“I told you Korbin wasn’t the one for you. If he was, then there would’ve never been a meeting. I did have some hope for his brother, for Grady. But it seems they’re just as bad.”
Stop. It’s my fault. For believing that someone wanted me. That for once I was a first choice.
“Bay, that’s what you don’t get. You’re better than any omega out there. If you’re not the first choice, then they’re stupid. You’re smart, beautiful, funny and have aspirations for your life. Not to mention you try to see the best in everyone, even when there’s not anything good in them.” He reaches out, cupping my chin as he tilts my head upward so I have to look him in the face. “If they don’t see that, then screw them. I’m sorry your heart is breaking. But it’s better now than later when you’ve invested more in them.”
I try to say something, but I can’t. Benton doesn’t say anything else; he just holds me. There’s no lecture. Just brotherly comfort.
We sit like that for what seems like hours, but I know it’s not that long.
He finally shifts under me, and I sit up.
You want some coffee?
Yes. Please.
He stands up, pulling his phone from his pocket, eyebrow raised at the number, and answers. I don’t understand what he mumbles, but he immediately hangs up, gives me a wink and heads to the kitchen.
I pick up my phone and see a string of messages in my group chat with the guys. I don’t even open them. There’s nothing they can say that will change how I feel. They probably know the announcement went out, and they’re trying to cover their asses. A little too late for that.
I drop the phone onto the cushion beside me, pulling my feet up under me and just stare off in the direction of the door. I’m lost in a haze of my own thoughts. I don't even notice that Benton’s sat down beside me until I see him lean forward, placing the cup on the coffee table.
He waits for me to look up at him to start signing.
I need to go to practice. But I can cancel if you need me.
My head starts shaking before I ever respond to him.
No. I’ll be okay. I’m going to take a nap or take a walk.
Okay. But if you need me. Message me. Come to the rink. Whatever.
He leans in, giving me another hug before standing and heading toward the door. It’s then I notice his bag on the floor. Was he heading out when I came in? Is he late already for practice?
My eyes drift from my coffee, back over to my phone. My hands move on autopilot, picking it up. I open the PR page for the Scorpions, and my heart drops. There are pictures now. The three of them walking into the building. Of the matchmaker sitting at her desk with open files in front of them, the pictures blurred out for privacy. It’s nice how they’re allotted that, yet Iwas on an innocent date, and my face was plastered everywhere. I should stop there, but I keep scrolling. There are pictures of other members of the team standing happily with omegas.
That’s going to be Lincoln, Milton and Korbin soon.
I gulp hard. Holding back the tears.
I drop my phone in my lap, but the Scorpion PR post keeps replaying in my mind.
Milton Grady and Korbin Brooks meet with renowned Omega-Match certified partner Marilyn Hart to discuss future compatibility prospects.
Every word feels like a knife twisting deeper into my heart.
But it wasn't just the two of them. It was Lincoln too. That’s the betrayal that burns the most.
My mind keeps going over my conversation with James from the other night. Him telling me I should ask Lincoln and Milton to help me through my heat. Even Korbin. I just want to laugh at myself for ever believing that they were really invested in me. To want them. I’m not even their scent match. It’s not like it was ever going to end well for me. Once they found the person they were meant to be with, I’d just be tossed to the curb like yesterday’s garbage.
It’s time I face it. All I ever was to the three of them was a placeholder omega until their real futures lined up. I was just someone naïve and available. Not to mention the little jab it would have at my brother, Benton.
My phone buzzes again—a text from Lincoln. Why is he even trying to keep up this ruse?
I see the last one in the preview.
Lincoln: Please answer.
Lincoln: Babe?
