"Is that so? Well, the more the merrier, I suppose." He then shifts his attention back to Lakelyn, a mischievous gleam in his eyes. "Think you can handle two hungry guys at once?"
There’s something in his words that feel like a double meaning. On the show, he would say shit like that to the alphas just to see them squirm. He seemed to get a thrill off of it. Even after it was clear he was only there for the idea of them and not to fall in love with them.
Lakelyn’s blush still colors her cheeks, but there’s a firmness in her voice now. "Of course," she says, her tone polite yet edged with something that demands respect. She jots down the orders, not missing a beat. "Two breakfast burritos coming right up."
As she turns to leave, she gives me another quick look—this one a little more pointed. I can practically hear her telling me to back off and let her handle this. And despite my urge to protect her, I can’t help but feel a surge of pride. Even flustered, Lakelyn knows how to stand her ground.
Chad leans back in his seat, watching her go with a satisfied smile. "I like her," he murmurs, almost to himself. Before I can say a word, he clears his throat saying louder, "Oh, and Lakelyn?"
She looks back over her shoulder, eyes wide and expectant. "Yes?"
"Don't forget the extra hot sauce," he says, his gaze lingering on her in a way that makes my blood boil. "I like things with a bit of a kick."
She nods quickly, a small, shy smile playing on her lips. "Got it."
I watch her walk away, resisting the urge to follow and pull her out of this entire situation. As soon as she's out of earshot, I turn back to Chad, narrowing my eyes. It’s time to scare him away.
"So, what brings you to our little diner?" I ask, forcing a civil tone despite the irritation simmering beneath the surface.
Chad’s lips curl into a knowing smile as he traces a finger along the edge of the table. "Lakelyn invited me," he says casually, his eyes flicking in the direction she disappeared to. "Thought I’d take her up on it. Didn’t expect the service and company to be so... delightful."
I clench my jaw, doing my best to keep my composure. "Lakelyn’s not part of the menu."
Chad raises his hands in mock surrender, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Easy there, Alpha. Just appreciating good hospitality." He pokes his tongue into his cheek, hiding a smile, then he adds, “Word of advice, though,” he lowers his voice and leans onto his elbows, his head propped up by his hands. “I’d make a move soon or you might just lose out.Alpha.”
The way he emphasizes ‘alpha’ sends a ripple of annoyance through me, like he’s picking apart emotions I haven’t even fully acknowledged myself.
"Appreciate it all you want," I reply, keeping my voice cool. "But Lakelyn will always be off limits to you."
Chad’s smirk deepens, and I can see that he’s enjoying this, almost as if he’s testing how far he can push me. "Will she?" he asks, his tone teasing, but there’s a sharpness beneath the surface, like he’s challenging me to see who’ll back down first.
Before I can respond, Lakelyn returns, balancing a tray expertly in her hands. She sets down two steaming plates in front of us, along with a bottle of hot sauce and a pot of fresh coffee.
"Here you go," she says brightly, though there's a nervous tremor in her voice. "Let me know if you need anything else."
His eyes never leave her as he picks up his fork and spears a piece of the burrito. He takes a bite, closing his eyes briefly as he savors the taste. The little moan he releases makes me want to feed him. I shake myself a little, that’s just the alpha in me wanting to care for an omega, nothing else.
"Perfect," he declares, opening his eyes to give her a dazzling smile. "You have excellent taste, Lakelyn."
She beams at the compliment. "Thanks," she says softly, tucking that same invisible strand of hair behind her ear again.
I clear my throat, drawing her attention back to me. "Aren't you supposed to be on break soon, Lake? Maybe you should sit and relax for a minute. In the back."
Normally, she will take a short break with me. While keeping her eye on her customers at the same time. I enjoy our talks. And if Landon knew just how often I found myself here while she was working, he would grow suspicious. But today, I just want her away from this omega. Even if it means she’d be away from me.
Her eyes widen slightly in surprise. "Oh, um, I still have a few tables to check on..."
"We wouldn't want to keep you from your duties. But maybe, when your shift ends, you could join me for a drink?" he says, full of the charm I watched him fake on the show.
Lakelyn's eyes flicker with surprise and something else—excitement, maybe? She opens her mouth to respond, but I beat her to it.
"She's busy tonight," I state firmly, meeting his gaze head-on.
Lakelyn looks between us, clearly flustered. "Actually, I?—"
“—Have that thing with me…that we were talking about,” I say, shifting my eyes to hers. Her brows crease, and I know she’s going to call me out.
"Actually," he cuts in smoothly, though there’s a slight edge to his voice, "I think Lakelyn can speak for herself."
