Page 38 of The Violence of Love (The Black Market Omega #2)

That feels like a lie, but I don’t really care. I like Oli. He’s easy to talk to and fun to be around. I can’t remember the last time I thought that about an alpha that wasn’t Rhett.

“Autry?” Oli smiles wide when he spots the omega.

She hesitates in the archway, half-hidden behind the wall. For a moment, she doesn’t move—just clutches Dolly against her chest like a shield. Then, slowly, she steps out, shy and tentative, like a child being nudged forward to greet a stranger.

“Morning,” she whispers, not quite meeting Oli’s eyes. Her cheeks are flushed as she buries her nose into Dolly’s soft fur, clearly trying to steady herself .

Interesting .

Curious, I turn to study her more closely as the pair exchange pleasantries. Her pupils are wide, dilated, and her scent? Hell. Even as a beta I can smell her potent aroma from here.

Does she like Oli? Or is it some post-sex after-glow?

My heart flutters as the realization hits me—I kind of hope she does like him. Oli would make a beautiful addition to our pack. He’s so gentle and solid. But would Rhett be okay with it?

I pause, realizing I don’t fully know the rules now that we have Autry.

After Jason left and everything settled, Rhett told me I was free to date again. He even encouraged it. He said that if we found the right alpha, we could open our pack to someone new. I never wanted to, but the option was there.

But that was me . And I’m a beta.

Would Autry be given that same freedom? Or is it different for omegas?

Shit . I don’t know.

“Have you had breakfast?” Autry offers Oli and I snap to.

“Not yet,” he says, his eyes dancing across her flushed face. “I didn’t get a chance.”

“Coffee?” I offer the alpha, then correct myself. “Right, no coffee. I forgot—you’re weird.” I flash him a teasing grin and the alpha chuckles.

“Juice would be nice,” he says, his tone softer now as he follows me into the kitchen, Autry trailing slowly behind us.

I open the fridge, grab the orange juice, and pour two glasses. “You’re lucky we have any left,” I say, handing a glass to him. “Charlie’s been sucking it down like it’s oxygen. We’re almost out.” I hold up the jug, showing him the last few drops.

Oli takes a sip and hums his thanks. “The beta’s got good taste.”

“Or a blood sugar problem.” I lean back against the counter, arms crossed. “Can I get you something to eat? A cinnamon roll or chocolate croissant?”

“Nah,” he says, plopping into a stool on the other side of the kitchen island.

“Are you sure?” I take a single step toward the pantry. “I’ve got those blueberry scones that you liked so much the other day.”

“Honestly,” he rests his forearms on the kitchen island, his broad shoulders rolling forward, “I’m not big on sweets for breakfast.”

“Really?” I don’t hide my shock. “You don’t like anything sweet?”

“Not really.” He laughs like he’s enjoying my shock.

“Not even pancakes?” Autry steps a little closer, just as surprised as I am.

Oli’s smile grows. “Not even pancakes.”

“Wow,” Autry says as she sets Dolly down. “You know, you can tell a lot about a person by what they want for breakfast.”

“Yeah?” Oli cocks a sexy smirk. “What does it say?”

“Well,” Autry settles beside me, her hip brushing mine, “if you wake up thinking about pancakes, it means you’ve got a soft, romantic soul.” Her tone is serious—like this is a scientific fact.

“Is that so?” Oli’s smile grows, and all this tension falls away. “And if you want bacon and eggs?”

“Serial killer energy,” I cut in, grinning at the alpha over the rim of my juice glass .

Oli barks out a laugh. “Then call me dangerous, because bacon’s the only thing that gets me out of bed some days.”

“People who like savory shit always say that,” I sigh dramatically. “Give me frosting, syrup, and chocolate chips. If it doesn’t taste like dessert, I don’t want it.”

“And whipped cream,” Autry adds with a dreamy sigh as she looks up at me. The omega’s got that hazy smile that makes my stomach flip inside out.

Oli watches the two of us with that smoldering gaze of his, eyes narrowing with a teasing glint. “I expected this from the omega who smells like lemon-sugar,” he says, voice brimming with warmth, “but you , Myrick… you’re full of surprises.”

His words catch me off guard, and I blink. “Am I?”

He nods, slow and deliberate. “Yeah. Thought I had you figured out. Calm. Organized. Funny but serious at the same time. I thought for sure I could count on you when it came to something as important as breakfast.” He shakes his head, pushing out a heavy sigh.

“You’ve disappointed me.” He smiles, and my knees go soft.

I laugh, but mostly to cover the way my pulse skips. “You’re disappointed?” I ask like it’s a joke, but deep down, I hate the idea of this alpha not liking some part of me. I want him to like all of me.

Stupid. But true.

Oli leans in slightly, his presence magnetic—commanding without being pushy. “It’s clear you’ve never had a real breakfast,” he says to Autry, his voice low and impossibly smooth. “I guess I’ll have to educate both of you.” His eyes land on me, and my throat goes dry.

Why is he looking at me like that?

So direct, like he’s stripping me down with nothing but his gaze. He should be looking at Autry like that. She’s the stunning, desirable one. She’s soft and sweet and precious. I’m neurotic and mouthy.

“Well, okay then,” I manage to say, but my voice comes out uneven. “So did you want something to eat?” I ask, too self-conscious to meet Oli’s eyes. Instead, I glance down at Autry, but that doesn’t make me feel any better.

The omega looks positively thrilled , eyes bright with mischief as she watches me with rapt attention.

“What?” I ask, terrified she can read my mind.

Her smile grows. “You look a little flustered, Myrick,” she says sweetly, biting her bottom lip like she knows something she shouldn't.

“I’m not flustered,” I shoot back a little too quickly. “I’m just hungry.”

Oli chuckles deep in his chest while Autry covers her mouth to hide her smile.

The familiar energy in the room makes me shift. It all suddenly feels dangerous for some reason. Like Rhett wouldn’t be happy with the subtle flirting happening in his own home…or at least I assume he wouldn’t.

I’m going to have to talk to him about Oli.

“Good morning.” Rhett steps into the kitchen and my body goes stiff. The alpha is fully dressed in a sleek black suit and deep purple tie. Yup, he’s headed to work.

“Morning.” Oli’s smile is completely gone.

A rush of guilt hits me hard, and I move to Rhett’s side, wrapping my arms around him.

He stiffens at first, sensing something’s off, then tips his head down to find my face.

“Are you okay?” he asks, voice low and protective.

Then his gaze flickers to Oli, concern tightening his jaw like he’s already preparing for the worst.

“I’m fine,” I say, quickly releasing him. The last thing I want is for Rhett to think Oli said or did something to make me upset. “You just look too good.” I smile sweetly. “I had to hug you.”

Rhett’s eyes narrow, and I’m not sure if he believes me.

“Do you want something to eat?” Autry asks, standing tall and eager to please the pack alpha. Our girl really loves to cook.

“I’m good, beautiful.” Rhett steps forward and kisses the top of her head, before turning to Oli.

His posture instantly shifts—he straightens, shoulders back, alpha presence on full display.

“I’m glad you came by, Oli.” He’s all business.

“It looks like we might be having dinner tonight at Jannis’s house. ”

“Tonight?” My eyes go wide, surprised by the quickness of it all. “That happened fast.”

"Jannis is already hosting his annual black-tie dinner this evening. The entire board will be in attendance, along with several of his more prominent clients." He presses his lips together, glancing at Oli like he’s not sure how much to share in front of the young alpha. But then he leans in and whispers in my ear, “Autry’s heat will be soon. The last thing I need is for the board to want a meet-and-greet while we’re mid-mating.

” He gives me a pointed look. “I thought it was a good idea to accept this invitation now, so we don’t have to worry later. ”

I quickly nod, agreeing. “Yeah, going now is smart.”

“Hey, Oli.” Charlie steps into the kitchen and gives the alpha a friendly smile. He’s freshly showered and dressed in tailored jeans and a fitted maroon tee. The omega-cut flatters him—lean and subtly defined—and the color brings out his chestnut hair and warm brown eyes. He looks good .

“Are you free tonight?” Rhett asks Oli.

“Yeah,” Oli sits a little taller, eager. “I’m free all day. ”

“Good.” Rhett touches the knot on his tie, making sure it’s centered. “Obviously, you’ll be posing as a member of my pack,” he continues, voice tight. “Relax, blend in, and don’t say too much.” His eyes narrow at Oli’s face, his brow furrowed. “Do you have a suit?”

Oli snorts, rolling his shoulders. “I don’t have shit.”

I give him a sympathetic smile, trying to hide the excitement growing in my belly. The young alpha looks damn good in jeans and his black t-shirts, but a suit? That might kill me.

“I’m sure I have something that will fit,” Rhett says, and I quickly agree. They both have a very similar build. Both are around six foot four with broad shoulders and trim waists.

“I’ll find something,” I assure my pack alpha.

“What about the etiquette?” Autry jumps in, bright-eyed and eager to help.

Oli tilts his head to one side. “Etiquette?”

“Things like how to introduce yourself. The right fork for the salad? Stuff like that?”

He shrugs, frowning. “Nope, I don’t know any of that.” He almost looks embarrassed, and I hate that. No one should have to know this kind of useless shit.

“That’s okay.” Charlie steps up beside Autry. “We’ve got all day. Autry can teach you, and Myrick can dress you. I can even help you practice your small talk.”

Oli gives a slow, lopsided smile—warm and a little surprised, like he’s not used to people offering him this kind of help without strings attached. “That would be very helpful,” he says, voice low before dropping his gaze to his lap. “Thanks.”

“I’m sorry, Autry,” Rhett leans into the omega’s ear. “I’ll have to finish your nest tomorrow.” He kisses her cheek. “I’ll get it done first thing. Promise.”

“That’s okay,” Autry says gently, her expression softening for her alpha. “I really don’t mind.” She presses a kiss to Rhett’s lips, then turns to Oli. Her posture is relaxed, hands loosely clasped in front of her, a small smile tugging at her mouth. “If you’re ready, we can get started.”

Oli’s gaze lingers on her face, his expression softening into something else entirely. It’s still warm, but there’s a tenderness behind it now—something deeper, quieter.

My body goes tight once again, and I look at Rhett. But he’s staring at his phone, not seeming to notice.

Do I tell him that this flirty young alpha seems to be staring longingly at our omega?

Do I care?

Do I want to encourage it?

Yeah. The second this party is over, I need to have a very serious conversation with Rhett about our pack dynamics.

It's very clear that there’s something building between Oli and Autry, and while it would kill me, if Rhett doesn’t want him to join our pack, we might have to cut all ties with the young alpha.