Page 63 of Dubious Match
A surprised laugh escapes. They all find ways to pull laughter out of me, even when I’m the most focused.
“I can honestly say that’s a first,” I admit. “I’m going to walk the grounds, see if anyone needs anything.”
Felix pulls my arm through his with a nod. “Then that’s what we’re doing.”
I have a feeling the guys have decided that I shouldn’t be left alone today. I don’t blame them. Cian called me last night to tell me that he would be here to help with security as well. Maybe he’ll meet someone. We have a large mixture of female and male omegas today.
The idea that I’m Cupid’s pimp isn’t wrong, when it isn’t said with derision. I just help things along.
As we walk, I notice that Cian is gazing at someone, except I can’t tell who it is from this angle. Shit.
“You look like you’re about to stir the pot, baby,” Felix murmurs.
“Then I would tell you that I’m either a perfect angel, or that you’re absolutely correct because I’ve never been angelic a day in my life.”
Felix snorts as I bite my lip, annoyed that I can’t see more. I don’t doubt that Cian’s control is good, so if he gets possessive, he won’t cause a scene here. He’s also in denial that he wants anything to do with an omega or another mate.
“Can you see what the alpha in the dark blue suit with the black coat is staring at? He has dark hair and is wearing a hat,” I murmur.
Glancing over, Felix shakes his head. “There’s something in the way, Hollis. I can’t see. Are you playing matchmaker with the dangerous mafia man, Baby Girl?”
“Shhh, he’s not dangerous to me,” I murmur. “And Cian won’t let me play matchmaker. Maybe biology and fate will help me out. It’s been known to happen.”
“God, you make it very easy to fall in love with you,” Felix mumbles to himself.
Eyes wide, I turn to face him.
“Is that really so shocking? I’m not all the way there, but close enough that it’ll fucking hurt if you reject my pack,” he says.
“I wouldn’t…” I deny, shaking my head. “I need to tell you about my anti-dating policy later and why it came into effect. I can’t do it now, okay?”
I cry whenever I think about my sister. Is she alive or dead? Should I hope that she’s dead if being alive is a living hell? I unfortunately know too well the evils that exist because I hear about them from clients, Omega’s Haven, and my friends.
Not knowing is a double edged sword. If I knew, maybe I could mourn and attempt to move forward. It’s the same reason Lars and Caleb keep looking. The difference is that we know Alisa is alive, simply lost.
“Of course,” Felix says gently. “I didn’t mean to get so heavy just now. Do you need a second? Maybe some water?”
“I haven’t had much water,” I admit.
“I’ll be right back,” he murmurs. Kissing my forehead, he walks away to get me some.
My attention gets pulled away almost immediately as I go check on the caterers, who are already setting up and preparing the bite size appetizers. They are very capable, and I smile as I press my cold hands against my cheeks.
Looking up, I see the sky’s odd cloud pattern, and wonder if it’s waiting to dump snow on us all. Just because the weather says we should only get a light dusting, doesn’t mean that won’t change.
It seems I’ve lost Felix, because I don’t see him again as I walk through the event. Malcolm and Remy are chatting with people, while Brice is watching how the packs interact with different omegas. Taking a page from Brice, I walk closer to the tables and grouping, and listen to the conversations.
“You paint?” an alpha asks an omega dressed in a pretty corset dress and a heavy black coat.
“I always have,” she says shyly. Her name is Lydia, and she’s one of Aisling’s omegas. “I sketch when I can’t paint.”
“Jayden paints as well,” the alpha says, nudging his pack mate.
Smiling, I watch as Jayden blushes. “Do you have any photos of your sketches or paintings?”
Tamping down the urge to squeal and jump up and down, I continue eavesdropping on different conversations. Eventually, I get a glimpse of Cian who appears angry and thunderous, glaring at a gorgeous omega in his early forties.
He’s laughing at something another alpha is saying, and I wonder if someone has finally caught Cian’s attention. I pity Pack Racine though, because my friend doesn’t play fair. That is of course, if he decides that he wants to give into the pull he’s experiencing.
