“It’s complicated.” It’s a cliche, of course, but it fits.
“Pretend I’m the CEO of a multi-million dollar company and can handle complex,” he deadpans.
I lean forward and grab his beer, draining it. “She’s in love with Felix.”
“Wait, is she the Beta that he brought with him to the holiday party?” Mitchell’s eyes widen. “Holy shit, why aren’t you celebrating? Your scent match is gorgeous and with the man you want as an Omega. This feels like cause to pop open a bottle of champagne.”
“They’re not together. That’s the problem.”
“So, she’s in love with him, but they’re not together. Okay. Why does that stop you from pursuing her?”
“Because, according to her, he has feelings for me, and she’s being stubborn and self-sacrificing and says she won’t take away the Alpha he wants.” My stomach twists, a mixture of excitement and upset that is hard to make heads or tails of. How can I feel so many emotions at once?
“Get up.” He grabs me by the arm. “She’s at Hazel’s, and Hazel says you need to be there. So let’s go. Maybe she’s changed her mind.”
“I doubt it,” I insist, digging in my feet. “She was very clear she didn’t want me.”
“Oh my God. Hazel said you guys were idiots, but I didn’t think it was this bad. Grab Rooster, and let’s go.”
When Mitchell latches onto something, he doesn’t let go, so I know it’s pointless to fight him over this. Rooster perks up, mouth falling open in a gaping doggy grin.
“Fine,” I hiss, pulling my arm out of his grasp and grabbing Rooster’s go-bag from the hook by the door, hastily packing it for his three-day sleepover with Mitchell. “Let’s get this over with. You’ll see what I mean when we get there.”
Walkingthrough Hazel’s door feels like I’m walking into a holiday movie.
I have never seen a house as decorated for the season as hers. There are signs, garlands, pillows, and even kitchen mats that are themed with trees and lights. Christmas music is playing at a low volume, and I’m pretty sure I smell hot chocolate and cookies.
It’s a winter wonderland, which feels like a strange backdrop to whatever conversation we’re about to have.
Mitchell doesn’t bother knocking, so we wander through her foyer until we get to the kitchen, where she leans against the counter, sipping from a festive mug.
“Oh!” she says, startling a little when she sees us. “You could’ve knocked, asshole,” she says affectionately, crossing the room and pulling Mitchell in for a hug.
I made the mistake of asking if there was something between the two of them exactly one time. Their chorus of ‘Ew’s’ and Hazel insisting he’s like a brother was suspect, but if there are any feelings, the two of them have buried them under a million layers.
Besides, Hazel has no interest in Alphas. She’s made that abundantly clear.
“Well, Gabriel, I’m glad you’re here. Clara is in the bathroom. You two need to talk.”
I unclip Rooster from his harness and slide onto a stool tucked below Hazel’s bar. “I know, I know. But she’s stubborn, and I can’t force her to get to know me.”
Rooster yips and darts off, and I hear a feminine “Oof!”A few seconds later, Clara comes into view, my dog hot on her heels, twisting between her feet and begging for attention.
“Whoever’s dog this is just ran me over,” she says, but there isn’t any venom in her tone. She sounds amused.
“Shit,” I say, jumping up and grabbing him by the collar and giving her room to breathe. “He usually behaves better than that.”
“Except around Felix,” Mitchell supplies unhelpfully. “Strange how your dog seems drawn to the two people you are, huh?”
“Just hopping right into it, then?” I say, leveling him with a frustrated look. He shrugs and accepts the mug Hazel isoffering him. I shake my head and turn back to my Beta. “Hi, Clara.”
“Hi,” she repeats.
It’s awkward. I want to hug her, but I don’t think that would be appropriate. I want to kiss her, but I know that would not be well received.
I resign myself to an awkward half wave.
It’s uncomfortable in here. I’m lucky to be holding onto Rooster, because otherwise I wouldn’t know what to do with my hands. He seems determined to get back to Clara.
