Chapter 24
Bayleigh
By the time I get home, all the adrenaline from earlier has faded.
It’s replaced by something equally chaotic—anticipation.
A nervous sort of excitement that is as thrilling as it is scary.
Today has been full of so much unexpectedness.
Being attacked. Korbin saving me. Lincoln asking me out on a date.
And not just any date; a real date with a man, an alpha who’s fucking hot and kind.
Then he sent me the video. Just like he said he would. Signing as he asked me out. Someone who wasn’t interested, or just playing games, wouldn’t be as invested as he is right now. Would they?
I shake it off and go about making myself something to eat.
I rifle through the refrigerator, hoping there’s still some leftovers from last night.
Mom made the most amazing meatloaf, and I’m craving more of it.
I can’t help but wiggle my ass in triumph when I find a container with just enough of the meal left for me.
It doesn’t take but a few minutes for the microwave to warm it up, and I carry it over to the table, cautiously so as not to burn my hands.
As I eat, I watch the video on replay. I can tell he’s nervous, but he did it amazingly.
There were just a couple of minor errors in the way he positioned and moved his hands, but that’s to be expected from a novice.
I can’t stop smiling. There’s still a goofy grin on my face when James walks into the kitchen and sits down beside me. He raises an eyebrow and signs.
So, I got an interesting call from Benton today. Would you know anything about that? He reaches over to my plate, picking up a piece of broccoli and eats it.
Fuck me, I should’ve known he’d call and rat me out. I have two options. Own up to knowing what he’s talking about or play dumb. I’m going with option two.
Really? What was it about?
James smirks as he shakes his head at me.
Don’t play coy. I got my ass reamed for not being with you today when you dropped the paperwork off at the league headquarters. I told him that was weird since I didn’t know anything about it.
My eyes drop to my nearly empty plate. I hate that Benton got pissed at him for it.
Sorry. I made a poor judgment call. When he talked to me, I made sure he knew that you didn’t know anything about it.
He smiles. One that reaches ear to ear.
Also heard that you were saved by a Scorpion. He places his hand over his mouth as he gasps.
I lean forward, slapping his shoulder. Stop it. He was just at the right place at the right time and helped me. Nothing more.
My phone lights up, and my eyes drop to the screen, seeing I have a new message from Lincoln.
He pauses, then smirks. Oh no. It’s your Scorpion boy, isn’t it?
I can’t help but roll my eyes.
Maybe. You know you say that like it’s worse than it is. Lincoln’s a nice guy.
James holds his hands up in defense.
I get what you’re saying. He is nice and scrumptious to look at. But your brother’s not going to think the same thing, and you know that.
He asked me out. I can’t help but do a little dance in my chair. Not able to contain my excitement any longer.
So, what’s the plan? He picks you up in his fancy truck, you two make googly eyes, and Benton commits murder?
I toss my napkin at him.
Stop. It’s just a date, James. I want to see where it goes.
James tilts his head to the side, and he just looks at me for a second. As if he can understand my every thought. I don’t look away. No, I gaze right back at him until his face softens into something almost understanding.
You like him.
I can’t deny it. So, I don’t even bother.
Yeah. I think I do.
James smiles before he starts signing.
Then good. You deserve happiness. And if he makes you happy, then I’ll support you all the way.
My chest tightens as relief forces its way to the forefront. I don’t need James' approval or acceptance, but it’s nice to have since he’s my best friend.
Lincoln does make me happy. And he’s trying so hard. He’s taking ASL classes. He even did this.
I pull up the video on my phone and hold it out so that James can watch it.
James’ brows lift as the corners of his mouth spread wide, smiling.
Wait—seriously? That’s… wow. Okay, I take back half the teasing. Maybe he’s not just another cocky alpha.
I can’t help but laugh. At first, I did think he was just a cocky alpha. But there’s more to him. Something deep and I can’t wait to find out more about him. To maybe even have him kiss me.
Don’t get ahead of yourself. It’s still Lincoln. He’s stubborn, bossy, and… sweet.
James nods his head before signing again.
And dangerous. Don’t forget dangerous.
Yeah, I know.
James doesn’t need to explain. He’s dangerous because of who Korbin is and the bullshit between him and Benton. And, yeah, okay… the same brother also saved my ass earlier. Maybe things aren’t as black-and-white as I thought. Maybe something’s shifting.
But this thing between me and Lincoln? It’s not going to be easy. I love my brother—but I also deserve happiness. And Lincoln… Lincoln makes my stomach flip in the prettiest way.
James stands to leave.
Okay, I need to get going. I just wanted to come and check on you. Let me know when the date is.
He winks before he continues signing.
I want all the dirty details. Also, know if Lincoln steals you away, I’m telling your brother you ran off with the enemy.
I laugh, shaking my head.
Deal.
James leans over, giving me a huge hug before turning and leaving.
When the door shuts, I pick up my phone and open the text thread with Lincoln.
Me: Can’t believe I said yes.
Lincoln: Can’t believe you didn’t say it sooner.
Me: Can I tell you something?
Lincoln: I’m all ears.
Me: I’m excited. You make me excited about what can happen. To give getting to know someone a chance.
Lincoln: All I want to do is make you happy. And you may think I’m crazy, but I want to do it for years to come.
I bite my lip, smiling like a fool, as I squeal a little. For the first time in a long time, the idea of “what’s next” doesn’t feel scary—it feels like the start of something I might actually want.
For the first time in my life, I don’t feel like I’m waiting for a rejection—I feel like maybe I’m being seen at last. I’m not just the deaf omega, the poor soul who can’t hear. The omega whose scent match rejected her publicly. I’m not Benton Lennox’s little sister. I’m Bayleigh. A desired omega.