Page 76 of Claiming the Pack's Omega

“So? Again, why do you care?”

When he finally turns to look at me, I’m instantly caught in his piercing green gaze. It seems to reach past my defenses and peel back all of my layers, leaving me feeling like a raw, exposed nerve.

“I know my apologies mean nothing to you, at this point. I have to back up my words with actions, but I do think another apology is in order,” he says, his gaze unwavering.

My jaw ticks, but I keep my mouth shut.

“I’m sorry, I know we’ve started off on the wrong foot here today,” he continues.

Scratch that, no, I can’t keep my mouth shut.

“You don’t seem to get the reason why I’m pissed at you. I’m pissed because of the shityou’vedone today, not because of the ‘situation,’ okay? We’ve already agreed to move on past all the lies that got me here.” I lift my hands to emphasize the word situation with air quotes. “You’ve got to take responsibility for your actions, Killian.”

He nods intently, as if he’s taking in every single word I’m saying.

“You’re right. I’ve let my emotions get the best of me. I’ve lost sight of the things that actually matter, including the well-being of those closest to me.”

He pauses to lick his lips and goddammit, my eyes dart down to watch the movement.

Fuck, why the hell is he so hot?

His expression darkens, ever so slightly, as he notices where my gaze has moved, but I catch it. I know when a man is interested in me.

And Killian is interested.

“I spend so much time around stuffy alphas so set in their ways that everything is a fight,” he says, his words taking on a slightly slower cadence as he watches me intently, even though he’s talking about serious subject material. “I’ve brought that same energy to you and my pack. And for that, I’m sorry. I promise you that this is something I’ll work on.”

Fucking hell, man.

It dawns on me then, that this is why Killian has been able to become the youngest council member in Riverwell history. He seems to have this innate skill that makes me feel like he’s actually understood everything I’m saying.

Ibelievehim when he says he’s going to work on this. And I never believe alphas.

Sure, he’s sounded like a fucking politician during this conversation, but standing in front of him, feeling the weight ofhis unwavering gaze, almost tasting the remorse he has, I think he’s telling the truth.

“Lotta fancy talk,” I huff, crossing my arms over my chest. “I sure hope you’re bringing that same energy to your pack, and not just to me because you need me for the case.”

“Like with you, fixing my relationship with the pack will take action. But yes, I’ve started the conversation about my unacceptable behavior,” he says.

“Okay, good,” I nod.

“I’m going to get the car now, would you care to join me?” He asks.

It’s my turn to lick my lips, except for me, it admittedly comes from a place of nervousness.

His gaze immediately falls to my lips and his black tea scent thickens in the air around us. It gains the richness of tea steeped at the perfect temperature.

I know instantly that I can’t get in that car with him.

Not now.

Not when it would just be the two of us.

Because I can’t be held responsible for my actions when he looks and smells as delicious as he does. I just want to drink him down until he erases the memory of any other taste.

I take a step back and shake my head.

“No, you go ahead.”