Page 30 of Who We Were

This time when I agree, I actually mean it. I truly enjoyed my day with her and Beckett and would love to do it again. If they want to. I know I'm not the greatest company. I'm actually surprised the three of them came to see the house with me.

Beckett doesn't approach me, thankfully, instead he salutes me with a wink and guides Kate out with a hand on her lower back. The click of the door closing behind them is loud, signaling the fact that Vincent and I are alone together for the first time. You know, only me and a stranger in a house Ijustmoved into.

"Maya?"

I flinch. I can't help it. That's whattheycalled me. My other mates. It's why I hate nicknames, except I kind of like it when Vincent calls me little mate.

I watch his eyebrows drop, knowing he definitely picked up on my weird energy. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." I'm quick to deny, but he just stares at me, waiting. I sigh. "That's what they used to call me."

I know the look on his face well at this point. Anger and disappointment darken his features. It's the same way he looked at Paul all afternoon.

Unfortunately for my new mate, he heard my entire nasty explanation of my life.Christ, I'm still embarrassed about it.Had I known he oranyonewas actively listening to my sorry story, I never would have told Kate and Beckett all my woes. Alas, Vincent heard all of it, and he's still here looking like he's about to rain down hell on the rest of what should have beenourpack.

"Vince, it's okay.I'mokay, really," I try to soothe him.

I even think about touching his arm for comfort, but think better of it. He may know far too much about me already, but allI know about him is his name, where he's staying, and that he drives thesexiestfucking motorcycle.

By the time I had finished my story and met Vincent, we only had a couple minutes to chat as a group before Paul called to tell me it was time to head over.

The drive to this secluded little neighborhood just outside of the city was about a half hour with the downtown Baltimore traffic. As the car got further from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, I could feel the constant tightness in my chest loosen. The extra space between me and society makes me feel like I can be myself. But maybe nottoomuch myself if Vincent's thunderous expression is anything to go by.

I had thought about inviting him to stay, but I have nightmares. I know I kept Paul up at night with them and I refuse to subject Vincent to anymore of my crazy. He deserves a good night’s sleep and maybe a nice memory of the first time we met. I've ruined our first meeting enough.

"Don't do that," Vincent whispers, stepping closer and holding my jaw with his large hand.

The backs of my eyes burn, but I yank on my omega with an inward glare. Ijustfucking decided that I wouldn't ruin his night, especially not withmoregoddamn tears. It's like all I can do lately is cry.

My tears dry, but I can't contain the crack in my voice. "Do what?"

His harsh, black eyebrows furrow above his intense blue eyes. "Pull away from me. Please."

My breath stutters out as my neck gives up, making my head hang. "I'm sorry."

"Don't do that either," he grumbles, confusing me like all men love to do. Snapping my head back up, I frown back at him. "Don't apologize to me. Ever."

My lips quirk of their own accord. "Even if someday you let me drive your motorcycle and I scratch it?"

"Not even then, little mate. You wanna know why? Because I'll remember this moment and smile thinking about the first time you spoke of our future."

The only response I have to give to that perfect reasoning is to blow out another shaky breath. This one isn't of defeat. No, this is a bit desire and a whole lot ofdamn.

My jaw lifts as his tucks, our breaths mingling and creating a yummy mixture of lemony lavender. His grip on me doubles, not only holding my neck but gripping my waist like heneedsme.

"Amaya," he whispers hoarsely.

Fuck, I want to flip his hat off and test how his buzz cut feels on my bare skin.Would it scratch? Maybe tickle?

‘Mate! Mine! We mate!’

"Amaya." Vincent's voice is strained and I'm pretty sure his tone holds a warning.

I wonder what his growl would feel like between my thighs.

Okay. Wow. No.

I don't even know what's me and what's my omega anymore. All I know is my panties are fucking ruined, and I absolutely have to kick him out on this high note.

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