“Oh my God, they’re so cute,” the woman exclaims, getting down on her knees to pet the puppies Tate has on a leash.
Suddenly, music blasts from the square, and Tate curses under his breath. “Club is havin’ a party tonight. I’ve got to take care of some things,” he says, handing the Beta the two leashes he was holding. “Thank’s for comin’ so quickly man. It was unexpected,” Tate tells him.
“Liv was next to me when you called. She’s the one who had us drop everything to get here as soon as possible,” he says, looking affectionately at the Omega sitting in the sandy grass.
“Either way, man, thanks. We’ll catch up soon. Good seein’ you, River,” Tate says, giving the man a slap on the shoulder before walking away.
I don’t know why I feel drawn to the Omega kissing the puppies, but I do. Truly, the only other Omega I’ve spent time with has been my mother. I want to know more about Liv and possibly having someone else to confide in is an opportunity I can’t turn down. I love the girls on the compound with my whole heart, but I don’t always feel like I fit in.
I get down on the ground with Winnie, and Liv smiles up at me. It’s a true smile too, not a fake friendly one.
“Are you keeping one?” she asks me.
“Yes, this is Winnie,” I tell her.
“Ah, I love that. It’s going to take everything in me not to bring one of these babies home,” she sighs.
“Not unless you want Dean to have a stroke,” River jokes with her.
“Who’s Dean?” I ask her.
“He’s my other Alpha, he couldn’t come. He’s in the middle of opening up a new restaurant,” she explains excitedly.
I look around at all the men standing around us, blatantly staring. I want to ask Liv questions I haven’t been able to ask another Omega before, but I’m sure as fuck not going to do that with them all eavesdropping.
“Do you guys want some food and drinks before you go?” I ask politely, hoping to have more of a chance to talk to Liv.
She smiles widely at me, picking a puppy up under her arm. “That would be wonderful, thank you,” she replies.
“Sweetheart, I don’t know…” her big Alpha, whom I still don’t know the name of, says.
“Grayson, it will be fine. Let’s go,” she commands.
The big man sighs but reluctantly nods. He keeps Liv in arm’s reach as we head to the square. It’s early so everyone is clothed and on their best behavior as we sit down at a picnic table with the dogs.
“River, will you get me a drink?”
“Sure, angel,” he tells her, kissing her hair. I look between them and use the same tactic.
“Axel, do you mind?” I ask.
“Sure thing, darlin’,” he says.
That just leaves Cash and Grayson. Liv sighs heavily and looks at the two of them. “Can you two sit at that picnic table right there so I can speak to… my new friend for a moment,” Liv asks.
“Lily,” I whisper quickly.
“So I can speak with Lily,” she reiterates.
Her Alpha looks at the both of us and agrees. Cash isn’t so quick, but when he looks at Grayson, he changes his mind.
“Thanks,” I whisper, and Liv smiles at me.
“Do you leave here much?” she asks, looking around the compound.
“Not much, but I love it here,” I tell her.
“I could see that,” she says, not being snide, but truly getting it. “You’re unbonded?” she asks, but it feels more like a statement.
