Page 30 of Big Knot Energy (Shadowverse)

“Well, we were going to have a picnic, but after meeting Princess Fancy Pants,” Issa started, shaking her head with a smile at the name, “and Pearl, I thought…there’s a rodeo the next town over. I’ve always wanted to go to one. Any chance I can talk you boys into it?”

“I’m down for whatever,” Amir said, lifting her hand to his lips. “What do you think, alphas?”

My dick twitched at the honorific coming from his full lips.

I had never been to a fucking rodeo. Being on his family’s property was probably the closest to country life I’d ever experienced.

But when I turned to find the sweetest look on Issa’s face, I knew there wasn’t a chance in hell I could turn her down.

“We’ll need cowboy hats,” Ax teased.

“Really? We can go?” she asked, her smile growing wider.

Fuck me. She looked so excited over something as simple as us agreeing to her change in plans.

I really hoped Amir would agree to join the pack, but all I could see in that moment was the glow on her cheeks, the excitement in her pretty honey-colored eyes, or the way all four of us men were watching her like she’d hung the fucking moon with her dainty little hands.

CHAPTER 11

Issa

Iwasn’t sure what I was expecting at a rodeo. The closest I’d ever come to seeing one was in clips on social media or on TV.

The real-life experience was so much different and way more fun.

There were booths selling kettle corn and funnel cakes, others selling barbecue, nachos, or hot dogs. So many choices. If I had the stomach space or time, I might have asked to try everything.

I still hated that the alphas –myalphas – had to foot the bill for everything since I still didn’t have a job.

It wasn’t that I didn’t want to work or that I didn’t want to actually look for a job, I was just…well, I was still terrified of leaving the safety of the pack house.

Antonio was still out there, and I was sure he wasn’t overly happy about the fact that I’d warned Pack Rivera of the actions of my fathers and another rival pack, nor the fact that since my parents were dead, he would no longer inherit shit.

“I’m so getting a funnel cake,” Amir said, guiding me to that particular vendor with the alphas close behind.

I hadn’t missed all their shared smiles, the thoughtful looks they exchanged, nor the way they felt as though they were constantly flanking Amir and me to keep others from getting too close.

There wasn’t really much of a risk for me, at least not the way it could be for Amir. I didn’t perfume. I wouldn’t inadvertently send my hormones into the air if I got turned on and send any alphas nearby into rut.

Amir, on the other hand, was not only an omega, but fucking gorgeous. Big and strong as an alpha, ruggedly beautiful, and smelled like the most erotic dessert.

“Share with me?” he asked, pulling me closer to his side and kissing the tip of my nose.

This was the first time we’d seen each other since the night at the club. And he sure as hell didn’t act as though he regretted it nor was he behaving awkwardly. He acted as though tonight was one of hundreds or thousands we’d spent together.

Glancing at the alphas, I felt a twinge of guilt.

Enzo, Ax, and Cyrus were left wandering behind us, following us like they were our bodyguards instead of important members of the pack. It felt as though I’d taken over the date completely when the four of them were the most integral parts. I couldn’t ease Amir through his heat cycles. I couldn’t get him pregnant.

And, although I hadn’t bothered mentioning it to them, I had no desire to carry a child. Ever.

It wasn’t that I didn’t like kids; my own experiences growing up made me want to avoid bringing another person into the world who could end up mistreated by their future pack.

But if the pack wanted to have a kid with Amir, I would never treat the child the way my siblings and I had been treated, regardless of their freaking designation.

I was getting ahead of myself. Other than our extremely passionate – though short – time together, this was our first pack date.

“I feel like I’m stealing all your attention,” I said to Amir, nudginghim with my shoulder as we walked hand in hand through the vendor alley.

---