I shrugged, wondering when I’d stop getting that question but not wanting to be rude. “I’m just taking it day by day.”
She nodded in understanding. “It’s all we can do. Now, it seems like you have much on your plate with the turn finally happening. You don’t live in hiding, and I’m glad you agreed to meet me in public. So sick of these men thinking we women should be hidden away because they won’t hold these barbaric alphas accountable. They don’t treat male omegas the same. You’re very strong, Billie. Always have been.”
I dropped my shoulders. “Yeah. I’m kind of in denial, but I’ve been doing a lot of research on how to live without an alpha successfully.”
Chilli tapped a well-manicured finger on the table in contemplation. “I agree that you need to make sure you’re safe. Paranormal omegas are especially rare and very desirable. We tried so hard to find a cure, but there is some magic that just won’t fight nature. But are you sure you want to go about it alone? I don’t want you to think that being matched with an alpha is bad. It’s all about finding the right one for you. The benefits with the right one can be extremely valuable. I actually know of a really great one for you.”
Ugh, the thought of being set up to meet even more alphas gave me heartburn. I wanted a breath to see if I even wanted an alpha or try it alone. Also, Chilli had to know about the pack my dad chose. They were friends. She mentioned just one alpha, not a pack. If she was thinking of someone different, did that mean she didn’t like who my dad picked?
I tilted my head toward Kai, who was currently taking a large bite out of a sandwich, looking very unbothered. “That guy over there is one of the alphas of the pack my dad chose for me. He’s been hanging with me for about a week. I assumed you knew about them?”
She put down her cup of coffee, giving Kai what appeared to be a disapproving once over. “Yes, I’ve met this pack your dad selected.” She looked back at Lila and me. “I disapprove of demons. Also, it’s my understanding that they had an omega before that they failed to protect. You don’t want anyone’s leftovers, and you certainly don’t want alphas who can’t protect you. You are going to be an extremely powerful witch. You already are so strong. You will climb up the coven ranks, and people will test your strength. This is especially so when they find out you’re an omega, which only makes your magic that much more potent. Any alphas surrounding you will have to be able to stand up to all the threats that will come your way. They couldn’t even protect a regular human. And do we even know why she died?”
All of her points made sense. She seemed especially passionate as she spoke, and I was in no position to disagree with her. Kai’s story about Jocelyn had not been super detailed, but I wanted to ease my way into asking more questions. Still, I had to know specifically why she died. What had they done all those years ago that had made them such a threat to others that they would kill an innocent human? Were those same enemies still around? Did I need that stress? Maybe Chilli was right, if I had to have alphas, I needed to be certain that I would be safe.
Lila sat upright, unusually quiet and poised. “Maybe if you meet them, Chilli, you can have a better sense if they are right for Billie. I can’t imagine her father didn’t think of all the things you mentioned.”
Chilli turned slightly to her, giving her cool eyes. “I have met them, dear. I was underwhelmed. Sure, they’re rich, but you can get that anywhere.”
Rich alphas were plentiful? That was news to me. Lila and I exchanged curious looks but didn’t speak.
Chilli shook her head, taking another sip of her drink. “Your father had such a big heart. He spent so much time looking for alphas that would pamper you instead of ones that could protect you. Such a romantic, he was.”
Now I was learning something interesting. While Chilli hadn’t said they were bad guys, she certainly didn’t think they were good enough for me. Yet, my dad had. It seemed odd to me that my dad wouldn’t have been concerned about my safety. He knew me well enough to know that just dating a guy who would give me gifts and spoil me wasn’t enough. He also knew I wasn’t weak and wouldn’t want to be coddled or treated like a helpless princess.
Still, Chilli seemed very concerned that I had a target over my head and that they would bring even more trouble. Surely, my father had considered this as well. I’d read more of the alpha search section of his grimoire. He hadn’t gotten too personal. It was really a book of spells, after all. However, there was nothing showing any concerns of great interest.
I didn’t want to meet any alphas. At this point, the only reason I was open to meeting Kai’s pack was because I could use the free security. Still, turning down Chilli seemed like a bad move. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings or burn a bridge.
“So, who is this alpha that you had in mind for me?” I asked, wrapping my hands around my latte.
That seemed to perk her up. “Well, his name is Anil. He’s a wizard, very powerful. He lives in New York. He’s very handsome and successful.”
I looked down at my drink. I wasn’t hearing anything about him that made him better than my father’s choice. “Is one better than four?”
Chilli gave me an understanding smile. “Anil comes from a powerful dynasty of alphas. He is the head of the New York City coven. He has many influential people, including other alphas, at his disposal. He has many associates who are just as impressive as he is, and you could decide if you would like any of them as your alphas too. I’ve met a lot of them, and so has your father, but you would have control over who else you wanted in your alpha circle. If you wanted more than one at all.”
So, my dad had met this Anil guy and his friends and still went with Kai and company. “If he met Anil, then why would he still pick Kai?”
Chilli pursed her lips. “That demon did a grand job of convincing your father that he had fallen in love with you. I knew your father was spending too much time with him to fall for such lies. How can he love you if he doesn’t even know you? So deceptive.”
Lila nodded knowingly, and I wanted to elbow her, feeling somewhat betrayed. She’d been team Kai from the start, now she was switching sides without even having met this Anil.
She gave me wide innocent eyes. “She’s not exactly wrong. But it should be your choice. You have a great sense about things. Just meet the rest of Kai’s pack and meet Anil. Take your time to make the right decision. This is about more than money, protection and looks. It’s about your heart. You have to have compatibility, or you’ll have a long miserable life. There’s no rush.”
I knew all of this. I was just annoyed with the idea that everyone else thought they knew what was best for me, a grown woman. I could make the best decision on who was right if the time ever came for me to select an alpha.
Chilli brought her café con leche to her lips, giving us a doubtful look. “Except for the impending heat. You don’t know when it’ll arrive, so time is actually of the essence, my dear.”
She was right on that point. “I guess you should set up a meeting with Anil.”
And I had to meet the rest of Kai’s pack.
If I was going to make a choice on anything, it was smart to have all the facts. But I didn’t see myself being team alpha anytime soon.
CHAPTER8
BILLIE
