Chapter 16
Layla
“You and Zayd have been holed up for some time. Things going good?” Angie asks, sitting across from me at one of the many Formica tables bolted to the terrazzo floor of the Courtyard’s food court.
And I have to say, it does have a comforting effect. I especially love the aromas of the different restaurants together. Sometimes I wish we could live…
We…
My brain still thinks I’m part of a couple. And that would be fine if the traitorous prick saw me here with Sutton. But no. It’s been long enough that I now see Zayd with me, carrying my bags, sitting outside the dressing rooms while I try on clothes.
Stupid brain. You don’t even really know Zayd that well.
“Layla? You okay?” Ellie-Mae asks, sitting next to me, her soft pretzel stuck in a cup of nacho cheese.
Does Zayd like soft pretzels? I know he eats, but what foods does he like? I don’t even know what his favorite color is…
“Sorry. Yeah. We, um… Don’t actually spend that much time together,” I finally answer Angie with a shrug.
Not much, but enough that Zayd has replaced Sutton when I think about trivial things like shopping.
“That doesn’t seem possible,” Angie says.
“Zayd spends most of his time at the training comb and with his fellow officers. We really only see each other at night.”
Angie smirks. “So, you spend all your time with him… In bed.” She elbows me and winks.
“Yes, but not like that.” But it has been like that.
And maybe that’s part of the problem. Why the time I spend with him at night still feels so wrong. I don’t know Zayd. I’ve had sex with him, slept naked with him, but I don’t know him.
“Wait. Are you saying… Oh, my god. You and Zayd haven’t had sex?” Angie shrieks.
Thankfully, the Courtyard is nearly empty, and her voice gets lost in the high glass domed ceiling and yacht rock bouncing off all the hard, flat surfaces.
Ellie-Mae almost chokes on her soft pretzel. “Angie!” She scolds her when she catches her breath.
“I’m sorry, but it’s been what?” Angie looks at me. “A month since Sutton left?”
“Yeah.”
“That’s a long,” she drags out the o for emphasis, “time for an omega to go without.” There’s a surprising amount of concern in Angie’s voice. “It’s obvious the two of you have worked something out. I’m shocked his scent is so strong on you for not having had sex.”
Ellie-Mae nods, eyes wide, agreeing with Angie. Her curiosity piqued enough not to scold Angie further for continuing to pry.
“We’re sleeping together, but nothing has happened.
” I pause, wondering if I want to say more.
Because there has been a nagging voice in my head.
A needy, nagging voice that gets louder and louder every day.
And even louder at night when I lie down next to Zayd and he pulls me into his arms. Makes me feel so safe and warm.
“Yet.” It just slips out. The desire is undeniable.
And it’s only been a month since Sutton left.
Will I be able to resist my urges for another month?
A year? What if Sutton never comes back?
Can I go the rest of my life without satisfying this fundamental need?
If I weren’t an omega, I think I could. Not that it would be easy, but I think it would be easier.
“Oh, no,” Angie says, shaking her head, her flame-red hair bouncing on her soft shoulders. “I hope you don’t think I’m trying to talk you into having sex with Zayd.” Angie slaps her hand over her heart. “No pressure, Layla.”
“I know. I’m not… It’s fine. Really.” I slump in my chair, crossing my arms over my stomach. “I just hate to admit that I’ve thought about it, you know?”
“Of course! After all, it’s only been a month,” Angie says, reaching across the table to squeeze my hand.
“Even though he gave Zayd and me his blessing, I can’t help but think he’ll come to regret it someday. He’ll come back for me. I want him to come back for me. And I don’t want to have to explain anything to him. Having to explain sleeping naked with Zayd is already too much.”
Angie puffs out an exasperated breath. “How the hell do you resist him? I mean, I know you’re not bonded but still…”
“No kidding,” Ellie-Mae blurts. “I did not want to bond with Kydax. I hated alphas. Having sex with one was the last thing in the world I wanted to do, but even before I scented, I couldn’t resist Kydax. I don’t think I lasted a week.”
Angie laughs and adds, “After Razyr and I were matched, I was on him before the door to his room slid all the way shut.”
We all chuckle at that.
“The way the two of you went at it in the med comb? I believe it,” I say as the laughter fades.
“We have no shame,” Angie says, putting her hands up as if surrendering to her fate.
“There’s no shame in getting the relief you need,” Ellie-Mae says, taking my hand again. “It’s your right as an omega. Your husband knew the consequences when he left. He’ll understand if he ever comes back.”
“I don’t know. I’ll definitely think about it. I’m not desperate yet. Who knows, maybe this is as bad as it’ll get.” I force a smile, hoping it will convince me as much as them.
But Angie and Ellie-Mae see through my lie, and they both give me a look that screams Oh, you poor, naive girl.
They’re probably right. I won’t be able to hold out forever.
But I don’t have to hold out forever. Just long enough for Sutton to come back or long enough to know he never will. And I can wait more than one month.
But I suppose, if I need to spend my time with Zayd until then, I don’t have to spend it with a stranger. I already trust Zayd; getting to know him should be easy.
My stomach rumbles.
No better place to start than with dinner.