Page 3 of Sunshine

My heart began to pound so hard it felt like it was going to come out of my chest, and yearning filled me. The heat I felt was one that never truly went away. I let out a breath and then pushed my fantasies away.

I could dream all I wanted, but nothing good would come from getting involved with a pack. Especially Pack Kahele. Julian was my friend, and I couldn’t stand the thought of losing him just because I wanted something I couldn’t have.

“Thanks.” I set the plate down and slid off my chair. “Speaking of, I’m headed back out to run the gauntlet.”

Julian pecked a kiss on Logan’s cheek. “See you later, hot stuff. We’re gonna go make sure the rich people behave themselves.”

“Good luck with that,” Logan grumbled. “Y’all come back for the dessert course.”

“Yes, sir.” Julian gave Logan a mock salute, and I found myself being escorted out of the kitchen by the men of my dreams.

Chapter 2

Sunshine

As we left the kitchen, I reminded myself why I wouldn’t embarrass myself by asking them on a date.

Julian put his hand on the small of my back. “Let’s go work the room, babe.”

“I liked hiding in the kitchen better.” Luca muttered.

“You eat these people for breakfast.” I arched an eyebrow at Luca.

It amused me that he was a high-powered corporate lawyer. Based on his attitude you’d never know he spent most of his time dealing with fortune five hundred CEOs.

“It’s easier to demolish them in court.” Luca tugged the cuffs of his jacket down. “I have to play nice here.”

“Exactly.” Julian pointed across the room. “There’s the head of Bowen Consolidated. Talk them into coming to the First Responders’ Festival and donating a lot of money.”

Luca heaved a sigh and leaned over me to give Julian a peck on the cheek. “Youcouldcome along.”

Julian patted my arm. “I’m helping Sunshine check on her guests.”

“Very well.” Luca headed to the other side of the room.

I glanced at Julian. “You just don’t want to answer the same five questions about an omega being a firefighter.”

“Guilty.” Julian didn’t look sorry at all.

I didn’t blame him. It sucked in a lot of ways being a beta, but there were aspects to the other designations that sucked too. Society wanted everyone to fit into a neat box, and none of the people I knew actually did.

Julian was a firefighter. Barely fifty years ago it had been illegal for omegas to go into ‘dangerous’ occupations. He still caught some level of grief from his company, even if he was accepted overall.

But every time he was around new people the questions ranged from where he was from, to how he handled being an omega and a firefighter, and why his alphas let him do such a dangerous job.

We circled the room a few times, making polite conversation with California’s business elite, and then Julian headed to the bar to get us something to drink.

I’d just started another check on the support staff when a voice behind me made my entire body freeze.

“Sunshine?”

I turned around slowly, hoping I was wrong. A chill spread over my skin. Maybe it wasn’t Rob. But as I completed my turn, my stomach twisted, and I regretted every bite I’d eaten.

Rob Beneventi stood in front of me. His smooth blond hair was perfect, and his suit was more expensive than my car. Cold blue eyes assessed me, and I suddenly felt underdressed, even with high heels, a full face of makeup, and a fancy gown for the event.

But Rob had always had that effect on me. It was just that once upon a time, I’d thought I would be good enough if I wore the right makeup, said the right things, and became successful enough.

But no matter how many hoops I jumped through, it was never enough.

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