Ok, I did know that omega sense was strong. When we weren’t in heat, we didn’t just come undone for any old alpha. If the alpha scent wasn’t right for the particular omega, he or she wouldn’t want that alpha, and to date, studies showed that no magic could overpower it. Things changed when the omega was in heat. I was getting close but still level-headed.
Kai snapped a finger, and his horns receded, his tail disappeared, and the red lines over his face faded. Even his black talons were now normal fingernails. He kept the tattoos and piercings. “I can look normal-ish for you.”
Yep, he looked normal alright, and still freaking sexy. So annoying.
How would I explain him to whoever was at my door? I couldn’t let the person in. I looked through the peephole and saw Lila standing there with coffee and a bag of what was probably food from the bakery she owned.
I let out a breath of relief and let her in.
“Morning, chica.” She looked me up and down as she entered. I was now in a pink pajama short set. “Cute bedtime look. I have news for you.”
I closed the door and followed her into the open kitchen area across from my laundry room and half bath. She was dressed casually, not the norm for the fashionable woman. Despite her being former military who kept up with her training from bootcamp, Lila was a fighter only in disguise. Her honey blonde loose curls were piled on top of her head in a high bun. She still had her lash extensions in, framing her golden hazel brown eyes, along with big gold hoops. She’d done her makeup expertly, contouring her deep bronzed skin tone and finishing with a pink gloss on her lips. Covering her tall figure was a maroon sweat suit with a hoodie crop, exposing her soft belly, and black high-top sneakers. Nope, I lied. She still looked fashion forward.
Any moment now, she would notice Kai. I’d wait until she saw him before saying anything. It would be more fun that way. My kitchen had a half wall that allowed us to see into the dining and living room area. She would be able to see him pretty soon.
“What’s the news?”
“Well, since you’re already off and I took off, I booked us a last-minute flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico!” She gave a little shimmy putting the food and drinks down.
I dropped my mouth open, thoroughly confused. I had just buried my dad, and she wanted to go on vacation?
“The flights weren’t too crazy because I already had a credit from a trip I had to cancel a while back, and I had mad points for all the work travel I do at festivals and events, so it was nothing. Also, my cousin, Javier, works high up at a hotel in Isla Verde, and he got us a crazy discount for a room there. It was already cheaper since it’s off-season.” She twirled around. “We leave tomorrow for four ni—” She cut herself off and pointed to Kai, who gave her a short wave and a lopsided smile, still in his human form. “So, Bill, tell me, why is there a gorgeous man sitting on your couch? Did someone get into some fun last night? No wonder you didn’t want me over.” She exited the kitchen and walked over to Kai, extending a hand. “I’m Lila Ramirez, Billie’s best friend.”
Kai stood up and shook her hand. “I’m Kai.”
She cocked a brow and turned to me. “Kai. Just Kai. I like it.”
I knew for a fact that she did not like that. She’d become very protective of me with my omega state.
She turned back to Kai, tapping her chin in thought. This would not be good. “So, Kai, you’re an incubus. I know you must have given her a good time last night. Just as long as you didn’t steal any of her lifeforce, we’re going to be okay.”
I dropped my head in my hands, thoroughly embarrassed. I wasn’t shocked she knew what he was, determining the form of paranormal magic was one of her specialties. “There was no sex. Kai is my new guard while I inch closer to my hellish fate.”
Kai ran a hand through his hair, giving me a sympathetic look. “I’m also in the running to be her alpha. I want to show her that being an omega isn’t so bad. I will treat her like the queen she is.”
Lila touched her chest and looked at me with a pouty mouth.
Was she really buying whatever this guy was selling? No, she had to be playing.
“Bill, is this one of the guys your father had in mind for you?”
I nodded, grabbing a coffee from the counter.
Lila took a sip of her own drink before speaking. “Well, this is an interesting turn of events. I’m curious to see the other guys. Are they hot like you?”
Kai, who was seated again, tilted his head to the side. “Not as hot as me, but they’re close.”
Lila looked him up and down. “Okay, we’ll see about that. I approve of the guarding situation, but the verdict is still out on whether you are good enough to be my friend’s alpha. I know Mr. Bellamy did a thorough background search when he selected you, but we still need to be comfortable with you. And yes, I saidwebecause there would be no way I’d give over my girl to a pack of alphas otherwise.”
Kai gave her an understanding nod, and his face seemed really sincere. “We will do whatever is needed to ensure you both are at ease. No pressure.”
I sat down at my circular glass dining table, still feeling overwhelmed by everything. I was in mourning from losing my father, the closest person to me other than Lila, and now I had to make a life decision about becoming an omega and getting an alpha. I didn’t want to think of any of this.
Lila walked over to me and sat at the table. She patted my hand, resting on the table. I wasn’t surprised she could tell I was messed up. She was a very observant one, and I’d have her by my side the whole time.
“So, chica, are you game to go to Puerto Rico? We can sit on the beach or by the pool drinking high alcoholic cocktails and make your life decisions.”
That did sound appealing. Not the making the decisions part but the pool and drinks part. It was cold, cloudy and miserable here. Going somewhere warm and not on my dime was a great thing. Still, if I was close to turning to an omega and possibly going into heat, it might not be wise to go. I told her as much.
