Page 22 of Trick Knot Treat

Am I this desperate for attention?

Why, yes, yes, I am.

“I’ll take one of the pizza, one steak, and one of whatever she’s eating.”

Franco makes a sound in the back of his throat.

“And two pieces of chocolate cake.”

“Okay. If it were anyone else, I might argue about your capacity to consume all that food, but it’s you, and you’re a bottomless pit,” Franco says in amazement.

Clint smirks.

“Is, uh, Felix going to be okay with Zaire?” Franco asks as he gathers up the menu.

I let out an involuntary growl.

Both alphas turn and look at me, one with a confused frown, the other with a pleased smirk.

“Protective?” Clint purrs.

I cut off the sound and look down at my plate. “Zaire didn’t deserve to be paired with Asher again.”

Oops.

I look up, straight into Franco’s startled eyes.

“Not that I think she’s bad, just that they are a terrible fit. Felix is a much better fit. They will get along great. They both have a reserved composure about them and a love of anime and arts.”

I think I’ve grown another head, and a tail, and maybe hooves, by the way Franco is looking at me.

“I wasn’t aware you knew Felix.”

I blush furiously. “Ah, well, I don’t, not really. It’s just he’s kind of everywhere and stands out.”

“You think so?” Franco murmurs. “Most people think he fades into the background.”

“Oh, no, he stands out like a beautiful gemstone glinting in the sun. He’s surrounded by plain rocks and pebbles, but he’s got this amazing inner fire and light, you just need to look properly.” I wince. “Not that you are a plain rock or pebble, Alpha.”

He is smiling as if I am absolutely delightful.

“I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Franco Sol.”

I glance at Clint unhappily.

“Franco, she’s in here all the time. This is Khione. She is the artist who painted all the stones for the matchmaking events.”

He gapes at me. “No shit?”

I bob my head, agreeing with Clint.

“Well, I apologise, then, Khione. I assure you I won’t forget your name or face now. For a beta who can see my son for all that he is, is an incredible person in and of herself.”

I stare at him, feeling the same bitter regret that comes every time someone says beta. I have to be a beta. It’s important, but I wish I could be myself. I really hate lying to people, and I love being an omega.

He excuses himself, leaving me with Clint and this terrible urge to confess all the secrets I’m holding. I pick up my fork, but when I lift it, Clint grabs my hand and pulls it and the fork towards him and closes his lips over the mouthful on the fork.

Air, brain cells, and logic desert me. All that’s left is this ridiculous urge to throw myself into this alpha’s arms and lick the inside of his mouth.