Just the Way You Are Read online

  “Why don’t you leave that poor Omega alone, Daniel, Trent?”

  No one but his brother had ever come to Tommy’s defense before, and it kind of felt nice.

  Daniel snorted. “You couldn’t even hold onto Mac, Abel. Hell, you were so blind you didn’t realize Mac had been fucking other werewolves behind your back.”

  Tommy knew he shouldn’t intervene. For one, Abel could probably handle himself, expect Tommy didn’t like it when Abel’s face fell at those words. Tommy knew what it was like, being heartbroken. Most men sniffed around him because he was an Omega, but once they found out his flaw, they lost interest soon enough.

  “Sounds like this Mac didn’t know how to appreciate a real man,” he stated.

  Tommy bit his lip a second later. His sharp tongue always seemed to get the better of him. Abel stared at him like he’d grown a second head.

  “What are you implying, Omega?” demanded Trent with narrowed eyes. “You think we aren’t real men?”

  “I don’t think. I know. Only insecure bullies prey on the weak.”

  Trent snarled. Daniel began to shift. The two dominant werewolves looked ready to rip him to shreds. In seconds, a hand would be clamped around his throat, choking the life out of him or claws and teeth sinking into the tender parts of him. Tommy had promised Steve he’d behave, but it seemed his day only took a turn for the worse.

  To his surprise, Abel growled, grabbed a handful of Daniel’s fur and tossed the halfway shifted werewolf against the nearest row of lockers. Tommy winced at the sound of fur hitting metal. With a roar, Trent came at Abel, but Abel slammed a fist into the other werewolf’s face, the sickening crunch of bone filling the air.

  Abel’s gaze met his. Tommy pressed himself against the lockers, breathing hard. He’d never expected a guy of Abel’s size to move that fast. Abel held out a hand.

  “Want to get the fuck out of here?”

  Tommy nodded. They edged towards the door only to confront Mr. Perkins, the 40-year-old werebear gym owner and a former infamous illegal cage fighter.

  “I don’t want any trouble in my establishment, Abel,” Mr. Perkins said, wagging one threatening figure.

  More footsteps and two beefy security guards appeared on either side of Mr. Perkins.

  “It’s my fault, I’m sorry,” Tommy interrupted.

  Mr. Perkins raised an eyebrow, but Abel continued for the both of them. “Trent and Daniel were at it again.”

  The werebear looked old and tired, as if Trent and Daniel’s antics were a common occurrence. “How many times have I told Butch to keep an eye on those two? Trent and Daniel shouldn’t be considered for the position of pack enforcers in the first place.”

  A chill crept down his spine at those words. So Trent and Daniel were potential candidates to be enforcers? Enforcers ranked high in the pack, only below the Alpha, Beta, and Gamma. Steve was working his ass off, trying to get them both into this pack, and one day on his own, Tommy had managed to screw everything up.

  “Talk to Butch. I’m not interested in being with packmates these days,” Abel grumbled. “Are you barring our path or can we go? I didn’t damage any property. Those assholes would come to soon and you can kick them out.”

  “Why don’t you try for enforcer, Abel?” Mr. Perkins asked.

  “None of your business.” Then Abel grabbed his hand and shoved his way past Mr. Perkins and the guards. Fortunately, the werebear let them go. Gazes locked on them as Abel dragged him outside the gym. Small town folks gossiped a lot, he remembered. No good news for either Steve or him.

  Still, despite the situation Tommy had put himself and Steve in, he couldn’t help but notice how warm Abel’s hand felt, big and callused, too. Outside the gym, he could breathe a little easier. Abel let go of his hand abruptly, stopping in front of a beaten-looking red Ford truck, which looked like it had seen plenty of years.

  “Wait a damn second. You’re just going to leave me here on the street after that performance?” The angry words rushed out of Tommy’s mouth before he could stop himself.

  Abel halted, frown on his lips, then looked back at the gym. Through the glass, he could see Trent and Daniel coming out of the locker room. Mr. Perkins confronted them, but he doubted the werebear could delay them for long. Murder was in Trent’s eyes as he looked right at Tommy.

  “Fine, get in,” Abel said.

  Tommy knew he shouldn’t be accepting rides from strangers, but he didn’t want to end up like minced meat either. He hopped on the seat next to the driver’s. Abel wasted no time in starting the engine. The truck gave a weak wheeze.

  Tommy shoved back the panic threatening to drown him. “What’s wrong?”

  “Don’t worry your cute little head off, Omega. This happens a lot, just need to warm her up.”

  “Doesn’t sound that reassuring, and I have a name. It’s Tommy.”

  “Fine,” Abel mumbled, trying again. After three attempts, the engine gave a purr just as the door to the gym banged open, revealing two mad dominant wolves.

  Claws scratched through metal, but Abel steered the truck away from the two werewolves’ reach. Tommy let out a breath he didn’t realize he was holding.

  “Jesus Christ, that was close.”

  “Fuck, I really don’t need this right now.”

  “What, you regret saving me?” Tommy asked, sarcastically.

  Abel huffed. “No. Those jackasses can’t keep doing shit like that forever just because Butch looks the other way when it comes to family.”

  Tommy’s stomach knotted. “Family?” he whispered in horror.

  “They’re his cousins, although Butch practically raised them, so he considers them his younger brothers.”

  “Please tell me you’re joking.”

  A snarl filled the car, reminding Tommy Abel wasn’t a guy he could mess with but a powerful shifter with balls who didn’t care about the consequences of pissing off two important family members of his Alpha. Appearances could be deceiving, Tommy reminded himself.

  “I don’t joke,” Abel finally said. The dominant wolf’s pupils changed from brown to gold, telling Tommy Abel’s animal peeked from those eyes and it could eat sassy little Omegas like him for dinner.

  Chapter Three

  Abel made it a personal policy to stay out of unnecessary trouble. Mr. Perkins hadn’t been the first to ask why he never aspired to climb the pack ladder. It wasn’t due to his lack of strength. Abel just liked being mediocre, his peace of mind. Positions were frequently fought over. He didn’t understand the need for unnecessary bloodshed—until he overheard Trent and Daniel picking on an unknown Omega in the locker room.

  Since Abel didn’t recognize the young man, he guessed Tommy was one of the potential new recruits. Abel normally didn’t interfere in fights, but once the scent of Tommy’s fear hit his nose, he nearly lost it.

  Trent and Daniel were taken by surprise today, but they wouldn’t make the mistake of underestimating him a second time. Shit. Abel had worked hard to be under the radar for so long and thanks to this one incident, he was back in the spotlight. Not good, especially after his recent break-up with Mac.

  “What are you brooding about?”

  “Why do you think I’m thinking about anything?” he answered back.

  For some reason, Tommy annoyed the hell out of him. Tommy looked exactly like the kind of cocky, pretty, young wolf who could get anyone he wanted with a crook of a finger. Even better, being an Omega would instantly make Tommy an ideal potential mate for the single werewolves in town. Tommy was probably only being nice to Abel, because he saved Tommy from those two jerks.

  “Because you’re furrowing your brows and your pupils are still gold. Are you angry at me?”

  “Of course I am. There’s a reason I don’t advertise my strength.”

  “What? Why? I would kill to be a powerful werewolf,” Tommy grumbled.

  “You? You’re an Omega.”

  “So?”

  He snorted. What sort of game is
this?

  Fine, Abel would play along, but he’d keep his guard up. Risking his heart a second time hadn’t been an option. Tommy happened to need help. Abel stepped in. Both of them were about to be screwed over by Trent and Daniel either way.

  Too many witnesses in the gym had overheard the commotion, so he doubted Trent and Daniel would keep their mouths shut and pretend like they weren’t humiliated and beaten by a chubby mediocre pack member.

  Knowing those two, they’d probably lie their asses off, whine to Butch about Abel and his new friend.

  Realizing Tommy demanded an answer, he replied, “You get your choice pick of mates.”

  “Too bad I’m flawed, a dead weight to my brother.”

  Abel detected old hurt and pain in Tommy’s voice. “What do you mean by that?”

  “Do I have to spell it out for you? Omegas who can’t bear children are useless, only seen as fun playmates or fuck toys but not serious mates,” Tommy responded bitterly.

  “Are you sure? About the flawed thing I mean.”

  “What the hell? Of course I’m sure. I demanded my brother to have me tested twice, by a shifter hospital and a specialized clinic.”

  God. Abel must sound like a dick. All he wanted to do was give Tommy comfort, but he didn’t know how to do that. If he stopped the car and gave Tommy a hug, it would be awkward and Tommy might take it the wrong way.

  “I’m sorry. I know what it’s like, being different, unwanted.” Abel had no idea why the truth flowed out easily and to a complete stranger no less, but he felt a certain kinship with Tommy.

  “You really mean that,” Tommy muttered, clearly stunned.

  “Come on. Just look at me. Daniel and Abel hit the mark. I’m fat and boring.”

  To his shock, Tommy’s hand flew. He felt the slap a second later. Abel nearly lost control of the wheel, but managed to grab it again with a curse.

  “What the heck was that for?” he demanded.

  “For having zero confidence. Like, do you seriously believe those two assholes?”

  “I know what I look like,” Abel said with a growl.

  “You seem pretty fine to me. I think you’re kind of cute.”

  Abel became uncomfortably aware of Tommy’s assessment. He didn’t get this Omega at all. His first impression of Tommy had been helpless, but had Tommy showed spine when he mouthed off to Trent and Daniel. Learning Tommy wasn’t like most of the spoiled Omegas in the pack also added to Tommy’s appeal, made Abel’s wolf curious, want Tommy even more.

  Fuck no.

  He couldn’t be attracted to this slender, gorgeous Omega with the sad and haunted eyes.

  “Where do you want me to drop you off?” he asked instead.

  “Don’t change the topic.”

  “I’d rather not talk about this.”

  “Then we can talk about other things. Did you have lunch yet?”

  “No, but—”

  “Good. What’s good to eat around here?”

  Stumped, Abel replied, “What are you in the mood for?”

  “Anything with meat.”

  Pleased this Omega didn’t have dietary constrictions like some of the Omegas in the pack, he replied, “Tori’s Steak House is a local favorite. Since it’s on the outskirts of town, not many tourists know about it.”

  “Good. You can also tell me what’s good there once we arrive.”

  “We?” he asked.

  “As in me and you.”

  “Excuse me?”

  Tommy looked affronted. Did he say something wrong? “You’re a little slow, aren’t you? I’m asking you out on a date.”

  “What the hell for?”

  “For rescuing me. Think of it as a thank you.”

  ****

  That shut the big wolf quickly enough. Tommy didn’t exactly have a lot in his bank, but a good deed deserved a reward, didn’t it? Besides, he was drawn to this adorable, insecure dominant wolf, and it felt nice, having a friend in town. A friend who had the potential to be something more, perhaps?

  Mate, his wolf whispered, but Tommy wisely strayed away from that line of thinking because he had to face hard cold reality—a powerful wolf like Abel would never want a deficient Omega like him who couldn’t even fulfill his purpose of carrying pups.

  “You’ve suddenly gone quiet,” Abel observed out looking. “Thinking much?”

  “Just stupid stuff.” Tommy stared at his lap, wanting to change the topic immediately.

  “Like?”

  Well, here goes. Tommy took a deep breath before answering. “Would you consider me mate material?”

  Abel snorted, and Tommy’s face fell.

  “I should have known,” he muttered. It suddenly felt hot in the car, the space too small to contain his disappointment. Abel’s rejection shouldn’t matter, but it did.

  “Hold on a goddamn second,” Abel interrupted, as if sensing the change in mood.

  “No take backs,” Tommy whispered furiously.

  “I think you misunderstood.” Abel stopped the car, and Tommy realized they were in the parking lot of the streak house. Abel killed the engine and looked him in the eye. “A young and gorgeous Omega like you wouldn’t want a chubster like me for a mate.”

  “A chubster?” he asked. “Where did you come up with that stupid word?”

  “Yeah.” Abel got out of the car before he could put a word in.

  Huffing, Tommy hurried out only to feel his phone vibrating. A quick check told him it was only Steve. Deciding his brother could wait a little longer, he followed Abel inside the steakhouse, which was still half-full. The lunch crowd hadn’t trickled in. Abel took the empty booth at the back of the place. Panting, Tommy collapsed into the empty booth in front of Abel.

  “Are you rushing to something?” he demanded.

  “No. Why are you mad?”

  “Because you’re acting like you’re in a hurry. So what’s good here?” Tommy plucked the plastic menu, examining each item. Tantalizing scents hit his nose. His stomach growled. “I could eat a horse.”

  Abel stared at him.

  “What? Something on my face?” Tommy scrubbed at his face.

  Abel shook his head. “It’s nice to see someone with an appetite. I usually get the weekly special with mac and cheese, and mashed potatoes.” Abel sighed. “I supposed I should start cutting down on carbs if I want to win back my ex.”

  “Wait—Mac? That asshole who dumped you?”

  Abel’s growl made the condiments on the table vibrate and garnered stares from the nearby diners. Casting Abel a wary glance, Tommy knew he should stop. Dominant shifters didn’t take the opinions of submissive shifters seriously, but he needed to make his point clear.

  “Why don’t you try dating other guys? Clearly, this Mac wronged you. If you really want him back, make him crazy jealous, convince him that breaking up with you had been the worst mistake of his life.”

  A waitress appeared by their table and asked, “What will it be, gents?”

  “Two daily specials with mashed potatoes and mac and cheese,” Tommy said. Abel glared, which he ignored. It would have been fine if Abel wanted to become fit for himself but for an ass like Mac?

  “What do you know?” Abel finally asked when the waitress left. “I like the plan, but it’s not like anyone will go out with me, certainly not any of the unmated wolves in the pack.”

  “I would,” Tommy blurted without thinking. “I think you’re cool and hot.”

  Seriously? Where did that lame line come from?

  “What?” Abel raised his eyebrows. "I appreciate you being nice and not wanting to hurt my feelings but—”

  “I’ve had enough of this.” Tommy rose to his feet. Abel looked like a predator on edge now, pupils bright cold as he slid out of the booth and squeezed his way inside Abel’s seat.

  “I mean it,” he said, breathing hard, although he couldn’t understand why. His heart hammered against his chest, not in fear but in excitement. His Omega wolf rose up inside of him, eage
r, wide-awake, curious to find out what this dominant wolf would do next.

  “Prove it,” Abel shot back.

  Tommy leaned in close, blushing hard, and kissed Abel. It started clumsy, overeager, but Tommy hadn’t exactly been on the receiving end of many of these. Most shifter males, once they found out he was flawed, had only been interested in his body, but he never gave them an inch. For all his faults, Tommy remained a dreamer. He’d surrender his body to a real man who knew how to appreciate and treat him well, a mate like Abel.

  Thank God, Abel took over. Abel clasped the back of his neck, responding to his taunt. The dominant shifter sucked on his upper lip, biting on his lower one. Tommy moaned into Abel’s mouth, let Abel push his tongue between his lips to deepen the kiss.

  Heat and the distinctive male taste of Abel traveled down his throat and went straight to his groin. His dick pulsed, thickening, bulging against his zipper. Someone cleared her throat. The waitress was back with their food. When Abel pulled away, he widened his eyes. Abel wore a look of astonishment, but at the same time, Abel’s savage wolf peered back at his own, full of confidence and hunger.

  “Did you mean what you said?” Abel asked after the waitress served them their meals.

  “Are you asking me out on a date?” Tommy grinned, unable to help himself.

  Abel grunted. “You’re interested in getting fit by going to the gym, right?”

  What did the gym have to do with the mind-blowing revelation that Tommy sure liked being on the receiving end of Abel’s kisses?

  “Uh-huh,” he responded, wanting to see where this was going.

  “We can encourage each other. I’ll make sure no one bothers you and people will assume us spending time together means we’re dating or something.”

  “Seriously?”

  Abel had that take-it-or-leave-it look though, so fine. Tommy could compromise. He’d play along, and by the time Abel realized this was a game he’d intended to win all along, it would be too late. Abel would no longer give two shits about the guy who’d cruelly broken his heart, because Abel would have already given it to another. Me.