She looked up at me with her big brown eyes filled with tears. Her hand reached out, and she curled her fingers around mine. “Yeah, I just don’t want to leave my new best friend so far away.”
“Sweetheart, you’re breaking me right now.” Simon rested his cheek on top of her chin and drew in a deep inhale.
“Don’t break Simon, Alena.” I smiled warmly at her despite the shaft of pain I felt at her calling me her best friend. It wasn’t a hurtful pain, but one of longing as she would be my first best friend ever.
“He’s just a big softy.” Lucas winked and put a plate in front of each of us. “Can’t stand Alena even feeling one bit of sadness.
“So sue me.” Simon shrugged, but his smile was wide as Alena started eating.
I leaned closer to Alena and bumped her shoulder. “We can talk as much as you’d like.” I hesitated. “I’ve never had a best friend before, so I might need your help with some things.”
Alena burst into laughter and threw her arms around me. “I’ve never had one either, so we’ll learn together.”
When we drew back, Simon and Lucas were giving us curious looks as we laughed until tears streamed down our faces.
“Females are strange,” Lucas said in a false whisper as he leaned closer to Simon.
We laughed even harder until our bellies hurt. “Gotta stop,” I gasped out. “Need food and coffee.”
“How do you like your coffee, Darlin’?” Lucas sprang into action, grabbing a large mug and pouring me a cup.
“Do you have any flavored creamer?”
A bright smile spread over his face, and he pulled a bottle of sweet cream flavor from the fridge and set it in front of me along with the steaming mug of coffee. “Your wish is my command, Princess.”
“You’re such a charmer, Lucas.” Simon rolled his eyes and grabbed a piece of bacon from Alena’s plate to munch on.
“Get your own plate.” Alena shot him a scathing look.
“Food from your plate just tastes so much better.” Simon leaned down and kissed her cheek.
“Sickeningly cute.” Lucas stuck his finger in his mouth and gagged.
“You’re next, cowboy.” Simon winked and slapped Lucas’ shoulder.
I couldn’t help the giggle that burst from my lips. I felt so at ease with these people I almost forgot about my hang-ups. I could pretend I was a normal person—a normal omega.
The thought made my laughter die, and a frown formed on my face.
Because if I were a typical omega, I would have walked into that bedroom last night and joined the guys.
But I couldn’t ever be that. Even if I wanted to be.
“Hey.” Alena placed her hand over mine and gave it a comforting squeeze. “They’re just teasing. Nothing serious, okay?”
“It’s not that,” I whispered as a lump formed in my throat. “I just wish I could be normal. Be a normal omega and someone they could actually be with.”
Why the hell did I say that? Stupid, stupid Bridget.
Lucas whirled around as soon as the words left my lips.
Simon grabbed onto his wrist and shook his head. Lucas gave me one more pointed look before he turned and walked out of the kitchen.
And I fucked up again.
I scooted off the chair and rose to my feet. “Please excuse me.”
Vaguely, I heard Alena say my name, but Simon stopped her. “Let her go, love. She’ll be alright.”