Her voice cracks a little, and that catches me off guard. My sister’s always been the tough one, the one who tells it like it is, but right now? She’s all heart, all older sister trying to protect her younger brother from the thing that’s hurt him the most.
“I’ll be okay,” I mutter, trying to convince both of us. But I’m not sure I believe it.
I think it will kill me to lose my Omega again.
Cassie pulls back just enough to look at me, her eyes a little too knowing.
“You say that now,” she says gently, “but I can see it. You haven’t let go of her, Beck. Not really. You’re still hanging onto something that isn’t good for you.”
I want to tell her that I’m not. That I’m over it. That Lo’s history, her family’s history, doesn’t have to be mine.
But I can’t. Because somewhere in the pit of my stomach, I know she’s right.
Because I still dream of Lo’s scent at night, when I palm my cock and can’t get her out of my head.
“I don’t want to see you hurt again,” Cassie continues, her tone softer now, almost pleading. “You’ve already been through enough. Don’t go chasing something that’s not meant to be.”
I want to argue, to tell her that I’m not chasing anything. That Lo’s gone. That I’m not going to let myself get tangled up in the past again.
But the words get stuck. Because somewhere inside, I’m not entirely sure I want that. My Alpha instincts will always crave her.
“I’ll be careful,” I finally mutter, barely a whisper.
Cassie doesn’t seem convinced, but she nods slowly, squeezing me once more before letting go. “I know you will,” she says softly. “Just remember… you’re not alone, okay? You’ve got us.”
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. It’s strange, hearing her say that. Strange because, in the back of my mind, I’ve always felt alone in this. It’s been me against the world when it comes to Lo. But Cassie’s right. I do have them.
But no matter how much they want to shield me, I don’t think anyone can keep me from this pull.
Not when my instincts are going haywire.
When she steps back, her eyes still full of concern, I manage a small, tired smile. “I’ll be okay, Cass.”
“I hope so,” she says cautiously. “I really do.”
She watches me for a beat longer before turning, and I hear her footsteps retreating into the hallway. But as I stand there, something unsettles me.
I might have told Cassie I’ll be okay, but it’s not that simple. Lo’s back.
And something tells me, no matter how much I try to keep my distance, I won’t be able to let go of her so easily.
CHAPTER 9
Lo
Okay, Lo. Deep breath. You can do this.
I’m not sure if it’s the town stressing me out, or if it’s my stupid heart trying to break through my sternum. Either way, here I am, standing outside The Gilded Lily like I’ve got any idea what the hell I’m doing.
It’s been years.Years.
Last time I was here, Tansy’s grandmother still owned the place, but according to rumors, my old BFF is now in charge.
Before I can head inside, I hear the sound of tires skidding over gravel.
I cringe as I turn, becausethatis a face I never wanted to see again.
Calvin Rhodes. Class Passive-Aggressive Beta Jerk.
