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The beta is really fucking attractive. He’s Hispanic, his skin bronze and hair and eyes dark. He’s in a bespoke suit that fits him perfectly, the classic lines adding to his handsome figure, showcasing the muscles and strength beneath the civility. He actually has more of an alpha vibe than beta. His scent is just as fucking tempting too—woody and sweet like sandalwood.
My heart tries to flutter right out of my chest as I gape at him, frozen when I need to run like stupid fucking Cinderella at her ball.
He flashes me an apologetic smile, teeth flashing white. “I don't think there are any rules against it. Probably because it's not usually an issue at the welcome ball."
I scoff, unable to stop the curl of disgust on my lips, my sense finally returning to me. “Why, because all omegas want to be fawned over, and spend the night dancing and making small talk with pushy alphas?"
He tilts his head to the side as he studies me with way too much understanding in his eyes. “No, they just usually hide out in the gardens, not the library. Sometimes the kitchens. Once even the alpha's bedroom, but this is the first as far as I know."
My eyes widen. “The alpha's bedroom?"
He shrugs. “She didn't realize that's what it was. She just panicked, and it was the first place she found she felt safe."
"Did she get into trouble?"
He scowls with a slight growl. “Of course not. We got her back to the omega housing, and after a few days she settled in and ended up mating to an alpha here. I'm sure you'll meet her."
"Should I leave?" I inch towards the door anyway, the need to escape radiating through me.
He shakes his head. “You're fine here. Do you mind if I stay? I had no interest in coming to this thing, and got away as soon as I could."
"Then why come?" I ask, torn between leaving and returning to the stack of books I barely got through.
"My omega’s... lover guilted me into it because his parents guilted him into it."
It’s interesting the beta refers to his omega as his lover instead of his mate. I can’t scent an omega on him, so clearly they haven’t yet solidified their pack. If they’re both so against coming to this ball, perhaps they have no interest in mating or forming a pack.
The thought is enough to release some of the tension in my shoulders as I sink back against the couch. "I don't mind if you stay."
"Thanks."
Surprisingly, he doesn't ask me a bunch of questions as I return my attention to the books scattered around me. He just leans back in his seat and closes his eyes.
It's nice to be left alone when I’m clearly busy, instead of expected to engage in conversation. This is why I adore betas. They're so much more restful to deal with.
I still miss Trix, the snarky badass of a beta who helped me pass the time in the last place.
Try as I might, I’m not able to ignore the beta across from me and lose myself back in the books. Something about him keeps drawing my attention.
He's certainly pretty, all sharp cheekbones and a strong jaw, but that's not it. There's something in his scent or his presence that makes me want to curl up next to him on his chair or in his lap and snuggle.
It’s probably in my best interest to get out of here if I’m reacting to him this way. He may not be an alpha, but he's connected to one through his omega, and I make it a point to stay away from betas who are attached to an alpha. That's something I definitely don’t need to get involved in.
I have a lot of plans for my life and none of them involve an alpha or a pack or settling down in whatever town I found them in, being trapped in one spot for the rest of my life.
I rise from the couch and start sliding the books back onto the shelves where they belong.
The beta peels one eye open and watches me for a moment. "Do you need help?"
"No, thanks." I pause with a frown. "But could you tell me whose books these are?"
"Well, they belong to the pack who leads this town."
"Right, but who has all the interest in genetics and biology and history? There are a lot of books here about those subjects and I'd love to talk with them."
He winces, a sadness passing through his eyes. “I’m afraid you won't be able to do that."
"Why?"
