8. Kestrel
8
KESTREL
“ H ey, there. Kestrel, right? I’ve been dying to meet you.”
I look up from the rack of clothing to see a stunning blond omega weaving his way through the boutique.
The very same omega that showed up with the rest last night and threw his arms around my alpha.
That same nauseous feeling sweeps over me, and just like last night, I can’t tell if it’s from morning sickness or jealousy.
Kai, Penn, and I left the big group of bubbly omegas to check out this tiny boutique down the street.
So, I’m shocked to see blondie here, too.
Is he looking for an outfit for tonight’s ball, or did he follow me here?
“Yes, that’s me. And your name is?” I try my hardest to keep my tone neutral.
Logically, I know I don’t have anything to worry about.
As soon as I said I didn’t feel well last night, Brooks sprinted after me and spent the rest of the evening curled up around me while we watched movies.
To alleviate any discomfort, Brooks fed me snacks, pampered me, and made me laugh as often as possible, making me feel treasured and cherished.
I was so caught up in Brooks’ thoughtfulness, I forgot to ask about the blond omega who’d greeted him, and just like last night, I can’t help but compare myself to the pretty little thing in front of me.
“My name is Novl. And you’re the beautiful omega that’s captured my cousin’s heart.”
I arch a brow hopefully.
Novl is human, and Brooks is a dragon.
“Cousins?”
“Well, technically, he’s cousins with my fated, Archer.”
All the tension drains from me, and I reach out to shake his hand.
Novl is fated to Archer.
“Oh gods, I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize you already had a mate. I—uh, I kind of thought you were flirting with Brooks,” I confess.
Instead of shaking my hand, Novl pulls me into a friendly hug.
“None of that. Brooks told me to treat you like family.”
Warmth fills my chest, and a smile tugs at my lips.
“That’s very kind of both of you.”
“You feel it, don’t you?” Novl’s eyes sparkle.
“The pull between you two seems strong.”
I nod, excited to have someone to talk to about this.
“I do. You mentioned that you and Archer are fated. Do you mean fated mates?”
“Sure do.” Novl smiles and turns back toward the rack.
I get the impression that he’s giving me space while not fully leaving my side.
We continue to shop as we chat about Brooks and Archer.
He even tells me about his best friend, Astra, who happened to be fated to a demon prince.
At one point, Kai and Penn appeared at my side.
I’m grateful that they cared enough to check on me, and despite everything, I genuinely consider them friends.
“I get this feeling Brooks and I were meant to be together,” I say nervously, before darting my eyes away.
“How do I know if he’s the one? My mate.” I nonchalantly hold up a shimmering emerald-green jacket up to my chest as I try to calm my racing heart.
“Well,” he says, tapping his bottom lip in thought.
“From my understanding, every couple is a little different. The way fated mates are found can vary between species; some can actually see the magical threads that tie them together, and others just claim to know once they spot their other half.”
I nod eagerly as memories of the magical tendrils swirling around our hands come to mind.
His words settle in my heart.
Novl grins and bites his lip.
“And some might even react…physically. But ultimately, the entire experience feels magical. Safe. All-knowing. Almost as if you know this person will do anything to protect you, and you’d do the same. It doesn’t always hit you at once, and some couples need to touch, or kiss, or even have sex before they can truly feel it, but if I had to guess, something I said already makes sense. It seems like there might be a bond already forming between you two.”
“I can’t even tell you exactly when it started. You see, I met Brooks months ago. I was instantly attracted to the handsome alpha, but it was more than that. It was more than his good looks and charming personality. We started talking and became friends. He would visit me at my shop often. And I found myself eagerly waiting for each visit.”
Suddenly, my phone rings.
My blood runs cold when I see Franky’s name on the screen, and I scramble to hit decline.
Novl gives me a concerned look.
I hesitate, questioning whether to confide in Novl, but the attractive omega reassuringly squeezes my hand.
Taking a deep breath, I continue.
“At the time, I was in a relationship, if you want to call it that. Franky was abusive, absolutely horrible to me. He took and took, never caring what his actions did to my heart or body. The days I knew Brooks would visit were some of the best ones. We didn’t cross any lines, and most of the time we had someone else there with us, but I think I always knew he’d protect me. Deep down, even then, I knew he’d do anything to keep me safe. He’d protect me no matter what I do.”
My confession slams into me.
He’d protect me no matter what.
I rub a soothing circle over my stomach.
I know he’ll protect you, too, little bean.
My gaze bounces up to Novl’s eyes.
“Thank you, Novl. You’ve helped me out more than you could understand.”
He gives me a soft smile, and I return it with a grin of my own.
“Good,” he replies with a mischievous smirk.
“Now that it’s settled, let’s find you a stunning outfit for tonight. You are going to get all dolled up and take your alpha’s breath away.”
Several hours later, Kai, Penn, and I join the rest of the omegas at the top of the grand staircase, waiting to be announced.
This ball offers a fun chance for the omegas and alphas to socialize and get to know each other.
But truth be told, I’m just excited to spend the evening dancing with Brooks under the sparkling lights.
Styling the last bit of my dark wavy hair around my shoulders, I look in the mirror with a new sense of confidence I’ve never felt before.
The green suit jacket fits me like it was custom-made.
My white flowy top and outfit are classy and make me feel pretty.
“How do I look?” I ask Kai and Penn.
Both of them look over my outfit as I take in theirs.
Kai is wearing a pretty red gown that complements his tan skin, and Penn is wearing a glittering white suit that makes him look sharp and stylish.
“You look great,” Penn replies as he nudges Kai.
Kai laughs and gives me a playful sweep of his eyes.
“Penn’s right. You don’t have anything to worry about.”
When they finally call my name, I throw my shoulders back and descend the stairs, pretending I’m some well-known lord about to mingle with my guests.
The ballroom is decorated with twinkling fairy lights that rival the starry night sky.
Several omegas and alphas pause their chatter to watch me enter the room.
Immediately, my gaze focuses on my alpha in the crowd.
Fuck, he’s so damn handsome in his navy blue fitted suit, which clings to all those delicious muscles.
Brooks glances up, and the breath whooshes out of me.
As soon as his eyes land on me, his whole face lights up.
I want nothing more than to be by his side, with me on his arm.
As if hearing my thoughts, Brooks grins before sauntering my way, and meeting me at the bottom of the staircase.
“Kestrel,” he breathes my name like a prayer.
“Would you like to dance with me?”
I nod and place my hand in his, unable to fight the giddy little butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
With a wink, he brings my hand to his lips and softly kisses my skin.
With his large hand on my back, he leads me to the center of the dance floor.
Suddenly, I’m thankful for all the dance lessons I was required to take when I attended Lilly Crest Academy.
“You’re breathtaking,” Brooks says as we sway to the beat of the music.
His fingers toy with the edge of my jacket before returning to my back.
“I have to admit, my dragon loves this color on you, and so do I.”
‘ Mission accomplished,’ I think as a blush heats my cheeks.
“I chose it because it reminds me of your dragon.”
Step-step-sway .
A wicked grin crosses his face.
“My dragon is currently preening in my chest, just to let you know.”
My lips twitch, and I have to fight back my laugh.
I can picture his dragon standing up tall and strutting around before taking flight.
Every night since I first saw his dragon, we walk through his gorgeous garden before Brooks leads me to the clearing, where he shifts and takes flight.
Brooks pulls me in close, and I melt against him.
The hard press of his body, mixed with his smoky-cedar scent, has my silk panties damp with slick.
Step-step-swirl .
Or maybe it’s the way he leads me through each dance move.
Either way, I love the way Brooks plays my body.
Flawlessly and with confidence.
Gods, what would it be like to have this every night with Brooks?
Would he actually choose me at the end of this arranged marriage program?
Two omegas have already announced that they’ll be having a city hall marriage by the end of the week, and a part of me is jealous.
I want to be paired with someone as smart and thoughtful as Brooks—no, scratch that.
I want to be paired with Brooks and only Brooks.
I like to think that what we have is magical.
I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.
Not even Franky, before I found out what an asshole he is.
But fated mates or not, could Brooks really accept me and my baby?
“What are you thinking about?” Brooks traces my bottom lip.
“You’re frowning.”
“Do you believe in fated mates?”
Brooks jerks to a halt, and his gaze searches mine, emerald eyes intense.
He shakes himself out of his trance, and we continue to dance.
He spins me under his arm as he thinks.
Finally, he nods.
“I do. I’ve been searching for my fated mate since I was a child.”
My face scrunches up at the adorable thought.
“Aw, are you saying baby Brooks was a romantic?” I tease.
“Ha! Yes. I was. Still am. And when my dragon appeared and finally started talking to me, we’ve been searching together ever since.” It’s such a turn-on to see an alpha openly talk about romance without a hint of shame.
He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met.
“You know, I never asked how old you are.”
“I’m forty-four. Young for a dragon. How old are you?”
“Twenty-three. That’s considered young for a human.” I laugh.
“But not too young.”
Couples dance around us.
I notice Kai looking a little less shy and giggling as a strong-looking alpha twirls him on the floor.
To my surprise, Penn is dancing with not one alpha, but two.
And off in the distance, I spot Novl dancing with a hulking big alpha with glowing green eyes; eyes that are so similar to Brooks’, that he can only be Archer.
Everyone around us seems happy and filled with laughter, something that has been missing from my life for far too long.
The music slows, and the lights around us dim, making the dance floor even more romantic.
I place my head on Brooks’ chest, close my eyes, and let my alpha guide me.
I can’t believe I’m placing my heart and trust in another alpha so soon after my divorce, but I’ve never felt so safe with someone before.
The other couples fade into the background as we sway and chat, getting lost in our conversation.
We keep dancing, again and again.
Several alphas try to cut in by asking me to dance, but Brooks is the only person I see.
The only alpha I want.
Every time I politely dismiss someone, I swear he pulls me tighter against him.
Something about the possessive move is enduring and incredibly sexy.
Brooks doesn’t turn into a raging asshole or an alpha who needs to flaunt his power.
He doesn’t let himself get filled with pent-up anger he needs to take out on me.
Instead, he gives me reassuring smiles and encouraging nods.
He lets me take control of the situation while letting me know he’s there if I need him.
The following evening, Brooks and I are walking in the garden with nothing but the soft glow of the lanterns and stars to illuminate our path.
An overwhelming sense of joy washes over me…
along with a bout of bravery.
I tug Brooks to a stop and glance up at him.
This is the moment I’ve been waiting for.
The concerned, soft look on his face gives me the courage to speak.
“Brooks, there’s something I need to tell you.”
“Of course. What is it, Kes?” He rubs a small circle on my back.
Right as I’m about to tell him I’m pregnant, my phone takes that precise moment to ring.
I pull the device out of my pocket to silence it when I see Franky’s name flash across it.
I hit ignore and swallow hard.
That sense of happiness I was just feeling fades away, and nothing but dread tinged with fear is left.
Fuck.
Why can’t he just leave me alone?
Let the lawyers do what they’re going to do.
He doesn’t need to contact me.
Hell, if I had it my way, I’d never want to hear from him again.
My phone pings with a flood of new text messages.
Franky
Pick up your damn phone, Kestrel.
We need to meet up.
It’s regarding the ownership of the bookstore.
I don’t know why the fuck you’d take a vacation from the shop when you supposedly want to keep it.
Your negligence only looks better for me.
You can kiss The Book Corner away.
If you stop this fucking bullshit and come crawling back to me, maybe I’ll let you work there.
That is, if you’re willing to get on your knees and beg.
You might not be my husband anymore, but I wouldn’t mind if you were my little whore instead.
The last text causes me to gasp and drop my phone.
Tears rim my eyes, and suddenly I’m so fucking angry, I can’t see through my rage.
“Kestrel, what’s wrong?”
Like fog lifting, my anger dissipates.
“It’s Franky. He wants to meet. It’s about my store.”
His jaw clenches.
“I don’t want you seeing him. But I won’t stop you. Just please, let me go with you. I don’t trust the guy.”
I turn to face him.
“You’d do that for me?”
“Of course, Kes.” Brooks sighs before reaching for my hand and tugging me to a nearby stone bench.
He sits down and pulls me onto his lap.
Momentarily forgetting my anger, I giggle.
“What are you doing?”
Brooks tucks some of my hair behind my ear.
“Remember the other night when you asked me if I believe in fated mates?”
I nod, and he leans forward, looking me in the eye.
“We’re fated, Kestrel. You’re my fated mate, my soulmate. The other half of my soul.”
“We are? I am?” My heart flutters, and a smile breaks across my face.
“Oh gods, I thought it might be true, but damn, I had no idea how much I needed to hear you say it.”
Another text notification pings.
Brooks growls when he spots my ex’s name.
A stray, angry tear falls, sliding down my cheek.
“Franky won’t stop until he takes everything from me,” I whisper.
“He can’t. He won’t.”
I shake my head.
“You don’t understand. He doesn’t want me to be happy. He?—”
“Marry me,” he says, a wild, happy look on his face.
“We can get married as soon as tomorrow.”
I sit up straight, squirming on his lap.
“Wait, do you mean that?”
“Yes. I do. I have something to confess. I’ve had my brother investigating your ex. He isn’t a good man. Asa has found things that can put Franky in prison. He’s just trying to gather enough proof.”
My mouth falls open.
I always knew Franky was a terrible person, but enough to land him in prison?
I shiver, my hand unconsciously dropping to my stomach.
I rub a soothing hand over my stomach and gasp when Brooks places his large hand over mine.
“We’re mates,” Brooks continues passionately.
“I’m falling for you, Kes. I can protect you and your bookstore.” His smile widens.
“Marry me, pretty omega. Let me help you.”
Happy laughter bubbles out of me, and I bounce on his lap as I nod.
“Yes. Gods yes!” I’ve never wanted anything more.
“I’ll marry you, my Alpha. My hero.”
Brooks chuckles, peppering light kisses on my cheeks.
“My brother, Asa, says I have a hero complex. He thinks I have a thing for saving people. Fuck, maybe I do.”
I shake my head, smiling.
“No. That’s not you at all. You don’t have a hero complex. You don’t go around saving people just because you want the acknowledgement. I remember that time you sat at the café next door. You brought your laptop and ended up working, setting up your company’s charity. I recall your determination over the phone, where you insisted on remaining anonymous.”
His lips part with shock.
“I had no idea you overheard me.”
I blush.
“Don’t think I don’t see you, Brooks. You don’t have a hero complex. You’re a good guy. A good alpha. It’s called human decency.”
He gasps.
“Those are almost the exact words I said to my brother several days ago. No one’s ever seen me like that before.”
“Can I kiss you?” I blurt.
Being this close to my alpha, my mate, my future husband, is a stark reminder that I haven’t tasted his lips yet.
The words hang in the air, sparked with a charge of magic and hope.
Brooks sucks in a sharp breath and his nostrils flare.
His eyes flash the pretty emerald green I’ve learned to associate with his dragon coming to the surface.
“Let me at least take you somewhere private,” he growls, tugging me into a standing position and ushering me back toward the house.
I whine, sad to no longer be sitting on my alpha’s lap.
“Omega,” Brooks rumbles, almost like a warning.
His voice is deep, and his eyes are still glowing.
Realization hits me.
Brooks and his dragon are speaking simultaneously.
Damn, why is that so hot?
As soon as we’re inside the house, he leads me to the closest hallway and leans against it.
His fingers grip my hips, and he pulls my body flush against his.
He leans forward slowly, giving me time to decide and letting me capture his lips with mine.
The kiss, initially gentle, soon ignites into a passionate inferno.
Our tongues battle for control.
He tastes like caramel and wine and something smoky.
I open my eyes to see the same magical tendrils from earlier this week, swirling around us.
In that instant, I realize our love really is written in the stars.
And as far as first kisses go, this kiss is…
everything.