I need to finish as soon as possible and then go back to my room. It would have been nice to eat alone, but that seems like it would make everything worse.
Alric appears at my side, standing above me with a steaming pile of food. I expect him to slam the plate down, but he places it in front of me with surprising gentleness. “This isn’t about kindness. We’re alphas and you’re our scent match. We’re biologically designed to ensure that you’re happy, cared for, and safe.”
If I ever feel any of that ever again.
The plate looks like something out of an esteemed restaurant.A glossy side salad with crumbled feta cheese, walnuts, and pomegranate seeds that shine like rubies. Grilled eggplant and flaky bread that looks freshly baked. Thick slices of roasted, herb-covered lamb with buttery potatoes sprinkled with rosemary. Next to it, he sets down a large glass of the wine.
He knew I’d want some. I wish I could yell at them to be mean to me, to hate me like they should because I’m about to crush their dreams of ever having an omega or a scent match. But that wouldn’t change anything, so I take a bite of the lamb and potatoes. I’ll feel better with a full stomach.
I close my eyes to properly savor it. It tastes incredible and a little moan slips out. My eyes snap open and I realize the mistake I’ve made.
The alphas stare at me hungrily.
Chapter 11
Madi
Shit.
This week is going to be very hard on all of us, especially them, and I need to be more careful. I don’t need to be making sex noises in front of them. I hate that I’m going to have to be walking on eggshells all week long.
“I’m sorry,” I stutter.
Hunter chuckles, breaking the awkward tension. “It’s okay, it’s not like it’s a sound that we haven’t heard before,” he says with a sly smile towards Alric and Zachary. “Unless I was the only one getting laid?”
“You wish your dick game was that good.” Zachary throws a walnut at Hunter’s chest.
“It is!” he exclaims in mock offense.
Everything about this moment is ridiculous. The fact that I’ve dated all three of these alphas for a year, that we’re scent matches trapped on a private island in a storm. The pressure releases in my chest, and I start laughing. Not a cute delicate laugh, but something wilder that bursts out of me.
To my surprise, they start laughing with me. Okay, maybe not Alric, but he’s definitely kind of smiling at his friends, and that’s an improvement.
“I think the only way to settle this is to rank our performances, babycakes,” Hunter adds dramatically. “It’s okay to be honest. I know Alric is last.”
Alric sips his wine with quiet confidence before smoothly saying, “And why exactly would I be last?”
“’Cause you’re a giant grump. The ladies like a little passion, a little finesse.”
Alric’s eyes slide to me. “I’ve never had any complaints.”
My face warms, but it has nothing to do with my faux heat, and there’s a satisfied glint in his eyes at the blush that blooms there.
I keep my eyes down and start to eat again. The guys seem to pick up on the fact that I just want to finish my food and hide again without scoring them in the sack, so they discuss the app’s launch.
My skin is burning up and a headache starts about halfway through dinner. I rub at the tightness in my chest. The motion doesn’t go undetected and they’re all watching me, so I slip my hand away. I try to drink as much water as possible, hoping that the extra hydration will help.
How can I avoid them asking me what’s wrong?
Explaining my faux heat now sounds mortifying, and I certainly don’t want to confess that the only reason I’m even here is because I knew I was going to feel either sick or horny, and I wanted to be taken care of like Hunter promised, before ending things with him, too. I can’t have them feel obligated to help me, either.
Somehow, I’ll survive this week on my own. When I can’t eat anymore, I stand up, and their conversation instantly dies.
Unfortunately, my attempt to keep whatever is going on with me hidden falls away when I sway slightly upon standing. They all surge from their seats with a chorus of concern and rush to my side. I have to put both of my hands up to block them from touching me and they all freeze where they are.
I can’t let them touch me—my omega side will demand they never stop if they do.
“I’m not feeling very well. I’ll be turning in for the evening. Thank you for the lovely meal.” I steady myself as much as possible, hoping my legs don’t give out as I take the short walk back to Alric’s room. I can hear them whisper-arguing as I leave, but I feel too shitty to try and make out the words. All I want is the bed and sleep for the next twenty-four hours, assuming my pussy lets me sleep.
