Tarymn wanted him to find a companion omega, and Makar wanted him to talk as if either one would help.
He needed his mate, not this shit.
But his mate might not be real. Hym clenched his jaw in frustration.
Chapter 2
Jamue
They were finally doing it.
Jamue smiled as he watched the movers assemble the distilling machine and pressure pumps on the other side of the workspace.
He convinced Faria to sell the machine at a low price. The beta caved the second he mentioned free delivery and once a year tasting event at his leisure room.
Jamue turned to the gleaming delivery bots next to the machine.
The bots cost them an arm and a leg. But he knew they’d pay themselves back. Their business was growing fast, especially after Mac and Deltta got bonded. People couldn’t get enough of the couple.
Jamue’s joy dimmed a little as he turned to the long table and steel shelf Mac insisted they install in the space, away from the delivery bots and the distilling machine.
The omega stood at the long table, looking at his notes. He was creating more recipes for their collection of spirits. He looked so happy and radiant, Jamue's heart gave a clench.
Stop being resentful.
But he couldn’t help it. He’d thought they'd live together and run their business. Jamue’s eyes drifted to the staircase that led up to the living space above them. They were going to live there together.
“I can’t believe you got bonded,” Jamue said, walking to him. Mac shyly looked at him.
“I can’t believe it either,” Mac smiled. “It still feels like a dream.”
“Believe it. I was there when Deltta promised to love you for all eternity,” Jamue said dreamily.
Mac laughed.
“Honestly, I was a little jealous.”
“Why? You could get bonded too,” Mac gave him a sly look and then turned serious. “You should consider meeting someone. You can’t live alone for the rest of your life.”
Jamue blinked back tears that suddenly prickled his eyes.
It wasn’t that simple for him.
Jamue turned away and walked to his side of the space. A workstation with a monitor and a drawing pad sat on his desk.
The first cylinders he’d designed sat in a glass box to the side as a reminder of how far they’d come.
Jamue stared at it, feeling sad and proud at the same time. He felt sad because it felt like he fought for nothing.
Jamue jerked as a hand touched his shoulder. He turned to find Mac staring at him strangely.
“Are you alright? You look pale.”
“I’m fine. I’m just…” he shrugged. “Now that you’re bonded, we can’t live together, and I can’t live alone. You were my alpha, remember? I have to figure out what to do now.”
Mac stared at him, horrified. “Oh, Jamue. I didn’t think…I…shit…I should have thought of you before I…”
“No. You can’t postpone your happiness for me. I’ll figure something out. There are a lot of communes around…”