“Wesley Holland?”
She nods. “Yup. I still keep in touch with him from time to time. He and his omega will be here in a few weeks. I don’t remember the exact date he said, but they just got hired at Bryant and Duncan.”
“What’s Bryant and Duncan?”
“Oh, right. You weren’t here when they opened—it's a law firm that opened, what? Three years ago, Ally?”
She nods. “That sounds about right. It was just after you visited after you graduated, Kiki.”
Ruby nods. “The Bryant in Bryant and Duncan is Astrid Bryant—she’s Avery’s twin sister, but she’s an alpha. They also have an older sister, Willow. They moved to town just before Astrid and her partner opened the firm. Willow works at Hilford University, and she’s an omega like Avery.”
Hilford University is a private college that sits just outside of Champagne Falls. It’s where Mason, Alexander, and Davis all went to school.
Hell, if it wasn’t for Crew, I would’ve gone there too. It’s a good school if you can afford it.
“So, is Wesley a lawyer?” I frown, trying to remember the last time I talked to him.
He’s a couple of years older than me and Ruby, but he ran in the same crowd. He was a good guy—someone I definitely considered a friend.
I’ve been terrible at keeping up with people I was friends with in high school. I’m not big on social media, but I still have all the apps. It’s just been a long time since I’ve been on them.
Ruby’s the only one I’ve really kept in contact with. I don’t even know who all still lives in town.
“He’s not. He’s a legal administrative assistant, and his omega is a paralegal. Since Bryant and Duncan is the only law firm for at least an hour each way, they’ve been doing really well. Apparently well enough to hire an assistant and a paralegal.” She shrugs. “They’re who we used for our pack agreement when we bonded. Everyone uses them, honestly. Why would we drive to a big city when there’s someone here in town? Either way, I’m glad he’s coming back, and I’m all for more omega friends.”
“Because your beta best friend isn’t enough for you?” I stick my tongue out at her.
She just rolls her eyes. “Don’t be a brat. I like having friends of all designations, thank you very much.”
I give another glance around the store, finding nothing of interest, before sighing. “I’m really not in the mood to shop, ladies.”
“Are you finally ready to go home and talk to Crew like a big girl?” Ruby mocks me, and I shoot her a glare.
She’s fucking lucky she’s my best friend, and I love her. Otherwise, I wouldn’t put up with her bullshit.
“I wouldn’t say ready is the right word,” I admit, moving toward the door. “But I need to rip the bandage off. I know the longer I stay away, the more I’m hurting Crew, and that’s not what I want to do.”
The two of them surround me, looping their arms through mine as we head back toward the car.
“Well, if you need anything, just let us know. We’re here for you—day or night.” Allison lays her head on my shoulder for a moment.
I love that my bestie’s beta and I get along so well, and I know it’s a relief to her.
By the time we make it to the car, my hands are shaking, and I kind of feel like throwing up.
I’m really not ready for this conversation, but I’ve put it off long enough. Crew deserves better than this.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Alexander
Ibite back a growl when Crew lays his half-eaten sandwich on his plate and pushes it away.
As much as I want to point out he hasn’t had enough to eat, I know it’s not my place—no matter how much my instincts scream at me. We only met mere hours ago, and even if we’re scent matches, that doesn’t give me any right to tell him what he should or shouldn’t do.
I’ve never been one of those alphas who feels the need to flex and show just how alpha they are. I am who I am, and I don’t need to prove that to anyone. I have my alpha instincts completely under control—until I don’t.
One hint of his peach and bourbon scent changed that.