Page 30 of Alpha Scorned

My jealousy settled as Becca turned around and her eyes landed on where Owen held my hand. Her mouth stretched into a big grin and with shining eyes, she winked at me. I cocked my head and pressed my lips together, my eyes narrowed. My friend had flirted with my mate to make a point. She knew I’d be jealous, but she also knew I’d never admit it. It was her way of showing me that I really did want him, and that I needed to show him that too.

“I’ll see you later,” she told me and flicked her hair over her shoulder before she flounced off, a big smile on her face.

“Who’s that?”

I jumped at Lionel’s deep voice. I had no idea when he’d joined us, he just appeared.

Owen grinned. “Her name’s Becca. She’s Lina’s friend.”

“Nice,” muttered Lionel, watching my friend’s ass sway as she walked away.

I rolled my eyes. “She’ll eat you alive.”

Lionel grinned. “I’m counting on it.”

I laughed and held on tightly to Owen as we walked through the streets. He didn’t say much to me but happily chatted to Devon about his show and tell. Once we’d dropped my son at the daycare, Owen and Lionel walked me to my office.

“Counselling and emotional support service?” Owen murmured, his eyes scanning my business sign.

I shrugged. “A lot of people here need emotional and mental health support. Support services like this are a vital part of why people choose this pack over others. Our rules on having a female Beta, and the banned use of forced dominance also make this a safe haven for many omega shifters that have been abused elsewhere.”

Owen nodded, flashing me a proud smile which turned my insides to goo. “Then how about you show me inside?”

“Oh, well, okay. But I have a client in less than ten minutes.”

“I'll be quick then,” he murmured, leaning towards me with a sparkle in his eyes.

My cheeks heated at the inference.

Lionel coughed. “I’ll wait out here then, shall I?”

“Yup.” Owen looked pointedly at the door then back at me. “Well? Don’t keep your Alpha waiting. I am here to interview the last person who saw Shane alive.”

My brows dipped down. Did he know who my first client was? And why would Shane be meeting up with them?

He smiled grimly, his brows rising. “You, Lina. You’re the last person he saw. He told one of his lovers the night before he left for the forest that he was going to dinner at your place.”

My eyes widened. “Me? Oh gods.”

“Let’s go inside and talk shall we?”

I nodded and let us in. Hyper aware of Owen at my back, I led him through the waiting room and past the reception. Becca, who worked as my receptionist, didn’t start for another thirty minutes. And she’d clearly abandoned me to Owen on purpose. I’d been ridiculous to be jealous of her, she only wanted me to be happy. I kind of wanted to thank her for making me see that.

In my office I placed my bag in the nearest chair, and turned to face the male who’d played my body like a symphony the night before. My heart was beating erratically, and I knew he could hear it. He smirked. “Relax, Kerores, I’m here to talk to you about Shane, not ravage you over your desk.” His gaze slid down my body, lingering on my breasts before rising back to my face.

I didn't know whether to be relieved or disappointed, and his hooded look told me he knew exactly where my thoughts were at.

“What do you want to know?” I managed to say, though my voice was husky at the thought of him lifting my skirt and taking me over my desk.

The lust in his eyes faded, his jaw muscles popping. “Tell me about your evening together. What did you talk about?”

I swallowed hard. Owen’s eyes tracked the movement of my throat, but he didn’t say anything more. It was uncomfortable to talk to Owen about my relationship with Shane, even if it was just friendship, but I wanted to help. I perched on the desk, pulling my bottom lip between my teeth as I tried to picture that evening. “I remember that he was quiet, and that he left early that night, but I can’t remember exactly what we talked about.” I frowned, forcing images of that night to return.

Owen’s face shuttered and became his cool Alpha mask, no emotion showing. How hard must this be for him, to ask me about the time I spent with another male, one he thought had been my lover? Even though Owen had found out I’d lied about most of my relationship with Shane, I really needed to explain properly. It wasn’t anything like I’d led Owen to believe in the past.

“Shane sometimes came around to have dinner with me and Devon. That is, he came once a week, except when he was too busy. He has ever since I told him that I couldn’t be his lover.”

Owen’s nostrils flared and his hands fisted. His expression was locked down, his eyes dark and stormy, but he didn't interrupt. I quickly continued, wanting him to understand. “Shane was a friend, Owen, I slept with him once. Or at least I tried.” My gaze fell to the carpet at his feet.

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