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Ember let out a breath. “I was watching the alpha male posturing.”

“Oh, my bad.” Ben hugged Rian. “Forgot we were supposed to do that.”

“Right, right, lo siento, mi corazón.” Alejandro gave Ember a kiss. “Posturing. Uhh, how about we eat some delicious food? I can show off my cooking skills.”

“Yes, food. Please. Let’s get something to eat.” Ember added, still eyeing the men in the room like she was mentally undressing all of us.

She probably was, planning out what position she wanted whom in first.

I wanted to make a dirty joke, but I figured the room would go off like a firecracker if I did. Instead, I helped set the table, and Alejandro unpacked dinner.

“How’s the matching process at Cosmic Bonds going?” I asked. I could put in an effort at conversation.

“Great,” Ben said, and looked at Ember. “I think the second date is proceeding nicely.”

Ember blushed. “Second date? This was more like trial by omega.”

“I think we passed?” Rian looked around, uncertainly.

The other male omega looked at me when he thought I wasn’t looking. I fantasized about making him present for me, kneeling and letting me take him. His pale skin would get red from arousal. My milk and honey scent got stronger.

Oh, I think we passed step one.

Ember rubbed her face on my shoulder. “I don’t know what happens next. Usually West and I fuck the alpha’s brains out, he does something stupid, and then we make him leave.”

“Stupid like…” Ben paused. “I’d like a list.”

Ember scowled. “Like acting like we’re just here for them to knot. Like we can’t do anything for ourselves. Telling us to quit our jobs.”

“Ah, so stupid alpha antics, got it.”

“Noted, mi vida.” Alejandro took Ember’s hand and kissed the back of it.

“Can we go on a date?” Ben rubbed the back of Rian’s hand. “All of us? We all like how one another smell.”

They still wanted to date. I’d half expected a massive orgy and then thanks but no thanks. Especially since Ben and Rian had been bonded for so long.

“That sounds nice,” Ember said hesitantly, glancing around the table.

“We’re boring,” I said with a warning. “We snuggle on the couch after work.”

“That’s nice,” Rian nodded. “We work long hours too and unwind when we get home. Maybe you three want to come to our house?” He sounded hesitant and hopeful at the same time. I was surprised he was letting us into his space so quickly. “We have a pool and a Jacuzzi.”

“I could do something on the grill?” Alejandro frowned, like he was already planning the menu. Cooking was definitely the number one love language for the alpha.

“That would be great.” Rian fiddled with the hem of his shirt, not quite making eye contact with anyone in the room. He seemed reserved, and part of me was glad not to be the only introvert in the room.

“Does this mean I’m not matching you with anyone else?” Ember asked, sounding put out. “Because if you’re still going to date…”

“No.” Rian looked horrified. “This is more than enough, thank you.”

Ember relaxed. Somehow, we were all still interested in one another. We were going on a date.

We had dinner and talked about our day. Rather, they talked, and I nodded at the right moments. Rian didn’t say much either, and I spent dinner scenting the people around me.

“What is that berry note?” Ember said suddenly.

Everyone looked confused, but I knew what she meant. Ben’s spicy woods and berry scent was powerful without being overwhelming, and I wondered what the berry was. Not a raspberry or strawberry, something sharper.