Page 25 of Talk About… Rivalry

As if on cue, the front door opened, and her green-haired alpha walked in. Even as he said hello to me, his eyes were on Avery, rushing over and giving her a kiss before putting a hand on her stomach.

“Did the quiet help?” he asked.

“It did. I got everything I needed done. I think we’ve got enough set up to last through baby time as long as the guys do the lives.” She turned to me, giving me a look.

The look on Mason’s face dared me to disagree. I just chuckled.

“We have the schedule you made for videos that we need to make, and we’ve got lives planned, Avery. We can do this. Take time to rest. You’re not even supposed to be on your feet.”

Mason nodded with approval. “He’s right, let’s go home.” Avery rolled her eyes, but the look of love on her face made my chest ache. I was so happy for my sister, but God, I wished that I had a mate.

When they were gone and I was left in the silence, I couldn’t force myself to go back to work in my office. I was full of energy and tension after my confrontation with Leo Valor.

Even his name was fucking pretentious.

This was the kind of mood that could only be solved in the gym. With a huff, I dropped my coffee in the trash can and headed out the door, locking it behind me.

Maybe I could try again after working off this energy, but I had a feeling that this headache was just beginning.

Sidney

Every single day that passed since Taylor and I started texting, had been a mess. I was always happy to see the messages rolling in, then reality hit and I couldn’t even let myself enjoy it.

Fuck, how could one omega be such a mess?

Thankfully, today was Sunday, meal prep day. I’d be spending the afternoon at Mama Whitaker’s kitchen. It was one of the only spaces I felt truly at peace.

As soon as I made it through this damn grocery store, at least.

Rockwood Valley wasn’t bad unless you wanted to be alone. Then it seemed you ran into everyone you knew.

I’d already had to endure small talk with four different people and I was ready to scream. I didn’t give a fuck about the weather today or what town gossip they wanted to tell me about.

Reaching the frozen section, I started loading up the vegetables I needed for Dad’s food. I continued working downmy list, dropping bag after bag in my cart until heavy footsteps were coming right towards me. I turned around, expecting to have to talk to someone else, when I realized it was Maverick.

He looked like an angry raincloud was hanging over his head. The alpha didn’t spot me yet. His hazel eyes were cast down and he was muttering to himself. Everything about the big alpha was radiating frustration, his muscles were tight, his eyes were darker than usual, and his hands were fisting the grocery cart so hard that I was shocked it hadn’t broken yet.

Something was wrong and I couldn’t help but speak up, my chest aching at the thought of him being upset.

Fuck, I was such a masochist. This was just begging for heartache but I couldn’t stand back and do nothing. Not if he needed me.

“Are you alright, Maverick?” I asked, keeping my tone light.

His lips curled up in a half snarl. “I’m fine.”

Then he did a double take as if he realized who he was talking to. He didn’t get the chance to apologize before I was snapping back.

“Don’t you dare bite my head off, Maverick Whitaker. I’ll tell your Mama on you.” My hands went to my hips, eyes severe in warning, but there was still a smile twisting my lips. I knew how to handle his grumpy exterior, this wasn’t my first rodeo.

Maybe that was why I was always the one to get through to the stubborn horses my uncle stuck me with.

He snorted, his eyes slightly softening at the sight of me.

“Sorry, Sidney. It’s been… a day,” he offered in explanation.

Hey, at least I got an apology. I knew from experience that Maverick didn’t hand those out lightly.

“What’s got you all worked up, alpha?”

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