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“Yet you’ll be amazing at it,” Micah said confidently. I appreciated that my brother believed in me, but at this point, I didn’t believe in me.
Collin scratched at his stubble as he stared at me like I was a puzzle. “I don’t think the question is about your experience.”
Micah nodded in agreement and rested his hand on mine, forcing me to look up at him. “Look. If you don’t want to do this, that’s fine. I just thought this could be something to focus on when shit hits the fan.”
He didn’t have to say more. We both knew that when the finale aired in two weeks, my little bubble would burst and the whole fucking world would see my rejection.
Maybe between Walter’s shop and this project, I could distract myself. Or even find myself a little bit. I’d gone to college because it was expected of me, got my degree and went to work. An omega living alone in the city wasn’t exactly the smartest move but I did what I had to do.
My life was hollow and empty. I didn’t have friends I left behind thanks to long, grueling hours, and before college, I’d been too shy to keep friends for long. Those I did keep had drifted apart, starting their own lives with packs and careers.
Everything could change for me now. I’d already taken a risk by doing the show, now it was time to take control back and make my life what I wanted it to be.
Whatever that was.
My passion had always been reading amazing books, blending tea, and living a life that I found worthy.
At least Lockwood would be a good place to start.
“Okay, we need a plan,” I finally said after a long pause as I thought it all over.
“You’re in?” Micah asked, both men’s stares boring into me as I looked down at the houses.
One was a two story that looked like it was part of the strip of shops downtown. It was definitely not just a house, but a business. Or had been at one time.
The second was surrounded by an unruly yard and trees. It was a single story but it was impossible to tell how big it was from one picture alone.
I’d have to see more in person to decide but I was invested enough to want to check them out.
Instead of giving them a direct answer, I looked up at Collin.
“Is there a way for us to drive by and see them, or even go inside?”
They both grinned and Collin grabbed his keys, not hesitating to stand up and walk toward the front door.
He stopped just before opening the door and turned to us. “Well, let’s go.” He walked out and Micah let out a long breath of relief.
“This is going to be great.”
Itwas definitely going to be… interesting, that much I knew.
Collin
The moment I met Ellie, I knew I was fucked. She smelled like heaven and looked even better. From the sassy smile to the confident intelligence she showed as we broke down our roles in the new business venture, I was already hooked.
I’ll admit, when Micah told me he wanted his sister to join us I was a bit skeptical. He told me she was an accountant, but once he explained about the show, I couldn’t help but give in. Micah always had seen the best in everyone, but he also wasn’t the type to put his chips on the wrong bet.
If the house didn’t work out, we wouldn’t have to work together again. In the end, it was business. Now that I knew her, at least on the surface, and she had asked the right questions, I had a bit more confidence in the situation.
Plus, she needed a second chance at life. And if anyone knew about second chances, it was me.
Maybe Micah realized that and knew I’d have a soft spot for her. I couldn’t blame him for trying to do what was best for his sister.
I’d thought I’d found a pack once before, too. Looking back now, I realized that the omega I found never affected me the way Ellie did. Her scent called to me, drew me in and begged me to taste her. More than that, every smile or laugh had my entire world pausing. I wasn’t usually the ‘romantic alpha’ type, but suddenly, I wanted to stand in front of her and fight the world off for her.
Mates didn’t have to be defined by fate, sure, but it made a difference. It was an instinctual pull that brought mates together. Just simply being near had them gravitating closer, small touches unavoidable. Scents were strong enough you couldn’t deny what you were. With her, I knew in my soul that she belonged to me.
But scents weren’t the only thing that built mates. Chosen mates were just as important. It was a slower build, a bond built on trust and attraction. Instinct didn’t play quite the same role, you didn’t have a feral need to protect. Instead, it was more subtle, underlying, something you did because you wanted to.
