Page 161 of Wanted Beta

He’s staring at me in that way I always mistook for disgust or disapproval.

Apparently, that’s just how he looks when he’s turned on.

“So, we were all fated to meet each other and become a pack,” I start. “That’s kind of a big deal, but we also have a restaurant to finish overhauling and I think we should focus on that for now.”

“Agreed,” Enzo murmurs.

“Sounds fair,” Jack says.

“Fair,” Arrow echoes, nodding.

Gio smiles wryly. “Damn. You’re all business.”

I shrug, but I can’t keep the smile from my own lips.

“Well, get used to it, because I’m not going anywhere.”

Chapter Seventy-Seven

Arrow

Everyone’s in a much better mood after Beth’s friends leave, and our girl admits that we’re fated to be together. It doesn’t matter that we’ve agreed the restaurant renovations should come first. We’re all so relieved that Beth wants to be with us.

Jack can’t stop smiling, Gio is flirting and fussing over her, and clearly all Enzo can think about now is the hottest part of becoming mated. It’s usually easy to get his attention, but he’s been staring at Beth, undressing her with his eyes for practically the whole meal today.

No one even notices when I get up to grab a soda out of the fridge in the kitchen.

I poke around in the fridge until I find a can of lemonade.

I’m about to crack it open and head back through to the dining room when I realize I can feel something in the room. It washes over me like rain, but it’s energy. I start to look around, thinking for a second that Enzo must have entered the kitchen while I was hunting for a soda, then I realize two things at the same time.

One, it’s not Enzo.

Two, it’s not in the room.

The overpowering energy that’s drenching me is coming from outside.

It’s powerful and consuming, and very, very Alpha.

Oh, holy fuck, it’s him.

My fifth mate.

I can feel it, and I can’t resist it.

I set the can of soda down on the counter, and I move toward the back door.

Enzo has left his key in the lock, as usual. I turn it and the door pops open.

A spark of excitement burns through me as I move out into the alley.

The first breath I take is almost chokingly sweet.

My perfume! It’s back, and it’s stronger than it’s been in weeks.

I’m still an Omega. Thank God!

It takes a minute to remember why I came out here, and by the time the answer hits me, the sweet intoxication of anticipatory arousal is threatening to overwhelm my senses.

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