𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐫 || 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐊𝐰𝐚𝐧

Chapter 8

Vernon bit into another slice of pizza, chewing and contemplating Seungkwan. He knew he wasn’t the only one concerned about what had happened back at the festival, and how easily Seungkwan had brushed it off.

“Okay, who ordered Hawaiian?” Seungcheol demanded suddenly. “What kind of a monster puts pineapple on pizza?”

“Salty ham, sweet pineapple. What’s not to like?” Seungkwan asked, stealing a slice and taking a bite.

“To each his own,” Duke said easily. “So, Thomas…”

Vernon missed Duke’s actual question, too focused on Seungkwan’s expression. It wasn’t that he reacted badly to the nickname, rather it was a purposeful lack of reaction, a nonchalance that was anything but.

He was about to ask when Duke laughed at something Seungkwan said, and the omega leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand and canting his head to the side. His eyes were intent on Duke, a flirtatious smile on his lips.

Vernon didn’t know why, but it irritated him. To the casual eye, Seungkwan seemed relaxed and at ease, interested in what Duke was saying. But Vernon was getting to know him. He was starting to learn the difference between when Seungkwan had his acting hat on and when he was just being himself. It was tough, because it seemed like Seungkwan was playing a role far more often than he wasn’t. Maybe all this was like one extended rehearsal for him?

They worked their way through the pizza, Seungkwan getting through a lot less than the rest of them. Vernon wasn’t fooled by his relaxed demeanor. He saw the way the omega’s gaze strayed to the door every time it opened, the way his eyes scanned the new arrivals.

“I can’t eat another bite,” Seungcheol said, pushing back his chair.

“I could handle some dessert,” Duke said, “They do a mean cheesecake here. How about it, Thomas?”

Seungkwan smiled but shook his head.
“I think my stomach might explode if I eat any more.”

Vernon frowned at that. He’d eaten, what, three slices? Then again, for a guy who subsisted on salad and toast, three slices of pizza was a lot of food.

“How about a walk before we head home?” Vernon suggested. “The town isn’t much, but you might as well see it while you’re here.”

“Sure,” Vernon said.

Duke checked his watch. “I’d better get that cheesecake to go. Jack’ll be wondering where I got to.”

“Jack?” Seungkwan asked.

“My son.”

Seungkwan didn’t look one bit surprised by that.

“How old is he?”

“He’s just turned two.”

“Your mate’s at home taking care of him?”

In contrast, Duke did look taken aback at Seungkwan’s assumption that he was mated. As if flirting with a married alpha who clearly liked the attention was no big deal. Maybe in Seungkwan’s world, it wasn’t.

“Oh, no. I’m a single parent. Jack’s dad… it’s a long story.”

“I’m sure you’ll meet Jack at some point,” Seungcheol said. “Though he can be a bit of a handful.”

Duke glowered at that. “What little kid isn’t boisterous now and then?”

Vernon got up and went to get the check, ordering Duke’s cheesecake and paying at the counter. When he returned, the others were ready to go.