Page 31 of Sweet Omega
He turned.
Tarymn was climbing the stairs.
Ludiin’s heart tripped, then stopped altogether. His breath lodged in his throat. The alpha’s hair was damp, curling slightly as though he’d just stepped out of a bathing bot, and his sleep clothes hung over his frame, emphasizing the breadth of his chest and the strength in his thighs.
Time slowed, stretching taut. Ludiin found himself staring, hungrily. Helplessly. Until heat scorched his face and he jerked his gaze away.
Stop staring. Stop.
“I’m sorry about today,” Tarymn said at last, his half smile almost sheepish.
“Huh?”
“You connected with me. I was supposed to pick you up but…”
“Something came up,” Ludiin interrupted quickly, still not looking at him. “I understand.”
Tarymn’s groan dragged Ludiin’s gaze upward. The alpha raked a hand through his damp hair, frustration etched into every line of his face. “When you say it like that, it sounds like a damn excuse,” he muttered. “But something really did come up. I wanted to be there. I meant it. You were so nervous this morning, and I…”
“It’s fine, really,” Ludiin said. Silently begging for the conversation to end, for Tarymn to leave.
But Tarymn only nodded, then he lingered not leaving. Silence stretched, thick and awkward.
“Did you… need something?” Ludiin asked, clutching the box tighter against his chest.
“No,” Tarymn murmured, his gaze drifting across the den. “The space is bigger than I thought.”
Ludiin pressed his lips together, unsure how to respond. They just stood there, staring at each other, the air between them thrumming with tension and something Ludiin was trying so hard to ignore. Forget.
At last, Tarymn broke the spell. “I’ll leave you to your work,” he said, turning back toward the stairs.
The second he was gone, Ludiin sagged, suddenly aware of the burning ache in his arms. He groaned and dropped the box onto the floor with a heavy thud. His skin still buzzed from the alpha’s presence, his pulse still racing as if Tarymn hadn’t left at all.
Damn,he thought, rubbing his arms.Why does he have to do this to me?
***
“Stand still.”
“You know I can dress myself, right?” Ludiin said, rolling his eyes at his reflection. Luci moved around him, tugging at the hem of the long shirt and brushing his hands over the fabric until everything sat perfectly. Ludiin had to admit, he looked good, though the butterflies in his stomach didn’t care. Meeting Luci’s alpha friends wasn’t exactly his idea of fun.
“I know, but I want you to look amazing,” Luci said, stepping back with a grin. “Tyn outdid himself. This outfit is stunning. You’re going to turn heads tomorrow night.”
“I don’t want that,” Ludiin muttered, edging away. He’d happily melt into the background if it meant no one noticed him.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Luci gave his arm a playful smack. “You’re just nervous. Trust me, everything will be fine. Smile, talk a little, and if you trip over your words, just laugh it off.”
“Easy for you to say.” Ludiin slipped out of the clothes and set them over the chair in the corner before pulling on his nightclothes. He slid into bed with a sigh, the covers warm around him.
“You’ll be fine,” Luci said with an encouraging smile as he headed for the door. “Goodnight.”
“Night,” Ludiin replied, rolling to face the wall. He shut his eyes, hoping sleep would chase away the worries of tomorrow. Instead, his dreams spun silly scenes of crowded rooms where everyone’s eyes followed him, making him feel self-conscious. By the time morning came, the feeling was still there, and when the party finally started, his nerves were frayed.
“I don’t think I can do this,” he whispered.
“You’ll be fine,” Luci said, ushering him toward the stairs. “Just breathe and enjoy the party”
Breathe and enjoy the party, Ludiin repeated as they walked downstairs. Music floated through the air, and the voices quieted the moment he stepped into the sitting area. Every head swiveled in his direction, and heat rushed to Ludiin’s cheeks. He pulled in a shaky breath, his gaze darting around the room as he willed himself not to bolt.
