Page 140 of Dream Mates
Briar had a very different feel than Marquess. It was just as pretty, but cozier.
“Yeah, they did. I tested as an alpha in middle school, but they thought it was wrong, which happens sometimes. Growing up, I was never big or muscular and I had a thing for stuffies. Mumsy is quite the statuesque woman. I shot up but never filled out. It was a surprise to everyone when Iactuallybecame alpha. Me included. Dad wanted nothing more than an omega child, and so far, it’s been alphas all around. Though the younger ones are too little to test, and I’m pretty sure one of them is a beta,” he explained.
“Oh.” Right, that was a very real thing here–expecting to become a certain designation and becoming something else. Did people throw fits when they were disappointed about theirchildren’s designations the way they sometimes did at gender reveals?
He shrugged as he led me through the campus. “It is what it is.”
The coffee shop he led me to was airy and full of plants. Students filled the outdoor patio, studying, chatting, and enjoying the afternoon.
We stood in line and got our coffees, along with a chai latte for Verity, who was on her way.
“How long are you here?” Creed grabbed us a table inside.
“We go home Saturday,” I told him, taking a sip of my coffee. “Tomorrow we’re going to go to the beach.” I couldn’t wait.
“That sounds fun.” He waved at someone behind me.
A young woman with golden skin, long dark hair, and blue-green eyes bounced over to us. Tall, willowy, and lithe, her cute outfit and confident demeanor made me think of some of the popular rich girls at my university. The sort that joined sororities and had fancy cars.
“Is that for me? Thanks.” Verity grabbed the other cup, took a long drink, then plopped down into a chair.
My heart twinged. Once I got to middle school I hadn’t had that sort of relationship with my brothers.
“Verity, this is Dr. Grace Ellington. She has been traipsing about the Circle looking at super colliders.” Creed gave me a big grin, his tone teasing. “Grace, this is my super-annoying little sister who prefers plants to people.”
“Plants can’t talk back,” she joked. “Hi.” Her hands clapped together, then went to her mouth, as she looked from Creed to me and back again, a huge grin on her face. “Oh my. Wow. This… this… oh my.”
Creed chuckled. “I know.”
Verity checked the time on her phone. “Dad’s got a lecture in a bit. We should go sit in the back and see how long it takes forhim to notice. Has she met Hale? We should all go to Mercy’s skate smash game–her team’s really far in the finals. Then maybe have dinner at Harry’s?”
She was practically bouncing.
“Ver, that’s not why she’s here. She’s from the PIIP conference. Ina introduced us as a possible job connection.” Creed’s voice got a little stern as he put his hand over hers.
“Oh.” Verity looked puzzled.
I realized that like Creed, she was an alpha and smelled of driftwood and sea salt.
“Thanks for the offer, but I can’t stay all that long. I’ve got a hot date,” I explained.
Creed took a sip of coffee and grinned. “Ah, yes, because you’re being courted. Where are you going?”
“We’re going to tour a farm that’s a bourbon distillery and have a sunset picnic. I’m excited.” My shoulders wiggled happily.
A hand went to Verity’s heart. “You’re being courted. Oh, that’s so sweet. I think I know where you’re talking about. It’s popular for weddings. Now, is he a physicist too? You’re at the conference together, or did he just come to keep you company?”
“I’m a theoretical mathematician, and I work for his company. He surprised me with the trip because I wanted to see the particle cutter over at PIIP.” My head ducked a little. “I thought it was pretty romantic.”
“It is. Show Verity a picture of him.” Creed’s grin widened.
I gave him a look as I found the picture of Spence and I from the science dinner. “That’s Spencer.”
“That dress,” she breathed. “That’s a Vecci from their new collection. And he’s… wait, is that…” Verity exhaled. “You’re being courted bySpencer Thanukos?”
“I am.” My shoulders danced again. “I also work for Compass BioTek.” Might as well lay it out.
Verity looked at her brother. “Why would Ina want you to meet someone from Compass BioTek? Are you trying to give the parents a heart attack?”
