Page 49 of Citius

Owen’s mouth flattened into a grim line. “I don’t see the relevance.”

“There isn’t any,” I said with forced lightness. “But it’d be nice to have something to help my omega father chill out other than wine. He doesn’t get along with one of my grandmothers. It just so happens she’s the one whose pack lives closest.”

Cal looked up—at last—offering me a sweet but unsteady grin. “Seven grandkids to keep up with, and she still finds time to fuss with your dad?”

“Omegas are territorial,” I said with a shrug, unable to resist returning his smile. “And they both consider the kitchen to be their territory. Thanksgiving is fine. The real bloodbaths happen during birthdays. And sporting events. Can’t believe we made it through the year with quarterly seven-layer dip standoffs.”

“I would have loved that. Seven-layer dip is a weakness of mine.” Cal spotted the server heading our way and moved his phone to the side in anticipation, the tip of his left ring finger resting against my pinky for three whole heartbeats.

“Who was the ultimate victor?” Owen asked, unfurling his napkin with a quick flick of his wrist.

“I’m an impartial judge.”

“Which means it’s your grandma.” Cal beamed at me, fisting his knife and fork like an excited child, more than ready to dig into his food. “Good to know—for future reference.”

Fifteen

Morgan

The rest of the dinner was fascinating and delicious, just as Cal had promised. I learned a lot about Redwing’s inner workings and goals for the future. Owen had conquered dozens of hurdles to get PheroPass to this point, and there was still a daunting number between our current work and an official launch. If it ever got one.

Cal also talked openly about their shared history, how they met in a neurobiology lab and hit it off while dissecting a sheep brain, and promptly aligned their schedules to have more classes together. Even lived together for a while as graduate students. Their research collaborations were a natural extension of their friendship.

And yet, I couldn’t help but wonder as I watched Cal joke with Owen on our way out of the restaurant, why weren’t they pack mates? Their close bond was obvious. I knew Cal got along with Alijah, and Joaquin also seemed like a decent fit for his personality, all things considered. Plenty of people happily cohabitate with semi-feral tomcats.

As for Wyatt… Not a clue. I wasn’t sure they’d ever even met.

Could they connect over health? Cal didn’t strike me as a gym rat, not the way I was, or Wyatt’s physique seemed to indicate.

Sports might be a better topic, but football and gymnastics lacked common ground, something I’d struggled with while trying to explain my initial PheroPass feedback to Cal in a way he could understand.

Cal held the door for me, catching me off-guard when his free hand settled on the small of my back as I walked past.

“Let me know when the housewarming is, Owen. Can’t wait to seethe place. Anything you boys want other than a houseplant? Something you can’t kill. Olive oil, maybe a broom? Think my grandmother used to give out pineapples.”

“Just the pleasure of your company.” Owen took a subtle glance at me, and the lingering presence of Cal’s large hand on my back, but his expression remained impassive.

“Sounds good.” Cal’s thumb trailed up the valley of my spine before falling away. “I’ll send you the draft of Morgan’s presentation with my notes later.”

“If you insist.” Owen unlocked a metallic red hybrid SUV I recognized from the parking garage at Tolliver Yards. This intelligent enigma really was my neighbor. “See you.”

We watched Owen drive off before starting toward Cal’s truck. He maneuvered his large body to the outside of the sidewalk, firmly between me and any incoming traffic.

“You impressed him. I knew you would.”

“Really? I couldn’t get a read on him.”

“Owen’s not that complicated.” He smiled down at me. “Big brain, even bigger alpha, allergic to small talk.”

“If you say so.”

“Have I ever steered you wrong?”

“You do have a pretty good track record, whereas I—” The words dried up. Our relationship had no room for personal feelings, and tonight had stuck mainly to business, but I couldn’t forget the crestfallen expression on Cal’s face. “I’m sorry if I said anything out of line earlier.”

“No need for apologies, although I appreciate the thought.”

Our arms pressed together, the momentary infusion of his body heat driving away the creeping autumn chill in the air.

---