Page 15 of One Wild Omega

“Well, then explain this little temper tantrum you’re having if it’s not jealousy.”

Tanner glared up at the big alpha. “I don’t think Quinn really wants you here. It was likely an empty gesture. Him trying to be nice since you were friends withhisomega, assuming you’d be smart enoughnotto come. But then, I’ve never known you to be all that smart.”

“ConsideringIwas the one that helped prod them back together, maybe he wanted to show his appreciation in some small way.”

“Youhelped prod them back together?”

“Iamthe one that showed up on Quinn’s doorstep and suggested he go help Bellamy several months ago. They’ve been together and happy ever since.” A wicked gleam came to Fitz’s eyes. “You do remember that, right? Because the morning after that was when you jerked me off in Quinn’s bathroom.”

Tanner cringed at the memory. He had no idea what in the hell he’d been thinking that morning. “A moment of weakness. There won’t be another.”

“Good,” Fitz barked. “I wouldn’t want you anywhere near me!”

Tanner suddenly realized they were nose to nose and couldn’t be any closer. Caught off guard, he lifted his shocked stare to Fitz.

Seconds before Fitz’s mouth descended on his.

In a matter of a few heartbeats, they’d gone from arguing to feasting on one another’s lips. All the anger within evaporated, leaving behind a wet, humid lust that sweltered.

He tasted alcohol on Fitz’s tongue… a warm, rich whiskey. Fitz’s hand crawled up his back and grew tangled in his hair. Dragging him closer, Fitz took what was his without even knowing it. He placed his palms on Fitz’s chest and felt just as much heat blazing from the alpha as was churning inside. A little of his slick dribbled out, getting him ready to be claimed. He felt a fat drop slide down his inner thigh as another eased behind it.

Tanner trembled against Fitz, forgetting when and where he was.

The doorbell rang.

For Tanner, it was as effective as a slap in the face. The world turned right side up, and the shock of what he was doing slammed into him. As footsteps approached, they both untangled within seconds, taking steps back until there was a major gulf between them. He felt cold. Empty. Tanner could still feel the rough scratch of Fitz’s short beard and the searing heat of those lips he’d always yearned to feel.

Ben led Bellamy’s parents in, fresh faced and smiling. Tanner took a few steps closer, welcoming them.

As soon as they eyed Fitz and Tanner, their smiles faded some.

“Is everything okay in here?” Bellamy’s papa asked softly.

Tanner glanced over his shoulder and saw that Fitz had put distance between them. He stood near the doors leading out onto the patio. “Everything’s fine, Mr. Carter,” Tanner said as he turned back, his voice cracking some.

The omega of the pair turned to Tanner. “I asked you to call me Joel when we met last.”

Tanner smiled slightly, still thrown by the elephant in the room. “Of course.” He straightened his tunic and walked over to greet the pair. “I’m so glad you were able to come.” He eyed the gift in the Alpha Carter’s hand and pointed across the room. “You can place that over on that table and then dig in. We’ve got plenty of food and drink, if you’re hungry.”

Both men looked between him and Fitz a moment, not appearing to have believed Tanner’s fib. Nothing was fine. Nothing. His body burned from the inside out, and all he could feel was Fitz’s hands on him. If they looked at him with any more depth, he feared they would see just how desperately he wanted to yield to Fitz.

How much he wanted to beg.

Never.

Finally, the silence was broken.

“We came early to see if you needed any help, but my word, you’ve got it all taken care of,” Bellamy’s papa said. “And then some. It’slovely.”

Tanner paused to look around the room. He been so enthralled with Fitz that he hadn’t even bothered checking any of the preparations. But luckily, it looked as if everything was in place, enough that he wasn’t worried about minor tweaks. Not when his hands were shaking. He ended his inspection on Fitz, who was picking up the food he’d knocked out of the alpha’s hand.

Fitz rose to his full height and eyed Tanner.

Heat flared in his stare.

“Was that alpha bothering you?” Bellamy’s father whispered under his breath.

“No… no, Fitz was just being…Fitz,” Tanner said when nothing better came to mind.

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