Talk About… Rivalry (Rockwood Valley Omegaverse #2)

17. Maverick

Maverick

I never should have agreed to this date. That was the thought that played in my head, over and over again, as I waited in my room to leave.

I’d gotten ready too early and now I had time to kill. That was the last fucking thing I needed right now.

Not when I was already on edge.

Of course, Nash was never one to leave things alone and barreled into the room a moment later with an excited grin on his face.

“Look at you looking all dolled up,” he teased, his hazel eyes dancing with amusement. Then his face turned serious and the grin was replaced by a frown. “You know… I’m genuinely shocked you’re going on this date, Mav. What the hell?”

I scoffed at that, a scowl forming on my own face that mirrored his. “Why? Because who’d want to date a big brute like me?”

Nash snorted as he sat down on my bed and stared at me in a way that felt like he was peeling away my armor and peeking underneath, trying to figure me out. He may be one of my brothers, but they didn’t know the extent of my obsession with Sidney.

“No, because it’s not Sidney,” he said as bluntly as ever.

Okay, maybe he did know about my obsession with the omega. Fuck.

“I don’t know who you thought you were fooling, but you’ve been looking at her every chance you got for years now. Cam and I sure as hell don’t look at her that way.”

My alpha wanted to growl but instead a sigh came out. He shot me a smirk as I leaned against the closet, crossing my arms and forcing myself to let my brother in for once.

“Well, the feeling clearly isn’t mutual,” I bit back, my tone sharper than I meant for it to be.

Nash let out a humorless laugh. “Always so quick to bite our heads off, Mav. Here’s a thought… have you ever said anything to her, or did you just expect her to do the hard work for you? You’re the alpha, Maverick. Aren’t you supposed to take charge?”

“It’s not that fucking simple and you know it. I’m not going to push myself on somebody who sees me as a big brother,” I growled, pushing off of my spot and starting to pace again.

No part of me wanted to go on this awful date.

I didn’t need Nash pushing me about Sidney. She’d been on my mind ever since that omega asked me on a date. I’d given her a chance to argue, to give me any reason not to accept. A fucking sign at the very least.

She just looked away.

Sidney didn’t want me.

This obsession was one-sided and I had to accept that at some point. I had to move on or spend my life miserable.

This date was me officially making an attempt to move on.

So, why the fuck did I feel so miserable? Nothing Nash said was news to me.

I was already beating myself up over it.

Nash moved into my path, stopping me with a hand on my shoulder. He gave it a squeeze, his face solemn.

“Maverick. That girl has not seen you as her big brother in a long fucking time. For years, she’s been stealing glances at you almost as often as you have been. She looks at you like you’re going to sweep her off her feet but never do.

“No.” It was loud, causing him to flinch but I couldn’t have this conversation anymore.

Sidney was everything I wasn’t. She was vibrant, outgoing, the life of the party. Independent, yet soft. My omega was gorgeous and fun, always making people around her laugh.

And I was this ‘rough around the edges’ alpha who grunted more than talked and hated people. While she loved going out, I’d rather be at home in the quiet. Especially if that meant holding her.

I was happy to blend into the shadows, and Sidney’s personality drew me in like a moth to flame.

“There’s something going on with her,” Nash said as he ran a hand along his stubble, forehead creased as he thought it over. “Have you ever noticed that she never has a scent around her? I always wondered how you guys could be so perfect for each other and yet never connect.”

“Of course, I’ve noticed,” I said. I’d caught snippets of conversation here and there between Sidney, Avery, and Mom even before I overheard them the other night.

Honestly, it never mattered to me. I wanted her no matter if I could scent her or not. The issue was that she never reacted to me either—in interest, or to my own scent.

If she didn’t want me, then I wasn’t about to force my presence on her.

“No, this date is for the best,” I said out loud as if I was trying to convince myself and my brother.

“Cameron thinks you’re being an idiot,” he tacked on as he stood up, knowing I was dismissing him and this fucking conversation. “He knew he had no place to say anything so he’s beating the shit out of some punching bags down in the gym, instead.”

Cam was right, he had no right to say anything. He literally rejected his mate that he’d already been with for years because he was too depressed after our fathers died to function.

She was there the entire time, supporting him and us, and he turned his back on her.

It had been years and he’d made zero attempts to find her. Instead, he’d enforced some strange celibacy on himself. At least he was less insufferable now that we had the lives and social media to focus on. It brought him out of his stupor enough that he wasn’t a dick all the time, just half the time.

If only we could smack some sense into him as well.

Then again, I guess that’s what Nash was trying to do to me right now.

Fuck, this was a mess.

“You’re an idiot, brother,” he said, clapping me on the shoulder and leveling me with a look that said more than he put into words. “I have a feeling you’re going to regret this.”

With that lovely pep talk he walked out of the door, leaving me to brood on my own.

My phone dinged and I picked it up to see the omega, Kelly, messaging me. We’d exchanged numbers that night to make it easier and she’d been messaging me ever since.

I didn’t respond more than I talked out loud but she kept the conversation going enough for both of us.

It didn’t have the same effect as Sidney doing the same. With this omega it drove me crazy.

When I clicked on the message, I was hit with a sexy picture and flinched. Her hair and makeup was done to perfection and she was giving a sultry look to the camera as she stood in front of her mirror.

Her slender, but curvy, body was in full view, a matching pink lace lingerie set covering her creamy pale skin.

This would have any alpha in his right mind going feral.

Yet, it did nothing for me. My dick didn’t even try to twitch to life.

She wasn’t Sidney.

Fuck, I was in trouble.

The guilt for stringing this girl along was enough to eat away at me, but I never promised her forever, I promised her one date. I was going to give her this, at least, then part ways.

We would never have to see each other again after what I knew would be a painful date.

My phone dinged again and I let out a sigh as I read over the message.

Kelly: Can’t wait to see you tonight. Here’s a preview, if you want to have a little fun afterward!

Part of me wondered if Kelly found me because of the lives. Avery had joked how I was the brooding, quiet brother that was mysterious enough to get my own attention. Was she one of those people who just wanted to add this conquest to a list of accomplishments, to brag in the comments that she bagged the untouchable Whitaker brother?

Now, I really didn’t want to go. The alpha in me wasn’t willing to stand her up. That wasn’t my style. I was a gentleman to the best of my abilities.

Maverick: You look gorgeous, see you tonight.

There, a compliment. To the point but not over the top, no flirting back. She didn’t feel rejected because I knew how sensitive omegas could be, but also not telling her I wanted to take her up on her offer.

Even as my stomach churned, I tried to pretend I was proud of myself.

She didn’t respond to me, likely not enjoying the lack of excitement from my answer.

Maybe she’d put us both out of our misery and not show up.

Not fucking likely. I’d just have to alpha up and handle this.

It was time to leave finally. I took one last look at my reflection in the mirror. I’d at least put some effort into my appearance. My long hair was pulled back into a bun like usual, my outfit of choice was a black button up.

I rolled up the sleeves to my elbows, exposing my forearms, putting my tattoos on display. My shirt was tucked into a black pants ending in black shoes.

Not a lot of variety, but I looked presentable and didn’t smell like old booze like I would after a long shift.

I just had to work on the scowl that was permanently formed on my face. It wasn’t exactly something you should greet your date with.

Even I knew that.

I’d picked up some flowers from the florist earlier today and I snagged them off my desk before walking out of my room.

Sharing a place with my brothers after Mom met Charlie sounded like a good idea but that also meant they were always in my business. Nash was waiting in the living room for me. There wasn’t even a TV on to make it look like he was distracting himself.

“Really?” I growled as he settled his bored gaze on me before it slowly turned to a smirk.

“Have a great time, Maverick. I’ll be here to hear all the juicy details when you get back.”

“Fuck you,” I said, flipping him my middle finger as I snagged my keys off the wall and walked to my truck.

Every step forward felt heavy, but I forced myself to keep going. I couldn’t get out of this now. I had to move on.

For my own sake.

When I pulled up in front of The Landing it was already filling in for the dinner rush. Kelly was waiting by the front door, chatting with the hostess behind the stand as if they were best friends.

I walked up slowly, wishing I could be anywhere else, but placing a small smile on my face as my hand brushed against her elbow to get her attention.

She turned my way and her gaze went from confused to full of heat. She ran her eyes over my body before back up to my face, giving me a wink and a smirk.

No reaction. Nothing. It was official, I was ruined for anyone other than Sidney Vance.

“Well, don’t you look delicious tonight, Maverick Whitaker. I’m so glad you agreed to this date,” she said, her voice a low purr that had me swallowing and stepping back, my jaw clenched tight until I forced it to unclench so I could answer her.

“Thanks, you look great, too,” I offered as awkward as fucking ever.

I turned to the hostess, not wanting to prolong the pain. The sooner we sat, the better. I’d make some awkward small talk, be kind but not overly interested, then walk away.

“I have a reservation under Maverick Whitaker.”

The hostess gave me a sweet smile and tapped her book. “I’ve got you right here. Right this way.”

Thankfully, Kelly followed right behind her, not bothering to look back at me. I fell into step behind them. We walked right through the dining hall and out to the patio outside. I let out a breath, relieved that they were able to accommodate my request.

I was afraid the dining room would feel too claustrophobic.

It was cool enough that they had patio heaters going. Warmth encompassed the tables, making the candlelight and dark wooden tables seem even cozier.

Ugh, maybe this was a bad plan. This felt a bit too romantic.

When Kelly gave me a look full of promise, I cursed myself for fucking this up. Now parting ways would be even more difficult.

My entire body went cold as my eyes flickered to the table next to us, where Sidney was sitting with that asshole, Leo. The one who thought it was appropriate to open a fucking bar right here in Rockwood Valley, like we hadn’t been established for years.

Anger and hurt slammed into me at the sight. A low growl escaped as I glared at him, then back at her.

“What are you doing here, Sidney?” My voice was full of gravel, the words sharp and biting enough that she winced, but pasted on a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

In fact, those mossy eyes mirrored the pain I felt.

What the hell? Had Nash been right? Did she actually care?

Then why the hell did she not say something, do something, give me a single sign?!

“Leo here asked me on a date and I thought it would be rude to not accept,” she said, her voice soft then defiant as she glanced at Kelly who was standing next to me. My date was looking from me to Sidney with narrowed eyes. “I see you have a date of your own. I hope you enjoy yourself tonight.”

At this point, there was nothing else I could say, so I simply turned back to my date and pulled out the chair for her. She shot me a flirty smile and sat, watching me as I rounded the table to take my own seat. At least mine gave me a full view of Sidney and the asshole she was on a date with.

Bastard.

Nash’s words were playing in my head, reminding me that I had never asked her.

He did.

Which meant I had no right to be upset right now.

Yet, fury burned in my veins, eyes constantly flickering over to their table, clocking every single fucking time he reached for her, touched her, made her laugh.

I wanted nothing more than to rip this beta limb from limb.

Asshole.

This was just another reason to despise him. First my business, now my omega was at stake?

No, I wasn’t going to stand for this.

Kelly cleared her throat and I turned back to her, biting back my anger to give her a forced smile.

“Sorry, it’s just that she’s my little sister’s best friend,” I explained, hoping that would calm her worries. It wasn’t a lie, but it was miles away from the truth.

I glanced over in time to see Sidney’s gaze flick my way, a frown lining her gorgeous face.

Did she hear me? If she wasn’t interested, why did she care? My heart slammed harder in my chest. Hope filled me and my teeth sank into my lip as I tried to pretend I wasn’t shifting moods faster than I could blink.

“Ah, I see, you’re the protective sort, ” Kelly said, giving me a little giggle that grated on my nerves. It felt like she thought we had an inside secret and my body tensed. This was not going well. “I like a guy that protects his family.”

I cleared my throat, feeling my face heat. “So, have you been here before, Kelly?” It was a weak attempt at diverting the conversation from flirty to normal.

She let out a little laugh and shook her head, blonde hair shifting around her face. Kelly really was pretty, she just wasn’t for me.

“No, I’m used to bigger cities than this one. Small town life was never really for me.” Her nose wrinkled as she said it.

That was another glaring neon sign that said we were not made for each other.

“Then why did you ask me on a date?” I questioned, resting my elbows on the table and putting my chin on my hands as I studied her. Did this mean I was just a conquest like I worried? “I have a business and close family in this town, I won’t be leaving.”

She batted her dark eyelashes right at me, a sexy smirk on her face again. It felt like flirting was her default setting.

“Sometimes, all it takes is a little convincing.” She bit her lip and blinked at me some more.

I felt a pang of guilt. She was doing all of this for me.

“Plus, forming a pack is all about sacrifice, right?”

The way she said it, made it very clear that if I was ever a part of her pack, that I’d be the one sacrificing.

Some packs were all about their omegas, and I was obviously hung up on Sidney, but this was a non-negotiable for me.

I wasn’t leaving Rockwood Valley. My mom, my sister, my brothers, my future nieces and nephews, were all here.

Any response fizzled away as a peal of laughter echoed in the night. My jaw clenched tight enough my teeth were grinding together.

Thoughts cut off as I heard Sidney laugh.

And she was here.

We were interrupted a second later by a curly haired omega.

He smiled down at us. “Thank you for coming to The Landing. I’m Taylor, I’m going to be your server tonight,” he said. “Can I get you started with our wine list perhaps?”

“I do love a red wine,” Kelly said, turning her smile on him. “Pour me a glass of your finest one.

Taylor turned to me next, smile never faltering.

“Water,” I all but bit out.

“Coming right up,” he said before disappearing. Kelly started talking and I barely was able to tune in, my focus fully on the conversation between Leo and Sidney.

He was asking her something about the ranch but it was too fucking loud out here for me to hear more.

That was the moment everything went downhill.

There was a small gasp and a clang as somebody ran into Taylor, who was balancing a wine glass that was a little too full on his tray along with my water. Whoever bumped him caused him to pitch forward.

I watched in horror as the red wine spilled all over my date.

She didn’t see it coming and sputtered under the rich, red liquid.

“What the fuck?”

Her screech was loud enough to bring all the noise on the patio to a halt. She was looking at Taylor with pure venom on her face, even though it wasn’t his fault.

Something about the guilt on his face had me sticking up for him.

“Hey, somebody bumped into him. It wasn’t him,” I said quickly. Grabbing my napkin, I offered it to her.

“Are you fucking kidding me?!” Her lips twisted in a scowl. From the way she braced her shoulders I knew this wasn’t going to end quietly.

As she glared at me, I was begging her with everything in me to not cause a scene. She dabbed angrily at her dress before storming off to the bathroom.

“I’m so sorry about that,” Taylor offered, looking genuinely remorseful. I shook my head and waved him off.

“It wasn’t your fault, it was an accident.” I reassured him. “She’ll be okay.”

I wasn’t positive if that was true or not.

Kelly was pissed and I had a feeling most of her anger was with me.