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“I-I’ve never done anything like this before.” He winced. “Join a site like this, I mean. I don’t know what I thought this would achieve, but t-then I saw your photos and I don’t know—maybe I am an idiot, but I couldn’t stop myself from messaging you.”

He carded his hand through his curls. His gaze darted to the side. My first reaction was to believe him. It was my nature. Notomega instincts, but Tully. Red flags could have been whipping in my face and I wouldn’t see them.

Omegas weren’t supposed to be alone. We needed touch, care, and nurturing. I’d put blinkers on so much for the prospect of being seen and touched. When the loneliness infected my every breath, I’d fallen for sweet words. I promised myself never again. But something deep in my stomach sparked at Lloyd’s contrition. I wanted to know more, even when my alarm blared.

“What made you join up?”

I’d given him a free pass to ogle and treat me like an object. He hadn’t taken it.

“My pack. It’s… in a bit of trouble right now.”

“So, you turned to half-naked omegas?” My soft, teasing tone brought color to his cheeks.

“It’s complicated,” he sighed. “You ever imagine your life and find it veering off in a different direction?”

Did I ever.

“So many times.” I caught my tongue between my teeth.

Was I so desperate for social interaction that I was about to spill my secrets to a stranger?

“Is that why you started this account?” Lloyd winked.

I let out a surprised laugh, holding my stomach. This was a transaction. But it didn’t hurt to talk to Lloyd, even if I faked all my answers. Perhaps I was hungry for connection.

I could be careful and it didn’t mean anything, not really.

“What else do you want to know?”

3

Ajax

Walden checked his watch, a flicker of annoyance as he realized his lover was late. He wasn’t the only one, but Pan should know better. Lloyd typed away on his phone, a silly smile plastered on his face.

“Are you on that site again? Omegas… something?” Walden fought his scowl. “I thought I told you not to waste your money there.”

Baylark Pack was crumbling from the inside out.

Lloyd flicked us a look before returning his attention to his screen.

“At least he's wearing the beige suit I’d had custom-made for him last year. Getting Lloyd out of tracksuits and hoodies is impossible,” Walden sighed in a softer voice.

“And he’s here, which is more than I can say for others.”

I checked my phone again. Nothing from Pan. No messages, not even an apology. Is this what we’d come to?

“Is he coming?” Walden did a good job of smoothing over his hurt.

It stung to even contemplate the likelihood that Pan might miss another date. They were lessons in futility, but his absence was a slap in the face. We were supposed to be making an effort for our pack.

“I haven’t heard from him.” My optimism shriveled.

I fought the urge to snatch up the last bread roll in the basket. The taste of salted butter lingered on my tongue from the previous two I’d already eaten.

If I could just exercise some discipline.

“This date will be good for us,” I gushed to take my mind off my grumbling stomach. “Fenella is ambitious, apparently, and intelligent.”