“Morning,” she whispers, not quite meeting Oli’s eyes. Her cheeks are flushed as she buries her nose into Dolly’s soft fur, clearly trying to steady herself.
Interesting.
Curious, I turn to study her more closely as the pair exchange pleasantries. Her pupils are wide, dilated, and her scent? Hell. Even as a beta I can smell her potent aroma from here.
Does she like Oli? Or is it some post-sex after-glow?
My heart flutters as the realization hits me—I kind of hope she does like him. Oli would make a beautiful addition to our pack. He’s so gentle and solid. But would Rhett be okay with it?
I pause, realizing I don’t fully know the rules now that we have Autry.
After Jason left and everything settled, Rhett told me I was free to date again. He even encouraged it. He said that if we found the right alpha, we could open our pack to someone new. I never wanted to, but the option was there.
But that wasme. And I’m a beta.
Would Autry be given that same freedom? Or is it different for omegas?
Shit. I don’t know.
“Have you had breakfast?” Autry offers Oli and I snap to.
“Not yet,” he says, his eyes dancing across her flushed face. “I didn’t get a chance.”
“Coffee?” I offer the alpha, then correct myself. “Right, no coffee. I forgot—you’re weird.” I flash him a teasing grin and the alpha chuckles.
“Juice would be nice,” he says, his tone softer now as he follows me into the kitchen, Autry trailing slowly behind us.
I open the fridge, grab the orange juice, and pour two glasses. “You’re lucky we have any left,” I say, handing a glass to him. “Charlie’s been sucking it down like it’soxygen. We’re almost out.” I hold up the jug, showing him the last few drops.
Oli takes a sip and hums his thanks. “The beta’s got good taste.”
“Or a blood sugar problem.” I lean back against the counter, arms crossed. “Can I get you something to eat? A cinnamon roll or chocolate croissant?”
“Nah,” he says, plopping into a stool on the other side of the kitchen island.
“Are you sure?” I take a single step toward the pantry. “I’ve got those blueberry scones that you liked so much the other day.”
“Honestly,” he rests his forearms on the kitchen island, his broad shoulders rolling forward, “I’m not big on sweets for breakfast.”
“Really?” I don’t hide my shock. “You don’t like anything sweet?”
“Not really.” He laughs like he’s enjoying my shock.
“Not even pancakes?” Autry steps a little closer, just as surprised as I am.
Oli’s smile grows. “Not even pancakes.”
“Wow,” Autry says as she sets Dolly down. “You know, you can tell a lot about a person by what they want for breakfast.”
“Yeah?” Oli cocks a sexy smirk. “What does it say?”
“Well,” Autry settles beside me, her hip brushing mine, “if you wake up thinking about pancakes, it means you’ve got a soft, romantic soul.” Her tone is serious—like this is a scientific fact.
“Is that so?” Oli’s smile grows, and all this tension falls away. “And if you want bacon and eggs?”
“Serial killer energy,” I cut in, grinning at the alpha over the rim of my juice glass.
Oli barks out a laugh. “Then call me dangerous, because bacon’s the only thing that gets me out of bed some days.”
