“I don’t think I got a fair shot. Yes, I made a poor first impression, but you can’t tell me that the demon in his pack was great on your first greeting.”
No, Kai was not great on day one, but he didn’t ruffle my feathers like this guy.
Ty crossed his arms, barring his teeth aggressively. “I think the lady has made her decision on you.”
Anil gave a dry laugh. “And I’m sure you all are loving that. Hard to compete against a whole pack.” He adjusted his tie and turned back to me. “He’s watching over you, I assume?”
I crossed my arms, getting more annoyed each minute. “He’s my backup. Seems someone has been sending demons after me.”
He scrunched his face, letting out a disgusted snarl. “That’s what I heard. I can offer you security. I have the resources. Even if you don’t select me, you’re important to the coven. We look out for each other.”
“She’s fine,” Ty stated in a firm voice. He really didn’t trust Anil.
Anil glanced over at him. “I’m sure you’ve filled her head with tales of how we were back then, but just like I’m sure you have, I’ve also changed. Sure, I can put my foot in my mouth sometimes, but I’m not a horrible person. And I’m serious about protecting Billie. If she does pick your pack, why would you snub your nose at making sure this omega doesn’t die.”
Something about the way he said ‘this omega’ sounded like a direct dig at what happened to their former omega. That gave him even more negative points with me, and I did not regret my decision at all.
Ty took a step forward. “You are an asshole. No wonder you can’t get any omega to be with you. I would trust you as much as I would trust a loupe were.”
Anil smirked. “Don’t act so self-righteous. You aren’t perfect, and you have your own issues. Stop making me out to be the bad guy. You hurt people, too. I’m only concerned about Billie.”
“I owned up to what I did. And it’s no excuse, but I was going through a tough time back then, and I slipped. You, however, were fully aware of your ways. It was who you were.”
They were getting too heated. I took a hesitant step forward. Did I really want to get between two arguing alphas? Hell yeah, if it avoided causing a scene.
Anil furrowed his brows in anger. “Right, and then I changed. On my own, without a pack to help me. I fought to become someone good. I did the work. Billie, your father may not have chosen me, but he didn’t hate me either. He was a good man, and I was heavily considered by him. We got along well.”
Ty balled his fists at his sides. “It’s because you probably lied to him.”
“He could sense lies, you ignorant ass.”
Ty moved in front of him, gritting his teeth. “Call me out my name again.”
My stomach felt like a mass of butterflies flapping their wings. I wasn’t supposed to be turned on by Ty’s show of alpha aggression, but it was kind of a turn-on seeing my teddy bear get a little grisly. Still, I did not need these guys to fight in my hospital and look more barbaric than people already assumed. I was already seeing a few curious eyes in the hallway looking in.
I stood up before Ty could say anything back. I was fully capable of handling things. “Look, Anil, I appreciate you coming by to check in on me. But we’re all good here. I’m fine with the pack.”
He nodded, turning slightly to the door. Then he turned back to me, hands on his waist. “You don’t trust me, do you?”
What made him ask that question? He wasn’t wrong. “No.”
“I didn’t send these demons after you.”
Did he think I suspected him? He’d been just as much of a possibility as anyone. “I never suggested you did.”
“I just need you to know that I’m not that kind of person. I don’t work with demons.” He gave a pointed look at Ty.
I assumed he was referring to Kai, and that aggravated my nerves. “Kai’s good.”
“As good as a demon could be. But I’m not saying they would go about tricking you so that you would run into their arms. You’re smarter than that. I’m just saying I’m no worse than they are. And Chilli likes me.”
“Yes, you have that going for you. But my father liked them.” I rubbed my temples, I was starting to feel heated again, and I was sure it was due to all this alpha energy sucking up the air in the room.
He looked down at the floor, shaking his head. “I came too late.”
“A bit.”
He drew in a breath and stood up straight. “Okay, well, I can take a hint. My offer still stands about added protection.” He headed to the door and paused. “You haven’t been claimed. It’s good to take your time on that. So, if you decide that those men aren’t the ones, I’ll be around.”
