The truth

Ignoring the question, Devlin studied him carefully. “Do you feel better?”

“What?” Julian said, his brows knitting together.

Devlin looked at him sharply. “Your brother said you didn’t feel well.”

Julian averted his gaze. “Right! Of course. I feel better now. Much better—”

“You didn’t want to go with us.”

The omega winced, but he didn’t even try to deny it. So it was true.

It shouldn’t have bothered him. It really was none of his business.

“Why?” Devlin said.

Julian shrugged. “It’s not exactly fun being a third wheel.” He still wouldn’t meet Devlin’s eyes.

“You’re not telling the truth,” Devlin said, becoming more certain of it the longer Julian avoided looking at him. Stepping into the room, he closed the door behind him.

It shut with a click.

“What are you doing?” Julian said. “And I’m not lying. You think it’s fun—”

“Julian,” Devlin said quietly. “Look at me.”

After a moment, the omega finally did as he was told. There was a half-scowl on his face but some other emotion in his eyes