Page 54 of Alpha Awakened

“Don’t have one of your headaches do you?”

“No. Just needed a minute away from the crowd.”

“You want me to go?” He partially turned as if he were about to walk away.

“No. You can stay.”

With permission granted, Hazard came all the way down the alley and leaned against the wall opposite him. He took out a pack of his O cigs and a lighter. Thumb rasping over the lighter’s wheel, he lit up. Hazard pulled in his first drag, then blew it out on a long exhale. The smell of cherries drifted into the air along with the smoke.

“You and those sweet fucking cigarettes,” Ice said in amusement.

Hazard took another drag before answering. “What can I say? It’s one of my stereotypical omega traits. I love sweets.” He stayed there, looking completely at ease with his shoulder blades and one foot braced against the wall, smoking.

They watched each other without speaking for several moments before Hazard broke the silence.

“You want?” Hazard held out the cigarette in offer.

They’d shared cigarettes on several occasions since that first time during the op in Florida. It was no big deal to share one now. Ice accepted the cigarette, putting his lips on the same spot where Hazard’s lips had rested. He inhaled, drawing the cherry flavored smoke into his lungs. When he passed it back, their fingers brushed, Hazard’s pleasantly warm against his own.

They went silent again as they shared the cigarette, passing it back and forth between them. As much as Hazard liked to talk, he seemed equally as comfortable existing quietly. Ice usually preferred to be alone post mission, but he found it peaceful here with Hazard, sharing a cigarette with no expectation of conversation.

When the cigarette neared its end, Hazard held it up for Ice to take.

Ice shook his head. “You finish it.”

Hazard put the cigarette to his lips and took the last couple of drags. When he finished, he dropped the butt on the ground, stubbing it out beneath his boot.

“I guess I’ll turn in,” he said. “We fly out early.”

“Wait.” Ice reached across the narrow space that separated them to grasp Hazard’s wrist. They were already close. Ice tugged him closer. When Hazard was standing directly in front of him, Ice leaned down and pressed their foreheads together just as he had at the compound. He breathed in, seeking the now familiar scent of apples. Hazard remained still, his breathing soft and easy, visibly puffing out in the cold air. Then, Iceadjusted his position slightly so that their noses rubbed together in a light scenting. His heart pounded. A glance at Hazard’s throat showed a similar rhythm in the beat of his pulse.

“Am I doing this right?”

“Yeah. You’re a natural.”

Itfeltnatural. Like this is what he was supposed to do. Maybe even what he had been missing from his life for over twenty years. But scenting wasn’t the only thing he wanted to do with Hazard. With the scent of apples in his nose, his attraction to Hazard — his desire to touch and kiss him — surged to the forefront of his mind.

Again he let their noses touch, but this time he tilted his head so that their lips brushed — just the tops — light as a feather. It wasn’t a kiss. Not yet. Ice wanted it to be one so damn bad. It appeared that Hazard did too. His eyes had drifted closed, dark lashes resting against his cheeks. And his lips, those lush, beautiful lips, were slightly pursed in anticipation.

“We shouldn’t,” Ice whispered.

“I know,” Hazard whispered back.

A silent pause, thick with tension. They didn’t move, although Ice’s heart pounded with anticipation. And then...

Ice brought their lips together in the softest of kisses. It only lasted for a second. Ice pulled back, but he didn’t go far. He looked at Hazard, gauging his reaction. Hazard ran the tip of his tongue over his lips before he lifted his face in a clear request for more. Ice kissed him again. Their lips clung, separated, then came together again. And again. Each time with more urgency.

“Open,” he ordered softly.

Hazard obeyed, parting his lips, allowing Ice to lick into his mouth. Ice groaned at the pleasure of tasting the omega he desired for the first time. He raised a hand to cup Hazard’s nape, fingers gently brushing over the buzzed hair there. Their tongues slid together, soft and sensual. When Ice drew back, hetook advantage of their closeness to brush their noses together in another scenting.

“You taste like cherries,” he said.

Hazard looked up at him, humor twinkling in his eyes.

“So do you.”

Ice chuckled. “Brat.” He walked Hazard backward until he was up against the wall once more.