Page 26 of Bonded By Tea and Tarot

Sage: I think you should tell him.

Me: What if he doesn’t want me though? There’s a big difference between having a crush from a distance, and wanting to be with an omega. We’re needy and annoying.

Claire: Hey now! You’re not annoying and you’re only sometimes needy, which isn’t a bad thing.

My eyes turn glassy and I have to tip my chin up to avoid them spilling over. I’ve literally never been told that before, and even though it’s mother-hen Claire who doesn’t have a bad bone in her body, it still means something to hear those words.

Claire: But I agree with Sage. And Wren. You need to tell him, otherwise you’ll be stuck wondering.

Me: He’s picking me up tomorrow to return my library books. I guess I could try to talk to him then.

Bea: Thank goodness, I was about to come over and hunt them down myself. I know you have a secret bookshelf somewhere…

I laugh, grateful for their humorous interruption.

Me: I do not! I swear!

Me: But yeah, I’ll tell him. I’d rather know either way.

Bea: He wouldn’t have stayed so long with you if he didn’t feel the same way, babe. You’re overthinking it. Just let your instincts guide you.

Me: Okay, thanks friends.

A chorus of “we got you” and “love you” flood my phone, and I set it back down, sick of texting. Telling him how I feel—that I think I’m falling for him—sounds terrifying. I honestly don’t know if I’m brave enough.

The reality is that he’s such a nice guy, he would have helped out anyone who needed it. I’m not special. I sigh and turn to my most trusty tarot deck, seeking guidance and reassurance before I crack my heart open and spill it into his hands tomorrow.

Chapter Seventeen

Aury

Spending the night away from Siobhan was awful, to say the least. I slept horribly, couldn’t focus on anything, and every minuscule sound had me looking for her. I got up early today to catch up on paperwork from the days I missed and to plan make-up lessons for the classes I couldn’t get covered. The community center is even more distracting than home, though.

I figured she could use some space after me hovering for three days, but it’s the last thing I want. I’d move in with her tomorrow if she asked me to.

Except… I’m a beta. And now she has a scent matched alpha. I don’t know if she’ll want anything to do with me now that Hayden is an option. I check my phone for the millionth time. No messages, from Siobhan or Hayden.

I had hoped the alpha might reach out to me, but of course I’m not who they’re interested in. Not that I can blame them.

When my alarm finally dings to alert me it’s time to go pick her up, I leap from my desk and nearly sprint out to my car. She’s waiting on her front porch when I pull up, and a grin stretches across her face as soon as she sees me. Her septum piercing winks in the sunlight, and her pale blonde hair is up in a messy bun on the top of her head, making each strand look somehow artful and intentional in its chaos. She’s wearing forest green, wide-legged linen pants with a long-sleeve crop top that shows a sliver of her midsection. I try not to stare at the tempting slice of skin peeking out at me, especially when she waves and bares more. Her sleeves are long and billowing, a wild pattern of jewel tones melding together in a way that looks intentional. And of course, her usual plethora of rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings.

I swear the woman is half metal at this point.

“Hey, Aury,” she calls, bounding down the steps and nearly giving me a heart attack. Logically, I know it’s probably fine, but still. She’s supposed to take it easy for at least the next week.

“Hey, whoa.” I leap out of the car and dash towards her, slipping one hand around her waist. “Easy there, Moonbeam. You’re supposed to be taking it easy still.”

She shrugs and hefts the bag on her shoulder with her uninjured hand. I immediately slip her bag off and tuck into the back seat. Her other hand and wrist are still in a splint.

“I’m just excited. I love going to the library.”

Her eagerness is infectious, and I smile as I help her into the front seat. I go to lean over her to buckle her in, but she swats at my hands and arms.

“Fine, fine,” I say, stepping back with my hands in the air.

She huffs at me and I close the door before rounding to my side and getting us on the road. The library is only a few minutes away, and before I know it she’s hopping out of the car without waiting for me to open her door. I shake my head; she’s reasserting her independence, and I can’t begrudge her that.

I do manage to snag the library door and hold it open for her, which she graciously allows. And then she’s making a beeline for the closest shelf and ducking behind it. My mouth falls open and I freeze in the doorway, staring at her where she’s… hiding?