Page 191 of Labor of Love

Brooks steps up to me, closing the distance between us, something he never did when he used to visit me. My body isbuzzing, and I unconsciously lean toward him. I never realized just how much I missed his company—until now.

He traces his index finger lightly over the back of my hand. The innocent touch feels electric and charged, causing my skin to tingle, and a shudder ripples through me. Yeah, there’s no mistaking the way my body lights up whenever this alpha is nearby.

Does he feel it too?

5

BROOKS

The familiar fresh strawberry scent surrounds me, just like it did when I first walked into the room. There’s something slightly different about it. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s almost as if he’s wearing an extra perfume. It’s light. Tantalizing. Yet, something I’d recognize anywhere. How is this my life right now? As soon as that scent hit me, my dragon roared inside, wanting to tear down the world until he found him again. Only the omega I’ve been crushing on for months is standing here, right in front of me.

“Are you one of the omegas here searching for a husband?” I ask, voice hopeful. Probably too damn hopeful.

His sweet blush, which I adore, paints his cheeks, making me smirk. I might have spent all this time trying to avoid Kestrel, but now that he’s in front of me, I can’t help but flirt.

Kestrel blinks up at me with his pretty brown eyes. “I am. James encouraged me to come here.”

My dragon growls, not liking the idea of our omega looking for someone else.Easy, big guy. This is good news. If James invited Kestrel here, that means he is single. Either no longer married or going through a divorce.That thought alone causes my dragon to settle.

Leah clears her throat. Everyone looks up at her and gives the omega the respect she deserves. “Okay, guys, dinner will be ready in about five to ten minutes. Feel free to take a seat.” She waves a hand toward the large dining table covered with fine china and decorative silverware.

Kestrel’s gaze bounces to mine, and he bites his lip. He opens his mouth like he’s about to say something, before snapping it closed.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” He shakes his head.

Feeling bold, I use my index finger to tip his chin up so his eyes meet mine. “Please, Kes. Tell me?” The nickname tumbles out of my mouth before I realize it.

A breath stutters out, and his pupils dilate. “Kes,” he breathes. “You’ve never called me that before.”

Damn, he’s beautiful. Always has been, from the first moment I saw him all those months ago in his bookstore. I was wandering the shelves, easily distracted by the selection of books. I’ve always loved to read in my free time. The instant my gaze landed on Kestrel, I was smitten.

I told him I was lost. He immediately started pointing out the shelves of non-fiction books on finance, business strategy, and fitness. I chuckled, imagining one of my brothers walking into this very bookstore, asking for any of those types of books. This omega was sticking to alpha stereotypes, and I wanted to surprise him. Shock him. Make him remember me and never forget.

“Actually, I’m looking for some romance,” I said. “I could use a good ol’ fated mates’ story to make me smile.”

“An alpha looking for romance,” he murmured to himself, probably not realizing my dragon hearing could pick up on his words. “What a beautiful thought.”

Shaking myself out of my memories, I focus on the omega in front of me now. Instead of pushing, I wait patiently for him to confide in me.

“You didn’t use your alpha voice,” he states, surprised. “You just asked.”

My dragon rages against my ribcage. It dawns on me then, a slideshow of memories coming forth. All my interactions with Kestrel. The times he looked sad or defeated. The fact he’d been married, but was here now. The urgency to meet a potential new spouse, and the shock that an alpha would be kind to him.

Who the fuck was he married to previously, and how the hell do I hurt the bastard?

I take a step back, giving my omega some room to breathe. Until I know his history, or until he encourages it, I don’t want to come on too strong or seem demanding. Instead, I give him a soft smile and make my tone light. Kestrel doesn’t need my pity. I’m sure he would hate it. “Of course not. I’m not one of those weak alphas who need to strut around and throw around their authority.”

A fleeting expression of various emotions flits across his face before he stands straighter and smiles.

This omega has shown me nothing but strength since I’ve met him. Fuck, was he hurting all those months ago when I first spotted him? Why the hell did I stop going to his bookstore? I could have shoved my feelings to the side, been his friend. Been there for him. Maybe I could have helped him sooner.

“It’s nothing really,” he finally replies. “Just a silly thought.”

I arch a playful brow.

“Seriously, just ignore me. It was just a ridiculous, frivolous idea.”

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