Page 72 of One Wild Omega

The image of Fitz writhing behind Bellamy wouldn’t stop replaying in his mind’s eye, only making things worse. It was nearly daylight when he finally climbed the stairs to his apartment. His legs shook with every step he took. Exhaustion had set in long ago, yet he’d pushed his body past the brink. Past the pain.

Until he felt numb.

Feeling dirty, he headed straight for the shower, where he turned the jets on as hot as he could stand it. After stripping, he got under the stream and let it sluice over him.

There, he could finally let the tears go, hidden amongst the water.

* * * *

Two days later…

Fitz rolled over in an unfamiliar bed and groaned, his body sore. Looking down… he saw Bellamy… and the full realization of what they’d done hit him. He’d claimed Bell, over and over again. He wasn’t even sure what day it was. He was starving. Thirsty. Needed to piss. The house was barely livable, with the bedroom the only room somewhat furnished. Somehow, he’d managed to get them there after their first wild ride on the floor downstairs.

He climbed from the bed and padded over to the master bath to take a leak. Once done, he returned to see Bellamy awake and getting dressed.

“That wasn’t how I wanted this to be between us,” Fitz murmured.

“It wasn’t supposed to be like that at all.” Bellamy turned around to face him. “I’m embarrassed that happened. I had hoped I could hold back longer.”

Fitz knew Bellamy needed to cycle off. He’d overheard a conversation he shouldn’t have and knew that Bellamy was in danger.

“I’m sorry you’re embarrassed. But it could’ve been a lot worse.”

“How could this beanyworse, Fitz?”

“Would you have rather it had been some random stranger? An alpha you didn’t know off the street? One who broke in here and took you? Hurt you? You would’ve been vulnerable.”

Bellamy shook his head. “I don’t want to think about the what ifs. Or how this will ruin our friendship.”

“It doesn’t have to ruin anything. I told you I wanted to help you, and I mean it, Bellamy. I want to be there for you whenever I can.” He moved closer and put his hands on Bellamy’s shoulders. The need to protect and tend to Bellamy was strong—the alpha’s instinct after any heat shared. “I can start you a bath, if you’d like. Get us some food.”

“I think I’ve abused you enough as it is. Don’t get all alpha protector on me now. Fight the instinct.”

“You know as well as I do how hard that is.”

“I understand that, Fitz… but there’s a line we crossed last night and we don’t need to make it worse. While I’m glad it was you and not some stranger…” Bellamy paused, looking frustrated.

“Just say it.”

“You’renotmy alpha. I know you still think I might be holding out on you, but I’mnot. And I don’t want to lead you on or have you thinking this is forever. My true alpha is out there somewhere, and one day our paths might cross. Where does that leave you?” He paused, searching Fitz’s expression. “I care about you, Fitz.As a friend. A friend I don’t want to hurt.”

Fitz held Bellamy’s stare and finally sensed the truth. Bellamywasn’this. “Let me worry about me. I know you’re not mine.” It had been obvious the night before. The bond he’d always heard about hadn’t forged between them. He didn’t feel the link,Scentexor noScentex.

Bellamy relaxed some. “Good.”

“I also don’t want you to suffer,” Fitz said.

Bellamy sighed. “I need to get out of here,” he said, crawling out of the bed. He finished getting dressed.

Fitz stood up straighter. “Is that a good idea? What if the heat returns? It’s only been two days.”

“Letmeworry about me,” Bellamy spat, tossing his own words back into his lap.

They held one another’s gazes a moment before Bellamy walked closer to the bed. “I appreciate that it was you and not a stranger. But at the same token… maybe a stranger would’ve been better. No strings. No drama. I could’ve walked away and forgotten.”

“I can do no strings. There won’t be drama.”

Bellamy eyed him. “We can only hope there won’t be. But right now… I need some timealone.”

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