Chapter 5
CHAPTER FIVE
BECKETT
I watch as my scent match and my best friend talk to a man with greasy black hair in a long trench-like coat. Angel looks pissed, and Belle seems worried.
“Do you think he likes her? I've never seen him so attentive to an omega before,” Tate comments, watching the same show I am. His eyebrows are furrowed, and I groan. Pulling out his phone he texts security, and I decide now is the time.
Shit. I hope this doesn’t ruin things between us. He means everything to me, and he’s my family. The one that I can depend on no matter what. My heart and a part of my soul, even if it is damaged and darkened.
How could she be my match? Wouldn’t she know who I am? From what I’ve heard when you meet the one everything stops, but she avoids even looking my way.
“Baby, there’s something I should tell you,” I start, but then Angel and Belle begin walking over. “Later,” I tell him, sighing and he nods.
“Hey, sorry about that. I hope your drinks are still hot,” Belle says, taking a seat furthest from me. Angel hands her the tray once she’s seated and plops down next to her.
“Wow, this all looks delicious, but didn’t you mention a pizza?”
“Oh, shit. I’m on it.” Angel hops back up and rushes off.
“Do you think he will need any help?” Belle asks, watching him go, and my chest tightens.
Why is she acting this way? Does she not want to be my match? Or is she even my mate? I’ve never experienced this before, but the way my body is aching to be near her, and my cock is throbbing, I think that would mean she’s mine. Right?
But she’s avoiding looking my way again and seems on edge now that she’s left alone with me and Tate.
Huffing, I open my cheesecake and take a big bite, getting more frustrated and hurt the longer she’s silent.
“Sooo,” Tate says, pointing toward the drinks still in her lap. She looks up at him and her cheeks are rosy. She’s beautiful. Wearing a sweater and pajama pants with hideous socks, her blonde hair tossed up into a messy bun and her wide gray eyes.
If I had to pick someone for me… it would be her.
“I am so sorry. God, just going to state this for the record right now… not that you plan to spend time with me, but I babble, tend to knock into things or people, and I am awkward as hell.” Her eyes widen, and she bites her lips.
“I can’t believe I just said all that. Ugh, please take your drinks, so I can go hide in a ball back in my corner.”
Tate barks out a laugh, and I even chuckle. She’s actually really cute and I find her babbling adorable. Reaching for his tea he also grabs the peppermint mocha I requested, handing it to me, and now I’m blushing.
I’m glad the others are scent blind because she smells incredible. Taking a sip, I groan as the velvety chocolate flavor runs along my tongue with a hint of mint. I don’t know how long it takes me to chug that drink, but when I’m done, Tate is looking at me with fire in his blue eyes, and Belle is squirming.
“Thanks, I was thirsty,” I grunt, placing it on the floor and going back to the vanilla bean cheesecake. God the two flavors mixed have me almost creaming my pants. I think I need to get out of here.
“This better be the best damn pizza of my life or I am going to throw a grade A hissy fit,” Angel says, returning with a large pizza.
Taking his place beside Belle, he gives her a smile and gently pushes his shoulder against hers. Placing the box in the middle of the blanket, he opens the top and groans.
“Olives! I didn’t ask for olives.” Pouting, he leans back on his hands and turns to sprawl his legs out.
Heels clicking along the tile have me looking over my shoulder. That attendant… What was her name? Larissa? No, that wasn’t it… Rissa! Rissa walks over to us, and she’s frowning.
“I’m so sorry, but they just cancelled all remaining flights due to the storm. We have accommodations available across the tarmac at our hotel. If you’d like, I can show you the way.”
Belle gets to her feet and presses down her thighs, wiggling. “That would be great. When is the next flight to LA?”
Rissa scowls at her and gives her a fake smile. “Oh, I’m sorry, the accommodations are only for the VIPs. You can stay here though. I think we have some cots in storage. I'd be happy to set one up for you.”
Belle frowns, and she’s about to nod, but Angel cuts in. “That won’t be necessary. She can come with us.”
“I’m afraid company policy won’t allow that, Sir.”
That’s it! I have had it with her passive aggressive behavior. It’s quite clear that Rissa is an alpha, and she’s trying to claim some kind of territory over the guys. Fixing my glasses, I get to my feet and turn, giving Rissa my business scowl.
There’s a reason that I am so good at negotiations.
“Rissa, is it?” I wait until she nods before continuing. “We have been here many hours now waiting on a flight that’s not going to happen, after weathering this winter storm to even get here. We are tired, in need of showers, and still haven’t had a full meal. This woman here may not be flying first class, but she will be accompanying us for the evening.”
Belle gasps behind me, and I puff my chest up with a little pride.
Rissa places her hands on her hips, and shakes her head, giving a fake sympathetic frown. “I’m sorry, but that’s not…”
“I am so sorry about the delay Mr. Baron, if you would just follow me right this way,” an older man in a black suit says, hustling toward us. He offers me his hand, and I shake it.
“But, Sir, that’s not policy,” Rissa begins, and the man cuts her a menacing glare, making her step back and whimper.
“As I was saying, gentlemen, and miss, please follow me. We will have someone take your things as we will need to head toward the hotel. There is an overhang leading directly to the hotel that should give you some coverage from this weather. I’m sorry we don’t have any buses available at this hour.”
“Sir, we need you at security,” the man’s radio crackles, and he sighs.
“If you will please excuse me for a moment, I will be back to assist you shortly.”
He hurries off, and Belle looks at me. Her eyes are wide, and I notice there is a small shake in her hands. I’m about to ask if she’s okay when I catch Tate giving me a dirty look.
Shit.
TATE
Taking Beck’s arm, I pull him over to the side as Angel talks to Belle.
He removes his glasses and rubs his eyes. I know he’s exhausted. We all are, but has he lost his fucking mind?!
“You invited her to sleep in the same room as us? Beck, what the hell?”
“We can't just leave her here, and I know that you guys don't want to sleep in an airport on some musty cot.”
“Well, no, but how do you know she's not another fangirl? I don't want to wake up to my hair shaved and online for thousands of dollars. Or even worse… How do you know that she's not some secret reporter?”
Sighing, he yawns. “She hasn't mentioned the band, not even once. I don't think she knows who we are, Tate. Plus, look at your cousin. Do you see him leaving her here? We will make sure she sleeps in a separate room.”
Groaning, I lean my head on his shoulder, and he runs his hands in my hair.
This is something we do. It calms me and right now I feel antsy. Like there is something going on that I don't know about.
“Fine, but Angel's dick can be the one on the internet. I'm locking my door,” I grumble, and he laughs.
Someone scoffs behind me, and I cringe. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath, then turn.
Belle stands there beside Angel and she's wringing her fingers together. She's looking at her socks, avoiding my eyes.
“It was nice of you guys to offer, but I'm just going to stay here. Thank you for the picnic,” she mumbles before rushing off toward the bathroom.
Angel steps up to me and presses his chest to mine. He's pissed, and I'm waiting for him to strike me.
Beck places his hand between us and shoves him away.
“That was a dick move, Tate. Belle has been nothing but kind to us. She's not some crazed fan.”
“You don’t know that,” I hiss. Has everyone lost their fucking minds?
“I do know. I have been spending the last few hours with her, and she’s sweet, a little awkward, but fucking harmless. So get your shit together and go apologize. There’s no way in hell I’m leaving her here with that asshole lurking in the shadows.”
Stepping away from me, he crosses his arms and waits for me to obey. Growling, I stomp off toward the little omega. She’s fixing her blankets and trying to make a small bed in the corner by the window.
I can hear her sniffling as I get closer, and my heart aches. Dammit! She isn’t Maisie. She’s not out to get me and my pack. Taking a deep breath, I stop a few feet from her so as not to crowd her.
I’ve noticed she’s jumpy at times.
As I clear my throat she pauses. “Listen, Belle, I’m sorry for being an ass. I’m known to be an alphahole, and you didn’t deserve to be treated like that. Please come with us to the hotel. It’s safer, and it’s only for a night.”
“Thanks, Tate, but no, I’m okay here. You guys have a nice night, or morning. It was lovely to meet you,” she says, glancing over her shoulder toward me.
Crouching down, I kneel next to her and place my hand on hers, stopping her excessive blanket fluffing. “I can’t in good conscience leave you here. So, please. You can have your own room. A locked door if that makes you feel more secure.”
“I really am tired… and starving… If you’re sure.”
“I’m sure and also hungry. So let's get your things together and go.”
After her things are back in her bag and she’s giving them to an attendant to bring to the room, Angel comes over with Beck.
As we turn to leave, that man appears and he’s angry. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing, little omega slut?”
“Exfuckincuseme,” Angel spits out, sliding Belle behind him and stepping into that man’s face. “I don’t give a flying fuck who you work for, but you do not ever call a woman a slut!” he growls, and I nod along with him.
The man starts to laugh and thrusts his phone out toward Belle. “Your daddy wants to have a chat. Girl, you’re in trouble,” he coos with a grin, and I can see some of his teeth are rotted.
Belle steps back, her face turning white, and her hands begin to shake. She looks scared. Beck growls, moving closer to her.
Angel takes his phone and chucks it down the hall. “Get the fuck out of our faces before I ruin yours. Not that it would look much different.”
The man prepares himself to fight, but it’s pointless. Three against one and not only do we train in MMA on the regular, Beck has been taking Jiu Jitsu for years.
The attendant in the suit returns just in time with a few security guards. His tie is crooked, and he has a red imprint on his cheek.
“Arrest that man. Put him in a holding cell. I am so sorry, Pack Baron, he escaped the room we had him contained in and attacked us. Let’s get you guys to the hotel so you may rest. In the morning, or afternoon, I wouldn’t blame you if you’d like to sleep in, we will arrange alternate travel arrangements for you.”
“We will also need some food as ours is cold now,” I say and he nods.
“Anything you need, just let someone know. You have a personal concierge.”
“Where are my boots?” Belle mumbles softly.
“Oh, I’m sorry, miss, they must have been taken to your room, but don’t you fret, we will carry you.” He snaps his fingers, and I shift in the way.
“Hop on. I’ll give you a lift,” I say and she laughs, shaking her head.
“No, that’s silly. I will just walk. These socks need to be trashed anyway.”
“I’m not going to bite you, Belle, and I have been told I give awesome rides.”
“Really?” She double checks, and I can see her eyes are sparkling with mirth, but also a little excitement.
Beck groans and starts walking quickly following the man. I nod, and she laughs once more. It sounds like tinkling bells. Angel moves over and lifts her onto my back and she squeals, gripping me tight.
“I’ve never had a piggy-back ride before. Thank you, Tate,” she whispers close to my ear, and I grunt.
I kinda like this little omega riding me.