Page 10 of Convincing the Heartbroken Beta

Cameron nodded. “Oh yeah, totally. But it was all such a shock for the poor guy, and after all he endured in that horrible place… I just wanna make sure he’s okay.”

“Oh?”

Cameron glanced at Hawk and noted his frown. “What?”

“It’s not your place to mess with another Alpha’s mate.”

Cameron pressed his lips together, taking a beat before answering his friend so he wouldn’t yell. “Dude. I’m not messing with him. Brandon was the one who asked me to watch over him in the first place.”

“Right. And now he’s taken over the care of his omega and it’s no longer any of your concern.”

“So, that’s how it is, huh? I can’t look at, speak to or breathe the same air he does, or I’m committing some terrible crime?”

Hawk sighed. “Look, bro. I don’t know what’s got your snout in a twist, but this is common knowledge. As betas, we were always taught that Alpha/omega relationships were sacred and not to be interfered with in any way. And since I’ve discovered I’m actually an Alpha and have my own omega, it makes even more sense.”

“Good for you,” Cameron muttered.

“What did you say?”

“I don’t wanna talk about this anymore.” Cameron hated being so mad at his friend, but Hawk was being awfully pushy about the whole thing. “I understand about sacred mates. I know betas are supposed to keep to themselves, to shut up and do whatever the Alphas and Alliance tell them. I’m not an idiot.”

“Cam, come on. I don’t want the fact that I’ve discovered I’m an Alpha, or that I have a mate, to change things between us. You’re my best friend. You’ll always be my best friend.”

Cameron nodded. “Yeah, okay.” He caught Hawk’s eyes before facing forward again. “I don’t want our friendship to be ruined either. I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I am happy for you and Jasper.” Cameron gripped the steering wheel tighter. “To be honest, I held on to false hope about us for a long time after I knew it would never happen. I guess it’s just that… Well, I don’t like any of the Guardians, let alone want to get with any of them.”

Hawk barked out a laugh. “I hear ya. And other than Frank, the kitchen guy—who has to be at least a hundred and seven-years-old if he’s a day—I don’t think any of the other betas are gay.”

Cameron scrunched his brow. “Really? Not even Toli?”

“He says he isn’t.”

“Yeah, but he might just be—” Cameron winced. Seriously, he needed to have his jaw wired shut or something.

“Might just be what?”

“Oh, uh…closeted. You know, that might be why… Anyway, have you and Jasper thought of any baby names yet?”

When Hawk didn’t respond right away, Cameron took a quick peek to see if he’d heard him. He was met with Hawk’s suspicious gaze.

“I know you well enough, Cam, that I can tell you’re holding something back.”

Cameron chewed on his lop. “Can you cut me a break this time? I’ve been having an unusually bad case of blabitis lately, and I don’t want to get into any trouble. At least as little trouble as possible.”

“You’re lucky I’m too tired to get into it with you right now, so I’ll let it drop.” Hawk laid a hand on his arm. “But you’d come to me if anything was really wrong, right? Remember, our friendship hasn’t changed.”

“I know. Thanks, bro.”

Cameron gave Hawk a smile then returned his attention to the road. As much of a relief it was knowing he could still count on Hawk if he got into trouble, he hoped he’d never have to take him up on his offer.

* * * *

Perched on a chair at the council table, Brandon idly scanned over the bullet points he’d drafted for the Alliance meeting. However, his mind kept wandering to how he was supposed to explain Sascha. Or, more accurately, why he was taking the omega with him when he returned to Denali Junction.

Brandon scratched his chin, his eyes glazing over as he ran various not-so-plausible scenarios through his mind. The voices of the Alliance members droned on in the background.

“Alpha Volkov? Your thoughts?”

He straightened and cleared his throat. “I apologize, President Vera. I seem to have drifted. You were asking?”