Page 16 of One Wild Omega

“Oh? Isthisthe infamous Fitz Walker?” Bellamy’s papa asked, eyes wide with curiosity. “I’ve heard so much about him from Bellamy.”

I’m sure you have.“Yes. That’s him in the flesh.” Tanner cast another glare Fitz’s way before looking back and seeing Fitz hovering off on the fray. He took a step closer to his alpha and tried not to let Fitz’s stare chase him away. “Fitz… these are Bellamy’s parents… Joel and Henry Carter.”

Fitz plastered on a wide smile and offered a hand to Henry.

“We hear you’ve been a good friend to our Bellamy. Considering the distance that had been between us, we can’t thank you enough for being there,” the alpha said as he shook Fitz’s hand.

Fitz gave Tanner an odd look and shrugged. “I think more credit needs to go to Tanner here. He’s the one who gave Bellamy a roof over his head.”

“Anda place to start his business,” Joel said before giving Tanner a smile and a squeeze of the arm. “We thanked him profusely the first time we met, to the point he probably got tired of hearing it. Which is tough, because I doubt we’re done saying it. We appreciate you both for all you’ve done for our son when we couldn’t.”

Tanner smiled, humbled by the thanks and shocked at Fitz for suggesting he getanycredit. Not that he needed that credit. It had been the right thing to do…

Even if it had led to agony on his part.

“No one needs to thank me. I only offered a couch for a few months until he could get back on his feet. It was nothing, honestly.”

His stare went to Fitz’s. Fitz held it for a moment before jerking his away.

“It waseverything. He had nowhere. No one.” Joel’s face fell. “But now we’re closer, and we can be his shoulder to lean on again,” Joel said, grinning widely. “And just in time. I can’t wait to be a grandpapa!”

“He has my brother, Quinn, too,” Tanner said.

“Yes. Such a fine young man,” Henry said, nodding. “I’ve been very impressed with Quinn.”

The doorbell rang again, allowing Tanner to break free and put some distance between him and Fitz. He glanced over one shoulder and saw Fitz’s stare following him out. Tanner paused in the hallway and glanced at his reflection in the mirror there.

His eyes were shining. His lips kiss-swollen. His now blue and purple hair was still tightly braided and neat, thankfully—but his cheeks were red and scratched from Fitz’s beard. His skin was on fire, his lips, too. His whole body throbbed with need.

“There you are, Tanner. So good to see you!”

Tanner spun, forcing a smile to his lips as he greeted the early arrivals—a set of cousins he hadn’t seen in years. Luckily, one set of guests came after the other and he spent much of his time welcoming and directing them into the back of the house. He wasn’t accustomed to not being the life of the party—smack dab in the center of everything. And, obviously, Ben could’ve done the job…

But that would’ve meant lingering around Fitz when he needed distance.

His lips continued to tingle with the remembered feel of the alpha’s mouth on his. With every smile. Every word. Every movement. He lifted a few fingers to touch the bottom bow, and felt how kiss-swollen it still was.

Remembered how Fitz’s teeth had felt nipping at the tender flesh there.

A preview of how it would feel in other places.

Tanner closed his eyes and shook his head, trying to urge those thoughts aside. Today was all about Quinn, Bellamy, and the new addition coming to their family. After feeling his phone vibrating, he fished it from his pocket and eyed the screen. Expecting an update from Quinn as to where the happy couple were, he was shocked to see a text from Fitz.

The party is missing its master of ceremony.

Tanner eyed the screen a moment before replying.I’m welcoming everyone and waiting to see when the guests of honor will arrive.

Are you avoiding me?

Tanner scoffed out loud.In your dreams.

I think you are. You shouldn’t miss the party you put so much time into setting up…

Tanner could see the thought bubble pop right back up, so he paused, waiting to see what else the alpha had to say.

Because of me.

Tanner rolled his eyes.I think you give yourself too much credit.

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