Page 2 of An Omega for Christmas

"Well, would you look at that? Mistletoe!" She winked, stepping quickly to one side, revealing Grey standing there, a cup of coffee in his big, tanned hand.

Matthew swallowed hard as the chatter of the coffee shop seemed to recede and his world reduced down to the tall, powerfully built Alpha standing in front of him. Matthew couldn't help but notice how Grey's tanned skin, and the depth of the gold in his stunning eyes, was enhanced by the twinkling glow of the Christmas lights that were adorning every available surface of the shop. Grey's gaze dipped to Matthew's mouth, lingering there for a long moment, and then up at the mistletoe hanging from the ceiling before smiling, his wide mouth stretching into a grin that had more than a hint of wolf in it.

Matthew felt his whole body jerk toward Grey. He closed his eyes, trying to compose himself. "Just ignore her," he said, a blush scalding his cheeks. "She's insane."

One of Grey's thick black eyebrows arched suggestively as he glanced up at the hanging mistletoe and Matthew felt the blush spread over his entire body in a hot flash, sending heat throbbing through him and making his cock pulse in his jeans. "Apparently it's Christmas."

Matthew shrugged his shoulder. "I hadn't noticed." His tongue darted out and moistened his lips and then he pressed them together, wishing the ground would swallow him up. He heard Grey clear his throat.

"You know, there's a Christmas market in the square."

Matthew nodded and shoved his hands deep into the front pocket of his apron, thankful that they appeared to have moved away from the potential danger zone of the mistletoe.

"Would you like to go?"

"Would I like to go to the market?" Matthew asked, flashing an irritated look over at Wendy who was watching the two of them intently.

"Sorry, I'm not very good at this. Would you like to go to the Christmas market with me?"

"What, like a date?"

"Exactly like a date." Grey took a sip of his coffee and looked at Matthew expectantly.

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea."

Grey took another sip, fixing Matthew with his golden gaze. "Oh, really, why's that?"

"I..." Matthew looked away and bit his lip. Wendy let out a frustrated groan and Matthew snapped his head round, glaring at her.

"I know you used to be with Kelvin Patrick, but he says that he has no interest in you anymore. I want to take you out, Matthew," Grey said, his voice firm and Matthew turned back to him, his stomach dropping like a stone at the mention of Kelvin's name. "Just say yes. We've been flirting for months now. I know you want me as much as I want you so don't even try to pretend you don't. Our scents match."

Matthew was bristling with humiliation. Had the two Alphas discussed him? Had Kelvin told him all about his issues? Had he been part of their much rumored negotiations over territory? Had he sealed the deal? "I don't-"

"I'll pick you up at seven." Grey cut him off and then turned and smiled at Wendy, who quickly pretended to be busy wiping down tables instead of hanging onto every word of their conversation, before walking out of the coffee shop.

Chapter Three

Matthew felt himself sway a little and he wondered if he had imagined what had just happened. Grey Lawson, the most powerful Alpha in the state, had asked him out on a date and he'd stood there, his mouth opening and closing like a brainless fish out of water.

Wendy's high pitched squeal snapped his attention back to the moment, and he glared at his friend as he walked over and whipped her butt with his towel.

"Happy now?"

"Yes!" Wendy hugged him, but he shook her off. "And you're going to get some happy tonight!"

"I doubt that seeing as I'm not going," Matthew snapped, yanking off his apron and screwing it up into a ball in his hands. "Why couldn't you just leave it?"

"Because anyone with eyes can see how much heat there is between the two of you." Wendy snagged hold of Matthew's arm to prevent him storming off. "Matthew, you're allowed to have some happiness in your life. You don't have to be alone. I just want you to be happy. It's Christmas, after all!"

"I am happy. I've got you," Matthew said, but he couldn't face Wendy because tears were stinging his eyes. He swallowed hard. "I don't need anyone else."

"Oh, honey," Wendy said, turning Matthew to face her. "Yes, you do and you're going on that date, even if I have to drag youthere myself. I know that Kelvin hurt you, but that doesn't mean every Alpha is the same. Have some fun, and if you like Grey, give him a chance."

"And what happens when he expects me to breed? How happy am I going to be then when Grey dumps me just like Kelvin because I can't give him what he wants?"

"You don't know that Grey wants kids. Why not just go on the date and take it from there?" Wendy put her hands on her hips.

Matthew sighed, knowing that his friend was right, but he wasn't sure if he was ready to put himself out there again. His heart still felt fragile a year after Kelvin had stamped all over it and he wasn't sure if it was strong enough to survive another break. Grabbing his bag, he leaned forward and kissed Wendy's cheek. "Maybe. I'll see you in the morning."