“No problem. But I can tell there’s something else on your mind,” Austin said. “What’s bothering you?”
Austin was nice. Almost too nice, sometimes.
Killian groaned. “My father flipped out about me not having a mate yet.”
“Oh, man,” Austin said. “That must be hard.”
Killian sighed. “It is.”
Though Austin hailed from a relatively high-ranked family of alphas, the pressure on him was nothing compared to Killian. Austin’s parents — an alpha and omega themselves — had decided to let their son take it slow, and find a mate when he was ready. Killian wished he had that privilege.
“What’s he gonna do?” Austin asked incredulously. “Line them up like dolls and ask which one you like most?”
The dry look Killian shot him was enough for him to understand.
“Oh. Wow,” Austin said. “I didn’t know that sort of thing actually happened.”
“Yeah,” Killian muttered. “It’s ridiculous.”
“Are you gonna go through with it? Pick an omega from a lineup, I mean?”
“What choice do I have?” Killian groaned. “He’s putting all this weight on my shoulders and acting like if I don’t find the perfect omega, it’s the end of the world. Hell, it might as well be the end of the world for him. As far as he’s concerned, I’m no good unless I can carry on our bloodline.”
Killian huffed in irritation and slumped down on the curb. Austin sat next to his friend. “Sorry, man.”
“It’s okay,” Killian said. “Thanks for being there for me.”
“No problem.”
A stiff breeze ghosted through the city and Austin lifted his head, taking in the scent. He turned to Killian. “I know what’ll brighten your mood.”
“What?” Killian asked.
Austin grinned. “Wanna go for a hunt?”
