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“Shut up. Ezra?” Serenity gasped. “It may take him some time.” There was that haunted look again and she didn’t even try to keep going. My only hope was that Ezra would explain to me at some point.
“Well, I’m not exactly in the market for a mate. My dating life is literally full of disasters and I don’t know if I can trust anyone again after that fucking show.”
“You’re better off without those men. I’ve grown up in this town, whatever mates you find here will be ten times more amazing than whatever losers let you walk away,” Katya said knowingly.
“It doesn’t matter, I don’t think they’re interested,” I shrugged. “They haven’t treated me any differently.”
“Can I say something without hurting your feelings?” Katya asked. “I prefer to be blunt and honest with my besties.”
The fact that she had called me a bestie was enough reason for me to nod.
“You look jaded, Ellie. Like you’ve been through some shit and you have an impeccable resting bitch face, which, honestly, is hot as fuck, but it doesn’t exactly give off ‘approach me’ vibes.”
“You both approached me with no problem,” I pointed out.
Serenity chuckled. “Yeah, but we have no boundaries.”
“She does have a point,” Katya agreed, clicking her glass to Serenity’s.
Before I could do something embarrassing and cry because I was drunk and emotional, I excused myself to the bathroom.
Of course, the universe couldn’t just let a sad omega go pee. I had to run into the asshole who spilled my coffee.
My filter was gone, so the moment he turned my way and smiled, I couldn’t hold back.
“Hey,” he said when he saw me staring at him. I opened my mouth to speak but then the crowd pushed him into me, along with his scent. It was sweet and tangy like fresh citrus, cut with a rich spice. I’d never smelled anything like it and if I hadn’t been so angry, I would have buried my nose in his neck.
Seriously, what the hell was with finding mates at the worst fucking time then being hellbent on embarrassing myself with it?
This town was insane. I, apparently, couldn’t even go to the bathroom without finding another mate.
“Oh look, I’m mated to the guy who tried to give me third degree burns then blamed it on me,” I bit out angrily.
“Burns?” he questioned. The asshole was a good actor playing this off with confusion. “I’ve never even met you.”
“They told me your name is Dean,” I accused. “You yelled at me for ruining your precious shoes.”
His mouth twisted into a grimace. “Ah, so you’ve had the displeasure of meeting my twin brother. I’m Atlas, the handsome and charming twin. Seeing as how we’re meeting right now and we’re potential mates, how about a date? If it helps you decide, it will probably piss my brother off.”
My eyes roamed over him, noting the same pale eyes and long blond hair in the same style of bun. Definitely twins, though this one was clearly much nicer.
That was enough to convince me.
“Now you’re speaking to the petty side of me. Count me in. How’s tomorrow night?”
“Perfect,” he said as he grabbed a pen out of his pocket. My hand burned as he touched me, writing his number on my palm. “Give me a call. If not, I know where to find you.” He winked and pointed at my shirt then walked away.
Holy shit. Did I really just agree to that?
Dean
“Are you going to tell me why you’re being such an asshole today?” I didn’t bother to give my dad a response to that. He just chuckled to himself, not even surprised at my lack of response. “I mean don’t get me wrong, you’re kind of a jerk most days but this is next level.”
“Please continue telling me about my downfalls, Father,” I said drily. “Especially while I’m the one here making sure you are comfortable.”
That had him sitting up a bit straighter before a coughing attack took over. I rushed over and handed him his cup of water and waited until he could take a drink. The fit lasted several minutes longer than last time and I couldn’t stop the worry from bubbling up.
My chest ached at seeing my badass, strong, single, alpha father struggling to do something as simple as breathing, talking, eating, anything really. He’d been my rock my entire life and now I was terrified he wouldn’t make it to see his next birthday.
