Page 16 of A Knotty Road Trip

Iwatch as my scent match and my best friend talk to a man with greasy black hair in a long trench-like coat. Angel looks pissed, and Belle seems worried.

“Do you think he likes her? I've never seen him so attentive to an omega before,” Tate comments, watching the same show I am. His eyebrows are furrowed, and I groan. Pulling out his phone he texts security, and I decide now is the time.

Shit. I hope this doesn’t ruin things between us. He means everything to me, and he’s my family. The one that I can depend on no matter what. My heart and a part of my soul, even if it is damaged and darkened.

How could she be my match? Wouldn’t she know who I am? From what I’ve heard when you meet the one everything stops, but she avoids even looking my way.

“Baby, there’s something I should tell you,” I start, but then Angel and Belle begin walking over. “Later,” I tell him, sighing and he nods.

“Hey, sorry about that. I hope your drinks are still hot,” Belle says, taking a seat furthest from me. Angel hands her the tray once she’s seated and plops down next to her.

“Wow, this all looks delicious, but didn’t you mention a pizza?”

“Oh, shit. I’m on it.” Angel hops back up and rushes off.

“Do you think he will need any help?” Belle asks, watching him go, and my chest tightens.

Why is she acting this way? Does she not want to be my match? Or is she even my mate? I’ve never experienced this before, but the way my body is aching to be near her, and my cock is throbbing, I think that would mean she’s mine. Right?

But she’s avoiding looking my way again and seems on edge now that she’s left alone with me and Tate.

Huffing, I open my cheesecake and take a big bite, getting more frustrated and hurt the longer she’s silent.

“Sooo,” Tate says, pointing toward the drinks still in her lap. She looks up at him and her cheeks are rosy. She’s beautiful. Wearing a sweater and pajama pants with hideous socks, her blonde hair tossed up into a messy bun and her wide gray eyes.

If I had to pick someone for me… it would be her.

“I am so sorry. God, just going to state this for the record right now… not that you plan to spend time with me, but I babble, tend to knock into things or people, and I am awkward as hell.” Her eyes widen, and she bites her lips.

“I can’t believe I just said all that. Ugh, please take your drinks, so I can go hide in a ball back in my corner.”

Tate barks out a laugh, and I even chuckle. She’s actually really cute and I find her babbling adorable. Reaching for his tea he also grabs the peppermint mocha I requested, handing it to me, and now I’m blushing.

I’m glad the others are scent blind because she smells incredible. Taking a sip, I groan as the velvety chocolate flavorruns along my tongue with a hint of mint. I don’t know how long it takes me to chug that drink, but when I’m done, Tate is looking at me with fire in his blue eyes, and Belle is squirming.

“Thanks, I was thirsty,” I grunt, placing it on the floor and going back to the vanilla bean cheesecake. God the two flavors mixed have me almost creaming my pants. I think I need to get out of here.

“This better be the best damn pizza of my life or I am going to throw a grade A hissy fit,” Angel says, returning with a large pizza.

Taking his place beside Belle, he gives her a smile and gently pushes his shoulder against hers. Placing the box in the middle of the blanket, he opens the top and groans.

“Olives! I didn’t ask for olives.” Pouting, he leans back on his hands and turns to sprawl his legs out.

Heels clicking along the tile have me looking over my shoulder. That attendant… What was her name? Larissa? No, that wasn’t it… Rissa! Rissa walks over to us, and she’s frowning.

“I’m so sorry, but they just cancelled all remaining flights due to the storm. We have accommodations available across the tarmac at our hotel. If you’d like, I can show you the way.”

Belle gets to her feet and presses down her thighs, wiggling. “That would be great. When is the next flight to LA?”

Rissa scowls at her and gives her a fake smile. “Oh, I’m sorry, the accommodations are only for the VIPs. You can stay here though. I think we have some cots in storage. I'd be happy to set one up for you.”

Belle frowns, and she’s about to nod, but Angel cuts in. “That won’t be necessary. She can come with us.”

“I’m afraid company policy won’t allow that, Sir.”

That’s it! I have had it with her passive aggressive behavior. It’s quite clear that Rissa is an alpha, and she’s trying to claimsome kind of territory over the guys. Fixing my glasses, I get to my feet and turn, giving Rissa my business scowl.

There’s a reason that I am so good at negotiations.

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