Page 195 of Labor of Love

7

BROOKS

Afew days later, Aiden corners me with a teasing grin. “So… what’s going on between you and Kestrel?” We’re hanging out on the patio by the pool and enjoying the warm sun while the omegas are out shopping. The rest of the omegas and alphas arrived yesterday, putting my dragon on edge.

Last night, we were supposed to mingle with the newcomers, but when Kestrel said he wasn’t feeling well, my dragon eagerly jumped at the chance to get Kestrel away from the other men by escorting him back to his room. We curled up on the tiny loveseat in his room and ended up watching a movie together.

To everyone’s surprise, a few of the alphas and I banded together to provide the omegas with elegant attire for tonight’s ball. My mind momentarily wanders to my omega as I try to picture what type of outfit he might purchase. Gods, he would look stunning in anything.

“You two have grown close in such a short amount of time.” Aiden nudges me, and my dragon huffs in annoyance.

“Are you trying to say something, friend?” I ask in a sarcastic drawl.

Aiden throws his hands up in a surrender motion. “Nothing really. I’m just surprised you didn’t stay and meet the others.”

To my dragon, no other omega compares, and I must admit, I agree. Memories of Kestrel reaching for my hand come to mind, and I remember the way the shimmering green magic linked us together. A small smile breaks across my face. “I think he’s my fated.”

A gasp leaves Aiden’s lips, and his eyes widen with shock. For a moment, something like sadness flickers across Aiden’s eyes, but it’s gone just as quickly. “Ah. That explains why you two act like you already know each other. Does he know about you two?”

“I haven’t told him yet.” I shake my head. “He’s human and probably doesn’t feel the pull like I do. And fate might be a factor, but we’ve already met. Actually, he’s the omega I’ve had a crush on,” I confess.

“The bookstore owner?”

“Yeah, although his ex-husband is giving him a hard time. The asshole is trying to claim the rights to the shop.”

“Fucking bastard.”

“Right? Kestrel has only mentioned him a few times, but something isn’t adding up. The guy sounds shady as hell. I asked Asa to investigate him and dig up as much dirt on the alpha-hole as possible.” I lean forward in my seat. “The bookstore has been in Kestrel’s family for generations. The bookstore should be his. The ironic thing? James is the ex’s lawyer, not Kestrel’s.”

“No fucking way.” Aiden laughs. “It’s probably one of the reasons James chose Kestrel. He’s probably playing double agent and trying to make sure Kestrel gets his shop back. You would be able to place a claim on the bookstore if the two of you get married.”

I nod again. “Exactly. Although I get the impression that the real reason for having Kes join this arranged marriage program is because James is playing matchmaker.”

“And how have I done so far?” James asks as he walks out of my house with Leah by his side. They each pull out a patio chair and join us.

Before I can say anything, Aiden talks over me. “I’d say pretty damn good. Kestrel is his fated mate.”

I kick Aiden’s shin under the table just as Leah’s mouth falls open.

“Hmm. And when do you plan on telling your fated that you two are meant to be together?” James asks, tone serious. “You know he doesn’t have too much time before his ex takes over his bookstore, right? The dick keeps leaving me messages, saying he can’t get a hold of Kestrel.”

Smoke pours from my nostrils, and a fire so hot burns deep within my chest. My dragon doesn’t like the idea of this abusive prick trying to talk toourmate.

“Kestrel can only dodge his calls for so long, especially if he wants to keep his shop. It’s fucked up, but he needs a husband who is willing to fight for him and his claim legally.”

I sigh. “I know.” Despite Kestrel and me being fated, I want to take my time wooing my omega. If he were just some random omega I was helping out of a bad situation, then marriage would just be a means to an end. But now, it means something. Marriage between me and my fated will always mean something.

Aiden and James give each other a knowing glance.

“I don’t just want a quickie town hall meeting where we sign papers. I want to give him the wedding he deserves, even if it’s just a small one. I really don’t think I should rush this. I need my omega to trust me first.”

James leans forward and squeezes my shoulder. “Talk to him, Brooks. You aren’t the only one with secrets.”

My heart slams into my throat, and my eyes jerk up to his. Does he know about Kestrel’s pregnancy? Damn. He probablyknows. Kestrel’s scent has clearly changed, and James and I are both dragons. He had to have scented it as soon as he saw him.

Gods, how many of the other alphas know? Would the others judge him? My dragon roars in my chest, angry on my mate’s behalf. Ready to defend him. I won’t let anyone say anything hurtful. If Kestrel accepts our bond, I’ll claim his unborn baby, too.

James arches a questioning brow.

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