Page 26

LINCOLN

Two hours ago, I was racing through the streets to drop off a heart attack victim to Star Medical, my adrenaline on high, my heart in my throat. They needed a fill in and I needed something to occupy my brain as I thought through everything. Last night felt right.

More than right. It was perfect and it’s everything I’ve ever wanted. Now, I just have to get rid of this fucking anxiety and take it.

Right after I shower and pass out.

I snort as I stick my head under the spray, the lingering scent of my mates still clinging to my skin.

Textbooks always told me that we wouldn’t be able to keep our hands off each other, that it would just be this one big fuck fest for several days before our pheromones calmed down.

But last night showed me something different.

Just holding Celeste in my arms while Hunter held me? That’s what I’ve been looking for.

I let out a heavy sigh as the last of the conditioner washes down the drain. I wonder what I did in some past life to deserve two people so beautiful, so fierce, so mine . A few days ago, I would have been terrified of this progress but now it just feels like there’s a seat calling my name.

A sharp whine cuts through my thoughts, followed by a bark, my body suddenly on alert.

Jasmine’s not usually loud in the apartment unless something is wrong.

I turn off the water, my heart kicking up, and grab a towel, wrapping it around my waist as I step out.

I push open the bathroom door and freeze when I see my mother sitting at my kitchen table, her lips curled in a smug smile.

She’s well-dressed as always, in something that probably costs my monthly salary.

Whites and golds are draped over her shoulders, gold jewelry covering her hands, wrists, and neck.

Her and my sister have always leaned into that richer life, showing off their fortune to people who couldn’t give two shits.

I’m just happy with the little space I carved out. Unfortunately, my mother is not.

“I was very surprised to see you weren’t at the hospital. I even called,” she says, her tone laced with judgment.

I grip the towel tighter, my jaw clenching as Jasmine comes to sit at my feet.

“You know good and well I work as a paramedic now,” I say, keeping my voice steady despite the irritation simmering in my chest. “You wouldn’t find me at the hospital.

What are you doing here?” I completely forgot that I gave her a key at one point because she has never once stepped in this place.

“You weren’t answering your phone, so I made sure I came up to this little place of yours to let you know you have a brunch date.”

I stare at her, disbelief washing over me. “Seriously? I haven’t seen you in, what, three months since whatever holiday it was last, and you want me to just date someone? News flash, you broke into my apartment to tell me about a date I didn’t agree to. Regardless, I have someone.”

Her smile falters, but she recovers quickly. “I don’t approve of whoever you chose. Come on.”

“Let me get dressed, and I’ll meet you downstairs.” I can at least let the Alpha down nicely, letting him know that I’m already spoken for. Jesus, this couldn’t have happened at a worst time. I need sleep , not the likes of my mother trying to have me pushed onto a pack.

“You’re not getting out of this.”

“Great,” I mutter, “and I’m not changing in front of you.”

She huffs but heads for the door anyway, her perfume hitting me as she passes by. It smells like money, although nothing I find appealing.

I wait until the door clicks shut, then let out a heavy breath, my hands running through my wet hair. Jasmine’s tail hits my calf and I look down at her, a wry smile tugging at my lips. “I have a really bad idea but it’s better than suffering through breakfast with someone I don’t know.”

I grab my phone from the counter, my fingers still damp as I text Hunter.

My mom showed up. Broke into my place. Wants me to go on some brunch date. I told her I have someone, but she’s not listening. Need a way out.

I hesitate, then add,

Please.

His reply comes fast.

Address of the place?

What are you gonna do?

I’m not keen on meeting the parents, but if she’s not gonna listen to you, maybe she’ll listen if you have someone to claim.

I hadn’t thought about it that way. I was just hoping Hunter would give me an excuse or show up and I could let my mother know I had a prior appointment. Never in a million years did I think he’d offer to waltz into breakfast and let me show off.

I’ve never claimed anyone, never brought someone home to my mother, never even acknowledged most of my relationships, either.

I get to claim him.

A happy sigh falls from my lips as I quickly dry off and get dressed, giving Jasmine a few more pats before heading downstairs. Mom begrudgingly gives me the name of the restaurant when I tell her I want to look up the menu, an address I quickly shoot over to Hunter.

On my way.

I don’t know whether to be excited or nervous as I pile into my mother’s car, the quaint little place putting the rest of the city to shame.

The place screams money—dark wood paneling, gold accents, and a chandelier that probably costs more than my ambulance.

We’re seated quickly, the waitress bringing a pitcher of orange juice and two bottles of champagne to start off with.

She rumbles through the menu and then leaves, my hands stuffed between my thighs as I wait for the inevitable introduction.

That’s when an Alpha who looks like he walked off a goddamn football field slides in the booth across me, sitting next to my mother.

He offers my mother a hug before throwing his hand out over the table to greet me.

“Victor Pallington.”

His voice is rather deep, almost scratchy in a way that might have my heart rate kicking up if I didn’t have Hunter. Not even those dark brown eyes are doing anything for me.

My mother leans forward, absolutely enraptured with the Alpha. “He’s a partner at a law firm downtown. Very successful.”

Victor leans forward, his eyes raking over me. “So, Lincoln, your mother tells me you’re a paramedic. That’s noble work. Ever think about something… bigger? More stable?”

I force a smile, promising myself that I’m not going to be an asshole. He’s not the first Alpha to ask that. “I like the rush.” I manage a shrug with it, tempted to pour myself a glass of champagne and chug it but that’s just asking for trouble.

He chuckles, like I’m some kid with a cute hobby. “Sure, sure. But a Beta like you, with your looks? You could do better. Something with prestige.”

My mother nods, her earrings glinting as she gestures to the glasses.

Victor pops the cork on the champagne and pours her a healthy serving before adding a little orange juice.

She faintly taps his arm in thanks before taking a sip.

“Lincoln’s always been stubborn, but he’s got potential.

He just needs the right push. Before all of this nonsense, he was a doctor at Star Medical. A good one!”

It’s always fun trying to figure out how fast that part is going to come out.

My mother was furious when I changed positions but it wasn’t her choice.

It was mine and I was way more comfortable running through the city than I was in the emergency room.

“I’m good where I’m at,” I say, dropping my eyes to the menu to keep them from seeing how ticked off I am.

“Got someone already, actually. I’m not looking. ”

Victor lets out a small growl, dragging my attention back to him. Even if I was looking, that temper would be a red flag. “That so?” He glances at my mother and then back at me.

My mother just pats his arm again. “Oh, Lincoln, don’t be ridiculous. You’re not seeing anyone. I’d know.”

But she wouldn’t. We don’t talk. I dodge her calls until she gets antsy and drives the few hours to my city to badger me with another blind date.

When I brush her off, she turns tail and runs before the cycle starts again.

This is the first time I’ve actually seen my mother in a while and it’s been even longer since I’ve actually gone on one of these dates.

I fumble for the right thing to say, saved by a familiar voice cutting through this awkward moment. “Doc, you called?”

It sounds like a cheesy pick up line but Hunter makes it sound seductive as he strolls up to my side of the booth. He’s dressed in all black, a thin shirt and dress pants making him look like he’s definitely in charge. The aura he brings is so much different than Victor’s—stronger, more consuming.

The short sleeves showcase the tattoos curling down his arms, ones I still haven’t had the time to explore but will at some point.

His scent curls around me, letting me settle as I meet his amused gaze.

He tugs his bottom lip between his teeth, offering me the floor and the opportunity to claim my Alpha.

I push out of the booth, blushing as Hunter slides an arm around my waist and tugs me into his side. “Mom, this is my Alpha. I told you he existed, but you were disrespectful enough not to listen.”

Hunter tightens his hand on my hip. “Yeah you are,” he purrs, my eyes widening as he drags me into a kiss right there in front of the other two.

My body doesn’t care though, melting into my Alpha, responding to a man who’s told me he’s going to show me how important I am.

My hands find his chest, the fabric of his shirt rough under my fingers, and for a second, the restaurant fades away.

He pulls back, one of his hands sliding down to intertwine with mine.

“I was mildly nervous to meet whoever gave birth to you, Lincoln,” he says, his gaze flicking to my mother.

“Not anymore. A mother who doesn’t respect her son isn’t a mother in my book.

Now, excuse us. I need my Beta. Our Omega’s going into heat soon and she needs her mates. ”

My mother’s mouth drops open, her mimosa frozen halfway to her lips. “Mates?” she sputters, her face flushing red. “Lincoln, you’re just going to let him talk to me like that?”

I can’t believe that even now she would try to play the victim.

“I’ve been trying to get you to stop smothering me for years.

I’m angrier that all it’s going to take is you being humiliated and my Alpha telling you I’m already spoken for.

Excuse us.” I manage a pert nod to Victor, sorry that he got caught up in all this.

However, I know that if Hunter hadn’t shown up, Victor would have trudged forward as well.

He seems like the type to ignore someone’s ‘no’.

Hunter’s grip on my hand tightens as he leads me out to the car, neither of us speaking until we’re both inside. I twist around to look at my Alpha, the man incredibly proud of my public claim. As much as I want to bask in that moment, we now have another problem. “Celeste’s heat is that soon?”

“I didn’t want to spring it on you, but it’s moved up.

All the stress she’s under has thrown her cycle off.

” He heaves a sigh as he turns on the car and then meets my gaze.

“You’re under no obligation to be there but you have been requested.

Celeste was pretty adamant about that yesterday.

I promised her I’d ask but I wouldn’t push. ”

The thought of being part of a heat doesn’t scare me. It’s the fact that this is more than just that. It’s a milestone, a step toward a future I didn’t think I’d ever get. And it’s a lot. “You’re saying I don’t have to be there, but I’m wanted, right?”

Hunter reaches over the console to caress my cheek.

“You’re always wanted, Lincoln. Always. ” I shift uncomfortably in my seat before rubbing at my chest, a feeling similar to the one when Celeste ran into my apartment.

We still never talked about what happened or what the fuck Carter was doing that day.

“You feel her, don’t you? It always drives me up the wall when I’m away too long near her heat. It’s bearable otherwise.”

“But we’re not bonded, yet.”

He shrugs. “I’ve known many people to bond theoretically to their Omega first before any physical bond takes place.

You can feel them, their emotions, almost know what’s going on when you finally accept them.

I was going to head over to the house and check on her but I can drop you off first if you’d like? ”

I shake my head. “I had an early shift so I was just going to pass out but I’d rather check on Celeste. I don’t like this feeling.” I rub at my chest again. “It’s like she needs something but…”

“She needs us , Doc. She’s not in pain. You’ll start understanding the difference.

Did you feel her when she was running?” He puts the car in drive and heads down the street toward their house.

I offer a small nod, wondering where he’s going with this.

“She told me a little about what happened. She was shopping at one of the nesting stores up the street. Carter came in and chased her down the roads in his car.”

“Why wouldn’t she just go home?”

“The fucker originally parked at the house. I have no idea what I would have done if Celeste had actually been home and he had gotten there first.”

I lean back in my chair, trying to focus on Hunter’s words rather than the odd feeling in my chest. “Carter said he was trying to get to you, in your good graces or something when I overheard him talking at the café but running after Celeste seems a bit… extreme.”

“It is and it might be more connected to everything else than I want it to be. He’s taken care of for now but I’m a little wary of letting Celeste out alone at this point.”

I wholeheartedly agree even if I hate the idea of caging an Omega in her home. It’s a good thing she’s so near her heat that she wouldn’t want to leave the house anyway.