Page 24 of One Wild Omega

“Okay, McCreary. If your head keeps growing any larger, you’llneedto buy another building… so you have somewhere to fit it.” Raimy chuckled. “Your place. Seven-thirty. Do not disappoint me!”

“Promise!” he cried before Raimy ended the call.

He shoved the phone into his pocket and turned to see the portrait staring back at him with a disapproving look. “What are you looking at, Dick?”

Tanner sighed and shook his head. He’d hoped painting the image might cure his muse and let him focus on the things he needed to do, but having the man staring at him only seemed to make things worse. After taking the painting off the easel, he carried it to the back of the studio and rested it against the back wall—far from his usual workspace—so it could dry.

Once his nemesis was handled, he placed another canvas on the easel and sat down with a nub of graphite in his hand, ready to sketch.

And he sat.

And sat.

And sat.

Finally, frustration had him rising to his feet. He paced his studio space a few times before a thought hit him. Tanner bounded down the studio’s back steps and headed for the bakery café across the street—and then collided with a man on the sidewalk.

They both jumped back, nearly falling to the ground. Tanner righted himself and spun to eye the man. “I’m so sorr—Bellamy? Bellamy Carter?”A grin formed over his lips. “It’s been ages…”

His words trailed off as he got a good luck at his old classmate. Bellamy Carter eyed him warily, his eyes puffy and red. “Hi, Tanner.”

The pair had been acquaintances in art school, but Tanner hadn’t spent too much time in Bellamy’s circle—but the few times they had, they’d gotten along well.

“I wasn’t paying attention to where I was going. I’m very sorry,” Bellamy muttered, his eyes shining. “I’d love to stay and chat, but I really,reallyhave to get going.”

“Wait!” Tanner yelled at the omega’s back.

Bellamy paused and turned to look at Tanner.

“Is there something I can do to help?” Tanner asked.

Bellamy opened his mouth, but shut it just as quickly, his eyes brimming with tears. “No. Butthank youfor asking. Really.”

There was something in Bellamy’s expression that urged him to ask again. “Are you sure? I was just going across the street to have a coffee. Maybe I could buy you one, too? Then you can tell me what’s going on?”

Bellamy looked toward the café and then back to Tanner. “No… I wouldn’t want to burden you with my problems. I’ll figure things out.”

“Burden away,” Tanner said. He took a step forward. “Look, I’m struggling with a shitty artistic block and I’m looking for just about anything else to do than look at a blank canvas right now.” He took one more step forward. “You’d be helping me. Trust me.”

Bellamy didn’t look convinced.

“Come on… maybe just talking it out will help a little?”

“I seriously doubt that,” Bellamy said, his voice low. “But at this point, I don’t really know what to do next.”

Tanner walked closer and ushered Bellamy across the street. “Trust me. One of Brim’s muffins and a cup of Mick’s java will makeanyday infinitely better. Add in hanging out with me? You’ll be all smiles by the time we leave.”

* * * *

Three years ago… and across town…

After a long week of work, Fitz Walker leapt up the stairs to his brother’s apartment, glad for some downtime. He and Harrison were going out for a night of fun—something they hadn’t done in years. Seconds before he lifted his hand to knock, he heard arguing coming from inside. Aheatedargument. Fitz paused, not wanting to eavesdrop—but he was supposed to pick his brother up. Another round of yells came from inside. Realizing he needed to get the hell away, he took a step back.

But not before the door whipped open and a teary-eyed Cassidy was staring at him.

“Ahh… hey… I was supposed to pick Harry up, but if it’s a bad time…”

Cassidy wiped his eyes. “No, go ahead and take him. I’m leaving.”

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