Page 13 of Unwanted

That question was loaded. Was he asking if I found him attractive despite his smaller frame? Did he care? There was clearly something between us, something rising to the surface. I answered lightly, "When I met Winter in college, he was different—really slender, willowy. He bulked up over the years. Honestly, I prefer a slimmer, smaller build." After a pause, hoping my words would sink in, I added, "So, what do you think? Maybe tomorrow we could go for a short bike ride around the area? Just something light, since you’re probably not ready for a long one yet."

Liam looked up at me and nodded.

"Alright then, I’ll pick up the bikes this afternoon, and we can head out in the morning!"

But he didn’t seem done with the previous topic and was clearly struggling with something. "Have you ever dated an omega before?"

I made a face, probably revealing more than I intended. "I never had the courage to ask one out. The idea of dealing with his heat was overwhelming. One friend of mine dated an omega, and during heat, the omega got so frustrated he called an alpha friend to fuck him. The situation traumatized my friend so much he went into therapy afterward and, of course, broke up with the guy. He was left with this ‘beta insufficiency’ trauma. So, I'd rather not be exposed to an unsatisfied omega in heat, resenting me for not keeping it up for five days straight or more."

Liam looked at me in shock. "That’s horrible! Calling for an alpha… it’s so humiliating. I understand that feeling, though. When Soren went into his mini-heat, he chose to be with Skye. I know how hurtful it can be. I’ve heard a lot of stories like that."

For the next half-hour, we shared some traumatic stories we’d heard about betas being dumped by AOs or treated badly because of their supposed limitations.

Finally, we were ready to get out of the jacuzzi.

The biggest shock came then. As Liam turned to step out, I saw something surprising—a large, intricate tattoo on his back, spelling out one word: Soren.

I froze, staring at his back, the sight so overwhelming that I didn’t even pay attention to how his wet swim trunks clung to him, making his plump butt look pretty damn good. No, I was fixated on that damn tattoo.

He must have sensed something was wrong because he turned to look at me, and our eyes met. He knew right away what had caused my silence.

"Yeah, I know. I have his name tattooed on my back. I realize how dumb it looks now, but it’s not something I can easily get rid of—it’s rather large," he said, shrugging lightly as if it was no big deal, but it was.

I swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, but seeing it wasn’t easy for me, for reasons I couldn’t fully understand.

Liam held my gaze for a moment, reading my reaction, then gave me an apologetic, sad smile and wrapped a towel around himself. "Well, it is what it is. I’m gonna go get changed."

That was all he said, hunching as he walked away. I sat there a while, trying to shake off the shock. Liam’s love for Soren was literally inked on his skin, permanently. Removing such a large tattoo would be costly and inconvenient. Covering it with something else would be easier. I had an odd impulse to suggest that to him—because for some reason, I wanted Soren’s name gone from Liam’s life, erased. Was it jealousy? I’d only known him for two days, and… already?

LIAM

That evening, we watched romantic comedies together, just like Finn had promised back on the cliff. Somehow, I wasn’t surprised to see that Finn had chosen only movies about relationships between betas. We watched, and I have to admit, they really lifted my spirits.

Later, we made dinner together, which was nice. It felt so… normal, like we were a couple—or at least, I allowed myself to indulge in that wild, far-fetched illusion for a bit. I cut the veggies, Finn cooked, and we helped each other and exchanged culinary tips. I also love cooking, but I let Finn show off his skills, and they were impressive. The meal he prepared was very tasty. Afterward, I spent some time on my computer, and while I was online, Winter called me.

He told me he’d spoken with a friend at D-Project who had an opening for a programmer in his department. He asked if I wanted to come in for an interview with the potential new boss next week. I thanked him and said I’d love to. I told him how much I appreciated his help, and he said it was no problem.

As we were wrapping up, he added, "I’m glad you’re staying with Finn. I’ve known him for years, and I vouch for his character."

I wasn’t really sure how to respond to that. It almost sounded like he was recommending Finn as a potentialboyfriend. I just mumbled another thank-you, and soon after, we said goodbye.

Before bed, we spent a little more time just chilling in his yard, and Finn gave me a bottle of beer, good quality and brand. The evening was warm, the breeze gentle, and I felt really at ease.

"This place is so peaceful; I could sit here all day. It’s such a small, almost confined space, but so… quiet. I really… need it," I murmured, watching the long Miscanthus grass sway in the wind.

Finn smiled.

"Yes, my life was pretty hectic when I bought the place, and I needed a safe haven. Now it’s my Zen space where I can relax and recharge."

"Thanks for letting me stay here… It’s really kind of healing," I added shyly.

Finn’s gray eyes rested on me for a moment. "I’m glad you feel that way. I hope it continues, and… I want you to know you’re welcome to stay as long as you like." His voice trailed off slightly, as though worried it might sound too intense or suggestive, but I decided to act cool about it.

"Thank you! It’s like a little spa, with a jacuzzi, stargazing, and… good company."

Finn grinned widely.

When it was time for bed, I hesitated, wondering if I should repeat what I did last night, and decided to try—but in a more discreet way. So, I went to Finn’s room, feeling a little anxious. But he didn’t make a big deal of it. He just shifted over, making room for me beside him. This time, I lay down a bit farther away—not touching him—to make sure what happened last night didn’t happen again.

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