“Think about it and tell me what you decide. I’ll talk to my brother for you,” Jamue said.
“Okay.”
Mac walked back to the cooking station and returned to mixing his spirit.
Jamue sat on the chair beside the counter and rambled about his day. He was looking for a job around the clothing shops along the walkway but wasn’t having any luck.
Mac knew he was trying to distract him. He was grateful to have him in his life. He listened to him as he prattled on.
“Everywhere I turn, there is an omega looking for work. I think we’re too many. The council of alphas should ship us out to another planet.”
Mac laughed.
“I’m serious. I’ve been looking for work since I left the commune, and I haven't found anything. I can’t live off you, it’s not right.”
“I’m your alpha, remember?”
“I remember. If only we could bond with each other,” he sighed.
Mac laughed harder. Jamue got ridiculous ideas when he was frustrated.
“We could do it.”
“And then do what with our heats. Mine is coming up next week. Are you going to help me?” Mac asked with a sly smile.
Jamue wrinkled his nose.
“I thought as much.”
“Are you going to connect with your alpha?” he asked suddenly. Mac’s stomach wobbled. After their conversation earlier Mac wasn’t sure what to do. He wanted to see Deltta again, of course…but… there was the claiming mark to consider and the fact that he might not want to see him. It was complicated.
“I thought you might see him again and talk about…you know…” Jamue’s eyes landed on his neck.
Mac’s heart hammered in his chest at the thought of talking to Deltta about the fact that he claimed him by accident.
Mac suspected he’d want the mark removed as soon as possible…but…Mac closed his eyes as his heart ached.
Why was his heart hurting? He barely knew the alpha.
“You don’t want to leave it for too long,” Jamue said.
The ache intensified.
Everything Jamue said was true. But Mac needed a minute to breathe and for Jamue to shut up.
“I don't think I'll be able to see him this time. It’s too much of a hustle and expensive. He must send a hover pod for me. I’m not sure he can manage it this time. I’ll arrange to go there once I have enough credit,” Mac lied through his teeth. He knew Deltta could afford it if he wanted to, but he wasn’t sure he'd want to.
“Don’t worry. You’ll go there soon.” Jamue came around to hug him. Mac felt guilty for lying to him. “Am I ever going to taste this spirit you’re making?”
“Not yet. I still need to add something,” Mac said, blushing a little.
The spirit was inspired by a certain alpha. Mac couldn’t help himself. Deltta moved him in a way he never expected. It was ridiculous, he knew. But…Mac shrugged, pouring the final ingredients into the mix.
It was strong, spicy and overwhelmed the senses, but it had a sweet undertone that brought everything together. Mac smiled to himself, imagining Deltta.
“Why are you smiling?” Jamue asked.
“Nothing. I was thinking about sending some to my mother. She would love this,” Mac said, deciding there and there to share it with someone important to him. She loved his creations.