The Omega's Price

Chapter 16: Second Base

Zan's furious face glanced away from him immediately. He had missed his chance and Gulf wallowed in triumph.

As Gulf's bluster slowly faded away, he was aware of all the intense stares aimed at him even after Grandmother's reprimand. His shoulders hunched up as he tried to hide in plain sight until a hand slipped against his thigh and squeezed reassuringly. He glanced to Mew to find a gentle smile on his face and humor in his eyes. Gulf rolled his own eyes, leave it to an alpha to enjoy his humiliation just so that he could be content that Gulf was his.

Zan scoffed as they lost themselves in each other's gaze and Gulf smiled in satisfaction. Let that omega see how much Mew was in love with him. This was his mate, his babies' father, his love. The dinner resumed reluctantly, the patrons eager to see a scandal, and the main course was finished quickly, dessert being served afterwards. Gulf's mouth began to water at the smell of chocolate, and he looked down in confusion. He had never been much of a sweets' eater before this pregnancy, but lately it was all he could think about. Well, that and sushi. His children were eclectic at least.

Gulf had kept up a steady stream of conversation with Mew and his grandmother while blatantly ignoring the omega to his left. He could feel the jealousy rising from the brat and Gulf let his pores bleed with smugness.

"So, you're Gulf? It's nice to meet you" the young alpha to Mew's right leaned over.

What was his name again? Lucia or something.

Mew growled as the alpha's attention zeroed in on Gulf. He placed his hand on Mew's arm, "behave" he whispered, repeating Mew's earlier command.

"Ah, yes. And you are... L-Lucia?" Gulf asked uncertainly.

The young alpha smiled happily, "yes! I've been asking Mew to introduce us, but he's rather greedy. I was also at the... soiree that night. Although Mew claimed you so early, I didn't even have a chance to win you over."

Gulf blushed, the tips of his ears burning as Mew bared his teeth, "it's as it should be. He was and is mine."

Gulf and Lucia both rolled their eyes at the same time and laughed, "don't you ever get tired of his he-man ways? He's such an alpha."

"I rather like it sometimes, aren't you an alpha also?" Gulf questioned cocking an eyebrow.

"Of course, you do. Yes, I'm an alpha and also Mew's younger cousin. He's always been more... alpha than the rest of us."

"They all wanted to be me", Mew said proudly grinning.

Lucia snorted, "and have to do all that boasting? No thanks. I'd rather hang out with Zan than you."

Gulf flinched as Zan's ears perked up at his name and his face heated as he leaned over far to glimpse at Lucia, "are you talking badly about me dear Lucia?"

Lucia's face also heated as their eyes connected and stared at each other for a beat longer than necessary, "of course not, I was just telling Gulf that you were way more fun to hang out with when we were children than Mew and his alpha aggression."

Gulf regarded the two and took in a deep breath, but the dining hall was swimming with pheromones, and he couldn't pick out a clear scent. Gulf and Zan made eye contact before Zan cast his gaze away from Gulf's scrutiny.

Before anything could be said a chocolate soufflé was finally placed in front of him, Zan forgotten he attacked it with gusto. He wanted this dessert. Conversation slowly drifted to a quiet and Gulf looked up to find everyone, once again, staring at him. He straightened and finished his bite, wiping his mouth with a napkin, "uh... sorry" he apologized sheepishly.