They were assholes to Camden. And I don’t care if it’s because they thought Camden was there to spy for his father. With no proof, you shouldn’t be jumping to conclusions and treating someone badly.
But, even though I disliked them, I bit my tongue because it wasn’t my life or my right to push someone to make decisions. Ioffered a safe place for Camden so that he could come to me if needed.
Thankfully, his pack smartened the fuck up and changed their ways. Now they treat him like a king. Rightly so.
He’s a good man, kind, loving, loyal. And a good friend to my alpha. He will always have my respect and me as an ally.
Camden’s cheeks pinken. “Good. Really good. I know the times we talked, you didn’t have the best impression of them, but they really have changed.”
I nod. “I believe it. I see it with my own eyes. I’m not a stranger to alphas changing for the better.”
“Like Jamie.” Camden smiles.
I raise a brow.
“I’m not stupid. I know Jamie is your alpha. I see the way you look at one another. And I might not have been around Alaric and Tatum much, but I see it with them too. They stalk you, you know.” He chuckles.
I sigh heavily. Of course they do. I’m not surprised. They didn’t come back to school for many classes this year, taking on more roles with their fathers companies. But Jamie wanted to stay full time so he could continue to play football.
I didn’t stick to my ‘none of my alphas in my class’ rule. Jamie failed last year, and needed to repeat. Just because he’s my alpha doesn’t mean he gets a free pass. Thankfully, he’s been doing a lot better this year.
“Can you promise to keep this between us?” I ask.
He nods. “Of course. I’d never tell anyone your business.”
I nod. “Jamie is my alpha. My scent match. As are Alaric and Tatum. However, we all have an understanding to act as if we are nothing more than students and professor. The people who need to know, know. But I love my job and I don’t want it to affect it negatively. I know students and professors can be together if they are scent matched, but I know it would come with dirtylooks and whispers. I just want to teach. It’s only until the end of the year, and then we don’t have to be so secretive. It doesn’t really affect Alaric or Tatum because they’re not in any of my classes this year, but Jamie is. Still, I think he loves the whole sneaking around thing.”
“Knowing Jamie, I could see that.” Camden chuckles. “I’m happy for you.” Camden smiles. “You're a good man. You deserve a good pack.”
“So do you.” I nod. “We’re not all that different, me and you.” I lean back in my seat. “I think that's why I was drawn to you right away. Two broken omegas looking for their place in this world.”
“Yeah.” He smiles. “But we both ended up with packs willing to burn the world down for their omegas.”
“That we did.” I chuckle. “So. How has everything been since…” Since he was kidnapped and tortured before having a full on bloodbath to save him. “You know.”
Camden looks down at the table, thanking me when I push the coffee I ordered for him towards him. “Better,” he says, looking up at me. “But I’m still processing, I guess. It’s a lot to deal with.” He sighs. “I knew my father didn’t like me. That wasn’t a surprise. But that he hated me so much that he would spy on me, trash my room, try to take away my safe place hoping it would send me running back home. And for what? For him to abuse me, and kill me? I’m surprised he didn’t forcibly take me a lot sooner than he did.”
“He shouldn’t have done anything to you. Not invade your space or harm you in any way. You were his son and I’m so sorry he couldn’t love you for who you are.”
“It’s okay.” He looks away.
“No, it’s not. But he’s gone and he won’t ever hurt you again,” I promise him. “You are perfect just the way you are. And if someone can’t see that, they aren't worth your time. It mighthurt now, but you're better off without him. The people who hurt us, don’t deserve to breathe.” I growl.
He chews on his lower lip. “Someone hurt you?”
I nod. “But he’s no longer here. Because my alphas fought for me. Just as yours did for you. They would kill anyone who tried to hurt me. And you have that now too. You're safe. You're loved. You're wanted.”
Camden looks like he's going to cry and I want to give him a hug, but I stay seated and just be there for him.
We talk for a little while before Camden’s beta, Henley, shows up and snatches him away, shooting me a death glare for daring to keep his omega from him longer than needed.
“He’s about tied with Tatum when it comes to crazy.” I tell Jamie as we watch the two of them walk away.
“Naw, that fucker has way too many screws loose.” Jamie chuckles. “But that's okay. Tatum and Alaric are the perfect amount of crazy for us.’
“What about you?” I turn to face him, smiling knowingly. My heat is coming soon, I can feel it in my bones. Before I used to fear my heats with anyone else, but now, I crave the connection I have with my pack.
“Oh, I’m downright nuts.” Jamie laughs. “But mostly just for you.”
