Page 16 of Dancing for His Omega

He had a dancer’s soul, and it was so unfair for his former omega to have shut that part of him down. Even though we were doing well together, he was still hesitant in so many aspects of his life, and he deserved to have it all.

The Realtor was waiting in front of the studio, dressed up like I’d never seen anyone in Oliver Creek. An actual suit. As we approached, he extended his hand kind of between us, clearly not sure who was his customer. I let Edwin take the last steps ahead of me, clarifying who he was meeting. “Right on time,” he said, shaking my alpha’s hand. “I just got into town about fifteen minutes ago. There was a semi jackknifed on the highway. Didn’t seem to be any injuries, but traffic was tied up for miles.”

That explained the suit. He was not a local. As he unlocked the brick building’s door, he explained that he represented the out-of-town owner. “Mr. Stevens would prefer to sell the building, but he is also willing to entertain a rental for the right client.”

“I see.” Edwin followed him inside, me on his heels. “I am considering a space for a dance studio, and since this had already had that function, it seemed like a good possibility but only as a rental. At least, for now.”

He introduced himself to me as well at that point and stepped back. “How about if you two go through the space and look it over then we can talk further? I do have another client who will be visiting later in the week, so if you want it, you probably shouldn’t waste any time.”

Edwin looked worried, but as soon as the door closed behind the Realtor, I walked him to the back of the big room where we wouldn’t be heard. “Alpha, look at the dust in here. It has not only been empty for quite some time, they didn’t even bother toclean it. If they thought they had someone ready to buy, I think they’d have swept the floor.”

“So you don’t think there is another client?”

“Oh, there might be, but something tells me there’s no rush. Take your time and look it over then consider what you want to offer.”

“I can’t buy it. It would take all my life savings.” He trailed a finger over the ballet barre along the back wall. “What if the other person wants to do that?”

I could buy it… But I knew he wouldn’t let me. Not yet. “If they do, then it wasn’t meant to be, and we’ll find another place for you to set up a studio. There are still a few storefronts that haven’t been redone yet, and I’m sure we can get a good one.”

“I like this one, but the rental price the Realtor mentioned on the phone was a little higher than I’d hoped for. And if I did cave and buy…what would I live on while the business got started?”

“Why don’t you just move in with me?” I heard the words come out of my mouth in the least romantic way possible. Damn. I had been thinking about it since his first night in my home, but I hadn’t planned to ask like this. Serve me right if he turned me down and never spoke to me again.

Chapter Fifteen

Edwin

Living together. So soon? Yes. My bear wanted nothing more but for some reason, the thought of moving in with Micah felt rushed and, honestly, I was overwhelmed.

And here I thought I was cured and healed of all my previous hangups. Far from it, it seemed.

“I need to think about it,” I replied.

Instantly my mate’s expression turned from a warm smile to one he gave people he saw in the park but didn’t know personally. “Yeah. Of course. Hey, how about we go on a run? I have the rest of the day off, and I’m eager to meet your bear.”

“I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt you, Micah. I just need some time to think about it. It feels right but I’m shaky about it. It’s not you.”

Micah put his hand on my arm. “It’s okay. We will take this at your pace. If you’re not ready, you’re not ready. Even if you decide not to move in with me, you and I are still solid. We’re mates no matter what, Edwin.”

Then why did my chest ache so badly?

My bear wanted to get out and show him our other form. He also wanted to show off for his mate. Going on a run would buy me some time to think about what Micah offered. Me moving in and a chance to start my own studio.

“Let’s go for that run. Please.”

We drove out to a field on the outskirts of town where Micah said shifters roamed when they didn’t have room to in town or at their home. On the wind was the scent of hundreds of animals. Most had been here recently, but some had lingering smells from long ago.

“Go on then, alpha. Let me see my big bear.”

My beast heard the call of his mate and, as soon as the last inch of clothing was stripped from my body, my bear emerged with a loud roar. Micah stepped back. His eyes widened. He crouched low and ducked his head in submission.

We walked over to him and nudged his shoulder with our muzzle. He didn’t have to bare his neck or any other act of submitting. He was our mate. Our equal. The perfect complement.

“Hi there, big guy. Look at you.” My omega got up and stood before us. My bear saw nothing but beauty in our mate as did I. He got closer and rubbed his fur on Micah’s legs, marking him in his own way. “Edwin, your bear is so beautiful. Majestic. I’ve never seen a bear up close before.”

My bear rolled over on his belly. He didn’t want our mate to feel any hint of a threat from us. I chuffed and wiggled my body, needing his skin against me.

“You want belly rubs? I see how it is. That’s fine. I’ll rub your belly any time you want. I’ll tell you some things while you’re a bear and can’t really answer me.”

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