Page 62 of Talk About… Rivalry

Taylor sat down, pulling Sidney to the seat next to him and scooting her close. They were irresistible together.

She had dark hair and jagged edges, though she tried to hide them well. Her green eyes gave away her secrets when she let her guard down and I vowed to uncover every single one.

He was sweet and adorable with curly, brown hair and bright blue eyes that were as expressive as they were captivating. His smiles and dimples warmed my cold, forgotten heart.

The way he grounded her? Fucking beautiful.

“Why did you run?” Taylor asked Sidney, his voice low enough the others didn’t hear but I caught it. My gaze shifted to her, waiting to see what she’d say but my girl wasn’t giving her secrets away right now.

“Drink,” I urged, shifting the glass of water the waitress poured for her closer. She narrowed her eyes at me, but when Taylor pushed his shoulder against hers she gave in.

Sidney’s green gaze was locked right on me as she took a single drink, then another, not slowing down until I reached across and took it gently.

“Not too much,” I urged. This poor omega was in some sort of shock. She’d already followed that idiot alpha to his doomed date, and now she’d hurt her own feelings.

“Why are you here?”

Fair question, sweet omega.

“I was hungry,” I answered, amused, but I had other things on my mind now. “My bed is always open if you two would like to join me after dinner.”

It was just as much an invitation to escape as it was an offer. One I knew very well she was about to turn down.

That was alright, I’d have her number by the end of this dinner and then I would have a word with this pack of unobservant men.

Taylor was the exception. He put me right in my place when he scented me. His own sweet, fresh scent burning around the edges in his frustration.

“I’d like to take mine to go. I’m not hungry yet and I need space,” Sidney said, conveying her needs loud and clear. As a man who prided myself on consent and listening to his partners, I wasn’t going to ignore my mate.

“Only if you promise to send me a picture when you do eat later,” I countered. She studied me, eyebrows furrowing before she handed me her phone with a nod.

“Give me one moment,” Taylor promised, brushing a kiss on her temple before getting up, likely disappearing inside to retrieve her food.

“The rest of you will stay a little longer,” I said firmly. “The omega will walk her to her car.”

I could see the parking lot from my seat, one I took on purpose for this reason. Maverick started to argue but one glance at Sidney and he snapped his big mouth shut.

Leo hadn’t said a word in a few minutes and just nodded once, looking down at his hands as he waited for whatever came next. His expression was difficult to read and I wondered what his deal was.

Other than whatever little rivalry he and Maverick had going on.

I hadn’t chimed in earlier, but I knew for my omegas’ sake I’d have to help resolve it.

Taylor returned after a few minutes of tense silence, ushering Sidney away. I still didn’t speak as I watched them disappear, then reappear out front. Taylor took his time with her at her car, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and leaning in to whisper reassurances.

My chest tightened at the sight. He was good for her and they truly were made for each other.

If my suspicions were true, she was already his, she just didn’t realize it yet.

After a few minutes he helped her into the car and buckled her in before watching her drive away.

He didn’t come back right away, his gaze on her taillights for a few minutes before turning my way. His expression was unreadable and I almost wondered if I’d have to chase down a second omega.

When he turned and walked back toward the front door I couldn’t hide my grin.

“Good boy,” I muttered under my breath.

He held the door when he came out, the waitress hurrying out to drop off plates of food. My eyebrows rose when she put a plate of pasta and a drink in front of me.

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