First Love: A M/M MPreg Non-Shifter Romance (Snow Falls Omegas Book 1)

by Esme Beal

  “There’s one on Broadway but there are others all over the city.”

  “What kind of shelter is it?”

  “A place for the people who need it. Homeless. Runaway teens. Orphaned children. Spend a few hours there, you’ll realize just how lucky you are to even have a job as a lowly dishwasher at a Chinese restaurant.”

  “I guess you have a point… But still… That would be sweet, wouldn’t it?”

  Charlie was fixated on the building in the distance. Seeing his enthusiasm got another laugh out of me.

  “So, what is it then?” I asked.

  “What’s what?”

  “Your plan. You’re always scheming some plot to make it big. I told you that you could do it just by saving your money and going to school—”

  “There are people who made it without going to school. That’s only one way.”

  “And what is your other way this time, Charlie? The last few plans didn’t work out too well—”

  “Hey! That was a good idea but this is an even better one.”

  “Let’s hear it.”

  Charlie took another bite of his sandwich and washed it down with a big gulp of water. The enthusiasm in his eyes made me even more curious about what he was thinking.

  “I heard from some people,” he said. “There’s a big game going on.”

  “A big game?”

  “It’s an underground thing. Lots of high-rollers spend their time at this place. People like to gamble. You know. Dice. Dominoes. Cards. That sorta thing.”

  “Like a casino.”

  “Yeah! Something like that… At least, that’s what I was told… Anyway, I figure I could go there and make a few bucks. You’re always talking to me about saving my money and investing it. Doesn’t that sound like a good idea?”

  “I was thinking more along the lines of a bank account or maybe investing in some other businesses. I wasn’t talking about gambling.”

  “It’s not gambling when you know you’re gonna win. Think about it…”

  Charlie set his sandwich and drink down then held his hands up to the air like he was painting a picture. I looked up at the sky, pretending like I could see what he was trying to explain.

  “…A young, up-and-coming card player heads to the Queen’s Pit.”

  “The Queen’s Pit?”

  “That’s what it’s called. Don’t interrupt my story.”

  “Go on,” I said, holding back a chuckle.

  “A young, up-and-coming card player heads to the Queen’s Pit. Out of nowhere, he starts dominating. He’s winning tournaments left and right. Before you know it, he’s the talk of the town. Where’d this ace come from? And you know what I’ll say?”

  “What’s that?”

  “I’ll say nothing. I’m not in this for the fame or the glory. I’m just a simple man trying to make ends meet. I’m not different from any other person in Snow Falls.”

  He took a step back and crossed his arms.

  “Now tell me something, Noah.”

  “Sure.”

  “Isn’t that a great story or what?”

  “That’s a great story. There’s just one problem with it.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You still haven’t explained how that isn’t gambling. Even professionals lose. If there was a way to win every time, somebody would have figured it out by now.”

  “Okay, okay. Maybe I’ll lose a little bit. But I’ve got the money to spare.”

  It was clear that he was serious. Even with the wildest ideas, I knew I had to take Charlie seriously.

  I put my own sandwich down on a nearby table and put both of my hands on his shoulders. I looked him right in the eye when I started to talk.

  “Charlie… I’m only telling you this for your own good. You know that I’m always looking out for you. And I know that I can’t tell you to stay away from this… Queen’s Pit or whatever it’s called. But can you at least promise me something?”

  “What?”

  “Just be careful. From what you’re describing, it sounds like an illegal underground gambling ring. The police probably don’t do anything about it because of the high-rollers who are there. That doesn’t mean it’s not dangerous. Promise me that, Charlie.”

  He slowly nodded, his eyes filled with a growing enthusiasm.

  “I promise,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’ve got things under control.”

  I sighed and finally let out the laugh that I’d been holding this whole time.

  “Come on,” I said. “Finish your dinner. We haven’t finished our shift for the night.”

  I picked my sandwich back up and started chewing on it. I enjoyed the breeze against my face while I ate. It was peaceful in the back alley of the restaurant with just Charlie in my company.

  “Say, Noah…”

  “Yeah?”

  “I’m gonna take you with me. You can quit working here, too, if you want. Once I make enough money, I’ll get you a fancy place of your own. Payback for all of these sandwiches you make for me.”

  “Charlie, I’m not doing anything for you because I expect you to pay me back. I make these sandwiches because I enjoy making them.”

  “Right… I guess that’s how you stop from being bored. I don’t know how you do it.”

  The sun was just starting to go down. Another night in Snow Falls was approaching.

  “How about you?” he asked. “You got any plans for tonight?”

  “Plans? No… I think I’ll just relax for a bit. Today was busy.”

  “I know you like to keep a low profile. Maybe you should think about doing something a little different tonight.”

  “Why’s that?”

  “I don’t know,” he said with a shrug. “Just a thought.”

  I finished the rest of my sandwich while I thought about what he said. Seeing Charlie smile at me made me do the same.

  “You know what,” I said. “That’s not a bad idea. Now hurry up and finish your food. We’ve still got some work to do before the day is over. Then you can carry out your little scheme.”

  “I can’t wait for tonight. The Queen’s Pit won’t be ready for me.”

  Charlie took a big bite out of his sandwich then gave me a big grin. That brown-eyed stare of his along with his youthful face never failed to make me smile.

  My life in Snow Falls was simple but I couldn’t ask for anything more. After work, I was looking forward to tonight.

  Chapter 3

  NOAH

  I never complained about my job. I figured the gig was as good as anything else in the city, especially for someone like me. Being able to make a comfortable living for myself was something I never imagined a few years ago. I was grateful.

  But I couldn’t deny that sometimes the days were a little different than others. When the restaurant got busy, there was a sigh of relief when it was all finally over.

  Tonight was one of those nights.

  I gave Charlie his last warning before he got into whatever he was getting into. I decided to take his advice before heading home for the night.

  The bar was quiet that evening. The people hanging out here on a weeknight were just like me, trying to just relax for a bit before they headed back to whatever life was waiting for them.

  The conversations were quiet. The lights were low. The music was soft in the background. It was the perfect kind of atmosphere to sit alone at the bar and enjoy a drink to.

  “How are things, Noah?”

  I held up the glass of whiskey and examined it for just a second before gulping it down. It stung down my throat and warmed my blood. A satisfying sigh sent a shiver through my spine.

  “Never better,” I replied to the bartender.

  “Let me know if you need anything else.”

  He gave me another helping of whiskey before tending to some other patrons at the bar. I rested with my chin in my palm and swirled the whiskey around in the glass.

  I would’ve been just fine having a
drink by myself. The alcohol was satisfying enough. But of course, when you went out to drink, you had to expect that you wouldn’t be alone for long. I didn’t know what it was about me but I always drew some kind of attention.

  “How are you doing, stranger?”

  I looked to my side and saw the woman standing there. Some blond-haired vixen who looked like she was used to getting her way. Cherry-red lips. Makeup done more than a place like this probably deserved. She had a small frame but a pair of breasts that made you look twice.

  “I’m doing just fine, stranger,” I replied.

  “You look kinda lonely.”

  “And what makes you say that?”

  “Sitting by yourself at the bar. Drinking. That look on your face.”

  “I got a look on my face?”

  “Sure do. Says you’re looking for some company.”

  She gave me a wink. Her intentions were obvious. I chuckled to myself and shook my head.

  “I don’t think—”

  “There’s no need to think, Omega,” she interrupted me. “The only thing you need to do is sit back and relax. We can all use some company.”

  “I won’t argue with that.”

  “Good. Then what do you say I buy you a drink and we could get to know each other better.”

  “Get to know each other better…”

  She smiled at me. That look of seduction in her eyes would’ve been enough to make the right person forget what they were thinking about. Unfortunately for her, I wasn’t the right person.

  “Listen,” I said. “You seem like a sweet girl.”

  “I’m a lot sweeter than that. But I’m sure you’re even sweeter.”

  “Right. But I don’t wanna waste your time. I’m not…”

  “You’re not what?”

  “I’m not the kind of Omega you’re looking for. I’m into… other kinds of Alphas.”

  She stared at me for a second. Her mouth half-open, the realization hit her and the look of seduction she just had disappeared in the blink of an eye, replaced by a friendly smirk.

  “Of course,” she said with a nod. “I suppose tits and pussy aren’t exactly a turn-on for you.”

  “You said it.”

  I chuckled as I took another sip of my drink. She leaned up against the bar and sighed as she looked out on the rest of the scene.

  “It’s tough out here for a woman these days,” she said. “They say there’s plenty of Omegas out there but I never seem to have any luck.”

  “It’s not about whether or not you’re lucky. It’s about whether or not anybody else is lucky to have you in their company.”

  “If you say so… In the meantime, maybe you can at least let me buy a round. I owe you that much.”

  “A pushy Alpha now, are we?”

  “Only when I need to be.”

  She gave me a wink then signaled the bartender to come over. He filled my glass up again then poured one for the lady next to me.

  “Lara,” she said.

  “Noah.”

  “What should we toast to, Noah?”

  “How about… to the Omega you’re looking for?”

  “I like the sound of that.”

  Lara clinked her glass with mine then swallowed her drink down. Despite how small her frame was, it was easy to tell she was an Alpha with how confident she was. She gulped the whiskey down so quickly that the bartender wasn’t fast enough in refilling up her glass.

  “It looks like slim pickings in here,” she said.

  “You must’ve been fooled by the name. Paradise is paradise in name only. There are plenty of bars and clubs in the city to satisfy your needs.”

  “You’re probably right. But… I think I just spotted someone interesting. Maybe this one will be more my type. You enjoy your night, Noah.”

  “I’ll be rooting for you, Lara.”

  She toasted her drink again and drank it before heading over to the other side of the bar. I was grateful that Lara wasn’t as pushy as Alphas could be but the friendly conversation was enough to put a smile back on my face.

  I enjoyed the comforts of my solitude at the bar once again. The whiskey was already beginning to swirl around in my stomach. The alcohol was pumping in my veins but I still had my wits about me. The entire time, everybody seemed to be minding their own business.

  I was staring at my empty glass when I suddenly felt someone standing right next to me. I didn’t pay much attention to him.

  Just someone looking for a drink…

  The bartender was busy enough though.

  “The service isn’t much here,” the voice next to me said.

  “Don’t mind Simmons,” I said. “He’ll get around to you eventually—”

  I cut myself off when I saw the man standing next to me.

  Is that…

  I narrowed my eyes to make sure that it was him but there was no mistaking it.

  Ashton Webb.

  He looked a little different. His dark blond hair was shorter than I remembered. His skin was a little tanner. But everything else about him was the same. Those intense gray eyes of his. That perfectly-chiseled jawline. Oh, and then there was the confident smile. It was so many years ago but I could still picture it.

  And here he was, right in front of me.

  I was staring so hard at him that I didn’t even notice how confused he looked.

  “Are you all right?” he said.

  “Ashton… Ashton Webb.”

  He nodded, that cocky smirk still on his lips.

  “It seems I can’t go anywhere without somebody recognizing me,” he said. “I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by that.”

  “We went to Snow Falls High together.”

  “Did we? I don’t…”

  “You wouldn’t remember me. I was… I was just…”

  I was just another one of those guys gawking at you from afar.

  “…I wasn’t as popular as you are.”

  “That shouldn’t matter. What’s your name? Maybe I do remember you.”

  “Noah…”

  “Noah…” he whispered my name and shook his head. “I’m sorry, I don’t recall a Noah.”

  “You don’t have to apologize,” I said with a laugh. “It’s not a big deal. There were a lot of people who went to school with us.”

  “Perhaps. But we’re the only ones here talking to each other now. And damn if I can’t get some service.”

  “Simmons!” I called out.

  The bartender made his way over.

  “How about serving this man a drink?” I said.

  “All right,” Simmons said. “What are you having?”

  “I’ll have what my friend Noah is having.”

  “Good choice.”

  The bartender poured Ashton his drink before tending to some other customers.

  I can’t believe this…

  Ashton Webb was standing right next to me. In the flesh. And we were having a drink together.

  “So, Noah. What brings you out here tonight?”

  “I’m… just having a drink.”

  “Any special reason?”

  “Having a drink is reason enough.”

  “That’s one way of putting it.”

  I stared at him as he swallowed the whiskey down. I still couldn’t get over a man I’d known since high school but never even spoke to was talking to me now. I felt foolish at trying to fight my embarrassment.

  It’s all right… He’s just another man like anybody else…

  I sighed a soft breath through my nose and calmed myself down.

  “How about you?” I asked. “You celebrating anything?”

  “Just having a night out on the town.”

  I looked him up and down. Everybody in Snow Falls knew how rich Ashton was. That’s why it was so strange to see him in a pair of denim blue jeans and a white t-shirt. If it wasn’t for his bulging chest underneath and the biceps that swelled his sleeved, he would’ve looked like any other average man walking down the street
.

  “I’ve gotta admit,” I said. “Men like you don’t come around these parts very often.”

  “Men like me?”

  “You know. Rich. Powerful. Successful…”

  “Snow Falls is home to all kinds of people. I don’t see why one man isn’t free to roam from one part of the city or the other, whether it’s the Northside, the West Bay or the Southern Block. It’s all the same to me.”

  “That’s one way of looking at it. But there still has to be a reason you came all the way to the Southern Block.”

  “There is.”

  He took another sip of his drink and smiled at me.

  “I just wanted to have a night out and drink.”

  Just his smile alone was charming enough that it distracted me from everything else I was thinking.

  Relax…

  My heart was pounding so hard inside my chest. The way Ashton looked at me, I thought that maybe there was something else on his mind.

  No… No, it can’t be.

  “I will admit though,” he said. “The atmosphere doesn’t do much for me. I’ll probably head back to my place to have a drink.”

  “That sounds like a good time.”

  “It is. Would you like to join me?”

  What?

  I blinked my eyes at him, unsure that I’d heard him correctly.

  “Did you just say—”

  “Would you like to come back to my place and have a drink? Don’t let the awkwardness of us having gone to school together ruin this. We could chat and perhaps reminisce.”

  “I…”

  What am I thinking?

  Of course I wanted to accept his offer. But I couldn’t do it so quickly. Alphas never liked it when an Omega was so eager to spend time with them. I imagined Ashton wasn’t any different.

  “Sure,” I said with a nod. “That sounds like it could be fun. Just let me pay my tab and—”

  Before I could finish, Ashton reached into his pocket and pulled out a small wad of bills. He counted out more than enough and laid it down on the bar.

  His eyes locked on me, Ashton had never looked as intense as he did now. But I knew with the possibilities of tonight and the Alpha I assumed he was, things could get even more intense.

  “I have a ride waiting outside,” he said. “Shall we go?”

  I gave him a nod and got up from my seat.

  “Yes… Yes, we shall…”