Chapter 13 Buckle
BUCKLE
I don’t think I’ve felt as strong as I do in these tiny slutty shorts. They make my thighs pop and my ass look immaculate. And this crop top? Oh yeah.
Abel looks sweet and innocent in the clothes he chose, but he always does tend to cover every inch of skin, even in the summer. So seeing his bare stomach makes me want to kiss all the beautiful skin on display. Even if it’s just a sliver.
Abel watches Perry intently as our Omega leads us to the classroom. Honestly, I think this pole dance class is a genius way to get Abel out of his head. That is, if Abel allows himself to let loose during class.
The Beta Bitches introduce themselves properly to me since I’m the only one that hasn’t formally met any of them. Sure, I’ve worked on a few of their vehicles every once in a while, but like Perry, it’s just not a memorable kind of meeting.
Of course, I flirt with everyone in the room. It’s just who I am, and it makes Abel blush.
Perry claps and the class officially starts. He runs over a few moves, breaking everything down before starting the music and having us try. We go a few rounds, everyone laughing and having a good time. I keep peeking over at Abel, trying not to stare at him through the mirror.
“Okay, let’s take a water break.” Perry walks up to Abel. “Sweetness, are you doing okay?”
Abel nods, but he doesn’t meet Perry’s gaze.
“Abel.” Perry tips our Beta’s chin up to force him to look at him. “Can I touch you?”
Another short nod and Perry’s hands drop to Abel’s hips.
I swallow. The innocent move turns seductive as Perry sways Abel’s hips back and forth.
“Close your eyes,” Perry says.
Abel does as he’s told. Perry steps a little closer into Abel’s space, then he’s moving their hips together. It’s... Scandalous if it were anyone else, but I know Perry is just trying to help Abel feel more comfortable.
“You’re doing so well, Abel. You’re so tight.”
Fuck. I know he means Abel’s actions, but the words go right to my dick. My dick in a pair of very tiny shorts. Everywhere I turn there’s a mirror covered wall.
Perry gives me a smirk and continues to sway his and Abel’s hips. Abel’s hard and I can’t see how our Omega is immune until he turns towards me.
He pulls away from Abel and our Beta practically chases his touch before opening his eyes and going back to his pole.
“Let’s get back to work,” Perry says, then gives Abel a quick peck on the cheek. He runs to me to do the same and I wish he could linger, but we have a class to continue.
Abel seems to gain a bit more confidence for the next few moves. I find myself watching both him and Perry in the mirror instead of myself. I know my form probably sucks, but it’s fine because I’m having a blast.
Perry claps his hands again. “Good job everyone!”
“We should all go out for dinner,” one of the Beta Bitches says. Elsbeth, I think.
“We just worked out,” Bette says.
“So! I need something to drink after all that.” Elsbeth looks me over and I finger wave and preen. Because I’m me.
“Tease!” Elsbeth says.
Abel goes red, and it’s so damn endearing. I hope he never stops blushing. “I’d like to go out to dinner,” he says. I don’t know why it shocks me, but it does.
“I’m so hungry I could eat three chickens,” Lisa says.
“Same,” Abel says.
“It does sound good,” Perry says and looks at me.
“Of course I’m good to eat. I’ll never refuse food,” I say.
Abel and I change back into our other clothes. Perry stays in his outfit and it suits him. Abel seems more relaxed when he’s all covered again. It’s a shame he’s always covering up. But if that’s what makes him comfortable, then I won’t fuss about it.
The three of us hop in my truck and we follow the Beta Bitches to a restaurant I hadn’t seen before.
“Oh! This is Bette’s place,” Perry says as I park. “It’s a bit of a mismatch, but so yummy.” He takes Abel’s hand and drags him from the truck. I follow them, watching how sweet Perry is with Abel and how Abel seems to always take the world in, as if he’s cataloging everything to save forever.
Abel looks back and stops. Perry does the same. Then they’re both running my way to each take a hand. The sizzle of their touches runs up my arms. This is life. This is how everything should be.
When we catch up to the Beta Bitches, Bette turns to us.
“You look at each other the way me and my Freddie do.” She presses a hand to her chest. The other Betas nod and murmur the same about their partners.
“The spark still hasn’t left and I hope it never does.
We’ve been together for thirty-seven years. ”
The host seats us in apparently the best spot, thanks to Bette. She orders us a couple of liters of frozen margaritas for the table.
“I’ve never had alcohol before,” Abel whispers.
“Do you want to try a margarita?” Perry asks.
“Oh, I should have asked if everyone partook,” Bette says.
“I’m over twenty-one. It’s just not something I’ve been too interested in. But I think I do want to try one.” He pours himself a serving of peach.
We all watch him as he sniffs the alcohol, then gives the slushy a tentative lick. He hums and uses his spoon to have a bigger taste. “I like it.”
We all let out a breath. Not that I was worried, and it would have been fine had he not liked it.
I ask the server for a round of water for everyone.
Dinner is pleasant, and I don’t monitor Abel’s margarita consumption. He’s an adult and can decide if he wants to chance a hangover. But when he starts slurring his words, me and Perry exchange looks.
“It’s like...like...candy in liquid form,” Abel says as he takes another drink.
“But burny candy. I don’t like that part.
” He frowns at his empty glass. His eyes go wide and his head snaps up.
“No. My head feels all fuzzy, like there’s a wooly mammoth playing around.
” He presses his hands to his head. “Why is everyone so loud?”
Shit.
“I can’t feel my hawk. Where did he go?” He springs to his feet and I grab his hand before he can sprint away.
“Abel,” Perry tries to soothe him. “How much did you drink?”
“Dunno,” Abel slurs.
“He’s a lightweight,” Elsbeth says. “He only filled his glass up three times. These are tiny glasses.”
“I wanted to try all the different flavors.” Abel shoves a bite of food in his mouth and moans. “So good.”
“John does have a heavy hand,” Bette says. “I feel kinda bad.”
“Oh, no!” Abel gasps. “What’s wrong? Is it your stomach?”
Bette fights a laugh. “No, darling. I feel bad you’re probably not gonna feel great in the morning.”
“Oh. Well, that’s not good.” Abel drops his elbows to the table and puts his face in his hands. He makes a little hurump noise and I fight the urge to pull him close.
“Sometimes pheromones from your partner counteracts the hangover,” Carol says.
“Okay.” He holds out his hands. “Scent me.”
The Beta Bitches stifle their giggles behind their hands or glasses.
Perry rubs his head along Abel’s wrist, then kisses his palm. I want to bring his face to my throat, but refrain and rub my thumb along his wrist.
Abel frowns. “Did it work?”
“You sweet summer child,” Lisa says.
Abel’s frown deepens. “I wasn’t born in the summer.”
I snort. “How about we get you to bed? You probably have work in the morning.”
“I do. I think.” Abel tips his head. “Pretty sure.”
“Get that boy in bed,” Bette says.
I pull out my wallet, as does Perry. Abel’s staring at a corner and I’m not sure what that’s about. Bette waves us away. “Dinner is on me. Go get your guy in bed and smother him in your pheromones.”
Abel pushes his chair back, but instead of getting up, he drops his head in his arms on the table. “Nappy nap,” he mumbles.
“Not yet,” Perry says, and we both haul Abel to his feet.
“Sleepy!” Abel says and clutches the table. Thankfully, he doesn’t pull the tablecloth off, but he grips it so tightly it takes me and Perry to pry his hands free.
“Come on, sweetness. A bed is so much nicer than a hard table, isn’t it?”
“Maybe, but the table is right here.” He drops his head so hard I cringe.
Perry just laughs and settles down beside him again. “You are going to be so embarrassed if you remember how you acted tonight. I hope you don’t, but I also don’t think you drank enough to erase your memory. You’re just very inexperienced. Come on, sweetness.”
Finally, Abel lets us pull him to his feet. He’s practically dead weight, so I carry him to the truck. We buckle him in and let him lean against the window.
“I feel bad,” Perry says. “He’d never had alcohol before and we let him—”
I hold up a hand. “We can not baby him. He’s twenty-three, and he chose to drink. He probably wasn’t aware of how it’d affect him. All we can do now is clean him up, get him into bed, and—”
“Scent him.”
“Exactly.”
“I don’t want him to wake up alone, though.”
“I’m taking you both to my place, unless you have objections?” I say.
“None.” Perry’s hand drops to my thigh and he squeezes. It’s not sexual, just comfort and I lean in to him.
We get to my place and wrestle Abel from the truck. He semi fights us at the same time he leans into our touches.
“Sweetness,” Perry laughs when Abel sticks his tongue out and scurries back into the truck for the third time.
“Cozy!”
“It’ll be more cozy inside. I promise,” I say. “I have lots of cozy cozy blankets. We can wrap you up like a burrito.”
He perks up at that and slides from the truck. I sigh out, relieved he’s not fighting us anymore. But it’s obvious his legs aren’t exactly stable, so I carry him again. His head drops to my chest.
He’s out before we get to my bedroom. I look around, then down at Abel.
“I don’t think it’s the best idea to have him share the bed with us.” I backtrack to the guest bedroom.
“You’re probably right.”
I set Abel down gently on the twin-sized bed. We pull his shoes off, then his belt. I go to remove his pants so he’s not uncomfortable, but freeze.
“What’s wrong?” Perry whispers.
“He’s not wearing underwear.”
We both swallow.
“Keep the pants on, then.”
I nod. We don’t have permission to see him naked when he’s not exactly coherent. I lift him again so we can get him under the covers. He’s so peaceful.
“I wanna cuddle,” I say.
“I know, but I think you’re right. We need his consent.” Perry scent marks him with his wrists and I do the same hoping it’ll help.
“I lied,” Abel mumbles as we turn to leave him.
We both hold our breath. I hope he continues, but he makes a soft sound instead. I’m at the door when I hear him mumble, “I do believe in Fated mates, but I’m scared. So scared. Maybe too scared.”
Perry looks up at me. “I’m a little scared too, but I think Fate chose well.” He takes my hand and we leave Abel. Hopefully, he has good dreams.
It’s not even very late, but my eyes droop. It’d been a long day at work after our first date.
I chuckle.
“What’s so funny?”
“Nothing really. We’ve been on two dates in one day.”
Perry smirks. “I think the Beta Bitches took over. I was planning on taking you both to dinner after class, but who can deny those ladies? They’re always a blast.”
I snort. “They were fun.”
“Come, my Alpha. You look dead on your feet. I exhausted you with class.”
“I don’t think it was just you.” I yawn and let him lead me back to my bedroom.
“Go shower. I’ll find us something to watch.”
Sounds perfect.
We take turns showering, but by the time we’re ready to watch something, we’re both yawning.
“Bed?” Perry asks.
“Bed.”
“No funny business,” he teases.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” I take his hand and kiss his knuckles. I’m too damn tired.
We fall into bed and he wraps himself around me as if we’ve done this hundreds of times. But as good as it feels, the bed still feels half empty.
“Maybe we should go get Abel,” Perry says.
“You feel it too?”
Perry nods. “He’s missing. But it does feel wrong to make him share the bed when he can’t consent to it.” His fingers circle my pec and I still his wily hand.
“He’ll be okay. We scent marked him. He’s safe.” And best of all, he’s in my house.