Page 43 of A Farmer’s Guide To Gamers

“I came here for a business meeting and figured I’d try to run into you while I was here, too,” he replied with an easy grin, though his blue eyes didn’t seem warm as he searched my face. “I got your message after I sent the flowers and just wanted to check in. Did I… Did I do something to upset you?”

“No!” I shook my head and instinctively reached for his hand. “No, you didn’t upset me at all. What we had was… fun. But I’ve found a pack now and I didn’t want to be one of those omegas that led you on⁠—”

“But we were compatible, too, Tills. Can’t you see that?” he argued heatedly. There was passion in his voice with a hint of possessiveness that had my omega shrinking back. It was not the attractive possessive vibe Dean had… this was different.

Maybe because he wasn’t mine.

I tried to tug my hand from his but suddenly, his grip turned hard, almost painful as he kept me there.

“Jonathan, I’ve told you before that I don’t like that nickname. My name is Tillie and I’d like you to use it.”

“We’re lovers, omega. Lovers use nicknames,” he whispered softly, leaning close enough that I could feel his warm breath on my skin.

I shivered, not in attraction but in fear as he stepped even more into my personal space.

“Jonathan,” I tried to sound firm, yet hated the way my voice trembled with a hint of fear.

“Tillie!”

Never had I been so relieved to hear someone else calling out my name. Jonathan squeezed harder for a second before tucking me into his side like we were together. His scent hit me, the lemon and basil overly strong and acidic as it burned my nose.

“Drew!” I choked out, sounding strange enough that my brother narrowed his eyes on Jonathan.

“Let go of my sister. Now.” The alpha bark in his voice had Jonathan’s chest puffing out in challenge.

Isaac, Lucas, and Elizabeth all surrounded him. Their sweet omega didn’t hesitate to come forward and pull me into a hug.

“Oh my god I’ve missed you, Tillie!” she screeched, over the top and loud enough to draw attention as she rocked me back and forth then pulled me with her. Isaac and Lucas helped herd us over as my brother stepped in the way.

“We’re together. I’m not sure why you’re acting like this,” Jonathan said. His voice was a little too cold and casual now.

“Tillie?” Drew asked me this time, ignoring the alpha.

“We’re over, Jonathan. I have a pack now. I’m sorry,” I managed to choke out as I cradled my hand to my chest. It hurt, not enough to leave a mark, but definitely enough to leave a reminder just as he intended.

“Tills. Let’s talk about this,” he started forward but Drew had a few inches and bulk on him, towering over the other alpha and blocking me from view.

“Come on,” Elizabeth said gently, leading me into the bookstore next door to the clinic. I didn’t argue as she pulled me inside, Isaac and Lucas right on our heels.

“I’ll text you!” Jonathan called out in desperation. My brother didn’t come in, he stood beside the door with his arms crossed over his chest.

Most of our lives we’d joked that Drew was the ‘black sheep’ of our family because he was so perfectly normal and put together. He worked in finance while we all followed passions. He enjoyed the organization and numbers of that life and I loved that for him.

I had never considered him to be a protective, fierce alpha until today and I was grateful.

“Hey, are you okay?” Elizabeth’s pretty, green eyes were wide and concerned as she rested a hand on my cheek. I blinked at her then managed a tight smile.

“Yeah. He’s just never done that before,” I admitted. “I sent a text in response to him sending me flowers and explained I found a pack but he can’t seem to understand that we’re done.”

“Some alphas need to be checked,” Isaac said as he glanced out the front window. “Why don’t you two shop and chat a bit while we make sure he moves on.”

“Thanks, baby,” Elizabeth said, giving her beta an appreciative smile before hooking her arm in mine. “Come on, let’s find something fun to read, we can even snag an extra copy for your mom and have a little book club.”

“That sounds perfect,” I agreed as she led me to the romance section. “But we can’t have anything with too much explicit sex. Last time we attempted it, she discussed the finer points on making the scenes better saying she had… ‘practiced them.’”

Elizabeth chuckled, eyes crinkling as I’m sure we both remember that particular discussion. I shuddered beside her as we started looking through the shelves.

“Definitely need therapy after that last conversation.”