Page 143 of Chosen Beta

Lana

Imove back up against the closed door a moment after I step into the room. Everything Pete did and said out in the corridor to relax me wore off instantly, and I’m nervous in a shaky, jumpy kind of way that makes me wonder what the hell I think I’m doing even thinking about trying to have a pack of matesandan Omega on the side.

Not on the side, exactly. It would never be casual with Brooke.

I have no words for what it would be. It’s something that doesn’t exist in real life.

So, I need to forget about it and move on.

Just as soon as I remember how to function like a normal human being.

Brooke turns and looks over at me. “I did interrupt something, didn’t I?”

“I wouldn’t say you interrupted, exactly,” I start.

“Oh good, so you were done having sex with that guy.”

Oh, God, we’re really going to do this.

“Was it that obvious?”

“Do you even have to ask?” She gives me a smile. “Lana, I’m not here to pressure you to make a decision about us. I just … I wanted to bring the list to you personally because I’ve missed you. So, if you’re freaking out because I caught you with a hook up, it’s cool. I know you’re single, and it’s none of my business.”

I let out a breath. “He’s not exactly a hook up, and I’ve kind of already made one huge decision today. I’m not really capable of making another one so I’m glad you’re not looking for an answer on that right now. Because, honestly, I’m still dealing with the other decision.”

Well, this is going great. I’m a babbling mess, and Brooke is her usual cool, composed self.

She looks like a goddess in that dress, and I’m standing here in my least flattering pants and a blouse that’s missing buttons.

We couldn’t be any more mismatched.

She gets up and moves slowly over to the door where I’m still standing as if I can’t quite bring myself to move. It feels like my feet have merged with the floor. I’m frozen in place.

“Oh my God,” she murmurs, as she gets closer, her gaze zeroing in on my throat. “You … You let him mark you.”

She’s quiet for a second as emotion flashes in her eyes.

I can’t tell what she’s thinking, but it’s probably not good.

“I didn’t know you were serious about anyone. Kellan didn’t mention that.”

She’s hurt. I can hear it in her voice.

I should have kept in contact. I feel awful now for not making that effort.

“I wasn’t seeing him,” I admit, knowing how messed up it sounds.

She narrows her eyes, reaching out to brush my hair back from the mark.

“He was gentle,” she tells me. “It’ll heal quickly.”

She lets my hair drop, without touching the mark.

Folding her arms under her chest, she gazes at me.

“So, who is he, if he’s not someone you were seeing? And do I have to ask Kellan to find a place to bury his body?”

She’s only halfway serious. I think.

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