Page 51 of Ember

I wanted to touch her cheek so badly. I could almost see myself doing it, touching the place where I scented Ben the strongest. “And that would be the only reason for someone to be nice to you? Because they thought you were hot and wanted to sleep with you?”

A look of raw vulnerability crossed her face, and she shrugged. “I mean…yeah. Hot omega sex, right? But then they meet West and decide they can’t handle more than one omega.”

“Idiots,” Ben said darkly. “Who cares about how many omegas?”

I let out a sigh. “You don’t think three omegas is pushing it?”

Some of Ember’s expression closed off, and she gave me the smile all her customers saw. “West and I have been together for eight years. If someone doesn’t like him, there’s no point.”

“I mean…” I paused, trying to articulate. “How do you share a nest? You don’t feel territorial over him being near you?”

“Do you dislike Ben in your nest? He makes me feel safe.” Ember looked away. “He’s been there for me through thick and thin. My nest smells right because he’s there.”

“Like how my nest smells good because it smells like Ben.” Something like understanding unfolded inside me. “I wouldn’t expect you to…not be with West.” I looked down at my hands. “I’m sorry. I’m garbage with words.”

“It’s fine.” Ember’s voice was still bright, but that vulnerability was gone.

I was an ass for hurting her. I wanted to be special to her, wanted her to keep looking at me like she could show me all the vulnerable pieces. I had to give a little piece of myself over ifI was going to make her understand my hesitation. Why I kept pulling away.

“Two omegas,” I started. “I mean, I wouldn’t expect you two to…” I paused, feeling like I was breaking off a piece of my soul.

“To what?” Her voice still sounded so bright but closed off, and the juxtaposition killed me. “Want to be with each other?”

“Want to be with another omega,” I finished, my throat tight. “I’d be the third wheel.”

“Oh, Rian,” Ben said softly. “You would never.”

Understanding flashed over her face. “You think we’d ditch you?” She looked at Ben. “We’d never try to come between you and Ben.”

“I know that,” I said. “But at some point my moodiness will annoy you and?—”

Ember started laughing, like she’s bottled sunshine.

I frowned. “What?”

She shook her head. “Your moodiness is not a turnoff. Wait until you meet West. He’s got you beat in broody.”

“Really?” Ben sounded intrigued, and I laughed.

“It’s my catnip.” She put her hand on Ben’s arm. “In omegas, not alphas.”

“Of course, baby,” Ben said, amused. “Your alphas need to shower you with presents and joy.”

Ember gave me a heated look. “While my omega boys brood in the corner and pretend to be annoyed by my enthusiasm.”

“It’s not annoying,” I sighed. “It’s like flying too close to the sun.”

I sucked in a breath. Maybe I wasn’t a complete moron for thinking there was a chance.

I’d have to meet her other guys first, of course.

“Maybe we could come over,” I said. “For a listening party? You could introduce us to West and Alejandro?”

I wouldn’t know for sure if sharing Ben with another omega and now another alpha would bother me until I met them. I couldn’t promise it wouldn’t, but I could try.

“If you want to,” she said like it was a gauntlet at our feet. In a way, it was. If we didn’t like each other, then this thing, this feeling whatever it was, would be over.

“I’ll give you my number. I have work. You can come around six? West should be home around then, and Alejandro swings by around six or seven depending on how busy the restaurant is.”

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