Smith hasn’t called me a good girl or little star again, and I’m trying not to get hung up on that fact. We work together; we’re becoming friends. I don’t need this Alpha’s approval.
The way he wrapped his hand around Memphis’ throat has also been playing rent free in my mind. His hands are so big, and I wonder what it would feel like to have them wrapped around my throat—but in a fun way.
It’s only a half-hour before the concert. Smith is leading me into the greenroom to meet his friends. He looks happy tonight. His presence is as imposing as ever as he wears black jeans, a black security hoodie, and his black hat, making his hair curl slightly underneath the rim and around his ears.
When we enter the room, there is a man just as large as Smith, another Alpha, and a tattooed Beta. They stand around their Omega with pride. She’s absolutely stunning with long, dark hair and bright blue eyes. She’s proudly wearing a Knot Thot shirt and it makes me smile.
“You must be Liv,” I say.
I hold out my hand to her, and she shakes it. I watch as she stares longingly at my bracelets.
“Deja Fox, I’m your biggest fan. It’s such an honor to meet you.” She smiles at me.
“Smith said he and your Alpha go way back, so I had to meet you. You live in New York?” I ask her.
“We actually just moved to Connecticut. The city was getting to be a little too much for us,” she says, and I wonder if it has to do with what Smith told me about her family. She looks like someone who needs a friend just about as badly as I do.
“I was actually thinking of spending some time in New York after my tour is over. I’m still able to get work done, but people aren’t as intense as they can be in LA.”
“Oh, well, if you’re ever in town, I would love to show you around. I know all the best Omega friendly places. My Alpha, Dean, has a bunch of restaurants too, so you will always feel comfortable.” Her eyes go wide. “Did I just force you to hang out with me when you move to New York?”
I laugh and rub my arm.
“Cami, are you cold?” Smith asks, and I shrug my shoulders, making him sigh. He takes off his black hoodie that has SECURITY branded on the front and places it on top of me. It’s so large it nearly covers me past my knees. I roll my eyes like he’s being ridiculous, but I can’t stop myself from inhaling the scent of him off the hoodie. Whiskey and sandalwood. Fuck me, it’s a sexy perfume.
“I would love to be your friend, Liv. I honestly don’t have that many,” I tell her, and I’m being honest. Having friends outside of the industry who just genuinely want to know the real me is the dream.
“How? You’re amazing,” she says, and I want to roll my eyes. I have talent, but that doesn’t make me amazing or better than anyone else.
“I just never know if someone is my friend because I’m famous or because I’m an Omega. After everything that happened.” I look down at the floor. I can’t help it when I sniff his hoodie again to ground me. “It’s just hard to find genuine people. You seem really sweet, though. It’s hard to find other Omega friends in this industry.”
“Well, you and Smith are welcome anytime. Are you two a couple?” My eyes go wide, and I look over my shoulder to make sure Smith isn’t listening.
“No, why would you think that?” I ask her.
“He looks at you like you’re precious,” she tells me. This girl is sweet, but she might be delusional. Smith works for me. He has to be attentive.
“That’s just his job. Plus, I’m not looking for a pack. My job comes first.”
“Being with one Alpha doesn’t mean you’re joining a pack, Deja Fox,” she says, and I hate to admit that she’s not wrong. While packs are more common, you can have just one Alpha. I just know one Alpha wouldn’t be enough for my heat. How could I make that work?
“I like you, Liv. Few people are honest with me. You can call me Cami. I’ll make sure Smith gives your Alpha my number so we can keep in touch.” I take off my bracelet that has the beaded words ‘slick bitch’ on them and hand them to her. “A gift for my new friend,” I say, and I swear the girl is about to cry tears of joy.
She places it on her wrist happily and beams at me. “Thank you so much!” She wraps me in a hug, and I sigh at the touch. The hug probably goes on for longer than it should with a stranger. But, fuck. When was the last time someone hugged me? It feels nice.
“I have to get ready for the show, but I’m so happy I met you,” I tell her, and she hugs me one more time. It’s like I can feel the stress leaving my body with her friendly hug. I hadn’t realized how touch deprived I’d become.
“Call me anytime!” Liv says happily.
Smith places a hand on my shoulder, and I can’t help but lean into his palm. His touches are far more comforting than I need them to be.
Chapter 7
GraysonandIclasphands and do a one-armed bro hug. I haven’t seen him in years. I was hired to do security for his firm when he lived in D.C. He often had different delegates and dignitaries coming to meet with him. Not that the man really needs security, he’s almost as big as me. I knew about his Beta, River, but we haven’t met. I shake his other hand, as well as his Alpha, Dean. The idea of having so many partners seems overwhelming. I have no clue how he does it.
“Good to see you, man. Liv about had a stroke when we told her we were coming.”
“Glad you guys could make it.”
