Page 196 of Labor of Love

Yup, he knows.

I nod. I don’t give a shit about Kestrel’s asshole ex. The little one will grow up knowing two parents. Because I already know I’m going to help raise this child like my own. Now I just have to find a way to gain Kestrel’s trust and let him know that.

8

KESTREL

“Hey, there. Kestrel, right? I’ve been dying to meet you.”

I look up from the rack of clothing to see a stunning blond omega weaving his way through the boutique. The very same omega that showed up with the rest last night and threw his arms around my alpha. That same nauseous feeling sweeps over me, and just like last night, I can’t tell if it’s from morning sickness or jealousy.

Kai, Penn, and I left the big group of bubbly omegas to check out this tiny boutique down the street. So, I’m shocked to see blondie here, too. Is he looking for an outfit for tonight’s ball, or did he follow me here?

“Yes, that’s me. And your name is?” I try my hardest to keep my tone neutral. Logically, I know I don’t have anything to worry about. As soon as I said I didn’t feel well last night, Brooks sprinted after me and spent the rest of the evening curled up around me while we watched movies. To alleviate any discomfort, Brooks fed me snacks, pampered me, and made me laugh as often as possible, making me feel treasured and cherished. I was so caught up in Brooks’ thoughtfulness, I forgot to ask about the blond omega who’d greeted him, and just likelast night, I can’t help but compare myself to the pretty little thing in front of me.

“My name is Novl. And you’re the beautiful omega that’s captured my cousin’s heart.”

I arch a brow hopefully. Novl is human, and Brooks is a dragon. “Cousins?”

“Well, technically, he’s cousins with my fated, Archer.”

All the tension drains from me, and I reach out to shake his hand. Novl is fated to Archer. “Oh gods, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you already had a mate. I—uh, I kind of thought you were flirting with Brooks,” I confess.

Instead of shaking my hand, Novl pulls me into a friendly hug. “None of that. Brooks told me to treat you like family.”

Warmth fills my chest, and a smile tugs at my lips. “That’s very kind of both of you.”

“You feel it, don’t you?” Novl’s eyes sparkle. “The pull between you two seems strong.”

I nod, excited to have someone to talk to about this. “I do. You mentioned that you and Archer are fated. Do you mean fated mates?”

“Sure do.” Novl smiles and turns back toward the rack. I get the impression that he’s giving me space while not fully leaving my side. We continue to shop as we chat about Brooks and Archer. He even tells me about his best friend, Astra, who happened to be fated to a demon prince. At one point, Kai and Penn appeared at my side. I’m grateful that they cared enough to check on me, and despite everything, I genuinely consider them friends.

“I get this feeling Brooks and I were meant to be together,” I say nervously, before darting my eyes away. “How do I know if he’s the one? My mate.” I nonchalantly hold up a shimmering emerald-green jacket up to my chest as I try to calm my racing heart.

“Well,” he says, tapping his bottom lip in thought. “From my understanding, every couple is a little different. The way fated mates are found can vary between species; some can actually see the magical threads that tie them together, and others just claim to know once they spot their other half.”

I nod eagerly as memories of the magical tendrils swirling around our hands come to mind. His words settle in my heart.

Novl grins and bites his lip. “And some might even react…physically. But ultimately, the entire experience feels magical. Safe. All-knowing. Almost as if you know this person will do anything to protect you, and you’d do the same. It doesn’t always hit you at once, and some couples need to touch, or kiss, or even have sex before they can truly feel it, but if I had to guess, something I said already makes sense. It seems like there might be a bond already forming between you two.”

“I can’t even tell you exactly when it started. You see, I met Brooks months ago. I was instantly attracted to the handsome alpha, but it was more than that. It was more than his good looks and charming personality. We started talking and became friends. He would visit me at my shop often. And I found myself eagerly waiting for each visit.”

Suddenly, my phone rings.

My blood runs cold when I see Franky’s name on the screen, and I scramble to hit decline. Novl gives me a concerned look. I hesitate, questioning whether to confide in Novl, but the attractive omega reassuringly squeezes my hand.

Taking a deep breath, I continue. “At the time, I was in a relationship, if you want to call it that. Franky was abusive, absolutely horrible to me. He took and took, never caring what his actions did to my heart or body. The days I knew Brooks would visit were some of the best ones. We didn’t cross any lines, and most of the time we had someone else there with us, but I think I always knew he’d protect me. Deep down, even then,I knew he’d doanythingto keep me safe. He’d protect me no matter what I do.”

My confession slams into me.He’d protect me no matter what.I rub a soothing circle over my stomach.I know he’ll protect you, too, little bean.

My gaze bounces up to Novl’s eyes. “Thank you, Novl. You’ve helped me out more than you could understand.”

He gives me a soft smile, and I return it with a grin of my own. “Good,” he replies with a mischievous smirk. “Now that it’s settled, let’s find you a stunning outfit for tonight. You are going to get all dolled up and take your alpha’s breath away.”

Several hours later, Kai, Penn, and I join the rest of the omegas at the top of the grand staircase, waiting to be announced. This ball offers a fun chance for the omegas and alphas to socialize and get to know each other. But truth be told, I’m just excited to spend the evening dancing with Brooks under the sparkling lights.

Styling the last bit of my dark wavy hair around my shoulders, I look in the mirror with a new sense of confidence I’ve never felt before. The green suit jacket fits me like it was custom-made. My white flowy top and outfit are classy and make me feel pretty.

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