Page 26 of Gold Rush
“Wait” — the alpha holds up a hand — “it’s alright.” He stands quickly and I suck in a breath, watching him rise andrise, so tall and a little gangly. I’d have to see him side by side withTheo — but I’d swear he’s even taller than the big alpha, lean and muscular, his suit rumpled.
He raises his other hand, holding them palm out like he’s trying not to startle me.
“Bennett called while I was in Paris. I got home earlier — I thought…” He pauses. “I thought you’d be asleep, or upstairs.”
His thick British accent wraps itself around me as I chew on the inside of my lip. “I was thirsty.”
The alpha frowns, stepping carefully out from behind the desk. “That’s okay, you should make yourself at home.” His eyes catch on me, scanning my sweatshirt and leggings. “Where are my manners?” His eyes soften. “I’m Arin. You can come in — if you’d like to. You can leave the door open if that would make you more comfortable.”
My fingers cramp on the doorframe, and I slowly unclench them, taking him in. He’s handsome, even in clothes that have clearly been worn for a while. He shuffles, then pulls his suit jacket off, his tailored button-up tugging around his shoulders as he throws it over the edge of the office chair.
I wet my lips, stepping forward and glancing around the office. Full shelves, a small couch, it’s very plain but clearly well-used and high quality. “I’m sorry — I —”
He looks back at me, tilting his head as he does. “I can hear your heart racing.” It misses a beat as he sucks in a breath, his shoulders sagging. “Is it me? I’m sorry if I’m making you nervous.”
“No.” I stumble over the word, staring at him. He’s so unthreatening, it’s unthinkable. “Well —” I catch myself as he looks at me seriously, like he’s worried I’ll lie to appease him. “I don’t know.” Everything feels new and scary, a stark difference to the feeling of warmth and rightness with Bennett or the toxic sparks with Theo.
This isheavy.
Arin nods, and I nearly step back when he approaches me. I don’t get more than half a step away before his scent washes over me with his newfound proximity. It’s harsh and spicy, a burning bright mint. The clean smell all over the townhouse reorients itself in my brain — not the sign of a clean house — but insteadhimhanging on every surface, taking space up in my brain without me even realizing it.
I try not to fold in on myself, but I fail, wrapping my arms around my torso as he slows to a stop in front of me. Arin stands for a moment, unmoving, until a low, soft rumbling sound fills the air between us, steadily growing in volume.
I blink in surprise, looking up at him as he purrs.
The tightness in my chest loosens, unfurling the smallomegafeeling, the insecurity that I’m weak, susceptible, unwanted.
His brown eyes snare mine, his voice soft despite the purr radiating through his chest. “Why don’t you start with your name?”
I glance down, unable to take his eyes on mine, finding his socked feet instead. He must have come in straight from the airport. I’m the reason he had to cut a business trip short.
“Juniper.”
“Hello, Juniper.”
A shiver crawls over my skin at the sound of my name on his lips, and I glance up again, watching him from under my lashes. Compared to the brief moment Bennett purred, this is different, steadier and soothing. This isn’t a surprise to him — he’sconsciouslypurring for me and the sound is deep, like a hum resonating from the center of his chest.
There’s a cautious, but kind smile on his lips, juxtaposing the messy, scruffy shadow on his jaw and cheeks.
“Can I help you, Juniper?”
I open my mouth, closing it almost immediately before nodding.
He steps closer, and then he wraps his arms around me — not tightly, but firmly. The effect is immediate, his purr radiates through him and into my body, the scent of his perfume stuck on his clothes, saturating them — sinking intome. A sense of serenity drags me under, like blowing out a candle flame, dousing the fear and anxiety in my chest.
I turn my head on instinct, burying it into his chest, my eyes burning before tears overflow, a sob wracking through me.
Arin makes a little sound as his hand lifts, stroking the back of my head, running over my hair as he hugs me. The last week hits me like a truck, the impact making me feel off-balance. He doesn’t waver as his arms become the only things keeping me upright.
“My youngest sister emerged early as an omega. She was barely seventeen.” His voice is gentle as he guides us both over to the couch between two bookshelves. He keeps me in his arms as he sinks down, arranging me until I’m tucked against his side, partially in his lap.
“There’s five of us, if you can believe it. I’m the second oldest, and all of them are girls.” His fingers card down my hair, then brush over my shoulders, rubbing them as his chest continues to rumble. “My older sister, Theresa, is a beta. Then there’s me, the only alpha, then the twins and my youngest sister are all omegas.” He laughs softly, shaking his head. “I was the only one home when Vera started showing signs, and she had a breakdown. It’s not funny, but she was convinced it meant I’d drag her down the street and drop her off at the nearest center like she was some used clothes at a charity shop.”
Arin’s hands pull me closer and my nose finds his shoulder, inhaling in small bursts, sniffling as I sink into him.
He sighs, and his head turns, tilting down toward me. “I didn’t, to clarify. I gave her a hug, purred for a bit until she calmed down, called Mum and Dad — who rushed home —” Hesquints, his gaze faraway. “This was thirteen years ago, she’s five years younger than me, so you and her are probably close in age.” His eyes refocus. “She’s been with her pack for the last decade, one of them plays rugby, he’s a good guy.”
I watch as his glasses dip, slipping on the bridge of his nose. His hand stills on my back, applying the slightest pressure before he moves it, touching my cheek and using his thumb to wipe at the tear tracks.
