Page 16 of Talk About… Trouble

“Can I cut in?” an alpha asked, glancing at all three of us like he had just won the jackpot.

“Absolutely not,” Devon said. “This is an omega-only dance party.”

“You can’t tell me you don’t need a little knot in the mix.” To mark his words he gestured down to his pants that were far too tight.

Someone needed to tell this man that size wasn’t everything. A creep is a creep.

Grace giggled at the failed attempt at wooing us while Devon barked out a laugh.

“That is the last thing we need. Keep walking.”

“Can’t blame me for trying,” he said, giving us one last glance before reluctantly walking away.

We dissolved into laughter as the song switched, but I was practically dripping sweat at this point and didn’t want to be out here any longer.

I fanned my face and pointed toward the door.

“I’m going to step out for some fresh air,” I called out.

“I need the bathroom,” Grace said, hurrying off in that direction while Devon followed me outside.

The night air was cool enough that it felt incredible against my sweat-dampened skin. Out here, the music was muted enough that we wouldn’t have to shout.

Thanks to the sweat, Devon’s smell was stronger now. I liked it a lot more than I should, even if it didn’t make my body react like I wanted it to.

Still, it drove me crazy.

If only my omega would react. Even a hint of those instincts.

But no amount of wishing would change the fact that his scent wasn’t enough to steal my breath away and change my worldview.

He just felt safe, and I had a feeling that I was blowing it out of proportion because of my need for a little stability and security.

Grace walked out with one of Avery’s brothers and two other girls in tow. I froze, panic rising as she started talking.

“Hey, guys! I wanted you to meet some of my friends. I’m sure you recognize Nash Whitaker from his viral thirst traps,” she teased. “And this is my friend Sidney, and my other friend Oriana. She’s the one that owns the antique store I was telling you about.”

Sidney was a familiar face, but I wasn’t sure how she felt about this meeting, so I focused on the other omega instead.

“I can’t wait to check it out,” I said, giving her a smile. “Our place could use a few things to spice it up.

Sidney was trying to smile but the way she was studying me had me shifting from foot to foot, feeling awkward.

Nash was even more gorgeous in person, but he also wouldn’t look at me.

They knew exactly who I was and what I’d done. My stomach sank and I swallowed back the tears threatening to fall.

“I’m going to go,” I stammered out. Thankfully, I had everything with me, and I started to turn, but Devon stopped me with a gentle hand on my wrist.

“Hey, what’s wrong?”

“Let her go,” an omega behind them said.

I didn’t recognize her, but she sure seemed to know me. She was dressed in brand new cowboy boots and mini skirt, a flannel shirt tied and tucked just under her boobs. It was the stereotypical outfit of a girl trying hard to grab attention.

Her eyes trailed over me as her lips twisted in disgust. “We don’t need someone with your reputation around here.”

And there it was. I guess I’d been too optimistic tonight because this town definitely wasn’t welcoming.

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