Page 51 of Rejected Beta

Their nostrils flare, likely scenting Ryder and Hendrix since they kept close the entire time I was sick and I haven't used the scent canceling wash to remove them from me, enjoying the way their fragrance is lingering, finding comfort in it now that they're gone.

But maybe that was a mistake.

These two are stereotypical alphas, leaning into all the clichés to excuse their shitty behavior. The scents of others on me are only going to make them territorial and push them, ending their fake patience and understanding.

Surprisingly, they don't comment on it, though Nicole growls low in her chest.

"Since I haven't been well, I haven't really had much time to decide anything about the two of you."

Brad holds his hands up, the picture of fake innocence. “We understand. We're not here to rush you, we're here to check on you."

Sure they are.

"Also, we wanted to see if today was a good time to introduce you to our omega,” Nicole adds.

I sigh. “As long as it happens before school lets out, I suppose that's fine."

Better to get it over with now, instead of it hanging over my head for days. No matter how exhausted I still am or how little interest I am in seeing them fawn over my replacement.

Just because I’m glad they rejected me back then, doesn’t mean the wound doesn’t still sting from time to time.

"Do you have anyone coming in for the next hour?" Nicole asks.

I shake my head. “Not unless someone drops in."

Brad nods. “We'll go grab him and bring him here then so you don't have to leave and close up again."

"Okay."

Suspicion plucks at me as they hurry from my studio, excitement spiking their scents. What the hell are they up to? They rejected me because they wanted an omega instead of a beta, so why would they think parading said omega in front of me is going to convince me to join their pack?

I try to shake off the unease and turn my focus back on my paperwork, rescheduling things from being closed for two days unexpectedly. Maybe I'll get answers about what's really going on today, and I can start the process of removing them from our lives.

Because now more than ever, I'm seeing a future worth fighting for here, one that doesn't include these two. There's only one situation I'll allow them in Lexie’s life and that's if they are somehow able to prove they've been looking for us this entire time and they prove they're willing to adjust their lives to ours and genuinely be there for her. But regardless, I'm not joining their pack. They can just be a part of her life, be her parents. That's the best they're getting. I'll leave the country with her if need be before I let them force their way into her life.

Maybe I'll haul Hendrix and Ryder along with us.

I shoot Enzo a message, letting him know they'd coming sniffing around and were bringing their omega back to meet me. He messages me back right away, reminding me about the cameras Ryder had installed, to make sure they're aimed at the entrance of the studio and to keep them in mind when they return, to try to keep them in the frame. I still haven't messed around with the cameras much, but I hurry over to them and make sure the lights are on and they're aimed properly, adjusting my position so they'll be seen from all angles when they return.

My hands tremble and my pulse races, nerves getting the best of me, my stomach churning, fear replacing some of the rage, doubts replacing the determination. It doesn't matter how hard I fight, they're still alphas and so are most of the people in government and authoritative positions. If they really push this, I could lose Lexie, and I can't bear that.

I just want to wake up from this nightmare and go back into the bubble where things were safe and calm with Hendrix and Ryder.

Closing my eyes, I do the deep breathing exercises, finding my center and breathing out the negative and the bitter, focusing instead on the good and the light. I won't let them know they're getting to me, even when they bring their omega to shove in my face.

The door swings open and they burst back inside, their energy even stronger than before, smug dominance pouring off of them in such strong waves I almost choke. They must really be happy with their omega, who is hovering behind them, hidden behind their backs. I can't smell anything past the two posturing alphas either.

With wide. teeth-baring grins, Nicole and Brad step to the sides, revealing their omega.

My heart drops as I take in the handsome face and deep green eyes. No.

“Jareth?”

"Hey, Moira." He shoots me a strained smile and a limp wave, discomfort screaming from his posture.

What the fuck?

This can't be real.

---