“Gentlemen.” The waitress returns with our drinks, and right behind her—like hesensedI was finally in a good mood—Donallwalks in.
“Afternoon, boys,” he says, that deep, pleasant voicecurling through the restaurant like smoke. He’s all charm, all sharp smiles and glinting eyes. “Didn’t expect to see you two in here.”
Jannis waves him over, too damn friendly. “We wrapped a round. Sit down, have a drink.”
Donall does, sliding into the seat across from me. Another waitress comes over and sets his drink down before he’s even asked. Of course, she does. He probably lives in this damn place.
“How’s the omega?” Donall asks a littletoocasually as he stirs the ice in his glass. “Haven’t seen her since Jannis’s party.”
I keep my expression neutral. “She’s fine. Settling in.”
I don’t mention Charlie.
Not because I’m ashamed—I could never be—but because Donall’s a cop. And not any cop. He heads up some kind of specialized homicide unit in the city, the kind that deals with the big, brutal things. Omega crimes are likely beneath his notice, but if he got even a whiff that I had two omegas, with one purchased illegally…yeah. I’d be fucked six ways from Sunday.
“Is she from around here?” Donall presses, lifting his drink to his lips, eyes never quite leaving mine.
“She went to school at Waverly Hall,” I say, taking a slow sip of my club soda.
“Yeah, I think I remember you saying that.” He leans back in his chair, looking at me as if waiting for me to say something else. But I offer him nothing. Autry is none of his business. “She just looks familiar,” he continues. “Been on my mind since the party. Something about her face. What was her name, again? Autry?”
Jannis laughs, loud and oblivious. “Careful now. It’s notgood to get in the habit of thinking about another alpha’s omega.”
I force a chuckle, but it’s cold. “Yeah,” I say, keeping my voice smooth. “Some lines shouldn’t get crossed. As a cop, you should know that.”
Donall’s smile doesn’t budge, but there’s something flickering behind his eyes. Calculating. “So who are her parents?” he asks. “Does her family mix with your circle?”
And, I’mdone.
I lean forward, planting both palms on the table like I’ve got all the time in the world. “Donall, you trying to move in on my omega?” My voice is light, trying to make a joke out of it, but the tension behind my words is razor sharp.
Jannis laughs again, louder this time, slapping the table. “If you boys don’t settle, I’ll be forced to switch tables.” He snorts, trying to lighten the mood. “There’s no way I’m getting banned over you two.”
Donall laughs like it’s all a joke, but then his smile tightens. “No, need to get up,” he says to Jannis. “I’m just trying to take an interest in my old friend's growing pack.” His dark eyes meet mine. “No one needs to get upset.”
“Of course not. No hard feelings,” I say, already rising from my chair. “Good to see you both.” I make sure to look at both of them. “Jannis, we’ll speak soon. Donall, let’s catch up another time.”
I don’t wait for a response. I turn, give the waitress a nod, and walk out to get Myrick.
I don’t even bother looking back.
Because if I stay one second longer, I might say something I’ll regret.
By the timeMyrick and I step into the apartment, I can already hear it—Charlie’s laughter echoing faintly down the hallway, bright and unburdened.
Myrick stops dead in his tracks, head tilted like he’s making sure he didn’t imagine it. Then he grins so widely it practically breaks his face. “That’shim,right?” he asks, already moving faster down the hallway.
“Sounds like it,” I mutter, chest loosening in a way I didn’t realize I needed. Charlie hasn’t laughed in days—not since his heat broke. Not since he locked himself in his room and wouldn’t come out, no matter how hard any of us tried.
I follow the sound past the living room, down the hallway, and around the corner. And then?—
There’s Oli, perched on a barstool outside Autry’s nesting room, cradling Dolly. The absurdly fluffy dog is asleep, snoring softly, while Oli’s eyes are fixed on the open door. His expression is soft, in the way people watch someone they’re in love with.
Myrick doesn’t even pause. He slides around Oli, squeezes through the door, and vanishes into the room.
I stop beside Oli.
“What’s going on in there?” I ask, voice low as I glance through the doorway.
