At First Blush

Chapter 28

Julian slouched in front of the TV, flipping through channels. Adam was going to be late, and after making a big deal out of Ollie going out with his friends, he didn't want to admit that he missed him already. After a good hour of channel surfing, he settled on some true crime show. But it soon faded into the background as he scrolled through his phone gallery. There were a lot of pictures of him and Ollie. Some when Ollie was studying on the couch and Julian sneaked it. Some when Julian was watching Adam cook and Ollie was making a funny face. Several of Ollie asleep, face peaceful, beautiful. Julian's throat burned. His. For however long he could keep his Omega.

His thoughts were interrupted by a dramatic gunfight reenactment in the show, making him jump. He startled again when his phone rang. He checked the caller ID, and grinned. Perfect.

"Hey, sexy. Miss me already?" He teased.

The husky timber of Les's laugh made his chest feel warm. "Hardly, darling. But I am having a little drink with the girls and wondered if you'd like to join us?"

Julian glanced at the TV, and stood, going over to slip on his shoes. "I'm in. Same as always?"

"Where else?" Les countered, and Julian snorted.

"You're such a snob. I'll be there in like twenty-five."

"If you're here in fifteen you'll be able to help convince Quinn to get on stage."

Julian hung up, determined to blow several red lights.

He hurried into the club, panting, out of breath. Les waved at him, his voice drowned out by the pulsing, pounding beat. Julian slid into the seat, and pouted when he saw Quinn was still lounging in the seats. The Beta was looking very pleased with himself.

He raised his glass, fluttering his lashes at Julian. "What ho, Omega," he purred.

"Stop that," an Alpha growled from behind Julian, and shivers shot up and down his spine. He turned to see the Alpha from that other time he'd been out with Quinn. He somehow looked even bigger and more intimidating. And his musk hung like a god damn curtain around the table.

Quinn flicked up an eyebrow, as if he wasn't intimidated at all. "Heel, mutt," he murmured, and the Alpha rolled his eyes, sliding next to him.

Les snorted, and waved a hand at the Alpha, as if he hadn't been on the verge of eating Julian for messing with his Beta. "Juls, darling, this is Floris. Quinn's pet."

Floris gave a huge sigh, while Quinn laughed, rubbing his arm soothingly. "Don't tease him, Les, that's my job."

Floris shifted, his cheeks pink, then cleared his throat.

"Les was telling me that you're a professor?"

Julian smiled, raising a finger to attract the attention of a handsome waiter. "Yes. English lit and the like."

"Which college?"

"Center City University, why?"

Floris shrugged a shoulder, pausing as the waiter came over, depositing drinks and taking Julian's drink order. He was an attractive young man, Omega, but as Julian paused to glance at the appetizer menu that Les slid his way, he realized the man's face was drawn behind his smile. His eyes tired.

Orders taken care of, Julian turned back to Floris, who was sitting and sipping his whiskey. "So, what's with the interest in higher education?" He prompted.

Floris grinned. "Heart's thinking about going back for a degree and I promised Clar I'd find a college with old, ugly professors. Should I recommend CCU then?" He smirked over his glass as Julian laughed and Quinn rolled his eyes fondly.