Page 45 of Bonded By Tea and Tarot

Hayden chuckles and leans back in the booth, slinging an arm around Jayce who is still trying to sort through the fact we’ve decided he’s a fairy gnome.

“And so confident,” they say, voice low and smooth. “So pleased with yourself, being able to wind your alpha up like that. I wonder how much trouble that spark has gotten you in, hm?”

My smile falters as heat flares through me, settling between my legs. My alpha. Trouble, said like it’s an innuendo.

Three groans hit me and I realize I’m perfuming in the middle of the cafe.

“Shoot,” I grumble. “Now look what you’ve done.”

Hayden smirks and stretches one leg out so his calf rubs against mine. “I’m not mad about it, best scent in the world.”

“Yeah, but now the whole cafe can scent what’s ou—” Jayce cuts himself off, guilt shining from his eyes when he looks at me.

What was he about to say? Scent what’s… ours? I roll my lips between my teeth and clench my knees together, trying to contain the perfume that pours out of me at the thought. Of them being mine. Any of it, all of it, is too much for me to handle right now.

“Maybe we should get going?” Aury says, his voice strangled. “Take a walk or something?”

They all leap to their feet, and I’m left a little bewildered as they bustle around me. Jayce grabs the dishes, while Aury picks up the cards and neatly tucks them back into the box. Hayden rounds the table and holds out a hand for me, which I glare at them for.

How many times do I have to tell this alpha that I don’t need their help?

They cock one eyebrow like it’s a dare, and I can’t resist a dare. I huff, then slap my palm into theirs, allowing them to “help” me slide out of the booth and stand. Then I’m surrounded by the three of them and being ushered out of the building.

We don’t make it five feet outside when Hayden’s watch starts blaring an alarm.

“Ay, mierda,” they mutter. “We need to head back, I’m on shift soon.”

“Oh, okay,” I say, trying not to pout. I don’t think I’m successful, if the way they look at me is any indication. Hayden’s eyes soften and they take a step closer, my hand still enveloped in theirs. “We’ll see you soon, little witch,” they murmur. They tuck a strand of hair behind my ear, then trail their fingers lightly down my neck until I shiver under their touch.

“Okay,” I whisper. I’m transfixed by their eyes. Twin pools of molten bronze, hiding secrets I want to dive into. I’m only able to tear my gaze away when Jayce clears his throat, looking bashful next to us.

“Bye Jayce,” I say, tugging my hand from Hayden’s grip. To my surprise, Jayce holds his arms open for a hug. His ears turn red at the same time, and he looks ready to flee if I so much as breathe wrong. So I reach out to him, stepping into his embrace and sucking in a deep breath of his smoky bonfire scent. His burly body relaxes against me, and my omega preens beneath my skin.

“See you soon, pretty omega.”

Chapter Twenty-Six

Siobhan

Aury opens the car door for me despite my attempt to swat his hand away, and the alphas both chuckle as they stride across the street to their car. I can’t help but needle Aury a little as soon as we’re on our way back to my place.

“Seemed like you and Jayce were hitting it off.” I bounce my eyebrows at him when he glances my way. To my delight, Aury’s light brown cheeks turn a shade darker. “You like him, don’t you?”

Aury shrugs, and I poke him in the side.

“Admit it! You do, and he likes you too.”

“You think so?” Aury glances at me again, but otherwise keeps his eyes on the road.

“In all seriousness, I really do.” I angle my body towards him, and he pulls to a stop in my driveway. Then he turns the car off and matches my position, twisting in his seat to face me. “I know it’s only been one date for you, only a couple for me. But what do you think about them?”

Aury’s eyes dart between mine, but I don’t give him anything. I want to know his opinion, not what he thinks I want to hear. He sighs and rests the side of his head against the seat.

“They seem like good guys. I like them, I like their scents. Do you like them?”

I nod. “Yeah. Yeah, I do.”

Aury scans my face, then reaches out to clasp my hands in his. “They really like you, too. The way they look at you when you’re not looking is…” He trails off, and I wait on baited breath for him to continue.