Chapter 4

Odessa POV

“None of your business, Mav,” Gage growled.

He tried to sidestep his friend, but Maverick stood his ground.

“It’s my business when you don’t answer the phone, miss an important meeting and upset your girlfriend so much she tries to cut off our balls.”

“I was busy, okay?” Gage barked.

“With Odessa?” Maverick snapped.

I blinked a few times. “What? N-No.”

“I’m not with her. I just got here. Now, can I go inside and see my girlfriend?”

They stared each other down, but ultimately Maverick stood aside. When it came time for me to walk through, Maverick blocked the entrance again.

“This isn’t funny. I thought you grew up,” I said, crossing my arms.

“I told you I’d keep my eye on you.”

“I’m not doing anything wrong,” I said, swallowing.

Technically, Gage was my fated mate, and our relationship was pure and beautiful. I couldn’t describe how I felt when I was with him. It was a blend of disbelief, confusion and hope. However, when I was around Maverick, it was ick, rage and annoyance.

“You’re trying to get between the Wildcat Fab Three. Do you want Gage and Storm to go at it?”

“I didn’t ask him to date his best friend’s sister!”

Maverick backed into me. His breath brushed against my face, but he kept his hands to himself.

“Don’t play this game, little Odessa. If it’s not me breathing down your back, it’s going to be Sienna. Understand?” His wolf flashed in his eyes, his Alpha aura forced me to submit. Because I had the smaller wolf, my wolf had no choice but to bow to her Alpha.

“Yes, fine,” I said.

He stepped out of the way and allowed me to walk inside. The scent of booze and cigarette smoke hit me in the face. Loud music and laughter filled the house.

I didn’t belong here.

“Come here, baby!” Sienna yelled, grabbed Gage’s collar and kissed him passionately.

I froze for a couple of seconds as I watched my mate wrap his arms around another woman. Watching them kiss was like a knife to the heart. My wolf cried out in pain. I felt a heavy presence on my chest. I turned around and ran upstairs to the haven of my bedroom.

I buckled before I reached my bedroom door.

“I’m such an idiot,” I whispered.

We were doomed from the start.

***

Minutes passed midnight, and the party was still going. I groaned because I had to go to work tomorrow, and I had classes in the afternoon. I needed sleep. I hadn’t eaten and I was starving. I was tired, hungry and heartbroken. I didn’t want to chance running into Gage and Sienna again, but my stomach roared in protest.

In the end, hunger won the debate.

I remained in the shadows as I snuck into the kitchen.

“Ugh, it’s filthy.”

There were cups and bottles all over. I’m going to be the one left to clean this up tomorrow.

“I already clean the stadium, I might as well clean the mansion,” I mumbled as I ransacked the fridge for food.

“Have a habit of talking to yourself, Omega?”

I threw my head back and groaned. “Leave me alone.”

“I could smell you the second you came downstairs.”

“What do you want, Gage? Shouldn’t you be with Sienna?”

“She’s asleep,” he said, rubbing his nose.

I nodded. I tried to ignore him, but it was hard when I felt him right behind me. His muscles pressed against my back. My wolf whimpered, longing for her mate to accept us both.

“I’ve made up my mind.” His voice cracked.

He forced me to turn around and look into his drunken gaze.

“I can’t do this anymore. My wolf’s on the edge of my skin because of you! I can’t have two mates.”

A lump formed in my throat. “Gage—”

“No, stop.” He stepped back. “Did you really think I’d choose you over Sienna? You’re just an omega who cleans the stadium I star in.”

I braced myself for the inevitable pain. I shook my head, wanting him not to say the dreaded words.

There was no hope.

“I, Gage Nicholas, reject you, Odessa Sloane, as my fated mate.”

It was as if a hand penetrated my body and twisted my insides. I buckled forward and cried out.

“Accept my rejection, Odessa. The pain will end.”

“Screw you, Gage.”

“Accept the damn rejection so I can move on with my life!”

I panted as the pain moved from my abdomen to my legs.

“I, Odessa Sloane, accept your rejection.”

“Good.”

It was like a bomb exploded inside me, and I dropped to the kitchen floor. The link between us had been violently broken. Gage walked out of the kitchen, leaving me with a bleeding heart.