Page 34 of Bonded By Tea and Tarot

Hayden tilts their head, and their smile turns mischievous. “Is that a yes, Siobhan?”

My name on their lips snaps me from whatever spell Jayce had me under, and I refocus on Hayden. “Yeah, yes.” I clear my throat, recentering myself. “I’d really like that.”

“Great. If there’s anything you want to do, let us know, otherwise I’ll get something planned for this week, if that works for you?”

A date again this week is moving fast, making my omega perk up inside. “I’ll text you if something comes to mind,” I say.

They walk me to my car, Jayce insisting on carrying the box of pastries while Hayden keeps one hand protectively on my lower back. Then they open my door for me, which has my independent streak bristling.

When I go to slide into the seat, Hayden puts a hand on top of my head, as though afraid I’ll bump it, and that’s the final straw.

“I don’t need coddling, you know,” I gripe. “I’m not some helpless omega, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I’m sorry to tell you that’s not me.”

“No,” Hayden murmurs, dark eyes piercing me. I want to fidget under that thoughtful gaze, but I force myself to sit still. “No, you’re quite fierce. Aren’t you, little witch?”

Little witch?

My lips pop open, but I don’t know what to say to that.

Hayden leans forward to drop a kiss on my temple. “See you soon, amorcito.” Then they close the car door and are gone before I can think of how to respond.

Chapter Twenty

Aury

This morning has been brutal. I can’t stop thinking about Siobhan on her date. Even Bunny has had enough of me, all but scream-meowing me out of the house.

Or maybe I’m using her as an excuse.

I tried not to, but I couldn’t help wandering around downtown, hoping while also dreading catching a glimpse of Siobhan. And the alphas. Unfortunately, the glare on the bakery windows is intense, so I can barely get a hint of their shapes through the glass.

I’d recognize Siobhan anywhere, no matter how little detail or distorted her image, so spotting her sitting up straight is no hardship. The alphas I can’t get a read on, though. And neither can I figure out what her perfect posture means. Is she invested, engaged? Is she uncomfortable and trying to be polite? I have no idea, but just as I’m walking by a third time, considering pushing the door open and striding in, Sage and her beta walk out.

“Oh, hey Aury!” Sage says, grinning at me while her beta, Riley, opens their pastry bag and pulls out a lemon square, then brings it to her lips. Sage grins, then takes a dainty bite. I try to step around them, but I can’t without inappropriately invading her space. And there’s no way in hell I want another omega’s scent on me.

Sage’s attention returns to me as I’m attempting to sidestep and twist around them.

“What are you… Oh,” she says, a far too knowing look crossing her eye. She glances back at the bakery, her gaze traveling along the window, then back to me. I rub a hand along the back of my neck, but she speaks again before I can come up with an excuse. “She’s doing okay.”

“Who’s what, now?” I say, feigning ignorance. All the while, hot jealousy is shredding my resolve.

Her knowing smile shifts with a touch of pity, and I hate it. “Siobhan and the alphas. I’d say it’s going,” she wiggles her hand in a so-so motion, “just okay, from the little I glimpsed.”

“Oh, you’re here for Sage’s friend? The witchy one? Yeah, she’s got her work cut out for her with those two,” Riley says with a laugh, then frowns. “You’re a bit late, though. Looks like they’ve been here a while.”

“Oh, no. I’m not—” I cut myself off and shake my head.

The beta’s eyes widen comically, then they stage-whisper. “Oh shit, are you spying?”

My shoulders slump. “Yeah, I guess. I couldn’t sit at home doing nothing while she’s here with…” I gesture to the window, and they both nod their heads.

“I get it, man,” Riley says, tossing their arm over Sage’s shoulders. “I was a mess at first, too. But don’t worry, it’ll work itself out. Sage here has told me all about how long Siobhan has been crushing on y—oof!”

“Riley!” Sage hisses while elbowing them in the ribs. “I told you that as a secret!”

“Oh,” Riley says, widening their eyes at me. “Whoops.”

I can’t take much more of this. The constant glancing at Siobhan through the window. These two and whatever shit-stirring dynamic they’ve got going on. I shake my head and try for a polite smile. “Well, I’m gonna get going. Nice seeing you.”