Appetite for an Alpha (Omega Quadrant #4)

Chapter 7

7

A little over an hour later, once he was rehydrated and had the medicine swimming in his veins, Brett was discharged. He carried a stack of prescriptions to fill and information on the dietary changes. When he slowly sauntered out into the waiting room, Pierce jumped from a chair and stalked closer, frowning.

“They’re releasing you?”

Brett nodded. “I’m cleared for takeoff.” He wobbled a bit, unsteady, and Pierce moved closer to catch him. Another set of cramps hit him, but not as hard. It seemed the medicine was working and might keep him steady.

“You can barely stand on your own two feet—and they’re sending you home.” Pierce growled under his breath as he searched the waiting room, as if he planned to force them to do more.

“Didn’t someone come out to talk to you?” Brett asked.

“No,” Pierce said. “I’ve been pacing this godsdamned waiting room for hours.”

Brett sighed. “The doctor promised he’d let you know what was going on. Sorry.”

“Maybe I should talk to him because you probably shouldn’t be released.”

“Settle down. The doctor thinks I have a chronic GI condition. My issue is my gut and probably food related. It’s why my stomach’s been cramping, and I’ve felt like shit for so long.”

Pierce searched his face a moment, clearly not fully placated. “So, it’s not me?”

Brett flicked his gaze to the papers in his hand instead of witnessing more of the hurt in Pierce’s eyes. He lifted the scripts and information he’d been given. “They gave me a treatment plan.”

The alpha shook his head. “Sit down. I’ll go pull the SUV closer and come back to get you.”

“I can walk,” Brett said, even though he wasn’t sure he could. He couldn’t look weak in front of Pierce. The alpha had already wasted enough time trying to coddle him.

Pierce lifted a brow, giving him an angry glare and attempting to look intimidating. That glare might work on the rest of the staff, but it had never worked on Brett.

“I. Can. Walk.” If truth be told, I want you to carry me again. I’m fucking tired.

After a dramatic sigh, Pierce turned to face the exit and placed a palm on Brett’s lower back, urging them both toward the door. Brett tensed at the possessive gesture but quickly relaxed against it. For just a moment, he allowed himself to imagine what it might be like to be Pierce’s. While he knew it was likely only the alpha being generous because he was ill, the little dominant vibe was hot as fuck.

Not that he’d admit that to anyone or respond to it. Outwardly, the world knew him as a disobedient little asshole. No one needed to know deep down, he yearned to be a good little boy—for the right man.

Sadly, Pierce might be the right man, but not the right one for Brett. An alpha was off limits long-term.

“You just said you’ve felt like shit for so long.” The brow Brett could see rose as Pierce eyed him. “Longer than you’ve already admitted?”

“Maybe,” Brett muttered. He waved the sheet he’d been given, changing the subject. “I have to eat bland food for a couple of weeks and go see a gastro… gastro-something doctor.”

“Gastroenterologist?” Pierce asked.

“Bingo,” Brett said, pointing a finger at Pierce. “They’re referring me to one of those for more tests to see exactly what’s up.” So I can rack up more medical bills. Wonderful. He lifted his other hand with the prescriptions. “I’ve got a buttload of meds to take until then. The doctor also said I’m not contagious, so no worries about food safety or passing it on to anyone. That means I can work.”

“After a few days’ rest,” Pierce murmured.

A few more days’ rest sounded wonderful, but regrettably, he couldn’t. He’d already tossed the note that excused him for the rest of the week into the trash before he’d come out to ensure Pierce didn’t see it. “I can’t take any more time off.”

Pierce narrowed his eyes. “You’re already off the schedule for the weekend. You’re going to rest. You’re in no shape to serve right now.”

“You can’t do that. I have bills.”

“Back pay and a raise. You’ll be fine.”

Brett wanted to argue, but he didn’t have much fight left. He’d used it all up walking as far as he had and convincing Pierce he’d be okay to leave. He leaned against the alpha. He knew he was crossing a line and ruining all credibility, but he was too tired and needed the support.

Pierce removed the hand from his back, and he missed the warmth of it. Pierce took the sheets from his nearest hand and then offered an arm to keep Brett steady. Brett wrapped his around it and held on tight.

“I’ll drive you home,” Pierce said, his voice tight as they exited the Crisis Center into the bright, autumn morning. “Unless there’s somewhere else you’d like me to take you?”

“Back to the restaurant . I have to finish payroll.”

“That can wait.”

Brett rolled his eyes. “You tell the staff they’re not getting paid on time. I’m not.”

“I’ll finish it. I’ve done it before,” Pierce said. “You’re going to bed.”

Not home, but bed. A vision of him in the alpha’s bed—lying snuggled up close—entered his mind. Another mild stomach cramp followed it, but didn’t make the image disappear. Heat filled his cheeks, need growing, even in his weakened state.

Why did he have to want what he couldn’t have?

“They already gave me something to stop the stomachache and the nausea, plus I was nearly done when we left. It won’t take me longer than an hour to wrap it up and print the checks—and then I’ll go home.”

“If it’s almost done, I can do it.”

He looked up at Pierce. “I don’t need you fucking up my system.”

“Fucking up your system?” Pierce asked, one brow rising as he glared down. “This is my restaurant we’re talking about.”

“So?”

“Who do you think did all the bookkeeping between Avery and the last guy?”

“I’m aware it was you. I’m also aware of the state your books were in when Avery took them over,” Brett snapped.

Pierce frowned. “I’m no bookkeeper, but I made do.”

“Oh, no… you are clearly not a bookkeeper.”

“And how would you know?” Pierce asked. “Avery reorganized everything before you took over.”

“With my help,” Brett corrected. “Your books were a total shitshow.”

Pierce sidled up to the side of the SUV and eyed him. “You helped him? Why am I only learning this now?”

“Between school and serving customers two or three nights a week, he didn’t have time to clean up your utterly spectacular mess, too. He didn’t want you to think he was incapable of doing the job, either, so I helped him. Once we organized everything, it was a breeze to do in two or three days a week.” Brett lifted his jaw higher. “You told him to train me when I took over—but he ended up in prison and couldn’t. Yet I still got the job done. Did you not question that?”

Pierce opened the passenger door. “I assumed you’d actually paid attention in some of your accounting classes.”

Brett glared. “I did, as a matter of fact, but it was because I’d set the books up in the system. Avery might be a fantastic forensic accountant, but I’m the better bookkeeper.”

The corners of Pierce’s lips curled upward.

“What’s so funny?” Brett asked before Pierce helped him into the SUV.

“Nothing,” Pierce murmured. “Just that I assured Avery you were doing a good job just yesterday.”

“Good? I think I’m doing better than good.” Brett struggled to keep his eyes open. “I could be doing more.”

“Let’s table that until we get you healthy again,” Pierce said before shutting the door. He climbed into the driver’s seat and eyed Brett. “I don’t want to take you to the restaurant, nor do I want to take you home.”

Brett frowned, puzzled by the comment. “I won’t be able to rest if I’m worrying about payroll being done right. Let me finish that and then I’ll go home. I promise.”

Pierce’s brow furrowed. “Fine. But only that and then to bed.”

Why does he have to keep saying the word bed? The image of him curled up against a naked Pierce refired in his mind.

Brett nodded, his mouth dry. “Only that.”

He laid his head back on the headrest and closed his eyes. His eyes popped open seconds later when he felt Pierce hovering over him. Their gazes met, and Brett was almost certain he saw hunger in the alpha’s. Their lips were inches apart. He could scent peppermint on Pierce’s breath again, and it made him ache for a taste.

Brett felt the seat belt tighten over him before it clicked, the sound causing him to startle.

“I could’ve done that,” Brett murmured.

Pierce didn’t move away. He remained close, his gaze roaming over Brett’s face again before it locked in. Brett dragged in another breath, harder when he was pinned by Pierce’s heated gaze.

“You fell asleep the second I pulled out of the parking lot. I didn’t realize you were unbuckled until the alarm went off,” Pierce murmured, nodding at a little red blinking seat belt image over his shoulder. “So I stopped…” He smiled softly. “To buckle you. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

Brett saw longing in the alpha’s eyes just as he’d seen it there a million times before. Brett wanted to answer it, but where would it go? Nowhere. He wasn’t an omega. Pierce would never settle for him. Not in the long term. If Brett took a bite and couldn’t have more, he’d be torn to shreds.

He’d lose his job, as well.

He closed his eyes, unable to see that desire without feeling like a stupid, lovesick little puppy. He knew the second when Pierce moved away and hated the distance, tiny as it might be. Brett still longed to curl back into the alpha’s lap and snuggle there where it was safe and warm. The SUV moved again shortly after that. Brett opened his eyes and glanced out the side window—noticing they were several blocks from the hospital. What had felt like mere seconds had been minutes.

Sleep didn’t claim him again. They soon parked behind the restaurant. Brett sat up straighter, his eyes heavy.

“You should be resting. Not working,” Pierce mumbled before exiting the vehicle.

Before Brett could get out of the seat belt, the passenger door was opened. He pressed the button to get out, but the thing felt lodged. Pierce reached in to help him before offering a steadying hand. Brett stared at it a moment, sensing the strength it contained. He’d felt it when the alpha had easily lifted him and carried him out that morning.

I bet he could toss me around a bed with ease.

Brett’s face warmed, imagining how it had looked, him in Pierce’s arms. He knew how the staff loved to gossip. Everyone would know Pierce had carried him out by the evening. There would be questions he’d not want to answer, terrified his co-workers might deduce his feelings. Avery had come close to figuring it out before he even had. After an impatient shake of Pierce’s hand, Brett reached for it and the alpha helped him to his feet.

He stood toe-to-toe with Pierce, wanting nothing more than the alpha to lift him again and carry him back inside.

Carry him to bed.

Crawl in beside him.

Cuddle close.

When he lifted his gaze, he saw something in the man’s eyes that took his breath away. He wondered if Pierce had the same thoughts he did, because the look in the alpha’s eyes said yes.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay? I can finish payroll so you can rest.”

“The longer you stand here and argue about it, the longer it’ll take me to get done.”

Pierce scowled but backed off.

Brett held the door as he took the initial first steps toward the back door. He turned to close it—and suddenly his safety net was gone. Pierce wrapped an arm around him a second later and whisked him forward with ease. Brett leaned into the man, worn to the bone.

“You have no business being here,” Pierce growled under his breath. “I can’t believe I agreed to this.”

“I’ll be sitting at a desk. It’s okay.”

“I’m not leaving the office until you’re done and then I’m making sure you rest. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, sir,” Brett whispered, too tired to fight.

Pierce glanced down at him a couple of seconds, jaw tight.

They wandered through the back of the restaurant, the kitchen staff eyeing the pair oddly. Of course they did. He was practically clinging to their boss for support. It was highly inappropriate.

“He’s okay,” Pierce announced to everyone, waving the pile of papers Brett had completely forgotten to collect, as tired as he was. “He has no business being here, but he refused to go home until payroll was done. So, when you all get your checks on time, you have Brett and his selflessness to thank.”

The others offered their own notes of approval and thanks, but Brett couldn’t meet their gazes.

“You’re my favorite person here , Brett,” Maurice, the sous chef who hated him, announced with a paltry grin. He wiped under his eye with a hidden middle finger.

“Fuck you, Maurice,” Brett mumbled under his breath.

“I’m taking him into the office so he can finish up—and then he’s going to rest for a few days,” Pierce announced, glaring down at Brett, as if waiting for an argument.

Brett gave him none.

Moments later, he was gently deposited in his office chair. Pierce took two long-legged steps away and sat on the small settee against the wall to the left, watching Brett closely.

“What’s the deal with you and Maurice? I assumed you two just didn’t get along, but I’m starting to sense it’s deeper than that.”

“Nothing to worry about,” Brett replied.

“There was a fight a few years ago, but since, I haven’t heard much except the occasional snapping at one another. If there’s beef, I want to know.”

“There’s no beef,” Brett muttered, turning on his computer.

“I can’t help if I don’t know.”

“It’s ancient history.” Brett’s face grew warm. “He came on to me my second week on the job. Aggressively. I handled it.”

Pierce narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean by aggressive?”

“He pinned me in a corner of the pantry and wouldn’t let me pass. He tried to kiss me and grabbed my ass. I kneed him in the nuts and told him to go suck his own dick.”

“And you didn’t come to me?”

“I handled it,” Brett said. “I wasn’t coming running to Daddy.”

“That’s all of it?” Pierce demanded, his face getting redder.

“Right after that, he purposefully fucked up some of my tickets, so he and I had it out a few weeks later. It wasn’t pretty, but my orders stopped coming out wrong.”

“Is that the fight I broke up?”

“Yes.” Brett glared at him. “And as I recall, you blamed me for it—when it was all him.”

“When I asked you what happened, you said, and I quote, ‘Nothing.’ He said you were an asshole. No one else added anything, so that’s all I had to go on.” Pierce sighed. “He’d worked for me for years without issue and suddenly I had this mouthy server get in his face—and it wasn’t the first time that mouthy server had gotten in someone’s face. So I assumed it was you. Had you told me, I could’ve handled it appropriately.”

“I wasn’t going to tell on him. Snitches get stitches. He and I cleared the air. Somewhat.”

“I need to know, especially if I have an employee aggressively coming on to other employees. Who else has he done that to?”

“No one after me. I made sure of it.”

Pierce sighed. “I should’ve known.”

Brett noticed Pierce’s hands fisting at his sides. “Do not go out there and reprimand him for something he did five years ago, Pierce.”

“I don’t care if it was fifty years ago,” Pierce whispered hotly. “He has no right to touch you.”

Brett’s chest tightened at the look of rage in Pierce’s eyes. Not because he was afraid for himself, but afraid what the alpha might do to Maurice.

And it felt as if it would be done on his behalf.

“You— or anyone else,” Pierce muttered, modifying his initial declaration. Yet there was a tone that made Brett think the alpha’s anger was over the fact Maurice had touched him.

Not anyone else.

Brett dragged his gaze away, the possessive vibe Pierce had been throwing out made it hard to think straight.

“I’ll do my best to come running and tattling with every little thing that happens from now on,” Brett said, turning back to his computer.

Pierce growled lowly.

How the fuck was he going to get anything done with Pierce right there? Ignoring the alpha’s presence as best he could, he returned to where he’d left off earlier that morning. Because he was so tired, it took him a bit longer than he’d claimed, and he sensed Pierce’s impatience as time wore on. He worked as quickly as he could. In his haste, he made a couple of stupid mistakes, but fortunately, he caught them. Hopefully all of them. Once payroll was done and he’d printed all of the checks, he sighed with relief. After shutting down the computer, he spun the chair—and realized there was no way he could drive home.

He wasn’t even sure he could stand up on his own.

Shame warmed his face. “I think I need a nap before I drive home. I can lie down on that settee and get a couple of hours in and then go, if that’s okay?”

Pierce slid forward to the edge of the seat and searched his face. “Is there anyone who’ll be with you tonight? To keep an eye on you?”

“I don’t need a babysitter. Once I have a little nap here, I’ll be okay to go home.”

“That’s not what I asked,” Pierce said, his expression pinched.

“I don’t need a babysitter,” he repeated more firmly. “After a nap, I’ll go straight home and straight to bed.” He had no plans to leave his bed once in it—not until he felt stronger. “Well, after I go pick up my prescriptions, that is.”

“I already sent T-Bone to have them filled.” He lifted a paper pharmacy bag at his side.

Brett had been so focused on work that he’d not noticed any of that. “Oh. Thank you.”

Pierce held his gaze. “I’m not sending you home alone in your condition. Is there no one who could come to watch over you?”

“There’s no one,” Brett snapped. “Happy?” Tears burned at the backs of his eyes. “I’m an asshole who no one loves or cares about—except for Avery and he’s got his hands much too full right now to worry about me.” He bit back a sob. “Can you please let me take a fucking nap so I can get the hell out of here and go home?”

What could only be pity shone in Pierce’s eyes. Brett turned away from it, fighting back exhausted tears. He wasn’t a crier, but he was at the end of his rope and too tired to hide his emotions.

“I’ve got a guest bedroom upstairs,” Pierce said, rising. “It’s not much, but I can keep an eye on you there.”

Brett’s stomach tensed. “I appreciate your concern, but I’d rather go home to my own bed.”

Pierce lifted a brow. “Then I’m coming home with you and staying there tonight.”

Goose bumps erupted over Brett’s entire body. “Why?”

“You can’t walk unaided. I won’t leave you alone to fend for yourself, especially in that neighborhood.” Pierce took a step closer, his presence almost a physical threat, making the denial on Brett’s tongue wither. “Here or there. You choose. I’d prefer here so they don’t steal another vehicle, but if you want to be home, so be it.”

“Steal another vehicle?” Brett’s eyes widened.

“I’ll tell you about it later. Where are we going?”

“Tell me now.”

Pierce sighed. “When I came to find you after Avery’s reception, someone stole my car.”

“Is that why you have that big old tank out there?”

Pierce nodded.

“I’m so sorry.”

Pierce shrugged. “It’s not your fault.”

“You were there for me,” Brett mumbled. He looked down at his hands. “Everything about me is a nuisance for you. Even the place I live.” Brett shook his head. “You can’t leave the restaurant. We’re fully booked tonight.”

Pierce took one more step and offered a hand.

“But it would be inappropriate for me to stay in your apartment. I’ll stay here. I can sleep on the settee.”

Pierce leaned down, angling his face closer to Brett’s. “You’re going to bed. A real bed. Not in the middle of a noisy kitchen on a loveseat that’s too small for you to rest comfortably.”

An argument came to mind, but Brett didn’t open his mouth. The unflinching dominance rolling off Pierce in waves made it harder to breath. The alpha lifted him to his feet with one gentle tug, making his head spin all the more. He noted the corners of Pierce’s mouth curling upward into an arrogant smile, and the inner rebel screamed inside his head to fight back.

“I think I like you when you’re exhausted,” Pierce murmured, his voice low and deep enough to send a tremor up Brett’s spine. “You don’t fight me every step of the way. I’ll have to think of ways to keep you worn out in the future.”

Their eyes met—and it appeared Pierce realized how that sounded too late. His cheeks reddened. Good. Serves you right.

Had Brett been in usual form, he might’ve had fun with that. Lucky for Pierce, he was too tired.

“Let’s get you to bed,” Pierce muttered before offering an arm.

Brett took hold, thankful for it.

Pierce snagged the prescriptions and led him out of the office and into the kitchen.

They wandered closer to the mysterious, locked door Pierce always disappeared behind at the end of the night. Brett noted all the eyes watching them and whispered, “Maybe we should go outside to the other door?”

“You’re too tired for extra steps,” Pierce said without looking down at him.

“Everyone’s going to see you take me upstairs,” Brett whispered hotly.

Pierce ignored him. Brett tried to ignore the gasps and whispers of the staff when he was led through Pierce’s apartment door. He focused on the opportunity to see the mysterious unseen, instead of the uncomfortable vibe. He’d never been inside Pierce’s apartment and had long wanted a peek. If it was anything like the restaurant, it was impeccably decorated and utterly spotless.

And boring as hell.

Not that Pierce was boring. More that he was always in control of himself— too in control. The closest he’d seen Pierce come to losing it had been in the VIP dining room with Grandy. When he’d seen the crack form in the marble, he’d pushed even harder, desperate to see the fire he sensed burned deep inside.

Pierce had somehow held on and not let go. Not completely.

But that little hint had burned bright enough to spark something in Brett.

When the apartment door was shut behind him, he gazed up at what appeared to be a million steps to his exhausted mind. He’d never make it. Without a word, Pierce scooped him up again and marched up those steps without missing a beat or appearing worn.

The man’s strength sent a shudder through him. “I can walk.”

“I saw the look of desperation in your eyes, Brett,” Pierce said, gaze forward. “You’re exhausted. Stop fighting me.”

Brett didn’t know how to give in peacefully, but in his state, he needed to. He leaned his head on Pierce’s shoulder once more, thankful even if he was embarrassed to be so vulnerable in the man’s presence. Once they’d arrived on the landing, the apartment above the restaurant unfolded before him. There had been no other door at the top—just another set of five steps to the left and a half wall.

The homey, cluttered, well-used living room was seriously outdated and nothing as he’d expected going by the high-end interior of the restaurant. It didn’t fit the man at all. Beyond was an equally outdated kitchen and dining room. Pierce strode deeper into the apartment and after striding down a hallway, he kicked open a bedroom door.

The bed was bare, but then, Pierce hadn’t been expecting a guest. Brett was lowered into a doily-covered, brightly patterned chair— actual fucking doilies —in the corner of the bedroom. He lifted one of the doilies, stunned to find it there. “Who was your decorator? Your great-grandpapa?”

“Just give me a minute to make the bed,” Pierce murmured, ignoring his question. Pierce lowered to his haunches to fish sheets from the bottom drawer of a nearby chest.

It only took a couple of minutes for the bed to be made. Brett enjoyed watching the alpha do it with such ease. After a comforter was laid over the top of the sheets, Brett forced himself to his feet and stumbled closer.

“Hey,” Pierce murmured. “I could’ve helped you up.”

“You’ve done enough, old man,” Brett said, kicking his athletic shoes off as he held on to the top of the mattress for support. He climbed onto the surface and collapsed on his side, sighing with relief.

Pierce strode out but soon returned with a bottle of water. He snagged the bag of medication he’d deposited on the nightstand before making the bed. “Let’s get you medicated and help you pass out.”

Brett lifted onto his elbows as Pierce reviewed the instructions on the pill bottles and removed the appropriate doses. He handed them over, setting the rest on the nightstand beside the bed. Brett crawled closer, took the offered meds, and fell back against the pillows.

Pierce searched his face, silent a moment. “Do you want something more comfortable to wear? I’m sure I can find you something.”

“I’m too tired,” Brett mumbled. “This is fine.”

He could almost hear the ‘I’ll help you’ that he sensed Pierce wanted to say but didn’t. His gaze flicked to Pierce’s, waiting with bated breath for it all the same.

“I’m going to run down and check in with the staff. I’ll be back up soon to make sure you’re okay,” Pierce said instead.

“You don’t have to babysit me,” Brett said, his voice barely above a whisper, sleep already making the edges of his world fade away. “I’m just going to sleep.”

Pierce frowned. “I’ll be back up soon.”

Brett was too tired to argue. “Whatever. Just don’t wake me up.”

Pierce chuckled. “You’re being bossy—and you called me old. You must be feeling a little better.”

“A decent night’s sleep and I’m sure I’ll be back to calling you all kinds of names,” he murmured sleepily. It was the last thing he remembered before drifting off.