Page 6 of Rejected Beta

The coffee shop is my first stop, desperate for an afternoon caffeine fix. I've been here a few times already since we arrived in town and it charms me every time. The scent of the place almost makes me orgasm every time I walk through the door.

It's no different this time. My eyes roll back in my head and I bite back a moan as soon as I step inside, the scent driving me crazy, making my mouth water. The shriek of the espresso machine greets me along with the owner at the counter when the door closes behind me with a jangle from the bell attached to the top.

I join the long line of people waiting to be served, hugging my flyers to my chest as I read over the massive chalkboard menu hanging high on the wall, trying to decide between an apple butter latte or a pistachio one. My goal is to try every single flavor over my time here and choose my favorites. So far the baklava one is winning, but I've only tried a handful so far.

Jen, the owner grins at me. "Hey there, Moira. Glad to see you again. That's every day this week, huh?"

She's an omega and while I can scent she's mated, I haven't come across her packmates or an alpha. She's left to run the place alone, which is something else that draws me here.

I've traveled a lot over the past six years, seen a lot of different places, but this is the first I've seen an omega run their own business alone like this before, in charge of betas and a couple other omegas working there. Things are different in this town, people seem more free, less restricted by designation roles.

I shrug and grin back. "This is my new favorite place."

"Trying something new again?" Jen asks.

"I am. I think I'm going to go with the pistachio today."'

She nods, grabbing a paper cup from the stack. "Excellent choice. It's one of our more popular flavors. What about a treat? We have some red velvet cupcakes in the case today, but they're going fast."

"That sounds delicious." I'll save half for Lexie.

She'll love the sweet treat once school is over.

"Have a seat and we'll have it out for you soon."

"Thanks, Jen. Hey, can I give you one of these? My art studio is opening next week and I could use the help spreading the word." I hold out one of my flyers.

She smiles and nods, reaching out to accept the paper. "Of course. I'll post it on our bulletin board. If you want to give me a few, I can help spread the word."

I grab a few more and pass them over. "Thank you so much."

"Not a problem. I know what it's like to open a small business in a small town. We've all got to work together if we want to succeed."

I smile warmly at her and move out of the way of the line behind me, not wanting to hold everyone up. But she definitely seems like a good contact to have in this town. Perhaps I can come in here during a lull and pick her brain. The best part about the location of my new studio is how close it is to this place. I need to be careful that I don't spend all my earnings here though.

Time ticks on down as I enjoy my pistachio latte and chat with other customers who are scattered around the shop. Several people take flyers, seeming to be interested in coming around. It raises the hopes I'd lost after dealing with my landlord, but it looks like this town is as welcoming as it seemed when I first looked into it.

"You're opening an art studio?"

I blink at the stunning alpha standing in front of me. "Uh, yes. I am."

He’s a tall Black alpha, with cinnamon colored eyes and a bright white smile, dressed in well-fitting gray trousers and a tight purple polo, a matching purple baseball cap on his head. He’s beautiful.

But he’s an alpha.

"May I?" He gestures at the flyers in my hands.

"Sure. Of course." I hand one over, swallowing my unease as I eye the male.

He shoots me a self-deprecating smile that looks odd on an alpha's face. "I'm a terrible artist, but I always love playing with it anyway. And I work over at the rec center and this is definitely right up their alley. Do you happen to bring the party to other locations or does everyone have to come to you?"

My mouth waters at the mint and sunshine scents clinging to him, but I swallow hard and force myself to ignore it. "Depending on the project, I can easily bring the party somewhere else."

He beams at me. "Perfect."

I shake off his overwhelming presence and focus on his words. "You said rec center?"

He nods. "I did."

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