“Precious, what’s wrong?” Ben asked tenderly.
Tears pricked my eyes as I looked away from him. Having him close, looking so sexy and smelling comforting and arousing at the same time, started to break down my resolve. I loved Ben. I trusted him. I knew he hadn’t done anything wrong, but I couldn’t silence that voice that said he would be happier with someone else, someone skinnier and more attractive.
Ben made a distressed noise in the back of his throat, and I was horrified to see that he had tears glistening in his eyes. I couldn’t stop from launching myself into his embrace. Startled, he quickly wrapped his arms around me.
“I’m mad at you,” I said, my voice lacking any conviction as I pressed myself closer to him.
“I’m sorry for whatever I did,” he murmured in my ear, his voice achingly sad.
I took deep gulps of his scent and was reminded of how tender he was with me last night, how it had felt to make both of us come just by laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation. Ben was my sunshine.
“Why don’t the two of you go out to the courtyard?” Theo suggested, running his hand down my back and kissing my cheek.
Ben wordlessly moved to the back exit, not allowing an inch of space between us as he pulled me into the courtyard.
“I’ll make sure no one interrupts,” Theo said.
With the quiet click of the door, Ben and I were alone. I was momentarily distracted by the courtyard, which could only be described as magical. Twinkling string lights lit up the space, illuminating the ivy climbing over the brick walls.
“Will you tell me what I did to make you upset, beautiful?” Ben asked, sadness seeping into his scent.
“You didn’t do anything,” I said, lifting my gaze to his face and running my fingers down the stubble on his chin.
“Obviously, I did,” he said.
“I feel like I’m going crazy,” I said, tears spilling down my cheeks. “I know you haven’t done anything wrong, but my omega is so upset.”
“What happened, precious?” he asked, kissing away my tears.
“I went to the bathroom and there was a group of betas in there. It seemed like all of them knew you guys and had had sex with you or Cam. And, of course, they all looked perfect and thin and beautiful, and you’d probably be happier with them,” I blurted out. My cheeks heated at my confession. Suddenly, I was overcome with the need to hide, but Ben wouldn’t let me pull away.
“God, precious, you have to know we don’t want anyone but you.Idon’t want anyone but you. No one could be more perfect or beautiful, no one.”
His intensity startled me. I was used to Ben being laid back, but there was nothing relaxed about the determined, heated look in his eyes.
“Do you miss being with betas?” I asked, chewing my bottom lip.
“Precious, I don’t miss being with anyone who is not you. It wouldn’t matter what designation you were; I would be just as obsessed with you.”
His words made me feel like a warm glow was emanating from within me, but the lingering insecurity wouldn’t let me drop it just yet.
“Omegas are a lot of work.”
Ben furrowed his eyebrows, an incredulous look on his face. “How are you a lot of work?”
“I’m all needy and hormonal,” I said, unable to meet his gaze.
“Josie, you’re allowed to have needs.”
I didn’t trust myself to speak, sure that I would burst into tears the second I opened my mouth. When had I been allowed to need anything? Ben’s hand cupped the side of my face and I leaned into his touch. He didn’t demand I say anything, content to hold me close and gently rock us back and forth.
“Besides,” he added, “Alphasare a lot of work. Don’t know how you put up with us.”
A smile tugged at my lips. “That’s a good point.”
Ben’s laughter rang through the space, his bright scent filling the air. “You’re trouble,” he said, twirling me around. I squealed, gripping him tighter as my feet left the ground.
He set me back down and beamed at me, pressing his face to my hair and breathing in my scent deeply. I’m sure it was much sweeter now than a few minutes ago.
