Page 13 of Angel Boy
"The few times I've gotten sick, you've sent flowers I'm allergic to," Angel continues, his voice getting stronger with each accusation. "And the candy I like so much? It's not the mango. I fucking hate the mango ones."
Ryker shifts uncomfortably in his chair, probably realizing for the first time just how badly he's fucked this up. "So, I'll do better."
Angel just shakes his head. "No, you won't. I already know that biologically, a scent match doesn’t mean as much to an Alpha, that I’m more prone to emotionally charged reactions around you while you stand there oblivious. However, if you wanted this, you would show some ounce of caring. I'm a PR stunt to you, and you've made it very clear that when we're mated, I'm going to be stuck in the house doing catwalks or whatever suits your fancy. But I'm more than just Angel-Boy."
Angel lets out an involuntary, distressed sound, all three of us immediately on alert. The sound cuts through every rational thought I have, bypassing my brain and going straight to the primitive part of me that exists only to protect and care for this incredible man. But Angel shakes his head, backing toward his bedroom like he can sense our sudden focus on him. "I wantall of you out." Angel huffs out a bitter laugh when we don't respond, when we just sit there like idiots staring at him. "Fine."
He marches back to his nest with as much dignity as someone wearing only a sheet can muster, and slams the door behind him. The sound of the lock clicking echoes through the sudden quiet, realization settling in that he just kicked us out in his own little way.
Ryker turns on me immediately, his face twisted with rage like this is somehow all my fault. "You will never fucking work in this goddamn business again."
The threat rolls off me because, honestly, I don't give a shit about my career anymore. Not when Angel's locked in his room crying because the people who are supposed to care about him have failed him so spectacularly. Somehow, I manage to get these fuckers out of Angel’s penthouse and down the elevator, Ryker still snarling at me like I’m going to fold.
I never folded when we were kids, and I have no idea why he thinks I’m going to fold now. "I know where I'm not wanted," I push out, already calling a cab because staying here any longer will only make things worse.
Carter's voice stops me before I can escape. "I've watched you with Angel, and I can tell you're in love with him. But you've never once stepped up to Ryker. Why?"
Ryker snarls at that, too,like afucking animal, but I turn to face Angel's manager anyway. He deserves an answer, especially after everything he's witnessed over the past few months. Carter might see dollar signs first, but he genuinely cares about Angel's well-being in his own way.
"Scent matches are once in a lifetime," I tell him. "And I am Angel's friend first, before I'm an Alpha. I will not stand in the way of what he believes is his happiness. But the moment he tells me this isn't the life he wants, I will be right there. I willnot disrespect his bond with his Alpha, no matter how much my heart tells me to do otherwise."
Carter frowns. “But Ryker is your brother.”
I shake my head, a harsh chuckle falling from my lips. “Carter, Ryker, and I haven’t been brothers for a very long time.” My gaze shifts to Ryker, making sure that he hears these words loud and clear. “An Alpha who won’t cater to their Omega even when he whines for help is no brother of mine. He might be my boss and fuck, he might be holding my career in his hands, but he’ll never be my brother again.”
Angel
I wake up in a haze, my head feeling like it's stuffed with air, my body aching in ways that remind me exactly what's happening to my biology. The morning light streaming through my bedroom windows feels too bright, and everything smells wrong somehow.Welcome to your first heat alone, Angel-boy,I joke to myself.
"Xavier?" I call out, my voice rough from sleep and my emotional breakdown I had last night. The memories are fuzzy around the edges, but I remember anger and hurt and the devastating realization that my entire relationship has been built on lies.
Nothing happens. No footsteps, no response, no familiar presence appearing in my doorway with breakfast and gentle concern.
I shrug on the first shirt I can find—one of Xavier's old band tees that somehow ended up in my laundry rotation months ago—and pad out into the living room on unsteady legs. I’m a mess of heat and slick, my scent so fucking sweet it feels like syrup on my tongue.
“Where the fuck is Xavier?” I start searching for my phone, letting out a little growl when it’s in none of the usual places. I run back to my room to displace several pillows, finding it under the last one. And of course, there are several missed messages waiting for me.
My heart starts doing this weird stuttering thing as I scroll through them, each one adding another layer of dread to the pit forming in my stomach.
The first is from Ryker, short and to the point:
>>> "Had to leave for an emergency board meeting in Chicago. Will be back for the weekend. Behave yourself."
Behave yourself. Like I'm a child instead of a grown man who just had his entire world turned upside down.
The second is from Carter with today's itinerary: a photoshoot at ten, lunch meeting at one, and another shoot at three. All laid out in neat bullet points like nothing happened last night, like I didn't have a complete breakdown in front of everyone. The car will be downstairs at nine-thirty sharp.
A quick glance at the clock tells me that I have about fifteen minutes to get my ass in check.
But it's the third message that makes my heart sink into my stomach. Xavier's name on my screen, and below it a wall of text that I already know is going to destroy me.
Angel, I'm sorry for not saying something sooner about Ryker knowing. I found out just after your stage set and should have told you immediately. I wish things could be different between us, but I won't overstep. Not until you tell me you no longer want Ryker in your life. I respect your bond with your Alpha, even if I don't agree with how he treats you.
I'll be stepping back from my duties at the end of the week, like I discussed with Carter and Ryker. I realize I've been a little too friendly over the years, crossing lines I shouldn't have. Starting today, I'll meet you at venues but will no longer be accompanying you to your house. Another guard will be assigned to ensure your safety during early and late hours.
You deserve someone who puts you first, Angel. I hope someday you find that in the Alpha you choose.
- Xavier
