Page 73 of One Wild Omega

Fitz heard the dismissal in Bellamy’s tone. He headed downstairs, naked as the day he was born. Once in the living room, he dragged on the only clothes he had, the dirty ones from before, and raced out as soon as he had them back on.

And worried about what came next.

* * * *

Knocking awoke Tanner sometime later. He dragged himself from his dreams, not that he remembered any of them. After not getting any sleep the past two nights, he was playing catch up. After rolling to his back, he stared up at the ceiling a moment, trying to fully wake up. Heading for the door, he scrubbed his face with both hands, knowing he likely looked like hell.

He wasn’t in the mood to care.

He flung open the door. And saw Bellamy.

“What’re you doing here?” he asked. He hadn’t expected Bellamy to resurface for a few more days. Had it not been a heat after all? Maybe the friends had finally crossed the line.

“I seem to remember you showing up the other night and seeing something I wish you hadn’t. At least, I think it was you. Things were a bit of a blur.”

Tanner shrugged. “Not like you owe me an explanation.”Yes, he does.

“Can I come in?”

Tanner took a step back. “By all means.”

Bellamy entered, and Tanner closed the door behind him. Before they could barely get situated, Bellamy unleashed on him.

“I really,reallyfucked up, Tan.”

“Oh?” Tanner asked before plopping on the couch and trying to act unaffected.

“A mild heat came. Early. If I’d had any idea, I wouldn’t have been near Fitz… but he was there… and I… the instinct… it took over… both of us…”

“Heats typically last four to five days.”

“The medicine might not have completely failed me yet. I don’t know. I woke up this morning and felt like myself again,” Bellamy answered. “And I had to get away from him.”

“Fitz?”

“All I could think about was what you said to me once. That I was taking advantage of him. Using him. Now I see you’re right. I am.”

Tanner was silent, letting Bellamy’s words sink in.

Bellamy continued, rising and pacing the living room. “I should’ve seen that this could’ve happened. I should’ve pushed him away. I knew he wasn’t my alpha, and I knew no matter how many times I told him that, he wasn’t fully buying it.” He paused, wringing his hands. “Maybe I liked the attention. I wonder,didI lead him on? Did I cause all this to happen?”

Tanner didn’t know what to say. He hated that his words had sent Bellamy down this spiral. It wasn’t his fault. Without a family, Bellamy needed friends—people he could rely on. Fitz was one of those people. Tanner had put doubt in Bellamy’s mind because of his own issues.

Bellamy kept up his pacing and his flow of thoughts. “I mean, he did say it was a good thing he was there. Had he not, who knows what might’ve happened. A stranger could’ve stormed in and taken me. Hurt me. Gotten me pregnant. Fitz protected me. Made sure I was okay.”

So many thoughts raced through Tanner’s mind. He wanted to be angry at them both, but knew he couldn’t. Tanner had never told them the truth. He’d been selfish himself, letting the relationship continue… maybe so he’d still get to see Fitz from time to time. No matter if the man didn’t want him, there was still a bond Tanner doubted he could completely sever.

“I shouldn’t have said what I said,” Tanner murmured.

Bellamy spun to face him, worry etched in the lines of his face.

Tanner released a pent-up breath. “Youdidn’tuse him. You were open and honest. You told him that he wasn’t yours. If he didn’t believe you, that was on him. Not you. And you’re right. Had it not been him… it could’ve been anyone. A stranger. Someone who could’ve done anything to you in that situation. A situation where you were at your most vulnerable. I’m glad,” he paused to clear his throat. The next words were difficult for him to say. “I’m glad it was Fitz there. I’m glad he protected you and ensured you were okay.”

Bellamy plopped down on the chair across from Tanner. “I’ve got to find a safe space to cycle off. And soon.”

“I offered to send you to one of the spas.”

“I know. And it was averygenerous offer. I wish I could accept it—but there’s no way I could repay you for that.”

---