Page 6 of Suddenly His Alpha

“You hope so, hmm?”

“I do. He’s the only thing willing to look at this ugly mug of mine for any length of time.”

“I’m glad you foundsomeonewilling to endure that hardship.”

“Seriously. I’ve already been informed I’m a bad match by a few omegas here tonight.”

Tulla perked up a little, curious if he was joking or serious. “Oh really? Do tell.”

“Seems I’m not rich enough for them. I run a non-profit and only take enough salary to cover my expenses… and nothing more. Apparently, I’m not a good provider.”

“Omegascanbe a greedy lot. But not all of them are like that.”

He tilted his head Tulla’s way. “How about you? Which camp do you reside in?”

“As long as there’s a safe roof over my head, food in my belly, and my needs are met, I suppose I would be happy.” He thought back to his little cell of a room and how happy he was to be there. Tulla didn’t need a mansion to find peace.

The alpha leaned back in his chair some, eyeing Tulla a few seconds before speaking. “That’s good to hear.” He paused, coughing. “Of course, just for general purposes. To know not all omegas are gold-diggers. Not that I’m suggesting anything.”

Tulla grinned wildly, unable to stop. “Of course.” He felt a wave of longing race through him. The alpha was a huge guy… all long arms and legs… taking up a lot of room. Beside the man, he felt very small, but then hewasomega. Omegas were usually a good half-foot shorter than alphas, if not more.

He’d always hated feeling smaller than others and having their height used as intimidation. With this alpha, he didn’t feel that.

Tulla felt safe.

“Not that it really matters,” the alpha continued. “I doubt I’ll ever find an omega for me.”

“Oh, why’s that?”

“I’m not the typical alpha.”

Duh.“How so?”

The alpha took off his glasses. “I read. A lot. Histories, mostly. The occasional fantasy novel.” He pressed his glasses up his nose. “So much so that I ended up having to get these.”

It was unusual for an alpha to wear glasses before he was of an older age. Tulla didn’t mind it. It made the guy look distinguished. And if he’d done it reading, it meant he was bright. Smart men were infinitely sexier. But he was right. Alphas seemed to read what they needed and little more. Reading for pleasure seemed to be a habit found more often in omegas.

“Like I said, I work for a non-profit, helping low-income families find good housing… or having it built… and I commit a lot of time and energy to that. And money, of course. I’m always seeking donations to the program. When I do get downtime, I like being home. Relaxing.”

“With your cat and your books.”

The alpha nodded. “With my cat and my books. Add in the fact I can be messy, I hog all the blankets… and I actually likekisnamusic… and I’m just a loss cause. ”

“A lost cause… yes,” Tulla added. “Kisnamusic? Seriously? That might just be the nail in the coffin right there.”

“I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I like it. Itrelaxesme.” He turned to look at Tulla. “And what do you like to do?”

“Oh, I have bad, bad habits, too. Mouthing off to my parents and living off their dime as I do my damnedest to avoid finding an alpha for as long as possible. And I’ve been told I snore.”

“Terrible habits, indeed.”

“They are,” Tulla admitted. “That and my adoration ofkisnamusic.”

A weighted silence filled in between them, heavy with desire.

“That does it. We’re no good for anyone else and should just remain alone forever,” his stranger murmured.

Tulla wanted to agree. He wanted to be alone, but he couldn’t ignore the racing of his heart or the need gripping his body. The thought of being alone after the awakening he now felt… was wrong. He struggled to get enough air into his lungs. “Suddenly… the thought of being alone no longer sits so well with me. And I have you to blame for it.”

---