I laughed softly. "I don't think you look generic at all."
A smirk toyed at the edge of Farley's mouth. "Thanks. Anyway, it wasn't good enough for me. Above all, I value my freedom. The ability to do what I want, when I want. Never to be constrained by other people." His smirk faded, replaced by a deep frown. "So how the fuck I ended up atthatplace is a mystery to me."
I didn't know what he was talking about yet but the mention of it already made my skin crawl. If Farley hated it, then I hated it on principle, too.
"Feel like sharing more about it?" I asked.
Farley faced me, looking fatigued. He let out a long sigh. "It's called the Society."
"Like... a society of finches?"
"Yeah. The guy who founded it thinks he's fucking funny." He rolled his eyes. "It's nothing more than a glorified breeding colony. Everyone there is a finch shifter, but the alphas rule over the omegas. They put leg bands on them, keeping them in finch form, stuffing them in aviaries and claiming its for their own safety. Biggest bunch of shit I've ever heard in my life. All they want to do is control them."
A chill ran through me. "That's horrible."
Farley frowned. "Worst part is, most of the omegas don't know anything else. They think that shit is normal. They're all waiting excitedly for the day an alpha will choose them as their mate."
I thought of all my omega family members in that situation and felt sick to my stomach.
A growl rose in my throat. "All right. How do we shut this place down?"
Farley faced me. "Well, that was fast. I didn't think you'd be so eager."
"Why?"
He blushed, then averted his gaze. "Stupid of me. Nevermind. You're not like them."
"The alphas at the Society, you mean?"
"Yeah. You're... something else."
"I hope that's a good thing?" I asked with a smile.
"It is." He snorted. "Seriously, it's not often that I find myself actuallylikingan alpha."
My heart flipped in excitement before my brain shot it down. He didn't mean it that way. Liking someone didn't automatically mean in a romantic sense. I should've just been grateful that Farley liked me at all, considering his white-hot hatred of the Society alphas, which they deserved.
"Thanks for telling me," I said. "Now I know why you attacked me when we first met."
"No. I shouldn't have done it," Farley said. "It was reckless. I was just angry and I took it out on you. I'm sorry, Quinn."
"It's okay. Really." I grinned. "If nothing else, it's a great story about how we met."
Another smile played on Farley's lips. I tried not to stare at them and failed instantly. How could I not when they were right there in front of me looking so luscious?
The urge to kiss him was difficult to fight off, like trying to stop a tidal wave with my bare hands. But I'd never put Farley in an uncomfortable position, especially not after what he'd been through with those Society goons. I settled for fantasizing about it instead, even though each passing second brought me more of his alluring scent, filling the den with a cloud of his natural cologne.
We can't be fated,I reminded myself firmly.It has to be mutual, and Farley hasn't made any indication that he wants the same thing I do.
Just as I was thinking that, Farley looked in my direction. His gaze met mine. He didn't blink.
The spell broke as he shuddered visibly. "Shit, it's cold up here without clothes..."
I was only wearing the clothes on my back but I didn't mind giving them up. "You can take mine, if you want. They're a bit small, but I don't care if you stretch them. I have my fur."
"No, I can't accept them," Farley said.
I was a little disappointed he'd turned down my offer. Just one more piece of evidence that he didn't like me that way and I had to accept it.
