Page 12 of Claiming Their Omega

Easton finally takes his glare away from William long enough to look at his pack mates. “Just showing a guy what happens around here if he’s stupid enough to cheat on his girl.”

My heart races as all three Alphas go from pissed to furious. I can see them bristling from over here.

For a second, all five men look furious at one another, and I’m not sure what to do. I don’t know how to defuse the situation, or even how it got this bad. There’s also the part of me that’s bristling too, the part of me that asks, why should I have to be the one to fix this? I was just cheated on. I shouldn’t have to do anything at all.

William’s gaze darts between all four men, and I see a bit of the wind get knocked from his sails. He doesn’t fully deflate, he’s too angry and prideful for that, but he does take a small step back and his shoulders hunch slightly.

“This is a personal matter,” he snaps. “I don’t see how it’s anybody’s business.”

“A man mistreats a woman, it’s everybody’s business,” Hendrix says.

“Especially one of our own,” Jesse adds.

My heart is still racing but I feel warmth spread through me. I’ve been away for years. I didn’t know Jesse still thought of me as one of the townspeople.

“So how about you get the fuck out of our town,” Jesse continues, “before we make you.”

“Trust me, after the stunt you crazy assholes pulled, I’d like nothing more.” William shoots me a cutting glare. “But I can’t exactly get anywhere in this car now, can I?”

Jesse’s face is like stone. “You’ve got two working legs, don’t you?” he replies coolly.

“For now,” Cade mutters.

“I suggest you get the fuck out while that’s still the case,” Easton adds.

Holy shit. My jaw drops a little.

William scoffs, an incredulous smile on his face like he can’t quite believe this is happening. He looks at me. “Babe, you’re seriously going to let these guys threaten me and decide that they’re the better option? This is insane.”

“I haven’t decided anyone is a better option,” I bite out. “Just as long as I’m not with you. I’m single, as of right now.”

William seems to melt, almost, and he gives me this look that I always thought was sweet. I thought it meant he found something I did cute.

But now, in the glow of the streetlamps, in front of his ruined car, I realize that it’s actually something completely different: condescension.

A cold shudder runs through me. I feel like I’m looking at a stranger.

“Grace.” William’s voice is gentle. “I don’t understand. Whatever you think you saw, it’s clearly taken you off the deep end. This isn’t you. You’re sensible, you don’t get emotional like this.”

“What—what are you talking about?” I’m so confused, I don’t even know what to say. “I’m emotional because you’re sexting with another woman, anyone would be emotional about that, what is this? What are you trying to say?”

“I wasn’t—it was nothing,” William explains. “She’s a work colleague, we joke around. She took the joke too far, that’s all.”

“People don’t joke about wanting someone’s dick,” I shoot back. “That’s not something you joke about. Especially not with someone who’s in a serious relationship.”

“Would we really call this thing between us that serious?” William looks confused. “Now, okay, I think we might be on different pages here…”

“I took you to meet my family!” I yell. I feel insane. “That didn’t give you a hint that maybe that I saw this as a serious relationship?”

All four of the other Alphas have their brows raised, like they’re not sure what to make of all this, either. Worry settles in my gut that it’s me they’re raising their eyebrows at. That they might take William’s side.

“I don’t think you should keep talking,” Hendrix says, and he’s not talking to me, but William. His tone is mild, but somehow that makes it sound more dangerous. “Not if you want to still be able to walk out of town.”

William stares at him, like he can’t quite believe what he’s hearing. “You realize I’m the victim here?”

“I realize that’s how you’d like everyone to see it,” Hendrix replies coolly.

My heart leaps in my chest. They believe me. They’re not falling for whatever bullshit William is trying to pull just because he’s a fellow Alpha.

---