Page 32 of Omega's Reign

“Why did you want to be my bodyguard? I know that you came highly recommended by my family, but why? What about your pack?” I’m sure that he’s told Beckett and the others his reasoning. He may have even told Wilder, Enzo, Arsenio, and Desmond. But it’s something I want to hear for myself. I have to know in his own words now that he’s not trying to impress anyone.

“I no longer have a pack. My brothers died in the territory wars. Casualties of one of the bombs. I was offered a position on the royal guard, and I thought why the hell not? I had no desire to live alone, and it’s incredibly hard to find a new pack. Being a royal guard would have helped give me some ties and security for my future.” Andrew remains expressionless, though I can see grief haunting his beautiful eyes. I’ve seen eyes like that before in my sister-in-law. Kinsey used to carry a blip of sadness about her that only my brothers could scare away, filling her with happiness.

And I suddenly want to do the same.

“I’m so sorry. It should’ve never been that way. It’s a bunch of useless power trips. People shouldn’t have died because some packs couldn’t accept the fact that Saint Vista is changing.” I wet my lips, my voice soft. “So, you were on my brothers’ staff?”

I haven’t even been home since I moved into this palace. I knew that there were some power shifts, but I have been so concerned with my own territory that I didn’t think much about Gilded Sands.

“For a few months until this opportunity came up. I went to school with Enzo if you didn’t know. We lost touch when he had to transfer to private.”

The funny thing is Enzo didn’t have to transfer to private because he was enrolled his whole life. He had managed to enroll himself in the public school without our father’s knowledge. He had to return when he got caught. It’s not easy for a prince to just stop showing up somewhere. People notice.

I smirk, the memory flooding back to me because I was so jealous. I wanted to pretend I wasn’t an omega to join him. He would’ve helped me but this was before suppressants. They used to be illegal. And in some places, they still are.

“It wasn’t until the announcement of the new leaders had I realized the truth as to why Enzo could suddenly afford private school back in the day. He had told me his pack was part of the police. Mostly betas. And then I saw his smug face on TV. I had nothing to lose, so I reached out to him.” Andrew breathes softly, his scent still so heavy around me. “He’s the one who suggested I apply for this position. He thought I’d be happier. I was better fitted for something that wasn’t patrol.”

I wonder if Enzo had known about the Silversteins’ concerns. Why wouldn’t he? I know Beckett confides in my brothers, especially when it comes to his responsibilities. None of us were born to lead. In our minds, we were just to do as we were told. There was always someone above us to give direction, and now that we are in that position, it’s hard to break old habits.

“Are you? I know it hasn’t been long, but I know it’s a lot. I sometimes question whether or not this is all worth it. If I can even manage.” I drop my gaze to the front of Andrew’s button-up, studying the fabric as if it’s the most interesting thing in the world.

Mostly, I need to redirect my attention. It’s as if his eyes manage to pull the truth from me unintentionally. I hadn’t realized how comfortable I was in his presence until now. He feels safe. Trustworthy.

Warm fingers caress my cheek, his unexpected touch igniting a fire inside me. One that blazes through me, devouring every ounce of hesitation.

“Never let someone else’s expectations of you define your capabilities. You’re incredibly strong, Holly. With your history and everything that keeps coming your way…even the strongest alpha would struggle.” Andrew’s low voice lures my attention back to him. “I wouldn’t have taken this position if I didn’t believe you were capable of fulfilling your duties. I’m here to ensure that you can. I know about the concerns your pack faces. Many expect you to fail, and I’m anxious to see you prove them wrong. To show all of the assholes who feel entitled because of their order that it means nothing. I truly believe our society will be so much better off with you guiding it.”

I press my hand to my chest, his words digging deeply into me in the best way possible. I never expected such a compliment.

Something breaks inside me, my knees weakening, my body wanting nothing more than to throw itself at Andrew. I ignore my reserve and slide my hands up around his shoulders, standing on my tiptoes to close the space. His eyes widen for a split second, and then his features blur as my mouth finds his. I kiss him, giving in to the wild attraction that has been brewing since the day he saved my life.

He doesn’t move. He doesn’t return my affection either, and my fluttering heart stills in my chest before hardening to drop into my stomach.

I pull away in embarrassment, a dozen thoughts racing through my mind. Andrew touches his lips as if he can still feel mine, and his eyes remain wide with fear.

“I—I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that.” I turn away and face the mirror, resting my palms on the cool glass.

“Holly…” Andrew’s words fade, his thoughts remaining a mystery to me.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything. It wasn’t supposed to go like this. What you said… That was very kind of you.” I reach behind me, trying to pull up the zipper of my dress, still halfway down.

Andrew steps closer behind me and helps me in silence. His presence doesn’t help my wild emotions, and I squeeze my eyes shut, begging them to cooperate and not start filling with tears.

“Holly,” Andrew repeats, his voice barely over a whisper. “Can you turn around?”

Can I? Maybe. Do I want to? I’d rather the ground open up and swallow me whole. What if this supposed attraction Beckett saw was not what he was thinking? What if it was just friendliness?

Gently grasping my shoulders, Andrew turns me around to face him. His expression morphs from shock to something darker, sexier. If I continue to look at him, I might kiss him again. This is the same feeling I get every time I look at Beckett. It’s hotter than my sweet love for my betas. More carnal. It’s as if my very being knows that he can satiate me on a level not everyone can.

I exhale a slow breath, my eyes blurry. “You probably think I’m crazy. Or that I’m a horrible person. It isn’t what it looks like. I love the Silversteins. I have bonded with Beckett.”

“I know you have, and I don’t think you’re a horrible person. I think you’re beautiful and compassionate. I overheard the five of you talking.” Andrew rubs his lips together, his hand still resting on my shoulder while his other one slides through mine. “I’m absolutely honored that you feel as if I would make a good member of your pack. I just—”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything.” I can feel his rejection already coursing through me, causing my heart to thunder in a way that makes me feel as if I’m dying. This was so ridiculous of us. No sane man would want to join a pack that isn’t even officially bonded under the law of the region.

I slip away from Andrew and turn toward the secret door that’ll lead to the tunnels. I can’t stand the thought of someone seeing me cry over a dumb rejection. I don’t know what’s worse. The fact that I overestimated myself in my abilities or the fact that I have let my pack down. It’s not even about me, really. Beckett needs this. He made it clear that he doesn’t feel as if he’ll make a good leader otherwise. He’s afraid without the help of another alpha that he’ll fail me. But it’s not him who will fail. It’s me.

“Holly, wait.” Andrew tries to grab my hand, but I tug away and slap it against the wall opening the door.

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