Romance Omega Style [Resistant Omegas 9] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour ManLove) Page 2

  “Of course you did.” I smiled at my gorgeous redheaded mate as I walked over to him, his deep green eyes sparkling with mirth. “If anyone could wrangle a full pig for our trip it would be you, my love.”

  “I think you mean that as a compliment so I’m taking it as such.” He leaned in and gave me a quick kiss before snagging some samples as we walked by. “Can we freeze cheese because this is really good?”

  “I don’t think so but we can get some when we get home,” I promised him as I grabbed his arm. He looked at me then and I cupped his cheek. “Always assume it’s a compliment because I don’t ever seem to be able to find anything wrong with any of you.”

  “I love you too, Carson,” he said affectionately. “Don’t be nervous about the trip. We have a plan to get out if we ever need it now. I’m excited. Maybe we should just run so we can live on a deserted island the rest of our lives.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me. “I do love when you’ve got a tan.”

  “We’ll see,” I giggled before giving him a loud, smacking kiss on the cheek. The butcher loaded up the pig, which was wrapped so it could go in the freezer, and I was glad I got a flat cart instead of a normal one. Then we headed for veggies while everyone else got other stuff to freeze. I stared at my men and smiled as they went for their favorites. Ian got corn on the cob, Declan made sure to get carrots, and Taylor picked up so many potatoes and French fries I wondered if there were any left for the rest of the store.

  “You can’t ever have too many potatoes,” Taylor assured me. “They go with everything.”

  “I agree.”

  “I’m slipping off to go get something else we’ll need for our Valentine’s Day cruise with a bunch of mated couples,” he chuckled as he kissed my hair.

  “Flowers?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Chocolates and lube,” he snickered. I threw back my head and laughed as he jogged away. Oh boy. God only knew what my mate would come back with when he was that excited.

  “Having fun?” Declan asked as he moved behind me, his fingers intertwining with mine as we pushed the cart. “It’s nice to see you smile and laugh.”

  “Yeah, it feels good,” I admitted. “After everything with the Council, nothing has felt right again, you know? Like we might have made enemies of our friends by what we did but at the same time, we got rid of bad apples. I just feel like we’ve been walking on eggshells since we started the Omega Network and I hate that. I hate that I dragged us all into this because of what I wanted.”

  “Hey, don’t ever say that,” he chastised gently as he kissed my shoulder. “This was our fight too. It always has been. You didn’t drag us anywhere. We walked this road right with you the whole time.”

  “You’re right. It has been your fight too,” I agreed, as I smiled up at him. “You fought to save me.”

  “Well worth the fight,” Declan purred as he eyed me over. “We did the right thing and ended up with the man of our dreams because of it.”

  “We need to work on your dream world’s expectations,” I snickered. He raised an eyebrow at me and I knew I had him. “I dream of Brad Pitt and here you dreamed of a scrawny twink.”

  “I like lithe twinks,” he countered as his eyes flared in anger, not even missing a beat. “I’d take you over Brad Pitt any day. So you have fun with your dreams of other men.” He turned and stormed away from me heading breakfast foods we could freeze too.

  “Shit,” I swore as I pushed the big-ass cart after him. I knew he hated when I disparaged myself but it really had just been a joke. I didn’t really dream of Brad Pitt, though I did get hard when I watched the trailer for his new movie coming out where he was kicking zombie ass.

  “No, I won’t calm down this time,” Declan hissed to Ian. “Does he not understand how much we love him? Always with the jokes that we need to have higher standards or wake up and see that he’s not worth it. I used to think it was just his low self-esteem after being abused and fine, I could be patient because of that. But it’s years later, Ian.”

  “It’s gotten better,” Ian challenged. “Now it’s only jokes as opposed to constantly asking us if we were really happy with him and weren’t planning on leaving.”

  “Is joking about it really any better?” Declan shot right back. “Or is he better and just fishing for compliments? Maybe he doesn’t have low self-esteem at all and just is an attention whore. How much longer is he always going to be the victim we have to coddle and everything always be about him?”

  I gasped at what he said, drawing both their attention. Ian winced and Declan went pale when he saw me. “Neither is your answer. It was a joke. I don’t really dream about Brad Pitt. I was joking because what you said embarrasses me. I came to apologize and explain that I’m just not good at taking compliments so I crack jokes. Even people who haven’t been abused aren’t always able to accept compliments.”

  “I’m sorry,” he whispered as he realized he’d truly fucked up.

  “Fuck you, Declan,” I choked out and then turned away from him before I started crying in front of everyone in the store. I left the cart, knowing one of them would get it because there was no way to push the thing and make a fast exit.

  As I ran I passed the alcohol section and supposed that was a really good idea right then. I got four huge bottles of strong rum, thinking that it was fitting for a Caribbean Island adventure, and headed to the checkout. Taylor caught up with me there and didn’t say a word, which I appreciated. I took my box with my booze, not letting him carry it for me, and went to the little café section as I waited for everyone to finish shopping.

  I ordered two huge slices of pepperoni pizza and ignored everything and everyone else. I was trying to be reasonable and not just book it out of the store so it would be all about me and the fact that I couldn’t go anywhere alone and unprotected. I didn’t want to give Declan any more fuel for his fire.

  “I don’t know what happened other than Declan had tears running down his cheeks as Ian was shouting at him before I got there to shut them up and Ian told me you ran towards the front of the store. Can you fill me in?” Taylor asked gently after I put away my second piece of pizza.

  I stared at him a moment, wondering if he felt as Declan did. Could they all have and I was just too blind to see it? “No, nothing worth repeating,” I answered after deciding to say nothing. I didn’t want any drama surrounding me while we were on our vacation… Since apparently I always needed to be coddled and everything was about me.

  At least that’s what one of the men I loved thought. But then again, did I really blame him or all of them for thinking that if they agreed with Declan?

  Chapter 2

  Edric

  “What’s going on?” I asked Carson as we rode back to the yacht with all our purchases. I’d seen Ian yelling at Declan in the store and then my friend bought a bunch of booze. That couldn’t be good. So when we loaded up, I made some excuse up about needing to talk to Carson alone. We could drive together in the caravan and not worry about getting attacked or something.

  Blaine hated the idea but I just shrugged and closed the door in his face. I had powers and they had brute strength. I didn’t constantly need to be looked over and to be honest, I was getting fucking tired of it.

  “Do I always make everything all about me?” he whispered after a few moments.

  “No, not in the slightest. Who said that?”

  “Declan,” he admitted as tears ran down his cheeks. “He didn’t know I was standing there. I made a joke he didn’t take the right way and apparently I make too many of those kinds of jokes, like they need to realize I’m not the man of their dreams or whatnot. It’s a joke, but yeah, I don’t like it when they say that.”

  “Because it puts too much pressure on you to constantly be perfect and exactly what they need while always being the angel of a mate,” I finished for him, nodding.

  “Then you know exactly what I feel,” he whispered.

  “Yeah, I get it. I make the same jokes. It’
s mushy and a great romantic thing to say when you’re told that but it’s also a lot to take in. My guys don’t say it often but when they do, I feel like it’s just a way to keep me in line. I mean, I went against what Blaine wanted right now and honestly I can’t remember the last time I told him no.”

  “Right? I almost never tell my men that. And they hover! God, Declan’s bitching about having to coddle me and everything’s always about me. Fine! Go away then. Let me take a bath or read a book without one of you always there to check on me or join me. I never get a moment alone and he has the balls to say that I’m basically high maintenance?”

  “Yeah, right. But I know what you’re feeling, believe me.”

  “What did your guys do?”

  “Blaine made some comment about my being back in Florida and then Colin joked about hopefully not needing to have to chase me down again because that had been a huge pain in the ass,” I answered. “I let it go and didn’t say anything but I think that’s why I told Blaine no when he wanted to ride with us. I just needed some space.”

  Carson nodded as I talked and then gestured to the box that had the bottles of rum. “I think we need to get shitfaced. I mean, really tie one off.”

  “What if we get seasick? That would be horrible to be drunk and have to deal with that.”

  “Then we pass out?” He shrugged. “I plan on getting so drunk I go puke at Declan’s feet when he comes to find me later anyways.”

  “Never really heard that as a goal,” I hedged, worried about my friend. “This isn’t the only thing that’s been going on with you guys, has it?”

  “No,” he whispered. “I think Taylor’s having an affair. I don’t have any proof but I saw something in his head. He was kissing another man but it was blurry so it was like he was thinking of a dream and I have no right to intrude on that but he was happy as he was thinking about it, like I would a fond memory.”

  “So you think he’s cheating. And then Declan says this shit and wow.” I reached for his hand. “All while trying to keep everyone safe and help Omegas. Jesus, Carson. How are you not having a nervous breakdown?”

  “I think I am,” he admitted as I pulled up to the marina. “Don’t tell anyone, okay? I haven’t even talked to Tristan about Taylor and now with Declan, I just can’t deal.”

  “Do you know which room I’m staying in?” I asked Carson, waiting for him to nod. “Go head there with your booze and I’ll come find you after we cast off. Take some you time and I’ll keep everyone away.”

  “Thanks, buddy. I just need a moment for everything to stop spinning out of control.”

  “I know what you mean,” I agreed, my own heart hurting. I mean, not about the cheating but I was having my own trouble with my men… And a lot of it stemmed from the joke Colin made earlier that day. They always were waiting for me to run again. That’s why they hovered. And it was exhausting and if they didn’t cut it out, I might end up running to get some fucking peace.

  Carson booked it out of my SUV and made it up the gangplank just as Declan, Ian, Taylor, and my men pulled up. I moved right in front of Declan and whipped about twenty pounds of wrapped steaks at him. “Why don’t you do something helpful instead of hurtful and store that in the freezer hold?”

  “Stay out of this, Edric,” he warned. “I love you like a little brother but this doesn’t concern you.”

  “That’s bullshit and you know it. Colin hurt my feelings and I know you’d be all up in his face if I told you what he did,” I blurted out, and then cringed.

  “What did I do wrong?” Colin asked me with wide eyes.

  “Nothing,” I grumbled, shaking my head. “Just forget it.”

  “We need to talk about you running off without us,” Blaine said angrily, ignoring the rest of what was being said.

  “I didn’t run,” I growled, shooting them both a dirty look. “I wanted a fucking minute alone with my friend. You knew exactly where we were going to be and what we were doing. Hell, you were in the SUV behind us. How is that running?”

  “Fine, bad choice of words. You didn’t listen to me.”

  “Sure, Dad. I’ll make sure to do everything you want like a good obedient son but that means you don’t get fucking laid anymore because obviously we’re not partners,” I shot right back. I threw what I had in my hands at him. “Fuck this. You unload everything. I like Carson’s idea better about getting shitfaced. And no, you’re not invited, don’t bother hovering, because we’ll be on the boat, I can’t run, and I can’t get in any kind of trouble.”

  “Getting shitfaced seems like a lot of potential trouble actually,” Colin snickered and I flipped him off as I tossed Rowan the keys. They could suck it.

  “You too?” Tristan asked me with a sigh, when I was on board.

  “Yup. I’m going to go get drunk with Carson and let him vent some more,” I answered. “Unless there’s something else we need to do before we get going.”

  “No, we’re all ready as soon as the last of the food you guys got is loaded. Go ahead and then I’ll be joining you.”

  “Uh-oh. What happened?” I asked as I eyed my friend over.

  “They’re still pissed at me that I went with the Council guards willingly,” he answered with a sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. “They can’t let it go and it’s killing my mating. They think I have some latent death wish or something.”

  “Are all of our mates morons?” I asked, shocked that they thought that of Tristan. The man had a fire and passion for life that I was jealous of sometimes and here they were treating him like the exact opposite.

  “Hell if I know,” he bitched.

  “We’re going to be in my room. Come get drunk when you’re ready.”

  “Yeah, cool. You’d better head after Carson, I don’t like him being alone when he’s so upset like this.”

  “Fuck you, Marlow!” Vencentio shouted as he stormed towards us. “Just go fuck her and get it over with.”

  “I’m not cheating,” Marlow growled.

  “No, you just eye fuck every good-looking woman you see. You miss tits and pussy that much then go right ahead!”

  “We’re getting drunk in my room,” I offered.

  “Fan-fucking-tastic because I need it!” He kept going as Marlow stared after him. Tristan and I stared him down and the man turned away, shaking his head.

  “Did I hear something about getting drunk?” Lennox asked as he came out onto the deck. “I’m so there.”

  “Baby, you don’t have a tolerance,” Hugo said gently as he tried to hug Lennox. “You know you get seasick and—”

  “No I don’t,” Lennox argued. “I got sick once because we pulled up sick fish from our lines and the smell was horrible. That’s not the same as getting seasick. God, Hugo. I am an adult, you know. I know what I can handle or not.”

  “We’re not saying you don’t,” Blair said gently. “We just mean—”

  “Oh for fuck’s sake,” I groaned and then cupped my hands around my mouth. “Omegas to the Upper Deck for drinks and gambling, everyone else to the Sun and Sky Decks for driving and moving around with your heads up your asses.” Everyone just blinked at me in shock. “Now! Or we’re leaving without people. Load it up and let’s go. It’s a nine-hour trip!”

  “We’re all loaded, the vehicles are locked in the marina, and we’re ready to go,” Brody said as he eyed Tristan and me over carefully. “But I’m thinking a list head count would be good to make sure none dumped their mates overboard.”

  “Don’t judge. You just got claimed and haven’t even mated your men yet. Wait a year before you think we’re nuts for getting pissy with them.”

  “Amen to that,” Lennox agreed before climbing the stairs to the upper level. “Can we get the Sun Deck? That has the pool.”

  “And all our men are going to fit on the Sky Deck with Lief driving?” Brody chuckled. “I’d say let’s get drunk then we can move up to the Sun Deck so we can ignore them when we’re slurring.”

  “G
ood call. Why do you want to ignore your inner circle?”

  “They’re hovering a bit and I think it’s because they know I want to tell them something this trip but after seeing everyone fighting I’m not sure I want to say it anymore,” he mumbled, nervously.

  “Yeah, we need to get drunk,” I said again.

  Ten minutes later we were cast off and on our way. I got Carson from my room, promising that everyone else was upstairs besides the Omegas and it was time to let off a little steam. We all sat at the back of the boat in the open area, enjoying the sun, and the speed of the boat. It really was impressive how fast that big of a boat could go.

  “They suped up the engine,” Lennox said with a smile, as if knowing my unasked question. He was the group’s mechanical guy since he was a licensed contractor and could do furnaces and stuff. I heard he’d branched out into cars and trucks to keep busy since his men wouldn’t let him off the property… Like the rest of ours.

  “I didn’t think boats this big could go this fast,” Tristan replied with a nod. “Can you give us the short and easy version of what they did?”

  “Yeah, they added two massive engines that I would think go on planes,” he chuckled. “It’s all legal and nothing duct-taped together, the builder did it and adjusted the basic yacht plans for it but it’s still really cool.”

  “I think we need drinks,” I said as we all glanced around as if not knowing what to do yet.

  “Good, because I was waiting for you to start,” Carson agreed.

  “Can I be the bartender? I’ve always thought it would be a badass job,” Sampson asked quietly as he glanced at us.

  “You don’t have to ask, Sampson,” Tristan said gently with a soft smile. “You’re free now.”