Page 35 of Where the Current Takes Him
“How far?” Beau’s voice was too high. He cleared his throat. “How far away can we go?”
“It is not an exact science,” Loriun admitted. “But we can test the limits, if you would like.”
“I think…” Beau took a shaky breath. “I think I need some time. To process.”
Loriun stiffened, muscles clinching beneath vibrant scales. “Yes. Of course. I will take you home, and I will attempt to return to my residence. If it is too uncomfortable… Well. We can discuss it then.”
Beau found Mer expressions hard to read, but even he could see the anxiety in every line of Loriun’s face. He was probably worried he might lose the Omega he paid for.
When they arrived at the house, Beau immediately swung himself out of the car. “Thanks… for the ride.”
“You are welcome.” Loriun’s jaw was clenching and unclenching, as if he wanted to speak. Instead, he turned back to the road and vanished around a bend. Beau waited for some horrible feeling to strike him—like lightning or nausea—but nothing happened. He waited a few more minutes before heading back inside.
Chapter 16
Beau
Beau dropped to the cool, tile floor, and lay like a beached starfish. What the fuck had he done? His mind was racing through any possible way to get himself out of this situation. Two days ago, he’d been single, picking up men in bars, with no plans to have children. Now, he was handcuffed to a Mer, who definitely expected children from him. He’d barely gotten to live his life. He was only twenty-four, and had never left North America. There were places he wanted to see, things he wanted to do… and all of it had been washed away in a single haze of heat.
Not for the first time, he cursed himself for being born an Omega.
Beau pulled his phone from his pocket and scanned through his texts. So many drinking friends… not a single true friend. No one he could go to for advice or support. He draped an arm over his eyes, trying to steady his breathing. Something blue caught his attention.
The business card Jaime had given him. Beau stashed it in the back of his phone case so he wouldn’t lose it, thinking itmight be nice to have at least one person he knew, even if there was nothing Jaime could do to rescue him.
He popped his phone cover off and retrieved the card. Jaime told him to call if he needed something, but the last thing Beau needed was to deal with a phone call.
Beau Montgomery:Jaime? It’s Beau
He didn’t need to wait long for a response.
Jaime Rodriguez:Beau! Are you okay? What’s going on?
Beau Montgomery:I’m okay, I just… I need someone to talk to
Jaime Rodriguez:Do you want me to come over there? Or we can come pick you up?
Beau Montgomery:I don’t think I can go anywhere right now, but if you could come here… I would really appreciate it
Jaime Rodriguez:Is Loriun there? Why can’t you leave?
Beau Montgomery:No, he’s not here. I’ll explain when you get here
Jaime Rodriguez:Send me your address, and I’ll be there as soon as I can.
∞∞∞
It turned out Jaime and Vuos lived only fifteen minutes down the shoreline. Vuos dropped Jaime off before getting shooed away.
“The Omegas need to talk,” Jaime said. “I’ll call you when I’m done.”
Vuos frowned, but nodded. “If I need to beat up Loriun Kolhn, I’ll do it. You will just have to use his money to bail me out of jail.”
“Yes, yes, you’re a big, strong, tough Alpha,” Jaime said impatiently. “Now leave!”
Jaime wrapped an arm around Beau’s shoulders and guided him inside.
When they were both seated on the couch, and Beau had a steaming cup of peppermint tea, Jaime took one of his hands and asked, “What’s going on?”
