Page 36 of Small Town Shy Omega
I didn't know what was being said…. And I paused, nervousness fluttering through me.
When people spoke behind my back, it made me feelsmall, like they were discussing something negative about me they otherwise wouldn’t say in my presence. No worse feeling existed than when I walked into a room and everyone hushed. The conversation died, and my gut told me what my ears could not. They were talking about me.
Frowning, I tried to make out their words. What were my Alphas saying? I couldn’t handle any cruelty.
They’re probably debating leaving me,I thought with tears, and I pressed my fingers to my lips. No crying, Layla.Don’t you dare make a fool of yourself any more than you already have.
Everyone eventually left when they realized I wasn’t what they wanted, I was defective, I wasn’t outgoing and that instead of parties, I preferred reading in my nest. Or, they sought to control me, and if I pushed back in the slightest, they devalued me. I was worth nothing.
I thought we had a good relationship,I thought, knowing my pack was gossiping about me or forming a plan to leave. Guess I was a fool, an Omega bound by her feelings.
I should’ve learned by now that my feelings only existed within my heart, and weren’t shared by others.
Against my judgment, I peered through the doorway.
Josh buried his hands deep in dough, the smell of yeast filling the kitchen. Flour, egg whites, a pinch of salt.
The cream we’d borrowed from a neighbor earlier helped with the dumplings, and the meal felt quaint. Country, without being too rustic.
Chicken and dumplings.
Blake shot Josh a look. “Mind helping us dice this chicken when you finish?”
“I’m nowhere near done,” Josh gritted out, a laugh sounding. “I’ve only just started the dough.”
“You look like you’re stalling,” Blake growled.
Josh bit back a glare. “I’m working as fast as I can, man. Give me a break.”
“The soup needs to be ready for when Layla arrives,” Blake said impatiently, eyes flitting to the wall clock. “I mean, she’s gonna be hungry after chatting with Bronwyn all afternoon. Besides, she bought those new toys for Whiskers and shopping for cat toys requires lots of work. I’m sure she’s been busy picking out cat beds, blankets, and toy mice. She wouldn’t just pick out any cat toys for Whiskers. Only things Whiskers would really enjoy, things that fit her needs. That takes effort, man. Layla’s not the type to just grab catnip off the shelf.”
My heart ballooned. I leaned closer to hear better.
“Very original.” Josh sprinkled more salt onto the dough. “You think Layla’s really buying her cat toy mice? Get real, man. She’s the type of Omega to think of something totally different and unique to give to her furry friend. A toy no one’s ever thought of before. Not something basic as toy mice.”
“I was only tossing out suggestions.” Blake diced chunks of chicken breast. “I don’t have a creative mind.”
“But you’re the poet.” Josh frowned at Blake. “You’d better be creative, because when we stargaze with Layla later, she’ll require poetry. An original idea.”
“I planned to recite poetry,” Blake growled, “not write it. I did write her that poem at the café… But that was regurgitated from something I wrote in college. You know, when I was pursuing my English degree before we met and began our construction business together.”
“I’m telling Laylaaaaa,” Josh growled, and even Dreydon chuckled.
Dreydon wiped his hands on his apron. “You rehashed the poem for Layla from something you wrote in your college days? Unreal, Blake. She deserves more than that. So much damn more.”
“I’d like to see you write a poem.” Blake was clearly annoyed at being called out. Who really liked being called out? I didn't.
Dreydon’s brows slanted. “Not my specialty.”
“Oh, we know.” Blake didn't mince words. And Josh let out a laugh.
“I’m much better at enforcing contracts,” Dreydon growled. “And if I’m not the one who collects our pack’s money, for our business, I have no role in the pack.”
“I’d never want to take your role.” Blake dusted the chicken with parsley sprigs.
“You stick with poetry,” Dreydon said, “and I’ll serve where I’m best. Collecting money. Running the backend of our business.”
Josh nodded, though he took issue with Dreydon’s tone. “We all have our set positions. Blake—it’s great that you put yourself out there the other day, demanding that $300 from the subcontractor, but Dreydon is better at that role.”
