Page 82 of Patiently Yours
And the rest of the night is cozy and cloudless as our omega enjoys herself. It’s the best feeling, taking care of someone andloving them all in one. Despite the challenges, I wouldn’t want this to be any other way.
FORTY-ONE
Playing: The Color Violet by Tory Lanez
“This isthe most cliche thing we have ever done.”
Rory and I stand off to the side while the guys set up the pool table. We’re both holding pool sticks, although I think mine is a bit too short because I keep accidentally getting the blue stuff on my hands. But I am very excited to finally learn this supposedly fun bar game.
Rory, however, is unimpressed.
“Think about it this way, Cranny,” I start, “one day, you may get a role playing pool in a bar. Wouldn’t you want to already know how to play it instead of someone on set explaining it to you?”
She narrows her eyes at me, which makes me laugh. “It’s an absolute travesty that you know me so well.”
“You love me for it. If it can help further your career, it’s notreallya waste of time. So, let’s learn something and enjoy it.”
She huffs a heavy sigh before pushing me slightly. “Only because I don’t want to look stupid in this hypothetical scenario.But first things first”—she points at my stick—“isn’t that a bit short?”
We end up doing terribly in the first game. Lucky for us, Ciro isn’t that good either. He cracks a joke after every turn.
Looks like hitting balls with sticks is a useful skill after all.
I’m the one into guys and yet they can maneuver balls way better than I can.
We should get them drunk and then hold our pity win above their heads for the rest of our lives.
Ciro’s sassiness leaves us laughing after every turn, even the guys are laughing at his jokes despite their competitive spirit.
The drinks are flowing, and Rory and I are in the middle of losing the third game against the alphas when someone comes upon our table. Her fiery hair is curling around the edges and her eyes widen as they meet mine.
“Hi,” she squeaks before looking around her shoulder nervously.
Warning bells immediately go off in my head. I look over at Rory and see she’s thinking the same thing.
“Hi there.” Ciro’s enthusiasm—and perhaps liquor courage—causes the volume in his voice to spike.
“Are you okay?” I cut in, earning concerned glances from the guys. Kendall puts down his stick, as Atlas waits with patience.
“Um, yes.Technically.” She goes to mess with a wisp of hair, pulling at it in a compulsive movement. “I just need some help.”
She whispers the end of her sentence, so Rory and I lean in closer.
“Is someone bothering you?” My best friend asks, her expression already furious.
The girl winces as she tries to find the right words. “One of my friends set me up on a blind date and he’s… gosh he’s justawful.” She takes another look over her shoulder, “I just need help getting rid of him. I bought myself some time, but honestly,I wouldn’t put it past him to follow me to the bathroom. And I’ve had too much to drink and I don’t trust car services enough to take one alone.”
It’s then that I realize she has a distinctive smell. Her soft demeanor and the lightness of her scent—which is fruity but undistinguishable—makes her omega nature apparent.
“Of course we’ll help you,” Rory says and I nod in agreement.
“Would you guys be okay with helping?” I ask my mates, and they all give me the same look of confidence.
Kendall speaks first. “Of course. We’re always up for ruining some creep’s night. You guys just stay here.” He points to Ciro. “You stay here, too. You might be a bit too drunk for a spy mission right now.”
Ciro throws his hands up. “What are you guys going to do? Poke him with your sticks until he goes away?”
Rory leans over to the new omega and whispers, “They’re all hockey players. He’s making a hockey joke, not being a pervert.”
