Page 17 of One Wild Omega

I felt you hard against my leg, so don’t try telling me you weren’t turned on.

Tanner stared at the screen, shocked by Fitz’s forwardness. It wasn’t like him. They were better enemies than friends, always had been. It had made Tanner’s life a lot easier that way. Easier to keep the distance he needed to survive.

Before Tanner could reply, another message came. Quinn and Bellamy were only minutes away. After shoving the phone into his pocket, he gave word to Ben before heading for the family room where he announced the couple’s arrival.

“I just got the word, they’re almost here. Everyone needs tostay very quiet. Quinn’s bringing him in via the garage and they’ll come in through that door over there. As soon as it opens and you see Bellamy, shout ‘Surprise!’,” Tanner said, pointing to the door.

He turned to face the door, hearing the muffled sound of the garage door opening. A hand appeared at his side with a glass of punch in it. Tanner looked over and saw it was Fitz offering him the drink.

A peace offering of some kind? Or just another way for Fitz to get under his skin?

“Did Iaskyou to bring me something to drink?” he asked, teeth clenched.

“It was hot in here earlier. Not sure if you had a chance to cool down,” Fitz murmured near his ear.

Tanner lifted his stare to the big alpha, trying to decipher what Fitz was up to. He was locked in Fitz’s stare, breathless. Hot. Needy.

“Surprise!” rang out a chorus.

Tanner whipped his head to the side. Again, he’d been so preoccupied with Fitz, he’d forgotten himself. At least he didn’t miss Bellamy’s wide smile and amusement.

“Oh mygods,” Bellamy said, chuckling. “You all almost sent me into labor.” His smile faded some. “Damn… maybe I should go back out and let you scream at me again. I amsoready for this baby to be here.” Bellamy chuckled again before making a beeline to Tanner. “I doubt I have to guess who’s to blame for this shin-dig?” He moved in close. “You know I hate surprises.”

Tanner smiled brightly. “Which only makes me want to do them all the more.”

Bellamy gave him a tight hug. “Thank you.” His stare drifted to Fitz. “Did you help set all this up, too?”

Tanner turned to look at Fitz… and felt his heart crushed by the bemused puppy dog look the alpha was giving Bellamy.

“Nah, this was all Tanner,” Fitz said, never looking Tanner’s way.

He’s still in love with Bellamy.

Tanner’s throat tightened up, and he wanted to scream. “Excuse me.” He extricated himself from Bellamy’s arm to go welcome his brother. “Welcome back.”

Quinn smiled after gazing around the room. “You’ve outdone yourself, little brother.” Quinn leaned in for a hug and a quick peck on the cheek. “But what else should I expect fromthe artistein the family?”

“You could’ve warned me that you’d invited Fitz,” Tanner said, trying to keep as much snark from his voice.

“I figured one more wouldn’t hurt. He is one of Bellamy’s best friends.”

“And your ex-rival.”

“Hardly,” Quinn said, looking far too confident for his own good. “I know my omega loves me. And I him. Also, you may recall that Fitz shoved me in Bellamy’s direction when it mattered most.”

Tanner gnashed his teeth. While he typically hated the prehistoric alpha male bullshit, this was one moment where he would’ve appreciated a little of it.Be jealous! Be territorial! Kick Fitz out on his ass!“I still don’t think it’s appropriate for him to be here.”

Quinn gave him an odd look. “I thought the three of you were friends?”

“Hardly,” Tanner grumbled while sneaking a peek of Fitz from the corner of his eye.

“Well, if I can handle him being here for an afternoon, I think you can, too. For Bellamy.”

Tanner wanted to pout and make demands, but doing so would only raise suspicion. That was the last thing he needed. “I suppose I can make it work.”

“Good, good,” Quinn said absentmindedly. “Now let me say hello to some of our other guests.”

Moving off into a corner, Tanner watched the gathering like he was on the outside looking in. Everyone took a moment to greet the guests of honor, specifically Bellamy. He saw all their smiles. The excitement. Tanner felt none of it. Not with a particular person in the room causing chaos in his mind. His stare strayed over, and he found Fitz watching him. Quickly whipping his gaze away, he pretended not to notice.

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