Though, looking at the punk one, it seems to be more to keep him in place than anything else. He looks like he’s about to vibrate off the fucking platform. Seems like this Candice is a lucky omega. I’ve seen too many packs at the center that only get an omega for a status symbol, they don’t really care other than to have one to show off.
I’m drawn from my ruminations when the music starts, and I see Stephanie walking down the aisle holding a bouquet. She’s followed shortly by Kelly, who has bright neon pink Band-Aids across both knees. She’s blushing furiously and staring at the floor. As she gets closer, I see her inhale, and her eyes snap up to mine, the bright blush from earlier expands until she’s practically glowing.
I try to smile my encouragement, but the movement feels out of place on my lips. She returns it anyway, her shoulders relaxing a fraction and settling back. The music changes to Hallelujah, from the first Shrek movie, and a tiny omega in a silver and purple mating gown steps out. I like that they went nontraditional, but I’m not sure which one of the grooms is supposed to be the ogre. Probably the first one, he looks growly.
Once she reaches the dais, she steps up to stand across from her alphas. The punk one's now wiggling in place and Brice turns to glare at me when I try to cover my laughter with a cough.Looking over at Kelly, she’s still smiling at me, and I feel my own face start to get hot in return.
The ceremony was really nice, as they said their vows, each alpha bent down and kissed their bonding mark. When she said her vows, she kissed each one on the neck as well, but I only saw a mark on the growly one. Then I notice that while she kisses the others, she trails her hand down the chest of the tall one. She also runs her hands down matching spots on the hips of surfer dude and punk. I think this might be a kinky omega, and I'm all for it.
Once the ceremony's over and the reception starts, I follow Brice over to meet up with Joseph and Sam. They’re talking to the growly groom, who I hear them say is Gabe. Looking around, I don’t see Kelly, but I see the other grooms. They’re gathered around the bride, the tall one and the punk each have a plate of food, offering her tiny bites. The shortest one, the surfer, is staring at me.
It’s actually kind of creepy since he’s being so blatant about it, and I’m relieved when a small hand lands on my arm. Then delighted that the other end of that hand's attached to Kelly. She still looks beautiful, but she keeps blushing and looking down at her knees. “They didn’t have anything in the first aid kit that was skin toned.”
She stares at the floor, and I brush her slightly mussed hair back from her forehead. “Trust me beautiful, nobody was looking at your knees.”
She blushes harder when she looks up at me, but then surprise crosses her face. “Oh, you haven’t met Candice yet, have you? Let me introduce you.” She’s pulling on my hand and I let her drag me along, because I’m not entirely sure I could tell her no—to anything.
Which is how I end up in front of one tiny curvy omega and three possessive alphas. The surfer stands in front of the group, his look challenging. Which quickly morphs to confusion when I get close enough that he can smell me. They’re all staring at me now, and the omega, Candice, looks up…confusion slowly morphing to surprise as Kelly speaks. “Candice, I wanted you to meet Brice’s cousin, Teddy.” She’s holding my hand now, I’m not sure if it’s for my benefit or hers. Maybe just a reflex. But I like it.
“Oh my god! Teddy, I haven’t seen you in years. You got so big!” All the alphas relax at once, their heads swivel back and forth between us. Then I see it, the girl who used to live next to Brice, she was actually at his bonding, though I barely remember that. It’s been at least ten years since I’ve seen her.
“Holy fuck, I didn’t know this was your bonding. Well, ok, I mean, Brice told me your name, but I didn’t connect the dots. He just said that Joseph worked with your mates at the fire station.” She laughs and steps closer and the surfer alpha gives her a little more room. Her eyes widen as she smells me.
“Oh Teddy, I thought you’d be all packed up now with Garret and Steven, what happened?” But she can smell what happened, and the sad look in her eyes almost undoes me, So I just shrug and try to smile—it doesn’t really work.
Kelly
Teddy stiffens beside me, his shoulders hunch like he’s trying to make himself smaller. I’m not sure what’s wrong, or who Garret and Steven are, but I kinda want to kick their butts when the look of sadness crosses Teddy’s face. Rubbing my hand up and down his arm, I lean into him. I don’t know him well enough to really offer any advice, but hugs help everybody feel better…most of the time.
His face brightens as he looks down at me, and I try to offer an encouraging smile. He replies to Candice, but his eyes don’t leave me. “Yeah, thatwasthe plan…but as it turns out they want a female omega for the pack, and that’s not me. Clearly.” He chuckles, but it sounds sad, and I hug him tighter, despite how confused I now am by his statement.
“I’m so sorry Teddy, I know…Well, you and Steven were close, even back then. I thought…” Candice trails off. Jacks looks back and forth between the two of them, rubbing his hand up and down her back in long soothing strokes.
Teddy seems to shake himself, drawing up to his full height again. “It’s ok. That’s life, right? But, enough with my issues. I’mso happy you found a pack, and really, congratulations.” He’s smiling again, but it looks forced, and I take his hand again, pulling him away.
“I’m gonna take Teddy to go get a drink. Candice, let me know if you need anything, ok? And congratulations again, you look beautiful! Jacks, you did great!” I pull Teddy away, not sure if he wants a drink or not, but knowing he needs to get away from whatever's making him so sad. Also, I’m curious to know what was wrong with his pack members wanting a female omega. Most omegas are female. Oh, maybe Teddy isn’t into girls. I guess that could be a problem, and I suddenly feel like an idiot for flirting so much with him earlier.
Not that I need an alpha, I don’t, but he’s just so sweet, and his big rumbly voice gives me the shivers, and darn-it, he smells so good.
I lead him over to the reception area we set up and sit next to him. “Do you want me to leave you alone, or go get Brice?” I ask, not really wanting to do either. But I do want him to be comfortable, even if that means not being near him.
“No, please, Kelly. I…I don’t really want to be alone right now, if that’s ok.” He’s staring down at his own lap. But his hand shakes slightly in mine, and his deep rumbly voice quavers. I pet his hand, not sure what else to do. I don’t understand how to soothe alphas. I know omegas are supposed to come by it naturally, but I’ve always been a beta. So I just do what my parents do for me when I feel bad—I rub his arm, stroking the back of his hand, and leaning against him, murmuring a soft nonsense song.
Chapter 4
Kelly’s quiet susurrations against Teddy’s arm are like a drum beating against my chest. His spiced vanilla scent is confused. He’s happy that she’s close—not that I blame him, I feel like a dirty old man for looking at her—but something else, something devastating. The little beta seems to be the only thing holding him together at this point.
Leaning against the wall by the door, I’m alone—I want to go over, offer comfort—but I’m not sure I’d be welcome. He already growled at Brice and Joseph for getting close to her outside, and I want to stay on his good side. Hell, I’d love to be on both their good sides.
Fuck man, you sound like some sort of sick old perv.
Fuckin’ stop.
Thirty-four isn’t that old.
There’s what, an eleven year age gap?
Fuck, Iaman old pervert.
