“The train doesn’t arrive until morning. You expect me to sleep inside this cabin—with him?”Wynter asked. “Money’s no object. Perhaps we can convince another omega to give up his seat.”
“Money’s no object,”the alpha repeated in a mocking voice.“Give me a break.Entitled assholes like you are what’s wrong with the world today.”
Heat flooded Wynter’s cheeks. “Oh, yeah? Maybe it’s alphaholes like you who lack the ability to empathize with an omega’s situation that’s the problem.” He gasped inwardly. Where was his bravado coming from? He’d never spoken to another person that way before.
“Your situation?You mean, you—not getting your way?” The alpha eyed the conductor. “Don’t you dare ask another omega to give up their seat for him.”
“There could be someone on this train who could use that money,” Wynter stated. “You may be robbing someone of much needed financial assistance.” He eyed the conductor. “It couldn’t hurt to ask, right? I’ll take anything in the omega car. I’ll even share.”
“Howmagnanimousof you,” the alpha murmured.
The conductor appeared uncomfortable as Wynter stared at him, ignoring the alpha. “We don’t have much time left to make inquiries. None, in fact,” the conductor said as he eyed his watch. “We leave in two minutes. I’m afraid we’ll have to deboard you.” The conductor winced. “Unless Mr. Cavanaugh will allow you to remain here.”
There was no way Wynter was going home to Warden. He couldn’t wait two days, or he’d end up in heat. He eyed the smug alpha.
“We will,of course, refund part of your ticket as thanks, Mr. Cavanaugh,” the conductor said to the alpha.
“Part?Try all.”
The conductor opened his mouth to argue, but Wynter intervened. “I’ll pay it.”
Wynter forced a smile as sweet as he could make it and leveled his gaze atMr. Cavanaugh. “I can’t waste days waiting for another train. Would you agree to—share—your cabin with me? I think we can manage the next…few hours… together.” It was going to be hell, but the alternative wasn’t much better.
“You forgot something,” the alpha murmured.
Wynter frowned.
“You didn’t ask please,” Mr. Cavanaugh said with a grin.
Wynter fought the need to roll his eyes. He clenched his jaw, his teeth almost hurting before he opened his mouth.“Please?”
The alpha’s grin made his teeth ache again. “As long as you promise to play nice.”
Wynter glared.“Of course.”
“I’m glad you could agree,” the conductor said before clicking both their tickets and handing them back. “The club car will be opening within the hour, and dinner will be served later this evening. Your porter will notify you both when the time comes. Have a pleasant trip, folks.”
“Could you have our porter come and stow my bags a little neater?” Wynter asked the man.
“I’m sure he’s busy,” the alpha said, rising. He hefted one of Wynter’s suitcases with a grin. “Hell… what do you have in this thing? Stones?” He turned to the conductor before the man left. “I can handle Mr. Priss’s bags.”
“You don’t have to do that, Mr. Cavanaugh… I can have the porter come,” the conductor said, eyeing the bags.
Mr. Cavanaugh carelessly tossed Wynter’s suitcase onto one of the overhead racks. “No worries,” the man said before grabbing another. “I’ve got it.”
“Careful!”Wynter cried.
The alpha ignored him, tossing another suitcase without care. Luckily, the conductor didn’t leave. Instead, he assisted the big brute as the alpha manhandled the rest of Wynter’s luggage, attempting to ensure they were stacked somewhat neatly. Once everything was on the upper rack and tied down, the conductor left them alone.
Wynter did not wish to be alone with the man.
“Was thatreallynecessary?” Wynter asked as he sat on the opposite bench facing Mr. Cavanaugh. He folded one leg over the other and glared at the man.
“Waswhatnecessary?”
“Throwing my baggage around like that? I asked you to be careful. Idohave breakables in there.” He huffed. “The porter can handle taking them down, thank you very much.”
“Is it really necessary for you to treat people like your slaves?” the alpha asked as he leaned back against his bench seat.