“I don’t want Auryn,” I say as I yank my wrist from him.
He laughs. “You are a lot of things, Olivander, but you are not that good of a liar.”
I scowl at him. “I am not lying, I—”
“You know what I think?” He holds my wrist tighter, and I have half a mind to drag him with me, but he’s bigger. Heavier. Heavier than a headless alpha, for sure, so I’m sure I would struggle.
“I think you do want Auryn, but for some reason you’re scared.”
“I am not, I—”
“How many articles have you read? How long have you been studying omegas, Olly?”
“A while,” I say in exasperation. “You know this!”
“Mm-hmm. And how many omegas have perfumed for you?”
“None, but–”
“No buts. What are you afraid of?”
I pull my wrist back with a growl. The sound is deep. Angry. “I’m not afraid!” I snap. Gage smirks.
“I just…” I turn away from him. “She has you. Emmett. Diego.Alphas.” The sadness in my voice is evident. “There’s nothing I can give her.”
I close my eyes, hating that I’ve said the words. I hadn’t meant to.
“Olly—”
“Don’t,” I say, feeling like I’m going to fall apart. My body shakes, and I think if he doesn’t leave I really am going to lose it.
Beta feels small.
“Scientifically speaking,” he says calmly, “test the theory.”
I look up at him in question. “What?”
Gage shrugs. “Test the theory.”
“How do you expect me to do that?” I bite out.
“You’re smart. You’ll figure it out,” he says. “You know omegas better than anyone, right? Studied them for years.”
I blink at his words as he continues.
“So, put that knowledge to the test. If she doesn’t respond, your theory is confirmed.”
I think about his words. About the unidentifiable protein. The puzzle remains, and I do like puzzles… “And if—”
Gage pushes away from the counter. “Think of all the possible data.” He smirks.
With that, he leaves, opening the door, and that’s when I see her. Standing outside, big eyes, staring at me from across the way.
“Your turn, princess,” he says as he kisses the top of her head.
The door swings, and all I can do is stare at her, unable to move. Then she steps forward, opening the door and invading my lab.
And as the door shuts, all I can smell is sweet, sweet cinnamon.
