Chapter Three #2
"Okay," Grey said and wrapped his big hand around Matthew's, the sudden warm contact making Matthew jump and sending a shudder of need straight through him.
He thought briefly about pulling away, but he didn't want to.
His hand in Grey's felt right, and he already knew he was doomed.
He felt his heart beat a little faster in his chest and he automatically stepped closer to the Alpha, wanting to wrap his body around Grey's big, strong one, to let the Alpha take care of him in every conceivable way.
"Is this okay?" Grey's voice intruded on Matthew's thoughts and he looked down at their hands. He nodded at the Alpha and Grey smiled. "Good."
They explored the market and Grey didn't let go of Matthew's hand once.
Matthew's wolf practically purred every time Grey's thumb brushed over his skin and he began to feel a warm glow of happiness inside as though just being close to the Alpha made everything right with his world.
Grey bought Matthew a glass of mulled wine and a Christmas cookie and they soaked up the festive atmosphere, watching the bustling crowds and the excited flushed faces of the children as they chased each other around, yelling and shrieking.
"I'd forgotten how excited children get at this time of year," Grey laughed, his fingers stroking over Matthew's palm.
Matthew stiffened at the mention of children but before he had the chance to reply a familiar deep voice boomed across to them, making Matthew jump and Grey's hand tense on Matthew's when a tall bulky figure strode through the crowd toward them. "Well, don't you two look cozy?"
"Kelvin," Grey said, standing up and sliding his body slightly in front of Matthew. "Good to see you, again. Enjoying the market?"
Kelvin shrugged. "I'm not a big fan of Christmas, but I see you've picked up an early present." Kelvin glanced past Grey at Matthew, his nose twitching and a cruel smile spread across his face. Matthew swallowed and lowered his gaze, praying that Kelvin would go away.
"You said you had another mate," Grey said, stepping a little closer to the other Alpha, blocking Matthew completely from Kelvin's view.
"Oh, I have," Kelvin grinned at Grey, licking his lips. "You're welcome to this one, but I'm just concerned you don't know what you're getting into, especially if you were looking for a breeder."
Matthew flinched at the derogatory term as Grey suddenly stepped right up into Kelvin's face, and Matthew sensed the change in the air between them as Grey squared up to Kelvin. Matthew wanted to tell Grey that he wasn't worth fighting over but Kelvin beat him to it.
"I mean, it smells like your boy is coming into heat but you do know he's barren, right?"
Matthew felt the world fall away when the crowds seemed to quiet down around them and people turned to stare as the two Alphas faced off. Matthew saw Grey half turn toward him as Kelvin laughed.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did I ruin the surprise?
I'm just trying to save you some time. You'll thank me in the long run.
" Kelvin clapped a hand on Grey's shoulder as though they were old friends and then turned, walking off into the crowd, his mate slipping a slender arm around his big shoulders, but not before she had cast a nasty look in Matthew's direction.
Matthew slid off his seat, his gaze firmly on the floor as he fought back tears of humiliation.
Why hadn't he been firmer with Wendy? He hadn't even wanted this date, he should have turned Grey down flat, and then he wouldn't be standing here with his hopes and dreams, stirred up by Grey's scent, in tatters again.
"Matthew," Grey said but Matthew refused to look at him.
"I'm going to take off. Thanks for bringing me. See you around." Matthew turned and walked away quickly, trying to disappear into the crowd. He made it all the way across the street before Grey caught up with him.
"Matthew, wait!" Grey put a hand on his shoulder but Matthew shrugged it off.
"Just... Leave me alone, okay?"
"Why? Because of what that asshole just said?" Grey yelled and Matthew flinched, his gaze immediately dropping to the floor. Grey breathed out in frustration, his breath fogging in the cold air. "I thought we were having a good time."
"You heard what he said!" Matthew wiped a hand over his eyes and stepped away from Grey.
"I don't care what Kelvin said!"
"Whatever," Matthew said, but he found himself pressed up against a wall by Grey, the Alpha looking down on him, his golden gaze burning into him.
"What's your problem?" Grey growled, his hands loosening a little on Matthew's shoulders when he felt the omega tremble.
Matthew's eyes fluttered closed at the Alpha's touch and he sighed. "I don't have a problem. I just don't want you to get the wrong idea, that's all."
"The wrong idea?" Grey asked, his dark eyebrows knitting together. "About what? Us?"
Matthew rolled his eyes. "You're already assuming there's an us."
"There's no denying our scents match." Grey's fingers stroked up Matthew's neck and cradled his cheek. "We've spent months dancing round each other. Are you seriously telling me you don't feel what I feel? You know we're mates."
"No, we're not, not yet, and I'm not looking for anyone to put a ring on it, either. Especially not an Alpha." Matthew jerked away from Grey's touch.
The gold in Grey's eyes flashed but the Alpha stepped back, leaving Matthew aching for him to touch him again. "So, what was all the flirting about?"
"I'm not denying that I'm attracted to you, just..." Matthew smoothed a hand over his cheek where Grey had stroked his skin. "I'm not looking for anything long term."
"You're putting your cards on the table, then." Grey folded his arms over his broad chest and Matthew shrugged his shoulder.
"I can't give you what you want." Matthew glanced up at the Alpha.
"What I want?" Grey continued to stare at Matthew until Matthew lowered his gaze.
"Every Alpha wants a mate to give him children. I can't give you that!"
"We're mates, Matthew. I'm not going to let you walk away just because you're scared of commitment."
"You're not listening! I can't give you what you want!
" Matthew yelled at Grey. "You might be an Alpha, I might be an omega, our scents might be compatible, but I can't give you children!
What Kelvin said is true. I can't! I won't let you break my heart when you decide you don't want me as your mate because I'm broken. "
"You think that I care about any of that? It's you I want, not what you can give me."
"You don't mean that!"
"So, why did you agree to go out with me? Why are you here? If you really think I'm the kind of asshole who would do that to you?"
"I don't know! Wendy thought I needed to get laid, have some fun..."
"If that's what you want," Grey growled and crashed his mouth down on Matthew's lips.
The kiss sent sparks zinging up Matthew's spine as Grey pressed him up against the wall, his hot mouth insistent, as his tongue explored every inch of Matthew's mouth, the press of Grey's hard cock against his thigh leaving Matthew in no doubt about how much the Alpha wanted him.
When Grey finally released him, Matthew was panting for breath, his chest heaving as he licked over his swollen lips.
"I'll give you whatever you want, whatever you need. I just want you, Matthew."
"It's the scent, we should just ignore it. I don't want to get hurt again." Matthew pressed a hand to Grey's firm chest, his fingers splaying as he fought the urge to stroke it.
"I won't hurt you, I promise." Grey's eyes stayed on him intently and Matthew felt trapped by the Alpha's searing gaze.
"And when I can't give you what you want? What then?" Matthew breathed, his eyes never leaving Grey's face.
Grey stared steadily back from him. "You can give me what I want," he murmured before claiming Matthew's soft lips again just as the snow began to fall.