“Thanks.” I mumbled my reply, earning another narrowed-eyed look. There was no judgment, only exasperation. We all knew I didn’t really do emotions well.
“Go get ready and take the rest of the day off. You’ve needed a day off since your heat.”
“When you think my heat would be enough,” I countered.
She barked out a laugh. “Girl, you know that I’m an omega, too. Heats are fucking exhausting.”
“They really are,” I agreed. “Can I sign up not to have one ever again?”
“No, because you’ll adore them someday,” she reminded me before giving a finger wave and heading back to the front.
I gathered my things and headed out, making my way to the diner. Thanks to Holt’s fajitas the other night, I was still dying for a burger.
Comfort food was the only way I was getting through this afternoon.
“I’ve been wondering when you’d be back for our burgers and fries,” Trinity called out when I walked in the door. She was one of the newer waitresses, and she was honestly a breath of fresh air.
“You know me so well,” I said as I went for the counter, opting to just eat up there since it was just me.
She was already making me my usual hefty dose of caffeine.
The smell of embers, oak, and vanilla hit me, and I had to bite back a groan. It had been way too long already since I’d been around my supposed mates, and my omega was ready to pull him closer and kiss him senseless, despite my brain protesting as loudly as possible that we should stand up and run.
“Hey, Bea. How are you?” Ezra’s smooth, calming voice had me offering a smile despite my panic. He leaned against the counter next to me.
“I’m okay,” I lied.
He gave me a half smile and cocked his head. “Do you know that you’re a shit liar?”
I let out a startled laugh, surprised that he was willing to call me out. “You know it’s not very polite to call people liars, right?”
“Well, an omega once told me that I was being too nice. Plus, It’s not all that polite to lie to your mate, either, is it?” he countered.
Honestly, he had me there. “Fair point.”
“We’ve been giving you space, but we’d love to catch up again,” he said pointedly. “We can get to know each other a little better and we can take it as slow as you want.”
He was keeping his voice pitched low enough that nobody else could gossip about what we were saying. Small towns were famous for spreading your business before you were ready. Willow Lake was no different.
“I’ll message soon,” I said casually, even knowing it was a lie.
He didn’t argue, he simply nodded before turning to Trinity as she approached. “Here. This is for my order and hers.”
She raised an eyebrow at me with a warning look that said she’d demand answers soon. The beta somehow kept herself together until he walked away with the bag she handed over.
“What was that about?” Trinity demanded.
“I guess some guys just can’t resist my charm, huh?” I joked, batting my eyelashes like I was innocent.
She snorted out a laugh and shook her head, hopefully realizing I wasn’t about to share. Thankfully, a new customer walked in, saving me from this conversation and distracting her until my food was ready.
Today was going to be the first step in taking back control of my life. I was oddly relieved, as much as I was nervous. Maybe having a sounding board for all of the crazy shit happening would help me stop putting up all these walls.
My best friends deserved better, and honestly, I was getting tired of always hiding away. It was a lonely life keeping everyone at arms’ length.
I wanted the life my pack was offering, I just didn’t know how to trust anyone else again.
Cameron didn’t deserve the power I gave him. That meant I had to let myself be vulnerable for once, and maybe, just maybe, I’d text my pack back.
