Something dark twists in my gut. I should walk over, keep things professional, keep it cool. But when Chad’s eyes lift, locking on mine, that smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth—like he knows exactly what he’s doing—I feel it hit. The same jolt from that kiss, raw and dangerous.
I can’t ignore it. And it’s not just lust. It’s possession. A wild, desperate urge to tear him away from her, drag him somewhere he can’t keep pretending. Somewhere he can’t hide behind that cocky grin.
I push forward, forcing a casual stride, though my pulse is hammering.Focus.It’s a lesson. Nothing more.
Chad has his arms loosely around Lakelyn’s waist, his fingers covering hers on her racket. As she giggles at missing the launched tennis balls. In fact, I'm sure he's the reason she's missing. Is he…fuck, he's nuzzling her neck.
And they look fucking perfect together. Of course he would go for her. Innocent is his type. Until he ruins you.
“Are you two done screwing around?” I snap.
Lakelyn jumps guiltily, and Chad slowly drops his arms to his sides.
“Dean! Oh. Are you feeling better?” Lakelyn stammers, her pretty blue eyes landing on me.
I swallow, my gaze shifting to Chad before I bring them back to hers. Admitting to a rut causing my absence in front of the omega that brought it on isn't something I plan on doing.
“I’m fine.” Attempting to act normal, whatever the fuck that is, I grab up a basket of tennis balls and move to the launcher.
“You were sick?” Chad asks.
When I ignore the question, he follows behind me. Not only can I sense him at my back, but I can smell his pheromones. His perfume screams at me that he's mine. Just like it always has.
My omega. My scent match.
Only, there’s a hint of something more in the air. It isn’t just him. It’s her—Lakelyn. Fresh blueberries, subtle and sweet, blend into the scent of Chad’s spiced papaya perfume, creating a mix that hits me like a punch to the gut. My body reacts beforeI can stop it, heat pooling low and fast, making my fists curl tighter around the basket.
I can’t act on it, though. Not with her, and definitely not with him. The thought burns in my chest, a twisted reminder that I have to keep it together. That whatever this pull is, I can’t let myself get lost in it.
Lust.
Need.
Desire.
Desperation.
Whatever it's called destroys me with each inhale.
“Yeah,” I reply, my voice tight and clipped.
He moves next to me, within touching distance, and pins me with a look. Still, I focus on loading the launcher. Avoiding eye contact.
“I hope it isn't contagious.” My gaze snaps to him, and his lips curl up at earning a reaction. His eyes drop to the now empty bin in my grip before slowly lifting to mine again. “Because I'm gonna need hands-on instruction.”
He taps the bin twice before swaying his ass back to Lakelyn. Dragging a lungful of fresh air into my body, I squeeze my eyes shut, attempting to steady myself.
I don't want a pack. I don't need a pack.But fuck it all, I want to sink my teeth into both of them to warn other alphas away.
By the time I’ve pulled myself together enough to cross the court, they’re laughing again. Easy, comfortable—like I’m not even here. “You two done flirting?” I snap, my voice sharper than I intend.
Dammit.
Chad’s lips curve into that familiar, infuriating smile. “Flirting?” he says, the teasing lilt unmistakable. “Just…getting to know my partner.” He glances at Lakelyn, his eyes lingeringin a way that makes my stomach tighten, and she blushes. The sight stokes the fire burning under my skin. He clearly already has gotten to know her.
“Jealous?” Chad asks, his tone light, but there’s something in his gaze that dares me to react.
I take a step closer, fists curling at my sides. “Jealous of what? You wasting everyone’s time?”
