Page 77 of Lilacs and Leather

My attention snaps back to her, stomach dropping. My palms break out into a cold sweat, and I shove them in my pockets before she notices that they’re shaking. I had seen the article, mostly because Lex’s public relations manager sent it to me. As a rule, I don’t actively seek out that sort of trash, but Lex insists we shouldn’t be ignorant to what’s being said about us, good or bad. I had hoped that Lydia wouldn’t find it, though.

“Yeah, but I wouldn’t worry. It’s all speculation, and I’m sure something more interesting will happen soon,” I chuckle, trying to be casual.

“Who’s Seth Douglas?” she asks, voice cold and steady.

My stomach plummets further and as I look down to gather my thoughts, I half expect to find it lying on the sidewalk below me. Lydia’s tone is flat, no inflection for me to discern her feelings about my ex, and I take a shaky breath. I look back up at her, and I see the moment she shuts down and locks herself away. I’d hesitated too long. She takes another step back, lips a firm line.

“It’s complicated,” I say at last.

“I see,” she replies coolly.

“Baby, I just—I’m sorry you found out like this but—”

“It’s whatever. Just another omega, right?” Lydia snipes with a harsh roll of her eyes.

I run a hand through my hair, pulling a little. “It’s not like that. Can I talk to the pack first? Please?”

“Why?” she demands, eyes falling into a glare.

I let out a defeated sigh, my shoulders falling as my hands drop to my sides. Her eyes are hard chips of emeralds tearing me apart even as they flash with hurt. Everything I want to say feels like too much and yet not enough. She crosses her arms over her chest, rocking back and popping out one of her hips.

“This... Seth and us, there’s—it’s a long story. Please, Lydia. Give me time,” I whisper, my voice cracking a little.

Her face softens even as her eyes grow even more distant. I try to reach out for her again, but she takes another step away. My heart aches, and my hands shake as I ball them into fists at my sides.

“It’s fine. I have to get back to work,” Lydia says, a little too casually.

And before I can call her back, the door is slamming shut behind her.

∞∞∞

Me: Lydia saw the article.

Rhett: Fuck.

Lucas: How do you know she saw it?

Me: She said as much when I picked up Lex’s flowers.

Rhett: Fucking fuck.

Me: Yeah. She asked about Seth, too.

Lucas: What did you say?

Me: That it’s a long story, and I needed to check in with y’all before I tell it. And she wasn’t pleased with that answer, let me tell you.

Rhett: We should tell her.

Lucas: No

Lex: No

Rhett: If our lifestyle hasn’t sent her screaming for the hills, this bullshit with Seth won’t.

Lex: Our sexual preferences and romantic habits are not on the same level as Seth. I understand that you’re invested now, but we have to think long term.

Me: What’s that supposed to mean, Lex?