Chapter 36
Charlie
The moment Adrian entered the office , I was about to pull away from Vincent. I didn’t want to share this time with anyone other than the man I was currently keeping warm. But the hand on my head kept me from pulling away, even as he greeted the other Omega.
“Hey, boy.” His voice was soft, yet open and warm all wrapped together.
I felt awful after Adrian went to lie down. My thoughts wouldn’t settle, and writing in the living room hadn’t helped one bit. So, for once, I did what I had wanted to do all along since this morning.
I went to Vincent.
I expected him to push me away, to remind me not to bother him until lunch. Instead, he finished his call and then listened to what I had to get off my chest.
And the Alpha had spoken similar words as my friend. It was normal to feel what I was feeling. Normal to be uncertain and a bit territorial. Even though that word wasn’t used, it felt fitting.
“Is Charlie in here? I didn’t see him anywhere.”
“He is. He’s a bit busy at the moment, though.” Vincent’s tone gave nothing away.
“Oh!” I could picture Adrian’s eyes widening as big as saucers. “I’ll….uh….Well…” He stopped and took a deep breath. “Moore will be here in an hour. With pizza.”
“That’s not needed. You are welcome to stay, hon.”
“I know, but it’s too soon. The two of you need…well privacy to do whatever Charlie's doing with you right now.”
“Do you want to know what he’s doing?” Vincent’s voice darkened a tad as he leaned forward.
“No. No, thank you! Sir. I’ll just…go now.”
Vincent barked out a laugh, which had to have followed Adrian out of the room and to wherever he was going to hide him for the moment.
This time when I pulled back, Vincent let me do so. I looked up at him, seeing the softest, pleased look ever shining back at me. I wanted to wrap that look around me forever.
“For someone who sure enjoys oversharing, he gets skittish over someone else’s bedroom activities.” When I didn’t say anything, he went on. “Are you in a better mood now?”
“Yes, Sir.” My thoughts were a lot calmer now. I didn’t feel any ill will towards Adrian. I knew I had been in the wrong line of thinking.
“Glad to hear it. I have about ten more minutes of work to finish up. Go find your friend and I’ll join you guys in a bit.”
I slowly stood, making sure my legs didn’t collapse under me. I didn’t know how long I had knelt before Vincent.
I found Adrian in the kitchen, playing on a cell phone. It looked so odd. Omegas didn’t to have suchdevices. It was punishment just to touch one, let alone look at one.
“Hey!” Adrian noticed me right away, setting the phone aside.
“Hi.”
“Moore’s gonna bring pizza soon.” He must have read my mind before I could get the question out. “You and Vincentneedtime. I’m an outsider for once here, and it's not worth putting our friendship under a strain. I don’t want to lose my friend over this.”
“I’m calmer now. You can stay.”
“Next time. You need what Vincent can offer you. You two are bonding, and until you’re settled with a good schedule, I’m going to go with Moore when he leaves later. You’re so used to structure and rules, Charlie. And you gotta find your footing before I steal your time.”
“I don’t know if I’m impressed or scared that you know me this well.” I truly didn’t know. “But…thank you. For being my friend and seeing something I couldn’t see.”
“Charlie,” Adrian sighed, stepping closer to me. “We’ve known each other for years. We shared the same space, learned the same crap, and served punishments together for my stupidity. Me stepping back and letting you get to know the Alpha is the best thing I can do for both of you. Moore agrees wholeheartedly.”
Well, I was at a loss for words. Adrian was never one to say stuff like that. He always tended to do whatever random thoughts that floated through his mind.
