I know Emmett’s not my biggest fan to begin with, but it almost sounds like he’s…jealous.
No, that can’t be right at all. Clearly I haven’t had enough coffee. My brain is all scrambled from the stress of this job.
“I do not need to be observed,” I bite out. “I told you I am the most objective person at this compound!”
It’s only then I realize the echo of my voice in the small space.
“Mm-hmm. Well, clinically speaking, Olly, it’s always best to study allsides of something, is it not? To get a…comprehensive analysis?” Gage says the words smoothly, but I don’t miss the faint hint of a smile on his face.
“Yes, but—” I feel very hot all of a sudden. Aren’t we supposed to be discussing Auryn? Why are we discussing me?
“It’s just good research,” Gage says. “Nothing to worry about. I’m sure it’ll be fine.” Then he clears his throat, his gaze settling on me softly. “I’ll do it.”
Emmett grunts out a strange sound, but one look from Gage and he seems to settle.
“Emmett, can you relieve Diego? Tell him breakfast is ready?” Gage says.
Emmett nods, shoving away from the table with a grunt.
“Auryn,” I say, catching Emmett’s heated glare. “She should eat something. I’m sure she’s hungry, and she will need to keep her strength up.”
Gage smirks. “What do you propose, doc?”
“I don’t think she’d come to dine with us. She doesn’t trust us.”
“So I’ll take her something, then,” Emmett says, heading for the cabinets. I watch as he grabs a container and piles the eggs, pancakes, and bacon into it. I think it’s too much, but I know not to say anything. Clearly, he hasn’t gotten enough rest, because he’s quite angry this morning.
“Sounds good,” Gage says. I feel slightly better, knowing at least she’ll get a hot breakfast, but a part of me feels disappointed because I wish she could eat with us.
With me.
I should note this feeling in my notebook.Beta would like to dine with Auryn.
I shove the thought into the corner of my brain, going back to my own breakfast. When Emmett is gone, there’s a tense silence, and it makes me feel awkward.
More awkward than usual.
I like Gage. He’s smart, cunning. A good leader, and he’s always had my back, but being alone with him right now feels weird. Weirder than it usually does. He glances at me, and it’s a moment before he speaks.
“It’s okay, you know,” he says softly.
“What is?” I ask, reaching for my coffee.
“You’re allowed to like her. It’s…normal.” He says the words carefully.
“I don’t like anyone,” I gripe. “I like facts. I like science.”
My voice is harsher than it should be, and I feel strange. Hot. Bothered. Tense.
“I know.” Gage says, and then he gets up, taking his dishes to the sink.
“Just letting you know that, scientifically, it’s okay.”
He says nothing else as he leaves me alone with nothing but my thoughts and a weird sort of ache in my chest.
Beta feels scared.
I shove the thought down as I finish my coffee, deciding that the best distraction is to focus on the job.
