He catches me looking and lifts his brows. Not quite a smile, but almost.
I nod once subtly. He nods back.
I’m so glad he came tonight. There’s something about the alpha that just feels good. His presence is calming—which Ineverthought I’d say about an alpha. Maybe it’s his scent. That cool minty aroma is kind of intoxicating and relaxing at the same time. It’s not as good as Autry's, just different. And maybe even a little familiar.
“Thanks for helping me back there,” Oli says, and I glance over my shoulder to see who he’s talking to.
To my surprise, Rhett nods as he smooths his handdown his silk tie. “Don’t mention it. I remember how nervous I was when I attended my first black-tie party.”
I’m not totally sure what the relationship is between the two alphas, but I feel like there’s a lot about them I don’t know.
“Hey.” Autry reaches for my hand as we head toward the car. “How are you feeling? You look pale.”
“Good,” I lie. “Just tired.”
“Me too.” She leans into my side, snuggling close as we walk. She feels so good next to me. Warm and soft.
I press my nose to her hair and inhale deeply—but the second her sugar-lemon scent hits my lungs, I choke. It’s too sweet, too thick. It burns.
“Are you okay?” Autry stops us, concern etched across her face.
I stagger away, choking hard as I try to breathe through it. “Fine.” I cough, throat raw and skin prickling.She smells so strong.
Rhett’s at my side in an instant. “Get away from him,” he says sharply, pulling Autry back. Relief hits me hard as I suck in a clean, ragged breath.
“What?” Autry snaps, trying to twist out of his grasp. “No! He’s sick.”
“Iknow,” Rhett says firmly. “And omegas have weak immune systems.”
When I finally manage to lift my head, I find Rhett towering between us, protective and tense, while Autry looks furious.
“We need to get you home.” Rhett turns to me and leans down, looking at my face like he might be able to read what’s wrong with me across my forehead. “Do you want me to take you to the hospital?” He cups my cheek, his hand so cool against my burning skin.
“No.” I shake my head but immediately regret it. Everything around me spins, and my stomach lurches. “I’m fine,” I croak out, blinking repeatedly. “I just need to lie down.”
“Alright.” Rhett frowns, but the deep lines between his brows tells me that he’s not happy about it. That he’d rather take me to a doctor. “Tell me if you change your mind,” he whispers so no one else can hear. “I can take you after everyone goes to bed.” He looks deep into my eyes. “Okay?”
I can’t help but love the alpha a little bit more right now. He’s giving me an out, letting me look strong in front of Autry and everyone else, but that’s not why I don’t want to go to the hospital. I really am just tired.
“Thank you,” I whisper and Rhett caresses my cheek before releasing me.
“Let’s get home.” Rhett holds out his arms, pushing a very angry Autry back.
I look at her, hoping she’s not too angry with the alpha. “Rhett’s right,” I tell her. “Just keep your distance, okay?” I pull in a breath of fresh air and try to steady myself, but my whole body aches and my head is pounding.
I really hope I don’t have the flu.
“Come here.” Myrick steps up beside me, his usual light expression shadowed with concern. He presses the back of his hand to my forehead, and his brows knit together. “Charlie, you’re burning up.”
Rhett glances over his shoulder, jaw tight. “We’ll drop Oli off, then get Charlie home.”
“No,” Myrick says with a shake of his head. “We need to get Charlie home now. Oli should stay at our apartment.” He looks up at the alpha with deep concern in his blue eyes. “It’s really late, and we’ve got the space.”
Rhett hesitates, jaw working like he wants to argue. Buthe looks back at me, then over at Autry, and finally nods. “Alright.”
The elevator ride is quiet,just like the car ride was. Autry was furious when Rhett forced her to sit up and then commanded me into the third row, but I was honestly thankful. I ripped off my jacket and cracked the back window, sucking in fresh air the whole way home.
“Charlie?” Autry reaches for me when the elevator opens, but I rush out, escaping her.
