“Because you refused to bond with her?”
Based on what I learned back home, when an omega bonds to every alpha in a pack, it also solidifies the connection between the alphas.
“Not quite.” Ren laughs scornfully. “Belle refused to bond with the Silverwood Pack if I was part of it. She said she couldn’t be part of a pack with such a…” He winces. “Weak alpha.”
I’m not angry by nature, but I’m glad Belle isn’t around right now because I don’t know what I’d do. She’s completely decimated Ren’s confidence. Asking a pack to throw him out is like asking a family to abandon a child.
“Obviously, Cole refused.” Ren’s eyes are full of a lingering sadness. “Cole’s dad wasn’t happy. The whole situation was a mess. I offered to leave the pack to make it easier for everyone, but Cole wouldn’t let me.”
“Anyone who doesn’t want you in their pack is the one who’s missing out.” I unclench my fists. “Any omega would be lucky to have you.”
“You’re probably the only omega to say that.” The corners of Ren’s lips twitch upward. “When we met in the greenhouse, I felt an instant connection. But I didn’t want to get my hopes up after what happened with Belle or make a fool of myself by saying that I thought we were a scent match. Plus, why would an omega as kind and beautiful as you be interested in someone like me?”
His honesty and vulnerability only makes me like him more, strengthening my determination to make sure he never feels like second best again.
“I can’t lie and say this whole scent match thing isn’t difficult to process, but there are two things I want you to know.” I take his hand. “First, you will never be a disappointment to me. You’ve been nothing but smart, kind, and funny since the moment we met. Second, I’ve never thought about joining a pack before, but now, I couldn’t imagine ever being part of one without you in it.”
His scent intensifies, consuming me like a warm hug. I shuffle closer to snuggle against him. I nuzzle into his neck, instinctively scent marking him.Mine,my inner omega cries.My alpha.
“Sorry!” I pull back, shocked at myself. “That was rude. I shouldn’t have?—”
“Faye.” His breathy voice makes me tingle in places that definitely shouldn’t be tingling in a coffee shop. “You know, marking me like that will make me never want to shower again.”
“Good.” I smile victoriously. “Then all the other omegas will know that you’re mine.” The words come out before I can stop them. What’s wrong with me today? “Sorry. That sounded a little … possessive.”
“You can lay your scent on me whenever you want. I’ll wear it proudly.” Ren strokes my head. “I can’t believe we found you.” His phone beeps from somewhere in his satchel. “I’ll ignore it.” However, a flood of messages keeps coming.
“You should get that,” I say. “I don’t mind.”
He huffs but checks it.
“It’s Cole and Laz. They want to know how you’re doing.” He grins. “Do you mind if I send them a photo for proof of life? They’re going a little crazy.”
“Uh, sure. But only if you’re in it too.”
His eyes widen in shock before he opens the camera app on his cell. He takes a smiling photo of us both raising our mugs then hits send. Immediately, there’s an influx of texts to his Silverwood Pack group chat.
“I’ll silence it until later.” He tucks the phone into his pocket. “I’m going to enjoy teasing them about how good you smell.”
We spend the rest of our afternoon sampling the tea menu, eating so many pastries my stomach thinks it’ll burst, and talking about books. Ren’s well-read and loves murder mysteries, especially those set in quaint England countryvillages likeMiss Marple. We also chat about my life in Clover Hollow; I tell him all about Blooming Brew and our regular customers. I share about various things Gram and I have made, including some horror stories, like a mixture that stained my fingers blue for a week.
Before I know it, hours have passed.
“I have a seminar to teach.” Ren groans, checking his watch. He’s super smart and is working on his masters while teaching in bachelor seminars part-time. “Although, I could call in sick?”
“Ren Brooks!” I gasp in mock horror. “You can’t deprive eager minds of your genius! And if we stay here any longer, there won’t be any pastries left.” It’s a wonder we’re not shaking from a total sugar overload.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to walk you to the OV gates?” Ren asks after reluctantly agreeing to go. We’re standing outside Tea House, shaded by a tall oak tree. “I don’t mind being late.”
“I’m more than capable of walking myself,” I say, nudging him playfully. “I need to walk the pastries off anyway.”
“I really enjoyed this afternoon.” He smiles shyly. “I hope we can see each other again soon.”
The sun makes his eyes sparkle, highlighting the glittering specks of blue around his pupil. My perfume blooms. Thank God I doubled up on scent liners.
“Can I…” His gaze lingers on my lips, his unfinished question hanging in the air.
Instead of answering, I rise on my tiptoes, leaning in. When our lips brush, he steals my breath. I’m lost to his calming aura, like I’m being carried away in a gentle breeze. He cups my face, cradling my cheeks before his hands move to my hair. Suddenly, I’m overcome by a new primal energy.
