"I'm fine," I lie automatically. "Just looking for my brother."
"Ben?" A small smile tugs at his lips—they used to be friends, I think. "I could... I mean, if you want, I could help you find—" He cuts himself off, looking even more flustered. "Sorry. That probably sounds weird. I just meant?—"
He's nervous. The big, uniformed deputy who's grown into someone I barely recognize is nervous talking to me.
Something about that makes my racing heart slow just slightly.
"Thanks," I say, and I mean it. "But I'm okay. Really."
His scent shifts slightly—still that clean rain and cedar, but with an undertone of something warmer. Concern, maybe. Or disappointment that I'm not accepting help.
He nods slowly, clearly not entirely convinced. Opens his mouth like he wants to say something else, then seems to think better of it. Takes a few steps back toward the soap display. "Well, if you need anything..." He trails off, then turns to the vendor, asking about one of the lavender bars.
He's staying close. Keeping an eye on me. The realization makes something warm flutter in my chest before I can squash it down.
I take the opportunity to scan the crowd again, looking for Ben's familiar height. Where did he go? I need to find him before?—
That's when Terrance appears.
"Bea."
My breath catches, stomach dropping.
I know that voice. I turn slowly, already dreading what I'll see.
Terrance Mitchell stands five feet away, looking exactly like he did a month ago when we broke up—perfectly styled hair, expensive casual clothes, that earnest expression I used to find endearing.
"What are you doing here?" My voice comes out flat.
"I came to talk to you." He takes a step forward, hands open in a peaceful gesture. "Please. Just hear me out."
"Terrance, we already talked. A month ago. We broke up."
"I know, but everything's changed." His face lights up with genuine excitement. "Bea, I have a pack now."
That stops me cold. "What?"
"Two alphas—Ryan and Joel. Really good guys." He's practically vibrating with enthusiasm. "We've formed a pack, have a house, stable incomes. We built a nest for you."
My chest tightens. For most omegas, this would be a dream offer. A ready-made pack, established and waiting.
But something feels off. The Terrance I broke up with had been sad but accepting. This version is... different.
"Terrance—"
"Just listen." He steps closer, and there's an energy to him I don't recognize—like he's rehearsed this speech. "You'd fit perfectly with us. Ryan is a lawyer, Joel's in finance. Stable, responsible. We can give you the family you've always wanted."
"I never said I wanted a family."
"But you do want one eventually, right?" He smiles like this is obvious. "And with us, you'd have everything. A beautiful home, three alphas who'd take care of you, and—" He pauses like he's about to deliver the best part. "And once the babies are older, once they're in school maybe, you could start your marketing business then."
There it is.
The same fundamental misunderstanding, just wrapped in prettier packaging.
"That's not what I want," I say slowly, my stomach sinking. "I want my career now. Not in five or ten years after I've had babies."
"You said you understood when we broke up." My voice comes out smaller than I intend. "You said neither of us was wrong, we just wanted different things."
