighed and sat in the chair opposite him. He’d never been a delicate omega, but after they’d found cancer on his ovaries and removed them he’d become even harder. People who didn’t know him often thought he was the alpha of the house, while Dad couldn’t have been more different. He’d been carefree and hadn’t minded taking on much of the household tasks so Papa could be the breadwinner in a time when omegas were just starting to really get a foothold in the job markets.
“Coffee?” Papa offered, standing behind his favorite chair.
“You know the doctor says you shouldn’t…” I started.
“Psssh, doctors can’t expect a man to give up all his vices. I wasn’t a big drinker, only smoked four cigarettes in my life before deciding I hated ‘em, and would rather keep busy than watch television. So they can pry the coffee from my cold, dead hands.”
“Papa!”
He chuckled and shambled off to the kitchen. A few minutes later he returned, passing over a cup of black sludge that was sure to keep me wired for hours.
“Hear ya been hangin around some new omega,” Papa said after taking a sip.
I chuckled. “Word gets around fast. He only came into town the day before yesterday.”
Papa smiled at me, a rare expression on his normally stern face. “This one’s got to ya, huh?”
“Huh?”
He chuckled. “That’s the first time I’ve asked about an omega, and you didn’t immediately deflect.”
Of course Papa would see right through me.
“Heard he’s staying with ya too.”
I sighed, and Papa chuckled.
“Avoiding him?” Papa guessed.
“Visiting you,” I replied.
Papa leaned forward. “It can be both.”
I raked my hand down my face. “His scent is everywhere, and all I want to do is wrap him in my arms and keep him safe and mine forever.”
“In two days?”
I nodded. “I’ve never reacted to an omega like that before.”
Papa relaxed into his chair, soft smile on his face. “I always thought so.”
“Thought what?”
He nodded. “You weren’t one to chase omegas, and only dated a few and for short times. It was always like you were waiting and didn’t know it.”
“Waiting for what?”
“Your fated mate.”
I huffed a laugh. “That’s omega flick nonsense Papa.”
“Pfft. Then tell me why this omega has impacted you more than any other.”
I had a retort on the tip of my tongue before I thought about it. I’d started falling for Andrew at first scent, before I’d even fully gotten a look at him, and my desire had only grown since.
“Your granddad and grandpapa were fated mates, and fell just as hard. One day they’re living their lives, the next they were desperate to be mated.”
“Really?”
Papa nodded. “I never saw a love so strong, until now.”
“You don’t even know him.”
Papa chuckled. “I don’t need to Carlos. I know you, and I can see you’re smitten.”
I sighed. I really couldn’t argue that.
“What are you gonna do about it boy?”
“I don’t know.”
Papa nodded. “Ok. Well, since you’re here I’ve got a few things for you to do.”
I smiled. Papa and I didn’t always see eye-to-eye, but he seemed to know when I needed things, and made them work.
∞∞∞
I’d spent most of the day doing small chores around Papa’s house. Every minute I’d wanted to rush home and pull Andrew into my arms, but the separation did allow me to clear my head and gave me a chance to think.
My thoughts kept drifting back to Papa’s assertion that Andrew and I were fated mates. But could it really be something so simple as us just meant to be together?”
I remembered Andrew telling me about his plan to get away from his family, and how he’d never felt at home in New York. He’d selected Mountain Springs at random on a map app. What were the chances of the stars aligning like that otherwise?
I was pulling on my jacket, preparing to head home when Papa shuffled out of the living room.
“Make an honest man of your omega,” he said, knowing look in his eyes.
I smiled. “Isn’t that up to him Papa?”
Papa returned the smile and nodded. “Damn straight. Glad I raised ya right.”
I laughed. “I’ll see you in a few days.”
“Ok.”
I leaned in and hugged Papa on impulse, which made him chuckle. “Glad to know I’m still of some use to my grown alpha son.”
“Oh Papa.”
“Go. Your omega is waiting for you.”
“Ok.”
I climbed into my truck, then paused. I wasn’t in the mood to cook, so I called Andrew.
“Hey, you home?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m gonna pick up a pizza on the way home. What toppings do you like?”
There was a moment of silence, then a soft, “Is it ok to ask for pineapple?”
I laughed. “Hawaiian it is!”
“Really?” Andrew asked, exc
ited.
“That shit’s delicious.”
“Hell yeah!”
“I’ll be home with pineapple goodness in just a bit.”
“Ok.”
Twenty minutes later I walked into the house, hot pizza box in hand.
“Oh that smells good,” Andrew said.
“I’m just glad you like pineapple on pizza.”
“Love it!” he said, snagging a slice as soon as I opened the box. He bit into it with a moan that had my cock on alert.
“You’re acting like you haven’t had a Hawaiian in forever.”
Andrew chewed and swallowed, and I couldn’t help but stare at his bobbing throat. “I haven’t,” he said. “The alphahole I dated in New York hated it, to the point he’d toss the leftovers from my fridge if it was there when he came over.”
“What the fuck! He’d toss leftovers from your fridge?”
Andrew nodded. “I stopped ordering pizzas with pineapple cause of that. He’d drop in whenever he wanted and I saw too many good leftovers go into the garbage so he ‘didn’t eat that disgusting crap by mistake.’” He finished with air quotes.
I couldn’t hold back my growl. What kind of trash would walk into another man’s home and toss their food because they didn’t like it?
“Kitchen or eat and watch something in the living room?” I asked.
“Living room,” he replied as I handed him a paper plate and napkin.
I grabbed my own slice and followed him to the other room. Soon we had a comedy series on the television and were barely paying attention to it in favor of eating and chatting.
Soon we’d polished off the pizza and were just relaxing, Andrew’s content scent wrapping around me.
I scooted closer and draped my arm over his shoulders, which earned me a smile and a cuddly omega at my side.
“Is this ok?” I asked.
“Mm-hmm.”
I smiled and ducked my head to sniff at his hair. He smelled so good, his scent even richer than I remembered.
Andrew hummed and turned his head until we were kissing, and I drowned myself in the feel of his lips against mine.
I wanted this to be our forever, this omega in my arms and our family growing.
His eyes were slightly glazed as we parted, and he was flush with arousal. His scent was so intoxicating.