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I'd be willing to bet they didn't start actually looking for me until then. And I bet it has more to do with Jareth refusing to form a pack or accept bonds until they did, instead of them giving a shit about me or Lexie.
They probably figure it doesn't hurt to have us a part of the pack too. I can work and clean and all that while they have him to enjoy. And hell, I'll be a spare hole if need be. The fucking pricks. Now Jareth is tied up in this, and I have no idea if he truly wants to be or not.
Instead of getting to be thrilled that he’s here, standing in front of me, I’m just sad and furious and suspicious.
I turn so that I fully face Jareth, giving the alphas my back. “Wow. I don't really know what to say. This is certainly a surprise. Jare, it's lovely to see you again. I've often wondered where you ended up. We'll have to catch up soon."
Brad butts in, not giving Jareth a chance to reply. ”We'd love to take the two of you out sometime so we can all catch up. Do you have any free time?"
Apparently, they don’t let the omega speak for himself. How fucking charming.
I sigh, not bothering to hide my annoyance or impatience. “It would have to be in the afternoon on a weekday since my daughter is in school then. She doesn't need to be involved in any of this yet."
I’m careful not to say her name, not wanting them to have any information about her. They won’t find anything online either, because I make sure not to put anything personal up there, everything is just about art and the studio.
Hopefully not ever.
"What about lunch tomorrow?" Nicole asks.
I nod, determined to just get it over with. “Sure. I can probably make that work."
And maybe that will give me the chance to speak to Jareth alone.
Something they don't seem to want to happen.Hell, they don’t even want him to speak.
Seriously, what the hell is going on? And can I still trust my childhood best friend? My first love? My first everything?
Or have they gotten to him?
It's too ridiculous to be real. All of it.
Jareth approaches me, his arms out tentatively for a hug. I swallow hard, eying him with wariness, unsure of what's going on and who I can trust.
But this man was once my best friend and the love of my life. Watching him get shipped off by his pack early so they could get him away from me traumatized me so much, it's still something I discuss with my therapist. That pain was worse than being rejected by these other two years later.
Because I never loved them the way I loved Jareth. Part of that was the cynicism of growing up and going through hell. But a larger part was because he took a part of me with him when he left, and I've ever been able to fully get over him.
His eyes are almost bruised with old pain and what looks like a fair amount of new pain, but I still see kindness in his face. I still see my best friend, my first love.
I throw myself into his arms, eyes pricking with tears I refuse to shed in front of the others. His familiar scent of fresh cut grass and sea salt almost makes me lose it completely, but I keep it contained just for a little longer.
Jareth finally speaks, his voice familiar and low, his words just for me. ”I’m so glad to see you again. I've been hoping for this day for years. I'm sorry I wasn't able to reach out. My parents and their pack gave strict instructions to the Omega Council to make sure we didn't' stay in touch."
"I figured as much. I never blamed you,” I whisper back.
Brad hovers nearby, as annoying as a buzzing fly in our ears. “We should get out of her way. It looks like she's about to have some customers. We'll see you tomorrow afternoon."
Jareth pulls away, ducking his head with a strained smile.
I hold my hands behind my back so I don’t reach back out for Jareth or throw a punch at Brad. “Okay. Just let me know where."
Brad smiles. “We will. Glad to see you're feeling better, babe."
I never liked being called that and it still makes my entire body recoil in disgust.
Jareth shoots me a last look over his shoulder as his alphas herd him from my studio, past the mother and two children who are heading in to make a mess with me.
Which means I won't have time to break down. I have to put a smile on my face, keep my scent mild and pleasant, and get through this day.
