*Cameron*

After eating, Axel came back to take Tristan home.

Being alone in an apartment that wasn't my own felt weird and awkward. Especially when it belonged to someone that you have a love/hate relationship with. Okay, maybe love was too strong of an emotion...and maybe hate too. Hell, I didn't know what I was feeling when it came to Sia Steffon.

All I know is that he was making me feel mixed emotions that I hadn't been feeling before with him and it was driving me nuts. He was definitely turning out to be different than the Alphas I'm used to. He had a chance to take advantage of me and he didn't. I wasn't sure if that was genuine or just a trick to get me to trust him.

I hated that too.

Hated that my trust in anyone was nearly nonexistent, minus Tristan, who I trusted completely. But again, he was a different kind of breed altogether. Too innocent and kind. But his family...not so much. And Sia was part of his family. Maybe not exactly like them, but how do I know what he's capable of?

Now I'm being unfair. I know that, but I couldn't help it.

Quickly getting out of bed I race to the door and then carefully open it to listen. The place was silent, and no sounds could be heard. I know Tristan told me that Sia wasn't here, but I was still cautious anyways. Humiliation at its finest, I race to the bathroom, slam the door, and lock it. Taking a breath of relief I look myself in the mirror and grimace.

I only had my underwear on. My hair was a mess and I looked pale and icky. My skin also looked oily and gross. I was in good shape for an omega because I made sure that I had to be dealing with assholes like the one from the bar. I wasn't muscled out but definitely had tone going on. I look around the counter to see it was actually pretty neat for a single guy living on his own. I was tempted to check the medicine cabinet, but I wasn't a creep so pushed the urge down.

I go to turn the shower on when I realize I didn't bring any clothes to change into. Thankfully there was a clean towel hanging on the rack against the wall, but there was no way I was going to head out there with just that thing on after the shower. He could be home any moment without me knowing.

I unlock the door and swing it open, hoping my clothes were somewhere in the room or at least some spare ones in that closet that I saw, but before I could stop myself I slam right into another body that was facing the room I just came out of.

"Oof!" I cry out falling backwards, knowing I was going to land right on my ass.

Strong arms wraps around my waist preventing the ugly fall to happen. Immediate electrical zaps rush through my skin causing goosebumps to erupt all over me. A sharp intake of breath steals from my lungs and my eyes widen in shock as they stare into bright hazel ones that were just as shocked.

Grabbing onto his shoulders that were way too wide and hard than they looked, I couldn't help but cling to him as his sudden warmth enveloped me like a soft caress. It was like time stopped altogether as we just clung to one another and stared into each other's eyes. I should be pushing him away immediately like I would have with any other Alpha, but these butterflies flying in my stomach caused me to be immobilized.

I watch him swallow hard before he gently pulls us apart. Instant heat races across my face and down my neck realizing I had stuck to him like glue without freaking out like I normally would do. I quickly take a step back clearing my throat and avoiding eye contact.

"I brought you some clothes." He mumbles, shoving a folded shirt, pants, and brand new briefs into my chest.

Taking them gladly I nod and mumble my thanks then rush back into the bathroom all without saying another word. Shutting the door, I breath a sigh of relief, leaning my head against the wood while closing my eyes. How the hell was I going to face him if we keep running into each other in awkward situations?

Pulling away, I roll my eyes at myself and proceed to take a quick shower, because I needed to get the hell out of here and soon. Once I washed my body and hair, not being able to help inhaling his bodywash without getting a semi, I quickly dry myself and get dressed. The clothes fit me perfectly and I wondered where he had got them.

The light grey long sleeve felt soft against my skin and wasn't too thick. It slightly hugged to my body but was also a bit loose, just the way I liked them. The pants fit just right, not too tight, but not too baggy either. They gave me just enough air to breathe that wasn't uncomfortable.

As I was getting dressed I couldn't help but think about what could have happened if Sia hadn't shown up when he did. And it got me thinking. With this new threat against unsuspecting Omegas going around and obviously the bold way Alphas were taking advantage of us I was beginning to wonder whether it was safe at all to go looking for hookups.

I needed the release without it getting to the point that I was down in heat for days on end like it did with the forced enhancer. I couldn't do that to Bill. He needed someone he could depend on for work. So, what the hell was I going to do if I couldn't do it the way I normally did?

Frowning with worry, I open the door and step out. Walking into the living room I instantly smelled something delicious cooking. I peeked in the open kitchen to see Sia at his counter concentrating on cutting some vegetables. I stand there watching him for a moment since he didn't seem to notice me.

He looked fresh wearing a light tan thermal sweater with the sleeves pushed up to mid-arm and was slightly tight around his chest showcasing broad shoulders and a trim waist. For only being twenty-two, even though he looked a bit younger in his years, you could tell the man he was becoming. He was taller than my five foot nine at least by a few inches. Half of his dark hair was pulled back into a neat man bun while the bottom half was shaved that wasn't unattractive, and with his features he wore it well.

Not many men could pull that look off, but Sia was definitely an exception to that. I could stand here and stare at him all day. But that thought only made me feel uncomfortable. Especially with the sudden idea that had popped into my head while taking a shower and it wouldn't go away.

But I wasn't sure I really wanted to do it. There were pros and cons to my idea and the cons were definitely outweighing the pros.

"Are you just going to stand there staring or would you like to join me for breakfast?"

I jump at the sound of his voice. Clearing my throat, I quickly head to the counter in front of him. "What are you making?" I ask, ignoring the fact that I was just caught ogling him from the hallway.

"Veggie omelets and fried potatoes. Is that okay?" He asks carefully, slowing his cutting down to look up at me.

"That sounds perfect. Thank you." I inhale the aroma, my mouth watering.

I was planning to get the hell out of here, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to eat what he made. It would be rude of me after all the effort he put into making this for us. "Do you need help with anything?" I ask to help try get the tension to break a little.

"Do you mind checking the potatoes for me while I do this?"

I quickly walk around to his side of the counter and head for the stove where I hear the sizzling sound of the potatoes cooking. Grabbing the spatula I turn them over, so they don't burn. It was a weird yet nice silence together as we worked around one another. It was almost like we have done this a thousand times.

Watching the potatoes begin to get that golden brown color I couldn't help thinking about my crazy idea. Also, more snippets of that night was coming back to me and the more they did the more I felt embarrassed about what I did. But there was one thing that was clear.

Becoming a bit nervous, biting my lower lip without turning to look at him I say, "Thank you for not taking advantage when you could have."

I hear the chopping stop, but he doesn't move or say anything to my comment.

After a moment of silence, I figured maybe I shouldn't have said anything at all even though I meant it. Any other Alpha would have taken what I offered, even though I wasn't in my right mind and just needed some kind of release, no matter who it would have been.

I slightly jump when a loud clatter hits the counter. I feel him turn around but still doesn't say anything. I was jumpy and nervous, and I knew I didn't need to be, I just couldn't help it since I was out of my element with him. He didn't act the way I kept expecting him too.

Putting the spatula down, I slowly turn to face him.

He was leaned up against the counter with his arms crossed and an unreadable expression on his handsome face. It was hard to look him in the eyes, but I did it anyways. Did I offend him or something? Was me thanking him for not doing what our natural instincts would automatically do, make him angry?

He sighs heavily and looks away. "You don't have to thank me Cameron. Regardless of what you think of me as an Alpha, I would never do anything to you or anyone that didn't give me full consent with a right mind."

My heart swelled and twisted at the same time. Because I knew that, was beginning to know that. Which is why the idea popped into my head that he was the only one I could trust to do this with. He was unlike any other Alpha I met, and I was beginning to see it in a good way.

"I know." I whisper looking down at the ground now, wringing my hands together. "I'm sorry that I've been a jerk to you since we met."

"It was a valid defense Cam; you don't have to apologize for that. I get it. You went out with assholes who gives the rest of us decent Alphas bad reputations."

I shake my head, looking at him. "You don't have to sugarcoat it Sia, I treated you like shit and refused to give you a chance to show me you weren't like any of them. I'm sorry."

A small quirk of a small graced his face. "Well, it looks like its behind us now. So, how about we start over." He pulls out his hand to me, his smile growing. "Hi, I'm Sia."

Rolling my eyes, a smile of my own spreading as I slip my hand into his, ignoring the electrical pull our skin created. "Nice to meet you Sia, I'm Cameron."

And just like that, some of the tension broke between us.