Page 9 of The Omega's Fake Mate

“I'm sure everything's fine,” Kade said.

The words meant little coming from someone who'd spent years of his life trying to escape the sort of relationship my brother had willingly agreed to. I knew my friend was trying to make me feel better, but I really didn't want to think about any of it.

“I think I'm gonna go to bed. It's been a long day.”

“All right. Try not to worry about your brother too much, okay? I'm sure he would say something if he really needed help.”

“Yeah, I guess,” I said, although I knew he wouldn't. Rhys would never admit if he made a mistake.

I suppose that was something the two of us had in common.

“Oh, have you applied for any new jobs?” Kade asked as if to distract me from Rhys’ issues.

“Yeah, but only one or two. Crappy retail jobs. I should hear back by the time I return to LA.” I didn't tell him that third job I applied for with a comic studio. For some reason, I wanted to keep that to myself. Probably because I didn't think I had any chance there, anyway. How could I? My art was mediocre at best. My comics made people chuckle, but that was all.

Once my I got back to my room, I went to my suitcase and unpacked my drawing pencils. I'd taped bubble-wrap around the box to make sure nothing happened to them on the flight. They might not have been the most expensive pencils, but Rhys had given them to me. Every year since we were kids, he gave me pencils for my birthday and I gave him a drawing in return. It was a silly little tradition, but I loved it. I didn't want these pencils to break. After freeing them from their wrapping, I got some paper and sat at the desk.

Idly, I wondered whether I'd ever hear back from that job with the comic studio. Probably not. It didn't really matter. I could always put my doodles on paper in my free time; I didn't need to be doing it for a living. How many people got to work their dream jobs anyway?

* * *

The next night, Kade ambushed me during dinner. And that was after I'd helped him prepare it too! We were having a roast with mashed potatoes on the side, and I'd prepared the potatoes all by myself. I was just chewing on a forkful of potatoey goodness when Kade turned to Conner, who was sitting next to me.

“How's your research project coming along?” he asked.

“It's going okay, I guess,” the boy said, eyes lighting up. “I found some really good books in the library.”

“Have you checked the store yet?” Kade asked.

“Oh, no. Not for that. I'm out of money.”

“Really? That's a shame.” Kade cut into his roast with a thoughtful expression. “I'll give you thirty bucks if you'd like to go after school tomorrow. Nick can take you.”

Conner glanced at me while I stared at Kade. This bookstore they were talking about had to be the one where Zander worked. Obviously, my friend was trying to set me up. Weren't we a little old for that?

“I can't tomorrow,” I said.

“Oh?” Kade turned to me. “I didn't realize you had plans.”

“I don't need anyone to take me,” Conner piped up.

“Yes, you do,” Kade insisted, meanwhile, his mate—my cousin—studied him with a frown.

“He really doesn't. It's only—”

“No, Nick has to take him.” Kade put a finger on Shane's lips, effectively hushing the alpha. I had to fight not to laugh at the picture.

Conner tilted his head, clearly confused. The poor kid had no idea that this wasn't about him. “I go by myself all the time.”

“Sure, but it's getting dark out earlier now. I'd feel better if Nick was with you.”

“Is this because I'm omega?” Conner scowled, shoulders slumping.

“No, it's because you're still a child and your dad and I care about you.”

Part of me wanted to glance under the table to see if Kade had his foot on Shane's.

“C'mon,” Conner whined. “This is Oceanport, not LA.”