Page 6 of Omega's Reluctant Mate
I sighed as the masseur worked another sore muscle. “So how much do I owe you for my portion of this trip?”
“Happy photos out front, that’s it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive. The resort is sponsoring my day for the posts, but I thought it would look better as a group excursion. So I’m writing off you two as a business expense, because who wants to do this alone?”
“Hear, hear,” Theo replied.
“I’ll just need the photos and you to sign the release forms.”
“I think I can handle that,” I replied.
“Thought so,” Zaya chuckled. “So you’ll be at the party, right?”
Butterflies flitted in my middle, like the party was important.
“I wouldn’t miss it.”
Chapter 4 - Nate
Ilooked out the window, where the Pacific Ocean glittered in the afternoon light.
I wanted to tell the pilot to turn around and take me back to Chicago, or maybe to New York, where I could meet with contacts. But I knew that Papa would see that as work and keep me out of the office even longer.
No, the best plan was to spend a week with Zaya and see if that would be enough to satisfy Papa. If not I’d find something else to do.
Maybe Zaya knew about some alpha-only resort, where I’d be safe from the constant terror of meeting a man who would have expectations that I wouldn’t be able to meet.
I’d rather live my life as a bachelor than disappoint my fated mate.
“We’ll be landing in ten minutes sir,” the flight attendant said, making me jump slightly. “Is there anything else I can get you before the pilot begins his descent?”
I turned and smiled at the young woman. “No, thank you.”
She nodded. “The car should arrive any minute and will meet us on the tarmac.”
I nodded an acknowledgement, which was enough to satisfy her and she walked away. The flight crew all knew me, and that I was a man of few words.
I took a deep breath and tried to look forward to the vacation. I’d get to spend time with Zaya, which made me happy. He’d always been the omega I could count on, since all he ever wanted from me was support as his big brother. Even with him mated to Cadence, he usually contacted me first to act as intermediary if he wanted something from our parents.
Cadence was a good man, and a good brother-in-law. We’d probably be able to get in a day of golfing, which would be nice and safe.
Then there was Bryce, and thinking of my nephew always brought a smile to my face. I’d never have a kid of my own if I never mated, so I’d love that kid—and any more of Zaya’s—as much as I could.
The plane banked as the pilot lined up for a runway, and I forced myself not to sigh. Two weeks vacation. Two weeks away from the office.
Two weeks of terror.
∞∞∞
“Welcome Mr. Starling,” said Zaya’s house manager as he opened the door for me.
“Good afternoon Reginald,” I replied. “Thank you for making accommodations on such short notice.”
One of his eyebrows went up. “I appreciate that you consider several days short notice.”
I chuckled. “Zaya’s friends still have a tendency to drop in with under an hour’s notice?”
