We Are Worthy, page 6
Tristan is. But he has his own pack. And I’m left with having to go through my heat by myself because there's no way I’d ask any of the available packs to help me, even if it’s just for my heat. The thought of them touching me sends a gross shiver through my body.
“God, what a bunch of losers.” One of the Alphas, Jason, laughs, catching my attention. I look up from the game I was playing on my phone to pass the time of this meet and greet.
“Who?” I ask, brows furrowing.
“Them.” He nods his head. Looking in that direction, I see who he's talking about. Two guys sit alone at a table.
“What's wrong with them?”
“How about everything?” the buzz cut one whose name is Marty says. “That's pack Ashwood. They’re unmated and will probably stay that way for the rest of their miserable lives.”
The other Alphas start to laugh, but my pulse starts to pick up. Unmated. So this wasn't the last available pack here. But, if they are unmated, why are they not a part of the program? So I ask these guys just that.
“They used to be when they first started, but every Omega they met passed them up for another pack, or the Omega didn’t even bother meeting with them. So they gave up. It was for the best. There is only so much rejection someone can go through before it's just plain sad.”
Their words start to boil my blood. What a bunch of assholes!
“What is so wrong with them that makes them not worthy of an Omega?” I ask, trying not to snap.
“Because they're not real Alphas,” another Alpha, Nick, shrugs.
“Real Alphas?” I ask, raising a brow.
“Yeah, I mean, look at those two. One of them looks like he could break as easily as a twig, the other one is so cringy with all his stupid jokes, and don’t get me started on the other two.”
“So just because they're not big, strong, and growly, that means their not real Alphas?”
“Well, pretty much? What Omega wants Alphas who can't protect them and care for them?”
And I’m done. I can't take their bullshit anymore. I was only staying to be polite, already knowing I don’t plan on accepting them as my pack, but after this? They don’t even deserve my kindness.
Standing up, I grab my bag. “Where are you going?” Marty asks, a pissed off look taking over his face.
“Well, seeing how none of you seem to like people who are different, I see no fucking reason for me to stay. I’m not like every other Omega, so this wouldn’t be a good fit. Also, you're all a bunch of uptight, judgmental dicks, and I don’t waste my time with shitty people. I’d say it was nice to meet you all, but it really wasn’t.”
I don’t give them time to respond and start heading over to the table where the two men sit huddled together talking. As soon as I get a few feet away from the table, a wonderful smell hits my nose, and I have to bite my lip to hold back a moan. Packs that are part of the program had to wear scent blocking patches so they don’t overwhelm the Omega with their pheromones. But these Alphas were not a part of that, so they don’t have anything blocking their pheromones, and my body reacts like it did with Tristan. Letting me know that these guys are also my scent match. The mix of cotton candy and bubble gum mix together making my mouth water. What odd scents for Alphas. But I already know this pack doesn’t contain your ‘typical’ Alpha types, and that's why I want to get to know them so much more.
My heart soars with hope, and my pussy clenches with need. Is this Tristan’s pack? God, I freaking hope so.
Taking a deep breath, I try to get myself under control and look up to see Knox watching me. He gives me a smile, and a knowing look, like he knew this might end up happening. He gives me an encouraging nod towards the guys.
Rounding the table, I pull out a chair and sit down. Both of their heads snap up to mine, eyes going wide in shock.
The one with the shaggy blonde hair stares at me for a moment, lips parted. I can’t help the little smirk that takes over my lips. He turns to look at the other guy who has red hair and black framed glasses, who is also looking at me like he can't believe what he's seeing.
“Finn,” the blonde one says, nudging the redhead. “Quick, pinch me.”
That snaps Finn out of his little trance, and he turns his attention to his friend. “What?” he asks with a look of confusion.
“Pinch me,” he insists.
“Sawyer, why on earth do you want me to do that?” Finn narrows his eyes, pushing his glasses up his nose as he looks at his friend like he's some alien.
“Because... the most gorgeous, sexiest Omega just sat down at our table. So, I’m going to need you to pinch me to make sure it's not a dream.”
I bite my lip, holding back a giggle at how serious Sawyer looks right now.
“No.” Finn shakes his head.
“Do it.”
“No.” Finn refuses again.
“Do. It. Do it, do it, do- ouch!” Sawyer growls, glaring at his friend after Finn finally pinches him.
“You told me to!” Finn’s eyes go wide with panic as he leans away from his friend.
Sawyer grumbles something under his breath while rubbing the spot on his arm before looking at me. His face goes from irritated to a beaming smile. “Oh good, it isn’t a dream.”
“Hi.” I laugh.”I’m Tia.”
“We know,” Finn says, his cheeks turning an adorable shade of pink. He clears his throat. “I mean, new Omega on campus, news spreads fast.”
“So, not that we totally don't love the fact that you're here talking with us, but like... why are you?” Sawyer asks me, looking behind him at the table of Alphas I was just at.
“Because I wanted to introduce myself,” I say. “I can leave if you want.”
“No!” They both shout at the same time making me giggle again.
“I mean, no. It's totally fine that you’re here. We want you here. Stay,” Finn says.
“Okay.” I smile. “As for the others, the program wasn’t a good fit for me.” I shrug.
“No? How come?” Sawyer asks.
“Umm, how do I put this nicely? They were all assholes. None of them wanted to get to know me for me and only saw me as an Omega they can claim and breed. As much as I want to find my own pack, that's not what I want.” I nibble on my lip, and a growl slips out of Sawyer. His eyes widen as if the reaction surprised even him. I wiggle in my seat, holding in a whimper.
“Sorry,” he says, his face masked with fury. “It just pisses me off that they would treat you like that. You're not property, you're a person who deserves the same respect as everyone, if not more.”
I smile at that.
“God, that line is ridiculous,” a gruff voice that sends a delicious shiver down my spine says as a mountain of a man takes a seat at the end of the table.
“It’s because it's cake day,” a familiar voice says. Looking up, I see Tristan take a seat at the table.
“Guys. We have a guest,” Finn says.
Tristan looks around before locking eyes with mine. My cheeks blush as I remember what we did yesterday. He's here, a part of an unmated pack. I didn't fuck with someone's life. He's available, and he's mine... I hope.
“You,” he breathes, his pupils dilating from shock to lust. “We meet again, Little Omega.” His voice turns husky, and I can’t help releasing slick.
All of their nostrils flare, and they all let out low grumbles before they realize what they're doing.
“What do you mean ‘meet again’?” The mountain man grunts at Tristan and the other two look to him.
“Yesterday, I met Tia for the first time in the library,” he says, looking at his friends, then to me. A slow smile takes over his face. “It was a very rewarding first meeting.” He chuckles.
“How so?” The mountain man leans over, resting his arms on the table.
The smell of pine and fresh snow clouds my senses, and I whimper. His gaze flicks to me, his nostrils flaring, and his eyes widen as the realization hits him.
“Tia is my scent match,” Tristan says, giving me a warm smile.
“She's what?!” Sawyer shouts, looking from Tristan to me.
“Don’t worry, so are you guys,” I say shyly, biting my lip.
“We are?” Finn asks, and I can't help but feel a burst of joy at the excited look on his face.
“Then how come we don’t smell your pheromones?” Sawyer asks, brows furrowing.
“Because she's wearing scent blockers,” mountain man says. “But I can smell her now. Like a tropical fucking paradise,” he growls, but it sounds more out of anger than happiness.
“Dom, stop being such a dick,” Sawyer snaps.
“So what, just like that we have an Omega? After all these years of no one fucking wanting us, one just falls from the fucking sky? Fuck this, I’m out of here.” Dom pushes back out of his seat and storms off.
My lip wobbles as I watch him leave, my heart breaking at the idea of one of my Alphas rejecting me.
“Hey,” Tristan says, getting up from his spot and moving over to sit next to me. He places a hand on my shoulder and thigh, soothing me. “Don’t mind him, he’ll come around. This is all just happening very fast. We weren't expecting it.”
“Isn’t that how this works, though?” I whisper. "Wouldn’t it have been the same if I picked one of the other packs? I didn't know any of them either.”
“Yeah.” He smiles. “But the difference is, we weren't looking. We gave up a long time ago. It’s why we weren't a part of the program. We didn't expect to be so lucky.”
“Wait. So, is this really happening?” Sawyer asks.
“Well, I mean, I hope so?” I look between them. “That is, if you want to see where this goes. I can’t deny the attraction I have towards you,” I tell Tristan. He smiles, and my heart flutters. I look at the other two.
“I’d love to get to know you better,” Finn says, his voice soft as he smiles shyly.
“Me too.” Sawyer beams.
“Well then.” Tristan chuckles. “Pack Ashwood would officially like to put in a bid to court you, Miss Lockheart.”
It’s crazy how just this morning, I had no hope in finding a pack that I liked, let alone a pack of Alphas that the universe made just for me. But I’m not going to second guess it. I know in my heart this is what's meant to happen, and I couldn't be any more excited, happy, and nervous.
“I accept,” I say with a smile. Sawyer lets out a whoop, and Finn looks at me like I’m something precious. Then I remember. “But... there's something you should know.”
“What's that?” Tristan asks, his hand caressing my thigh, and if he doesn't stop soon, I’m going to straddle his lap and dry hump him in the middle of the damn cafeteria.
“My... umm... my heat is set to come in about two weeks.” I blush. Finn looks pale, Sawyer’s eyes turn glazed, and Tristan lets out a low grumble. “Is that going to be a problem? If you want to wait until we know each other better, I can do this heat alone.”
“No,” Tristan growls. “You're ours now, and we would never let our Omega go through that alone. You should have your Alphas there to help you, please you, take care of you. It’s fine. It just means we have two weeks to get to know each other.” I look into his eyes, and all I want him to do is hold me, pet me, and tell me all the pretty words in the world. Damn it.
“Also, there's something else you should know if I’m going to join your pack,” I say, looking behind Tristan and over to Knox. “Knox has to join as well.”
They all turn to look over at Knox, who's standing against the back wall within hearing range. Knox’s eyes look between the guys like he's sizing them up before landing on Finn. Finn whimpers as Knox’s gaze turns intense. I look between the two of them, wondering what the hell that's all about. It’s something I’ll have to talk to Knox about.
“Finn, you okay?” Tristan asks his pack mate. Finn tears his eyes away from Knox to look at Tristan.
“Yeah,” he says, his voice a little shaky. Finn looks to me. “You two are together?”
“Yes. Is that a problem? Because if you want me, you have to take him too. We're a package deal.”
Finn says nothing for a moment as he looks back over to Knox, who is now standing on my other side.
“Yeah, Finn,” Knox growls, but not out of anger or annoyance. No, it's a fucking lusty growl as he leans over the table, getting right into Finn’s face. “Is it going to be a problem if I join your pack?”
“No,” Finn breathes, his pupils dilating.
“Good.” Knox leans back just as the bell rings.
“We gotta get to class, but we would love to get together this weekend if you're available,” Tristan says, looking between Knox and Finn before looking at me.
“I’d love to. I was going to go to the beach, how about a picnic?”
“Sounds perfect,” Tristan says.
I stand up, and Knox takes my bag for me. I give him a grateful smile as he wraps me under his arm.
“Before you go.” Tristan stands and cups my face. He kisses me deep, making me whimper against his lips. “Until we meet again, Little Omega.” His husky voice has my slick leaking and knees buckling. Knox lets out an amused chuckle doing nothing to help the situation at all as he holds me right to his side. “I’ll work on Dominic, okay?”
“Okay.” I nod. “Bye,” I say, turning to everyone else. They all wave as I leave the room, looking sad to see me go.
“Knox,” I say, stopping him once we get outside the front doors of the school.
“Yes, Kitten?”
“Did that just happen? Did I really just meet my pack, my bond mates?” I blink up at him, my mind in a haze of shock.
“Yes, Kitten, I believe you did. And you deserve it. They are good guys. Not your typical Alphas, but I know they will love and cherish you as much as I do.”
“What's up with you and Finn?”
His face falls a little. “It’s complicated.”
I grin, raising a brow. “Really? Looks to me like the two of you were ready to throw down on the table and fuck.”
He grins, chuckling. “I wish.” Why is the idea of him and Finn so fucking hot? “Now, now, Kitten, don’t cream your panties.” He smirks, and I slap his arm with a laugh. “I’m bi. I knew Finn growing up. Our parents were friends. As we got older, I started getting feelings for him, but Finn isn't like most guys. He’s shy, smart, and very quirky, all the things I liked about him. I started getting the feeling he liked me too. The night before he left to come here, we were hanging out, and I kissed him.”
“You did?” I ask in surprise.
He nods. “I did. He freaked out, and I left. I don't think he was ready to admit what he felt for another guy, and I wasn't going to push it. He came here, and we didn't talk for a while. When I got a job here, we ran into each other a few times, but he had met his pack, and well... things have never been the same.” He looks back at the school with a look of confliction.
“Well, I have a feeling that's all about to change. It’s meant to be, you know.” I smile, wrapping my arms around him. I’m not jealous of the idea of Knox and Finn together; no, quite the opposite. I wanna watch and join in. But I also just want everyone to be happy.
“Yeah? You think so, Kitten?” He nips the tip of my nose.
“Yup.” I pull him down to my lips. His tongue slips into my mouth, and I whimper as he devours my mouth.
“Little Omega, if you keep making those noises and smelling so fucking tempting, I’m going to embarrass myself like a teenage boy,” he growls, grinding his thick cock into my belly.
“I can help with that,” I purr, really wanting to be of assistance.
“You're such a naughty kitten.” He kisses me again, this time soft and tender.
“Then punish me,” I breathe against his lips.
He pulls back. “Are you spiking?”
“Maybe.” I shrug, not knowing what it would feel like. “All I know is I wanna rub all over you like a cat in heat.” I giggle.
“Come on.” He laughs. “Let's get you home. Big day tomorrow.”
He guides me to the cart, and the whole way home, I’m a mix of horny and excited.
Knox says goodbye, properly this time, leaving me wanting to drag him into my house and toss him onto my bed. But he leaves me for the afternoon. I need a little alone time to wrap my head around today.
I fix myself some supper and watch tv until I start to feel tired. Crawling into my nest, I close my eyes and drift off to sleep. This time when I dream of the sexy, mystery Alphas, they all have faces. And there's a new person, a tattooed, growly beta. I’ve never felt more complete.
CHAPTER EIGHT
DOMINIC
They’re crazy. The whole lot of them are. They are fooled by the gorgeous Omega and too blind to see that it's all too good to be true.
Do they really think after years of being rejected by every Omega, male or female, that one would just drop into our laps?
“Seriously, man, why the fuck are you acting like this?” Sawyer growls as he storms into our house, the others following behind him. “I didn't think you would just be head over heels excited about this, but you almost made her cry, man. So not cool.”
I shake my head, plopping down on the couch. “Don’t you see it? She’s only interested in us because we're her scent bonded. If it wasn’t for that, she would see what everyone else sees, a pack of rejects.”
“Do you really have to remind us?” Finn mutters, sitting down on the chair beside me. “I know we're not like all the other Alphas, but honestly, I don’t want to be. I like being me, even if no one else does. And I don’t think Tia is like that. She seems really sweet. I don’t think she knew we were scent matched when she approached Sawyer and I, and she seemed shocked to see Tris there.”
“Yeah, she did,” Sawyer says, turning to our pack leader, who’s leaning against the wall next to the doorway to the living room. “How do you know Tia? And why haven't you mentioned it before?”
