I didn’t speak. Didn’t breathe too loudly. I folded myself into stillness, just as I had been taught, like a prayer no one answered.
Chapter 5
Vincent
This Omega was fascinating in a haunting way. One moment, he was a quiet, obedient boy. Shy and scared, yet pretended to be brave to face it all. I saw it in the way he held himself, how his eyes would go blank as though he expected pain. Then the next moment, he was someone completely different. He spoke softly, but hopefully, like someone he remembered was going to save him from me.
I was a little disappointed that he chose Moore to speak to first, but at the same time not surprised. My best friend was kind and thoughtful, and having his own Omega he loved and cherished had changed him for the better.
As my best friend growing up, we were never all that far apart from one another. We were similar in ways, and thought the same thing more often than not. But, that didn’t stop the hurt, the dejection, from filling my chest. It was stupid, but it was there nonetheless.
How could my best friend have met this Omega that kneeled beside me and not tell me about such a sweet lost being? How could Adrian never mention a friend at Lockswell until now?
“Why now, boy?” My voice wasn’t hard, but it was clipped.
Adrian’s eyes bounced between the Omega at my feet at his Alpha. His throat bubbled as he swallowed harshly.
“You mentioned you were lonely, and I saw Charlie on the list of available Omegas that could be taken off the property. He really is the perfect fit for you, Sir. Really. I swear. If he wasn’t, I would have talked to Moore to at least have a day together or something.”
I lifted a brow. The boy was right, of course, but I wasn’t going to make it easy on him. He didn’t only just toss me into an awkward position, but also his own mate.
“Did you even think to show your Alpha?”
“I showed him the trait list.” Adrian’s voice grew small, and he leaned into his Alpha like he’d be the one to save him from this conversation.
With a glance at Moore, I knew they’d continue this in the privacy of their own home. “That’s my fault for not looking at the picture of the Omega. But he’ll serve you well.”
I sighed, reaching for my discarded cup. The ice clunked, the drink gone.
“I’ll get you more, Sir.” Adrian was up and moving towards me before I even asked.
“That won’t win any good marks right now, Omega.”
“But you’d ask me to do it anyway.” Adrian flashed me a smile, knowing he was right.
Really, Adrian was the perfect match for Moore. They both needed one another, to have the push and pull addiction that they craved. They had tender moments, too, but Moore loved to have a partner who could and would, take his words not to heart when the moment rose.
“I’m sorry, Vince. If I’d known….”
If he’d known what? That he would be in a room with an Omega that he’s bedded more than once? Or with his mate’s friend from childhood?
“Don’t worry ‘bout it.”
I wasn’t all that upset.
“May I speak to him?” Moore’s eyes flashed to the boy on the floor. “He’s not…”
Not what he once was.I finished the sentence mentally. I dipped my head, hearing Adrian come back from the liquor shelf.
Moore stood from the couch and slowly walked closer. When he was close enough, he sat on the edge of a stool after moving it closer.
“Charles,” he started. His voice was soft, kind, and understanding. A way he talked to the kids at the hospital when they came in. “You’re in good hands here. Vincent will not ask things of you that many others have. He’ll listen to your dislikes if you speak them.”
Something told me that the boy wouldn’t utter a single word to me if I didn’t command it out of him.
“I’m sorry if I ever hurt you. I never meant to. You are special, and always will be, no matter where life takes you. I feel bad that I couldn’t do more for you before.”
Charles’ body stiffened, but then a moment later he settled back. His response was barely loud enough to catch. “You took my friend.”
