“People who like savory shit always say that,” I sigh dramatically. “Give me frosting, syrup, and chocolate chips. If it doesn’t taste like dessert, I don’t want it.”
“And whipped cream,” Autry adds with a dreamy sigh as she looks up at me. The omega’s got that hazy smile that makes my stomach flip inside out.
Oli watches the two of us with that smoldering gaze of his, eyes narrowing with a teasing glint. “I expected this from the omega who smells like lemon-sugar,” he says, voice brimming with warmth, “butyou, Myrick… you’re full of surprises.”
His words catch me off guard, and I blink. “Am I?”
He nods, slow and deliberate. “Yeah. Thought I had you figured out. Calm. Organized. Funny but serious at the same time. I thought for sure I could count on you when it came to something as important as breakfast.” He shakes his head, pushing out a heavy sigh. “You’ve disappointed me.” He smiles, and my knees go soft.
I laugh, but mostly to cover the way my pulse skips. “You’re disappointed?” I ask like it’s a joke, but deep down, I hate the idea of this alpha not liking some part of me. I want him to likeallof me.
Stupid. But true.
Oli leans in slightly, his presence magnetic—commanding without being pushy. “It’s clear you’ve never had a real breakfast,” he says to Autry, his voice low and impossibly smooth. “I guess I’ll have to educate both of you.” His eyes land on me, and my throat goes dry.
Why is he looking at me like that?
So direct, like he’s stripping me down with nothing buthis gaze. He should be looking at Autry like that. She’s the stunning, desirable one. She’s soft and sweet and precious. I’m neurotic and mouthy.
“Well, okay then,” I manage to say, but my voice comes out uneven. “So did you want something to eat?” I ask, too self-conscious to meet Oli’s eyes. Instead, I glance down at Autry, but that doesn’t make me feel any better.
The omega looks positivelythrilled, eyes bright with mischief as she watches me with rapt attention.
“What?” I ask, terrified she can read my mind.
Her smile grows. “You look a little flustered, Myrick,” she says sweetly, biting her bottom lip like she knows something she shouldn't.
“I’m not flustered,” I shoot back a little too quickly. “I’m just hungry.”
Oli chuckles deep in his chest while Autry covers her mouth to hide her smile.
The familiar energy in the room makes me shift. It all suddenly feels dangerous for some reason. Like Rhett wouldn’t be happy with the subtle flirting happening in his own home…or at least I assume he wouldn’t.
I’m going to have to talk to him about Oli.
“Good morning.” Rhett steps into the kitchen and my body goes stiff. The alpha is fully dressed in a sleek black suit and deep purple tie.Yup, he’s headed to work.
“Morning.” Oli’s smile is completely gone.
A rush of guilt hits me hard, and I move to Rhett’s side, wrapping my arms around him. He stiffens at first, sensing something’s off, then tips his head down to find my face. “Are you okay?” he asks, voice low and protective. Then his gaze flickers to Oli, concern tightening his jaw like he’s already preparing for the worst.
“I’m fine,” I say, quickly releasing him. The last thing Iwant is for Rhett to think Oli said or did something to make me upset. “You just look too good.” I smile sweetly. “I had to hug you.”
Rhett’s eyes narrow, and I’m not sure if he believes me.
“Do you want something to eat?” Autry asks, standing tall and eager to please the pack alpha.Our girl really loves to cook.
“I’m good, beautiful.” Rhett steps forward and kisses the top of her head, before turning to Oli. His posture instantly shifts—he straightens, shoulders back, alpha presence on full display. “I’m glad you came by, Oli.” He’s all business. “It looks like we might be having dinner tonight at Jannis’s house.”
“Tonight?” My eyes go wide, surprised by the quickness of it all. “That happened fast.”
"Jannis is already hosting his annual black-tie dinner this evening. The entire board will be in attendance, along with several of his more prominent clients." He presses his lips together, glancing at Oli like he’s not sure how much to share in front of the young alpha. But then he leans in and whispers in my ear, “Autry’s heat will be soon. The last thing I need is for the board to want a meet-and-greetwhilewe’re mid-mating.” He gives me a pointed look. “I thought it was a good idea to accept this invitation now, so we don’t have to worry later.”
I quickly nod, agreeing. “Yeah, going now is smart.”
“Hey, Oli.” Charlie steps into the kitchen and gives the alpha a friendly smile. He’s freshly showered and dressed in tailored jeans and a fitted maroon tee. The omega-cut flatters him—lean and subtly defined—and the color brings out his chestnut hair and warm brown eyes. He looksgood.
“Are you free tonight?” Rhett asks Oli.
