Page 27 of Cost of Courting

They file out of the house, and I’m left alone with Luna. She’s facing the corner, not looking at me, but I can see her shoulders shaking.

“Lu, please. I can explain.”

“Were you seeing my sister?”

“It wasn’t like that. We met by accident at the pub, and we became friends.”

“It seems like it’s more than friends.”

“On her side. But, on mine, it was always just friendship.”

I hate myself for it, but it’s true, well, mostly true. My infatuation was growing, but I could see how she felt about me, and it made me feel good. That’s all it’s allowed to be.

Why did I do that?

“And them?”

“Mael and I keep running into each other. I didn’t know they were my pack until right this minute, I promise.”

She sniffs. “Do we have to break up? Can’t you just pretend they aren’t yours?”

I hesitate because I really don’t want to hurt her, but that pack isn’t the type to just allow their omega to walk away. I’m in for the fight of my life.

“I can’t do that. I’m sorry.”

“What about Selene? You’re not going to be with her, are you?”

I hesitate again. “Selene is not my omega.”

She lets out a relieved breath. “Good.”

I don’t get a chance to ask her what that means, she just walks away from me.

I’m left standing in an empty kitchen, my life completely imploding from the outside in, wondering why I just denied Selene was mine when it’s clear to everyone that she is.

Chapter seven

Selene

It doesn’t matter howhard I try, apparently, it’s noticeable to every single person that I am in a foul mood, and they all, wisely, get out of my way. I serve beer after beer, and even the regulars don’t try to engage me with conversation.

The omega stench I hate so much vanishes, leaving me with a bitter aroma that just enrages me more.

I get through the long, slow hours of work, stewing in my rage and resentment.

It’s close to closing when I see the door open and a group of people walk in. Kent stiffens and discreetly walks out the back, leaving me to deal with them.

I don’t blame him at all.

“Selene,” the singsong voice is icing on the top of a very rotten day.

I ignore him, but he reaches out and grabs my arm, pulling me back around. The scent of charcoal fills the air. The acrid perfume makes my stomach heave, but maybe it’s just memories.

This is the source of all my stress.

This is the wrong in my world.

This one alpha.

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