“It does have a tricky lock.” Jeremy points to the clasp along the back. He pulls it, showing me how to unlock it then lock it back. “It’s supposed to be difficult for the omega to take off. This way you can track them easily if they run off.”
“This is such a great gift,” I say to the beta as I examine the circular charm a little more closely. “The staff at the Morder did say it might be a month before she goes into her heat.” I feel the silky metal chain, letting it slip between my fingers. It’s unbelievably soft. “I wish it wasn’t so dangerous to mate an omega outside of their heat. What do you—” I cut myself off when I see the look on Jeremy’s face. He looks upset, lost in some far-off thought. “What’s wrong?” I set down the necklace and wrap my arm around the beta’s trim waist, pulling him to me.
It takes a second for the beta to gather his thoughts, but he finally asks, “Do you think Beth will run away from us like she did from her family?” His abrupt question catches me off guard, and I momentarily free him.
“Well…” I think it over, not sure how to answer that. My gut says yes, but I refuse to scare the beta by telling him the truth. “I think Beth ran away from a very hard life,” I sigh, saddened by the fact. “But I think she’ll see that she has nothing to run from here.”
Jeremy’s blue eyes drift, and our faint bond flares with intense concern. My alpha instincts kick in, and I lean down, nuzzling his mating bite, then kissing his cheeks. He meltsagainst my chest as I pepper kisses all over his face. He laughs when I pretend to bite the tip of his nose, finally smiling.
“It was really thoughtful of you to get her something that will help keep her safe.” I kiss him once more. “It’s a wonderful gift.”
“What’s a wonderful gift?” Tristan breezes around the corner, wearing only a pair of shorts. He clearly just finished working out. His sweaty tattooed chest is on full display.He looks very good.
“Jeremy got Beth a pre-mating tracker.” I hold the necklace up, letting the burly alpha see it.
“That’s a fan-fucking-tastic idea,” Tristan snorts loudly as he heads straight for the fridge. “I’m pretty sure she was making a run for it when she did this.” He points to the healing mark on his bicep. It looks pretty good, a thin scar already taking hold. Jeremy is always complaining about how quickly our kind heal.
“Wait?” Jeremy sets his mug on the kitchen island. He leans into Tristan’s space, crossing his arms. “You think she wasrunning away?”
“Yeah,” he says like it’s no big deal as he opens the fridge.
“Tristan,” Jeremy’s voice pitches higher, clearly upset. “Why didn’t you say she was so scared she ran off?” He turns his cutting glare on me. “Why didn’tyou? I just asked you if she’d try to run away.”
“Hey now,” I hold up my hands as if trying to push back the beta’s swift anger. “To be fair, I didn’t know she tried to run off.” I cut Tristan an angry look, but he simply shrugs. Not bothered in the least. “However,” I turn back to Jeremy, hoping to settle him before he gets too worked up, “it doesn’t really surprise me. Omegas like to run from their packs before they’re mated. It’s not that uncommon.”
Jeremy’s face scrunches up, clearly not believing me. “Are you kidding me?” He snorts loudly, almost as if what I just said was a joke. I get it. He’s a beta with beta parents. He doesn’thave any experience with omegas.None of us do, really.“Where the hell did you hear that omegasliketo run away?” Jeremy asks with way too much attitude.
“Omega studies,” I say simply, trying not to rise to his emotions. After all, he’s on edge. It’s been a very stressful week.
“Yup.” Tristan pulls a carton of orange juice out of the fridge. “They shove all kinds of omega mating bullshit down your throat in high school.” He removes the lid, then lifts the carton as if he’s going to drink out of it.
“No, sir,” Jeremy says loudly, grabbing the juice before it touches the alpha’s lips. “Were you raised by wolves?” He smacks Tristan’s arm as he grabs a glass out of the nearby cupboard.
Tristan leans into Jeremy’s side, smiling widely. “I like it when you hit me.” He angles his body, presenting his arm to the beta. “Do it again. Make it hurt this time,” he growls softly.
Jeremy smiles wide and his cheeks go rosy. Tristan’s ability to distract the passionate beta is impressive. “You are ridiculous.” Jeremy rolls his eyes. “Now go away so I can get breakfast in the oven.”
“Do you want me to give this to Beth?” I hold up the necklace, but Jeremy is too busy giggling as Tristan cages him in against the counter. I put the necklace in my pocket, leaving the pair to flirt in private.
Jeremy needs the extra attention.
The rest of the house is dead quiet. It rained a bit last night, stopping around five this morning, but the birds still haven’t come out yet. I think we might be in for a bit more dreary weather.
I crack open Killian’s bedroom door, then stop. The air is thick with sweet omega slick, dried cum, and Beth’s precious sugary scent. The aroma cuts straight to my core. My canines tingle and my cock instantly grows thick and long. I tuck it upinto my waistband, wishing I had worn something other than sweatpants. Jeans would do a much better job of hiding my erection. The last thing I want is to scare Beth. Omegas need to be gently eased into pack life.
I creep past the bed, peeking at the lump in the center. Killian is asleep on his back with Beth on his chest. Her face is squished against his firm pecs, making her lips pucker out. It’s adorable.
The closet door creaks as I open it, and I quickly step inside. I find the bags and rummage in every single pocket until I find what I’m looking for.
“There you are,” I whisper to the black cable. I really need to buy a backup charger.
Moving slowly, I tiptoe back into the bedroom, then make my way to the bedside table. I pull out the necklace, but right as I’m about to set it down, Killian whispers, “What’s that?”
I startle. “Jeremy got it for Beth,” I whisper, trying not to wake Beth, but it’s too late. The omega stares up at me, her dark eyes wide and puffy with sleep. The bruise on the side of her face looks decent. It’s already fading and the swelling has gone down too.
“I’m sorry.” Beth’s words are somewhat slurred, making me think she might still be asleep. “I’m getting up to make breakfast.” She pushes against Killian’s chest as she sits up. I get a flash of her bare chest, but I divert my eyes.
I’ve already seen her naked, but it feels rude to stare when there’s cum dried in her hair. “It’s half-past eight,” I say, and Beth shakes.
