Chapter 2

Blake sighed. “So, they don’t know I’m not built like the typical omega?”

James shook his head. “But it’s just a blind date. Right?”

He snorted. “James, there’s only one type of alpha who wants me. They all want to fuck me, but they’re not interested in mating me. They just like the feeling of being able to dominate a freakish omega like me. I’m six-foot-four and two hundred and ten pounds of bulky muscle. They all like the victorious feeling of being able to manhandle someone as huge as me, but at the end of the day, they prefer what they perceive to be the perfect omega. They all want an omega mate who is lithe with a small build and a pretty face.”

“Dude, you’re a damn pretty face yourself.”

“I don’t know about that. I’m not narcissistic enough to judge my own face.”

“Trust me, Blake. You’re one of the most beautiful omegas ever. Your violet eyes and black hair are the most awesome features on your face.”

“It’s just too bad that I’m so tall and muscular that almost everyone’s first impression of me is that I must be an alpha.”

James threw him a sheepish grin. “Well, at least you have a very sexy ass.”

Blake was startled into laughing out loud in amusement. “Tony would’ve killed me if he knew you thought of my ass in that way.”

“He thought so, too.”

Blake was taken aback to hear that admission. “What?”

“Tony told me your ass is ‘perky and sexy as fuck.’ His words. Not mine.”

“Ugh, thanks?”

“You’re welcome. Anyway, how about that date?” James asked.

“I don’t know, James.”

“Come on, Blake. Just one date. What could it hurt?”

He wanted to scream at James. His pride had suffered through multiple dents over the last few years from one rejection after another. He became disillusioned after the fifth alpha refused to even consider mating and having kids with him. Hence, he stopped seeking an alpha to assist him through his heats. He would rather spend his heats alone rather than get his hopes up, only for them to come crashing down from yet another disappointment. However, James was looking at him in such a way that he knew he wouldn’t be able to refuse his best friend at all.

He shut his eyes and nodded. “Fine. One date.”

“Yes! You won’t regret it, dude. Anyway, I have to return to the shop now. It’s almost Valentine’s, and it gets rather busy this time of the year. I can’t let my alpha handle everything on his own.”

“The two of you have two employees.”

“Yeah, but my alpha sometimes likes a quickie or two in the afternoon.”

Blake grimaced. “That’s downright disgusting. You’re like a brother to me. I don’t want to know about your sex life at all.”

“Prude.”

“Slut.”

James stood and walked toward the door. “Whatever. Anyway, the alphas’ names are Mason Armstrong and Kian Evans. They’re mated to each other, but they’re looking for an omega to complete them. They will be waiting for you tonight at seven at the diner downtown. It’s called The Old Block. Bye, Blake.”

“What? Wait a minute, you son of a—”

The sound of his apartment door closing cut him off. James didn’t even bother checking if he could make it that evening. Then again, James knew him well enough after decades of friendship. He spent most of his time designing websites or translating documents for clients. He earned more than enough to support his simple lifestyle. He had considered getting some more work done later that night, but he now had a date to go to. He would have to put work off for the time being. He also had to keep his fingers crossed and hope the upcoming date wouldn’t turn out to be another bust. Or at least not too big of a blow to his already bruised ego. 2

“Lighten up, Mase. You look great. Stop fidgeting.”

Mason glared at Kian, his alpha mate. “Easy for you to say. You’re still in your long-sleeved shirt and slacks. You remind people of a successful manager or some shit like that. I own a small diner, and I’m wearing a ratty Henley shirt along with an old pair of jeans. I’ll probably be taken as a hobo. Maybe I should change—”

“Mase!”

Mason sighed. “I know I’m overreacting, but we’re about to meet up with James’s omega friend. Tony told me Blake is one of the most beautiful omegas ever. If Tony wasn’t so in love with James, he would have gone after Blake himself.”

“Lucky us then.”

Mason nodded at Kian. “Are you sure that I don’t need to put on some other clothes?”

Kian rolled his eyes. “Yes, I’m sure. Now, sit tight and shut your trap. You’re worse than my students, and they’re year one elementary kids.”

“I can’t help it, Kee. I want to make a good impression on Blake.”

“You’ll be fine…holy shit! Turn around.”

“What?”

“Turn around,” Kian instructed.