I snuggled closer to him, leaning over and sucking on the spot he’d indicated. He groaned, pressing his erection against my leg.
“You’re so sweet,” I said. “That line was almost enough for me to tell you your scent.” I licked a long stripe up his neck.
“You vicious little omega,” Ben said with a grin.
“That’s my girl,” Cam said as Theo laughed.
ChapterFifty-Nine
Josie
“Let’s just get an assortment of desserts for the table,” Poppy said, putting down the menu and signaling the waiter.
“Poppy, that’s too much food,” Westin said with a laugh. I eyed her carefully. She looked pale today and was quieter than usual, but she brushed off my concern when I asked if she was alright.
“Nonsense, we have to sample it all,” Poppy said.
A young beta waiter with messy brown hair appeared, his eyes wide as he took us all in.
“Hi, cutie. We would love one of everything, please,” Poppy said, giving him a thousand-watt smile. He nodded and fumbled as he gathered up the menus, throwing awed glances at Poppy over his shoulder as he walked away.
“You’re shameless,” I said, smiling as I took in the baby blue and gold decor of the French bakery Poppy had suggested. The design felt a little stuffy, and the chairs were uncomfortable. If Ben and I opened a place together, I would make sure we had cozy chairs and flowers on every table…
“Now he might throw in some free desserts,” she responded, a twinkle in her eye.
“Don’t let your alphas catch you flirting,” Westin said.
Poppy just grinned. “Maybe I want them to catch me. I love when they get all possessive.” She leaned to the right, trying to see out the window. “I bet anything they’re standing by the entrance with your alphas, Josie. Such stalkers.”
“Probably,” I said, a smile tugging at my lips. “Ben was all grumpy when I told him where I was going. He said he didn’t want me to eat anyone else’s baked goods.”
Cam and Theo had lectured me about safety during the drive, while Ben worried I would prefer the café’s pastries to his.
“Oh, I bet he doesn’t want you tasting anyone else’s goods,” Poppy said with a sly smile.
Clementine choked on her coffee.
“You’re the worst,” I said with a laugh.
My smile quickly faded when I saw three alpha police officers emerge from the back of the bakery. I quickly averted my eyes, not wanting to draw their attention, but they were already headed our way. My heart pounded, and my stomach churned with nausea.
“Shit,” Westin said when she spotted them.
“Good afternoon,” the largest officer said as he came to a stop right next to our table. He stood between Clementine and Poppy’s chairs, looming over us. Their uniforms were almost identical to the ones the DA guards wore. I crushed my fingernails into my palms, trying to stay in the present and not let dark memories drag me under.
Poppy cleared her throat and then smiled up at the alpha. “Good afternoon. What can we help you with, officers?”
Her tone was clear and pleasant, and relief washed through me that she was here. I almost jumped out of my skin when I felt Westin’s hand brush against mine under the table. Without a word, I took it, clenching her hand tightly.
“I’m Officer Kennedy. This is Officer Lee and Officer Tucker. We’re just visiting the neighborhood to ensure everything is in order. We noticed your table and were concerned to see four omegas, alone and unprotected.”
Clementine met my gaze. They hadn’t noticed she wasn’t an omega. I didn’t know if that was good or not. Probably a good thing since the Designation Government liked to keep omegas segregated from society.
“Oh, don’t worry,” Poppy said, a little giggle slipping out. “Our alphas are waiting for us just outside. We needed a little girl time to ourselves. You know how it is.”
She batted her eyes in the best fucking acting performance I’d ever seen.
Officer Lee stepped forward. His eyes were focused on Westin, his expression hungry.
