Page 25 of Waiting for Fate
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE AUDACITY OFmy bodyguard!
It’s been a few days since our show in Grand Rapids, yet his stupid words still haunt my every waking thought. Pulling me aside and claiming me as his mate was ridiculous! His claim about the type of connection we supposedly share is equally abysmal.
Shared pain can be devastating. Most of the packs who share the connection are vocal about how taxing it can be. I wouldn’t wish that Fate on anyone, let alone someone who works a dangerous job like Ridley does. To be mated to someone who regularly risks their life to protect others-
I shudder, imagining the pain I would feel if he got caught in the crossfire on a mission. No, thank you. I will continue living as though I do not have a Fated connection until I have proof it exists. I certainly won’t be taking my flirty bodyguard’s word for it. Even with the undeniable pull between us.
Leaning against the couch, I watch Ridley’s character move on the screen. In our down time, he and Lex often play video games on the console he brought. Today he’s chosen a cozy farming game. Something relaxing after spending the afternoon at a protest outside of Senator Pierson’s rally in St. Louis.
I am tempted to drag Omen to the back for a girl’s night, but my bestie’s wrapped up in whatever happened between her and the members of Primordial Covenant. After going on an impromptu date with their drummer a few days ago, she has withdrawn into herself. I thought we had gotten past her fear of their connection, but the way she has been avoiding them tells me otherwise.
There isn’t anything I can do to change her mind. She has to overcome her fears on her own.
“What made you want to work for the DAU?” The question slips from my lips, and I silently curse myself when I see Ridley grin. I shouldn’t be catering to his delusions by asking him personal questions, but sitting here doing nothing is too boring.
“I started working security after the Alpha Academy, so it was a natural transition. As for why I wanted this line of work, it was more of a necessity than a choice. I have four little sisters, two who presented as omegas. If I didn’t have an outlet for my protective nature, I’d channel it all to them, and that wouldn’t work out well for anyone involved. I got into enough fights in high school trying to keep assholes away from my sisters.”
A slight flare of jealousy lights up my soul, but I squash it down. I always wanted siblings when I was growing up. It wasn’t in the cards for my family. At least not until we adopted Omen. Even if she was already eighteen and technically an adult, she became the sister I never had.
So I understand Ridley’s protective instincts for his siblings. I feel the same about Omen. Like I could tear apart anyone who dares to hurt her—physically or emotionally.
“I bet they’re all grateful for your career choice, then.”
He laughs, the sound lighting up every fiber of my being and making my heart pound in my chest. Fates dammit, why does this alpha have to be so dreamy?
“They certainly are. Though my omega mother isn’t as on board as everyone else is. She’s a worrier, so knowing her only son intentionally puts himself in danger to protect others makes her anxiety spike. I try not to let her know the severity of any injury I get while on the job.”
“She sounds wonderful. My mom is the same way, but she works with the DAU, so she also knows injury is inevitable. Two of my dads work for the DAU, too, one as an undercover operative. She just patches him up, scolding him the entire time. They’re very cute together.”
I can’t hide the longing in my voice. Thankfully, Ridley doesn’t comment on it.
“What are your sisters like?”
His smile grows, taking on a soft quality that makes my heart race. “They’re amazing. And annoying, but that’s pretty normal for siblings. Two omegas, a beta, and a female alpha. All strong willed and chaos incarnate. They might be glad I joined the DAU, but they love pushing my buttons. Dragging random packs home or getting into trouble with the police.” His head shakes, but there is so much love and humor in his eyes. He is obviously a great big brother.
I listen as he tells me stories about the pranks they pulled and the adventures they went on. These little snippets of his life make it harder to keep denying the pull between us. If I admit he’s right about the pull between us, I could be part of their family, too.
If you asked thirteen-year-old me what her dream mate would be like, she would have described the alpha sitting beside me. He’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and completely unattainable all the same.
Sometimes Fate really sucks.
I’m entranced by his stories, unable to look away until Lex steps into the living room, shirtless, with water still dripping down his chest. Fates, these men are way too attractive for their own good. I’m pretty sure there will be a wet spot on the couch when I get up, which is embarrassing as hell.
“Where’s Omen?” he grunts, peering back towards her nest. I glance across the couch to where my bestie was sitting, only to find the seat vacant. Scowling, Lex crosses to the front of the bus and curses. Panic churns in my stomach as he slams the bus door open and heads outside.
“Shit,” Ridley groans, running a hand through his rich brown hair. “He’s going to kick my ass.”
We both stand, ready to go search for Omen, when we hear footsteps headed back inside. The breath I didn’t realize I was holding whooshes out when I see her step into the living area. I don’t have long to let my relief simmer before Lex is stomping in behind her, his angry words cutting around us.
“It’s my job to protect you. How the hell am I supposed to do that if you’re sneaking off the bus in the middle of the damn night? Or do you not give a shit about your safety? “
Omen’s lips twist into the most malicious look I’ve ever seen cross her face, my gut sinking at the way she’s lashing out. “I needed a minute to myself without you three silently judging me!”
I try to reassure her we are only worried about her, not judging her for pushing Pack Graves away, but it’s clear she isn’t hearing me. She’s trapped in a cage of anger. Her nest door slams shut a few minutes later, leaving us all on edge
Ridley’s hand rubs soothing circles between my shoulder blades as I sink onto the couch. I should shrug the touch off, but when I feel this helpless, it’s hard to maintain the badass facade I usually embody.
