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“Then don’t.”

“It’s him or me,” he says. “Choose me.”

Wait. Does he… Does that mean? Does he get jealous too? Does he ever wonder what we would feel like wrapped around each other like I do?

“Alden?” Niall calls, high-pitched and anxious.

“Fucking Christ,” Ty mutters.

“I’m here,” I call. “I’ll be right back.” I pile snacks and drinks on a tray, and turn to Ty. “I’m sorry.”

“Go,” Ty says flatly, like he doesn’t believe me. “He needs you.”

“Ty…” I don’t have the courage to say what I want to. But what if I need you?

Niall’s heat faded overnight. Tyler left for work by the time I woke. After breakfast, I sat Niall down on the couch and told him our relationship is over.

If I have to choose between Niall and Tyler, I will always choose Tyler, even if the only relationship he wants is platonic. I think I’ve been choosing Tyler this whole time. That’s why I never invited Niall to move in or took things further.

Maybe I just haven’t found my mate yet. Maybe when I do, choosing my omega over Tyler will be automatic too. Or maybe we’re codependent as hell. I don’t know.

Deciding to break up with Niall was simple. Easy. Automatic. Breaking up with him has been anything but.

We’ve talked all day, had dozens of arguments, most started by him. He’s tried every tool in his arsenal. Sex and flattery first, apologies and bargaining, then slammed doors and thrown plates, something I thought people only did in movies. He even ripped down his nest in a fury.

Tyler came home a few hours ago, but he hasn’t left his room. Just having his scent here makes it easier for me, even if it’s locked behind a door.

“Niall,” I try again as he paces up and down the length of my room. “It’s late. Let me take you home. You’ll feel better in the morning.”

“I won’t. I can’t leave you. Alden, I’m sorry. It was harmless flirting, hormones messing with my head. His scent got to me.” His eyebrows dart inward, tears welling.

This is an argument I’ve already heard. I was empathetic the first two times, but that didn’t work. I force all emotion from my voice.

“If you don’t leave, I’m going to have to call the cops. I really don’t want to do that.”

“The cops?” He bursts into tears. When I remain unmoved, he says, “I don’t think that will work. I’m practically a tenant by now.”

“You’re not.” I obtained legal advice when he didn’t leave by lunch. Since I never officially invited him to move in, and paid for him to keep his apartment, I should be covered.

He stops in front of his bedside drawer and rummages through it. “Look.” He plants a cell phone bill on the bed with his name and my address on it.

I massage my temples and sit on the edge of the bed, trying to be less imposing. “And then what?” I say with kindness. “Even if you had a case to stay, what do you hope to accomplish? Making me miserable? Punishing me? I’m not going to change my mind.”

Every argument has pushed me further away from any chance of trying to work things out with him.

“This is such bullshit. I can’t believe you’re dumping me for your friend.” He raises his voice, projecting it like he wants Tyler to hear.

“I’m not.” I totally did, but I never admitted to that. “We’re not dating. We’re just friends.”

“I guess I get it,” Niall says, even louder. “I’ve seen his morning wood. I’m sure riding his cock is worth more than our relationship.”

I don’t react. I’m a gray rock, unmoving, unaffected. I won’t take the bait.

“It’s just a little pathetic,” he continues. “What kind of alpha is more obsessed with his friend than his omega? No wonder you couldn’t keep up with my heats.”

On the outside, I’m a rock. On the inside, I’m second-guessing everything he’s ever said about our sex life.

Tyler knocks on the door. “Hey, Alden?”