Page 5 of Talk About… Secrets
When I walked into the lodge, I realized the answer was yes. I definitely should have been concerned.
A man was standing in the lobby looking frustrated and exasperated. His suit jacket was open, revealing a dark green button up underneath. His hair was as dark as his eyes, cut clean and cropped close to his head, gel holding it in place.
He screamed of domineering confidence and power. The kind of alpha who commanded a room with just a quirk of his eyebrow.
When those intensely dark eyes moved to me, the bell over the door chiming my arrival, I nearly tripped.
“Grace?” My name on his lips should have been illegal. His voice had a rasp to it that sent a shiver down my spine.
Somehow I found it in me to put on a strained smile and nod. “Yes, are you Beckett?”
“Beck,” he corrected. Then he smiled. The gesture crinkled the corners of his eyes and showcased his straight, white teeth. This alpha was too fucking handsome formyown good.
I wasn’t usually the type of omega to fall for looks, but here I was, ready to be a babbling fool when faced with his beauty.
Yes, he was beautiful. It was the only word to describe him. A mix of masculine and statuesque features, a true work of art.
“You’re late.”
His blunt words had a laugh bursting out of me. “Excuse me?”
Okay, maybe I judged those looks a bit too early if he’s this rude.
“I was told you’d be here at noon.” He lifted his wrist, pulling back his sleeve to reveal a watch. “It’s nearly one.”
“While, I’m sure your time issomuch more valuable than mine, I never said a specific time. I told my sister I’d be arriving around noon, if all went well. Then your brother loaded about six boxes of mason jars in my tiny car, all haphazardly stacked and nearly breaking at every curve.”
He let out a small laugh. “Sounds like Nolan. Well, it’s nice to finally meet you, Grace.”
Beckett moved forward to shake my hand, both of us freezing when he was mere inches away.
Holy shit. No. Not now.
We both breathed in deep, confirming what was very fucking obvious. We were scent matches.
Here, now. At my sister’s fucking wedding.
Cedarwood, amber, peppercorn, and smoky vanilla. It was a warm, woodsy, and masculine mix that had a touch of spice. His scent wrapped around me like a strong embrace, the vanilla smoothing out his intensity, giving him depth and quiet comfort beneath his dominance.
“No,” I said, my voice sharp and firm as I took a shaky step back. His lips curled into a predatory smile as he followed the step, putting even less space between us this time.
“Why are you running from me, sweetheart?”
“Because this isn’t happening, Beck,” I growled. “My sister is already freaking out and doesn’t need more stress. This is her time to shine, not mine.”
That had him stumbling back like he’d been slapped. “You want me to keep my distance, for a fucking wedding?”
His tone was incredulous. Like the concept was so foreign he couldn't figure me out. It only made me feel worse because that was only partially the truth.
I was also terrified. Who knew after looking for a pack for years I’d find one and freak the hell out. Sidney would shake me for being crazy.
“Yes,” I said, standing strong. The thought of Hailey breaking down about this wedding and me overshadowing it had me ready to fight for this. I said I was going to be a new omega, but I didn’t expect this level of complications.
“Why?”
“You don’t know my family,” I said, letting out a humorless laugh. “You know those movies with overbearing families, far too involved moms and aunts, awful cousins much like evil step-sisters? That’s ours. The drama they bring is unmatched. I refuse to add to it, to be like them.”
His features softened and he sighed. “What happens when they’re on the plane to their honeymoon?”
