I reach out, covering his hand with mine. “Being an omega is weird sometimes,” I say. “There’s a bizarre disconnect between our bodies and our minds that other dynamics don’t have to put up with.”
“What do you do?” Charlie asks.
I shrug, knowing he won’t like my answer. “I let my instincts guide me.”
He pulls a face, clearly not pleased.
There’s a beat of silence, then he shifts gears, like heneedsto change the subject.
“I saw Oli kissing Myrick in the kitchen last night,” Charlie says with a quick smile.
My brows lift, and my mouth falls open. “Really?” I smack Charlie’s arm. “And you waited until now to tell me?”
He laughs, rubbing where I popped him. “I got up to get some water and saw them by the stove. I didn’t want to interrupt, so I just went back to my room. But… I don’t know. It felt good, seeing that. Like Oli reallybelongshere. Like everyonewantshim, too.”
I can’t help but smile at his choice of words. “So, youdowant him.”
Charlie shifts, his smile growing. “Yeah. I guess. He’s…” his fingers graze the edge of his mating bite, “Nice.”
“Yeah,” I snort. “That big alpha cock isrealnice.” I bump my shoulder into his.
He laughs, despite his face flaming bright red. “I had never been with a man before.” He glances around, making sure we’re alone. “I didn’t expect to like it so much,” he mumbles like he’s embarrassed to admit it.
“Tell me about it,” I whisper like we’re sharing a secret. “Before Rhett, I had only been with a male omega before. Alphas are a whole different breed.”
“You’ve been with a male omega before?” he asks, his expression shifting and smile fading. “You…liked it?”
“Oh, yes,” I say honestly. “Omegas are tender in bed. Sweet and submissive.” I give him my best sultry smile and the blush on his cheeks travels to the tips of his ears. “I get to be in control with omegas.”
“So…” Charlie stares at me carefully with his big brown eyes. “You liked being with me? You stillwantme?”
I freeze. “Of course!” I say way too loudly, enraged that he’d think otherwise. “Why wouldn’t I?”
He winces like he’s embarrassed, then shrugs. “I don’t know. I thought…maybe things would feel different now.”
“Why would you think that?” I ask, sitting back beside him, suddenly unsure how we even got here.
“Multiple omegas in a single pack don’t work,” he says like it’s a fact. And I guess it kind of is, at least that’s what we’re all taught in elementary school.
“So?” I shoot back. “Just because ancient packs couldn’t figure out how to get along, you think we should all break up?”
“No!” He quickly reaches for my wrist, holding me like he’s terrified I’ll disappear. “It’s just…” his eyes drift over the nest, thinking. Then he sheepishly asks, “Do I smell weird to you?”
AndnowI understand. “Oh,” I breathe, and nod gently. “Do you mean too sharp or too sweet?”
His eyes flick to mine, clearly relieved that I get it. “Yeah.”
I nod again, slow and understanding. “You do,” I admit, not unkindly.
His shoulders dip, the beginnings of a frown tugging at his lips.
“But,” I continue, “I’ve also lived with other omegas since I was thirteen. I’m used to the way my kind smell. It doesn’t bother me.”
He nods, but he’s still frowning.
“Do I smell too strong to you?” I ask bluntly.
Charlie opens his mouth, then hesitates. “Kind of,” he admits, clearly uncomfortable saying it. “Sometimes you’re all I can smell.”
