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Elias looked up in surprise. "Wow, that's really interesting. I've never gone beyond Oakford, myself. Just never saw a reason to, I suppose."
Levi nodded in understanding. "I get it. Not a lot of Hamton families leave this province very often. I set up the meeting for late next week. Maybe when we go, the four of us can go on a hike together. There are one or two nearby my friend's house."
"Sounds fun. In regards to them, how did you come to be familiar with them, if you don't mind me asking?"
It was a harmless question, but Levi looked away immediately, rubbing the back of his neck. That was something he'd noticed the alpha do a lot when he was uncomfortable or unsure of what to say next. Was this omega a past flame? In that case, Elias was very curious and wanted to learn more. How did it end? Was it similar to his experience?
His heart rate spiked, and if he wasn't in hot water, he might've started sweating like there's no tomorrow. Just the thought of what happened to him when he was young made him itch to get up and walk around. Release the nervous energy brewing in his stomach before it could make him cramp and induce nausea.
"She was my sub for three years outside of heat. I always pushed for her to allow me to help during her time of need, but she never agreed. After meeting you, I understand why," Levi said, still not looking at him. "I suspect she was afraid for the same reasons you were."
Calm washed over him as he processed the truth. Though hearing were when it was still are was uncomfortable. Elias decided not to mention it. He flexed his fingers, finding comfort in the sound of his knuckles cracking. They weren't in love yet, but they clicked right away when they met. Just like the other two, his omega desired this man with an intensity that consumed him, which made Elias possessive. Not that he'd ever admit it.
"Was she on suppressants like I am?"
Levi nodded, meeting his eyes again. They were sad, almost regretful. Did he love that woman? A pang of something went through Elias' chest at the thought.
"She never had enough faith in me to give us a shot, and that really ate at me for a while after she moved south. It took me years to realize that her insecurity only bred my own, and we both had problems to work through. Omegas are not property, no matter what most Hamton elites believe, and I'm entitled to nothing."
Elias heard him say something similar before, but it was just as surprising the second time. Levi was so progressive compared to his own family that it threw Elias for a loop. Even his father believed him a failure for not having a mate by now. They hadn't seen or spoken to one another in over four years. The only person he kept up with was his mother through letters alone.
It was a breath of fresh air to realize there were more alphas like Ian and August—ones who believed in free will and choices rather than simple biology.
"I have to say, you surprised me," he admitted.
When they met, Levi came on strong. Weaponizing his charm, as Elias had seen so many others do. Was it so wrong to think that? He supposed it didn't matter now.
"I know," Levi replied, tongue in cheek. "That's why I'm interested in learning all your quirks and strangeness."
Elias smiled tentatively. "Yeah. Now, let's order in some pizza and watch a movie. No sitting at too-long dining tables and shouting at each other from either end."
Levi laughed as they stood up, helping him out of the bath and into a soft towel.
"Sure, but only if you wear my boxers and tee shirt."
Elias hugged the towel to his chest, raising a brow. "Is that some kind of fetish of yours?"
His alpha didn't exactly blush, but he looked to the side. "No, I just thought you'd be most comfortable wearing my clothes, but I scented the shirt so you can take it home with you. I hope that's not too presumptuous."
"Oh!" Elias gasped, eyes blowing wide. He'd just been teasing, but accidentally outed his alpha for doing something thoughtful. Panic set in, and he scrambled to explain himself. "Not at all. I'll wear it. Also, do you have any spare soft blankets? Preferably knit and really fuzzy, but not so much wool that it scratches my skin during my heats—"
He clamped both hands over his mouth, stopping himself from over explaining further. Levi didn't require that information! What the hell was he doing? The warmth against his fingers confirmed he was blushing.
Damnit.
"I do," Levi replied, stepping closer to tuck a few curls behind Elias' ear. "And whatever else you need, I'll buy it. Say the word, and it's yours."
Elias stumbled back a step, and Levi caught him around the waist, holding him up. His dick twitched at the sight of his alpha's shining smile, so genuine and enticing. Fuck, he might already be falling for the guy. Elias swallowed hard and turned to walk confidently into the bedroom, leaving the embrace behind. It didn't matter that all he yearned for was the sensation of his alpha's skin against his own more than he desired his scent. His omega insisted on it, but he shut the urge down, snatching up the shirt Levi laid out on the bed.
"Now that's presumptuous," Elias said while towel drying his hair. "If I need anything, I'll buy it myself."
Levi stepped up to his back, gently batting his hands away to finish the job. "You're so stubborn. Be glad you have old, patient alphas."
"Yeah, I'm so fucking lucky," Elias huffed, but he was only half joking.
This was a dream. How was he surviving? Elias sensed himself traversing a tightrope above an endless abyss. The thrill egged his omega on, feeding the delusion that dominance was love. He tried not to indulge the twisted creature in his chest too much, reminding himself that he consented to Levi tying him up. He consented to Dane and to Ian. Life was about choices. Right or wrong, you reaped the fallout.
Levi dropped the towel and turned Elias around, guiding the shirt over his head to cascade down his skin. "You're going to mean that with your whole heart someday, Elias Velcore, and I want to hear it first. Promise me."
