Chapter 9
Gabriel
“Fuck.” My voice echoes in the empty hallway. My heart is pounding in my chest like I’ve just run a marathon. What the hell was I thinking? Kissing Kimmie—touching her like that. Being an alpha doesn’t mean I’m some horny animal who can’t control himself.
But the moment her mouth met mine, every ounce of discipline I’ve ever cultivated shattered.
I can still smell her, taste her on my tongue. It’s not just desire I feel. It’s instinct, hunger, a raw, empty pit that can only be filled by her presence. She’s a beta, but kissing her is like kissing an omega in heat. No, like kissing the omega.
The one.
The thought makes my cock twitch. I adjust myself through my slacks to find some relief.
It doesn’t help.
I need to change clothes. Strip off the feel of her soft skin under my hands, her thighs opening. Her body moved beneath mine like she damn well belonged there. Instead, I head for my office, grateful no one is around to see me in this state.
When I get there, I realize I can’t pour myself a glass of whiskey like I normally would.
Alcohol lowers inhibitions. The last thing I need is less control.
I settle for pacing in front of the fireplace while the memory of her moans claw at my self-control.
That sound she made when my teeth grazed her throat.
I wanted to fuck her. Knot her. Bite down.
I’ve never reacted to anyone this strongly, not even when I was younger and more prone to letting my hormones dominate.
I’m supposed to be negotiating a business deal, not seducing a beta. But the thought of treating her like another transaction leaves a bad taste in my mouth. She’s not just another asset to be acquired or obstacle to overcome.
She’s more. Much, much more.
I shake my head. This is insane. I barely know her. She’s a thorn in my side, an irritating little beta who won’t sell me what I need. Only what I need right now is her, not her property.
“Gabriel?” Tanner’s voice snaps me out of my reverie. He’s standing in the doorway, concern etched across his features. “You okay?”
“Fine.” I force myself to stand still and take a calming breath. “Why?”
“You’re pacing. And you’re wet.”
“I’m aware.” My tone is sharper than intended.
“Did something happen with Kimmie?” His nostrils flare, and his eyes narrow. “Did you hurt her?”
The accusation stings. “I would never.”
“Then why do you smell like sex?” His gaze travels down to the obvious bulge in my pants. “And why do you look like you’re about to lose your shit?”
I turn away from him and move toward my desk. “It’s nothing. A moment of weakness.”
“Bullshit.” He crosses his arms. “You’re not the type for moments of weakness.”
“Apparently, I am.” I say, sinking into my chair. “I helped her in the shower, and things got…heated.”
Tanner’s eyebrows shoot up. “Heated? As in, you fucked her in the shower?”
“No! Of course not.” I glare at him. “She’s still recovering from being ill.”
“Then what?” His expression is skeptical.
“She kissed me—or I kissed her. Hell, I’m not even sure. That’s all.” Almost all. My lips are still tingling. “I lost control, but only for a minute.”
“A minute, huh?” Tanner smirks. “Must’ve been some kiss.”
“It was.” I’m not going to lie. “But it won’t happen again. She’s a means to an end, nothing more.”
Tanner’s eyes narrow. “You sure about that?”
“Yes.” I push out of the chair and stalk back over to the fireplace. “She’s a beta, Tanner. Even if I were interested—which I’m not—she’s not suitable as a mate. And we’re not getting any younger. It’s time to settle down with someone who can provide heirs, not some feisty little waffle cook.”
“It won’t be the first time an alpha’s mated a beta,” Tanner says.
“Maybe not,” I concede. “But we need an omega to carry on the Stanton name. Someone born and bred for this level of society who can be a mate to all four of us. Besides, it’s pretty clear she’s not interested in being part of our world. She’s too independent, too stubborn. Too…”
“Too much like me. She’s not the only person in this house who doesn’t fit into your neat little boxes, Gabe.”
His words sting. I know he’s referring to his own past, how he lived in a trailer park until his birth mother died.
After that, he was in foster care until he aged out.
It’s not something I think about often. To me, Tanner is a Stanton through and through.
He’s my pack brother, even if we’re not blood-related. “Tanner—”
“Don’t,” he says sharply. “I get it, okay? You’re the big alpha, and you have a plan. But the plan isn’t working anymore. It’s time to consider other options.”
“Such as?”
“Such as not treating people like pawns.” He runs a hand through his hair so the blond spikes stand on end. “You’re so used to getting what you want, you don’t stop to think about what anyone else wants. Sometimes that includes us.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, genuinely confused.
“You’re so focused on an omega mate, you’re not considering whether we want something else.”
“Like what? A beta who’s stubborn, who’s not even a little interested in being part of our pack or making a home for us?”
“Yes,” Tanner says simply. “Someone like that.”
I stare at him, incredulous. “You can’t be serious. You want me to pursue Kimmie?”
“Not just you,” Tanner says. “All of us. We all feel it, Gabe. She’s special.”
I shake my head. “No. Absolutely not. We need an omega. Kimmie would disrupt everything with her independence.”
“Or maybe we need someone who challenges us,” Tanner counters. “Someone who isn’t afraid to stand up to us. Someone who sees us as men, not just alphas.”
“I can’t believe what I’m hearing,” I say. “You want to give up on finding an omega mate? Abandon the search for the perfect match?”
Tanner shrugs. “Sometimes perfection isn’t what you expect. Sometimes you have to be willing to feel instead of plan. Or you’ll end up with nothing.”
I open my mouth to argue, but no words come out. Because when I close my eyes, I’m not picturing the perfect debutante omega. I’m picturing a hot red-headed beta panting under me, mouth swollen from my kiss, thighs wet and open.
And I want her.
Bad.