But Nathaniel's already crossing the yard, Calder following with an expression that suggests he's trying very hard not to laugh.
"Nathaniel Kingsley," he introduces himself, extending a hand to Lila. His voice is smooth, cultured, exactly what you'd expect from an oil baron heir. "And you are?"
"Leaving." Lila flashes him a fake smile and stares at his hand.
His eyebrows rise. "You just arrived."
"I just remembered I have... literally anything else to do." She turns to me. "I'll come back next week when you're not hosting players."
"Lila—"
"Players?" Nathaniel's voice carries genuine surprise beneath the amusement. "That's harsh from someone who doesn't know me."
"I know enough." She finally looks at him directly. "Nathaniel Kingsley, 29, eldest of four sons, heir to Kingsley Energy, known for wining and dining omegas and never calling them back. Sound about right?"
Begins him, Calder's trying very hard not to laugh.
Nathaniel, to his credit, doesn't deny it. "My reputation is apparently well-documented."
"It is. And I'm not interested in being documentation entry number 847." She turns back to me. "Seriously, I'll come back another time."
"Actually," Nathaniel says, and something in his voice has changed. It’s deeper. More serious. "I'd very much like you to stay."
"I'm sure you would." Lila's smile is brief. "But I'm not interested in alphas who collect omegas like trophies. Have a nice business meeting."
She heads back toward her car.
"Wait." Nathaniel is clearly used to people obeying him. "Please."
Lila pauses, turns. "Why?"
He blinks at her but stays where he is. Probably the first time in years an omega hasn't immediately responded to his attention.
"Because," he says finally, "I'd like to know yourname."
"Sorry, not happening." She opens her car door. "You can want things and not get them, Mr. Kingsley. Good life lesson."
She's in the car and reversing down the drive before he can respond.
Nathaniel stands in the yard, staring after her car with an expression of complete bafflement.
"Well," Calder says mildly. "That's a first for you."
"Who is she?" Nathaniel asks, still watching the dust settle from her departure.
"She’s off limits," I say firmly. "And she's right about your reputation."
"I don't—" He stops, seeming to reconsider. "I have never led anyone on. I'm always clear about my intentions."
"Your intentions being no commitment, no pack, just fun until you're bored?"
He has the grace to crick his neck from side to side and loosen his tie as if uncomfortable. "I haven't found my mate. I'm not going to bond with someone out of obligation or loneliness."
"Noble," I say dryly.
"What if she is my mate?" The words come out quiet but certain.
Calder and I exchange glances.
