Page 43 of The Violence of Love (The Black Market Omega #2)

“He’s a good alpha. Strong and protective,” Myrick says. “And he’s been good to us. To Charlie. And Autry. You can’t deny that.”

“I’m not denying anything.” Rhett’s voice is still even, but it’s growing quieter in a heavy way, like he’s hurt. “But I only brought Oli in to help claim Autry at the Morder . That was it. I didn’t think I was handing over the key to the damn front door. ”

The room is silent again. Myrick shifts, uncomfortable, clearly regretting saying anything at all.

“You told me to date,” he says simply. “You spent months telling me to find a new alpha.” He hangs his head, and a single tear slips down his cheek.

“I didn’t mean to catch feelings for him. It just happened.”

I’m so shocked by the sadness pouring off of the beta, I’m frozen in place for a second.

“I thought I was allowed…” Myrick trails off, and my heart breaks.

“Myrick.” I fling my arms around him, trying to snuggle the sadness out of him, but his arms hang loose, not holding me at all.

“I’m not mad,” Rhett whispers as he moves toward us, but his posture is still tight and angry. “I…I wish I’d known you felt this strongly. You should have talked to me about it.”

My chest aches at the weight in my alpha's voice. I want to say something to make this better—like that Oli is a good, calming alpha that could really round our pack out—but there’s no way I can say that.

Omegas have very different relationships with their alphas than betas do. Just because Myrick is allowed to date, doesn’t mean I am. In fact, me saying anything would probably only make things worse. So I stay quiet.

“Rhett,” Myrick swallows hard. “I didn’t mean to?—”

“It’s late,” Rhett cuts him off. “We’re all tired and worried about Charlie. Let’s talk about this tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?” Myrick looks up at Rhett, searching the alpha’s face for even a scrap of hope. But Rhett doesn’t give him any. He simply shakes his head, a quiet, final gesture that says it all— it’s not going to happen .

“Excuse me.” Myrick pulls out of my arms, then rushes into the bathroom, shutting the door. The shower turns on and a muffled cry slips under the door.

Rhett doesn’t look at me right away. He sits down on the edge of the bed, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor like it holds all the answers.

Not sure what to do, I sit down next to him and take his hand.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper, wishing I had just kept my big mouth shut.

“It's okay.” Rhett squeezes my hand, then releases it. “It’s been a hard few years for Myrick.” He lets out a heavy breath. “We had a packmate that left us, and he’s struggled ever since.”

A thousand questions barrel through my mind, but I keep all of them sealed up tight. After all, if I ask about their past, they might ask about mine, and I can’t go there. Not tonight. Maybe not ever.

Instead, I look at my alpha, watching as he stares at the floor like he’s lost in a memory he doesn’t want to relive.

“Do you not like Oli?” I ask softly.

Rhett doesn’t answer at first. He takes his time, thinking it over before rubbing his face hard. “It’s not that I don’t like him,” he says. “I don’t know him. That’s the problem.”

I nod, but something in my expression must push him to continue.

“He’s twenty-five, Autry,” Rhett says, like that explains everything. “Alphas that young are still figuring themselves out. They’re unreliable. Sometimes even violent.”

I swallow hard, hearing the subtext loud and clear. I don’t trust him not to hurt you.

It’s a little ironic considering the things Oli said about Rhett. Maybe that’s what all alphas think about each other until they get to know one another?

“He seems really nice,” I say, hoping that I’m not crossing a line.

Rhett’s dark eyes meet mine, and I can suddenly see all the exhaustion pent up inside him. Things with his company have been hectic these last few weeks. I’m sure all this Oli stuff isn't helping.

“Come on.” Rhett reaches over and gives my hip a gentle pat. “Up.” He stands, his voice softening. “Let me help you out of this ridiculous dress before you fall asleep sitting up.”

I roll my eyes, but stand.

He moves behind me, slowly tugging the zipper down my back with careful hands, pausing to press a kiss to the nape of my neck. His fingertips are warm, caressing my skin as the bodice releases me.

The dress pools around my ankles, and I step out of it with a sigh of relief.

“You were incredible tonight,” he murmurs and I turn, allowing him to pull me against his bare chest. “I’m really proud of you.”

“Thank you.” I duck my head, and he kisses my forehead.

“Let’s get you into bed.”

I nod, then crawl up into my spot, but I’m too restless to sleep. I’m too twisted up inside. Myrick’s crying in the next room, Charlie is sick down the hall, and Rhett looks like he went ten rounds with the worst memory of his life.

Trying to be a good omega, I lean my head on Rhett’s chest, breathing in the familiar scent of hazelnut and chocolate .

Just relax, I tell myself.

But I can’t help but think about Oli.

And Myrick.

And Charlie.

Everything feels like it’s falling apart.