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The Omega: Mated To The Four
Chapter Nineteen
The cafeteria was a symphony of chatter and clinking trays as I walked in. The familiar din reminded me of how much I hated this part of the day. Mariah had insisted I take money for lunch, probably in a bid to make sure I ate something, but I wasn’t hungry. My stomach was in knots, as it always was when I had to navigate a room full of people who suddenly couldn’t stop staring at me.
As I got in line and grabbed a tray, I could feel their eyes on me. Not just the usual curious glances from the other students–their eyes. Elijah, Isaiah, Alex, and Austin, sitting at their usual table, watching my every move.
I ignored them as best as I could, focusing on the food options. It didn’t matter that I could practically feel their stares boring into my back. I grabbed a sandwich and a bottle of water and paid for my meal, keeping my head down.
As I turned toward the seating area, I saw Isaiah stand up from their table. He walked toward me with that confident stride of his, his sharp features softened by an uncharacteristically polite smile.
“Stormi,” he said, gesturing toward the chair he had just pulled out at their table, “sit with us.”
I blinked at him, startled by the sudden change in tone. Isaiah had never been one for niceties, at least not with me. My first instinct was to tell him to shove his chair, but the hopeful look in his golden eyes gave me pause.
“Come on, it’s just lunch,” he added, his voice surprisingly gentle.
Before I could respond, Alex and Austin chimed in from the table.
“I should sit next to her,” Alex said, his grin full of mischief. “She likes me best.”
“You wish,” Austin shot back, shoving him playfully. “Everyone knows I’m the favorite.”
I rolled my eyes, the tension in my chest loosening just a fraction. They were ridiculous. Infuriating, but ridiculous nonetheless.
“Thanks, but no thanks,” I said, stepping around Isaiah with my tray. “I’m fine on my own.”
I didn’t look back as I made my way to a far–off corner of the room. The table I chose was small and tucked away, as far from their usual spot as possible. I could still feel their eyes on me as I sat down and started unwrapping my sandwich.
I had just taken my first bite when a shadow fell over the table. I glanced up, half–expecting Isaiah to be standing there again, but it was Elijah this time.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice flat.
He didn’t answer right away, instead setting his tray down across from mine and pulling out the chair. He sat down with a casual ease as if this were something we did every day.
“What does it look like?” he said, raising an eyebrow at me. “I’m sitting with my mate.”
I snorted, unable to help myself. “You’re unbelievable.”
“What?” he said, his tone light but his eyes serious. “It’s just lunch.”
I shook my head, focusing on my sandwich. “You have a table, Elijah. Go sit with your friends.”
He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “I’d rather sit with you.”
opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, the rest of them arrived.
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Chapter Nineteen
Alex and Austin were bickering as usual, shoving each other as they pproached the table.
“Move over, Elijah,” Alex said, nudging his shoulder.
“Not happening,” Elijah replied without missing a beat.
“Fine, I’ll sit here,” Alex said, plopping down in the seat next to me
Austin wasn’t far behind, pulling up a chair on my other side.
“You guys are like vultures,” I muttered, glaring at each of them in turn.
Alex grinned, unfazed. “And you’re like a very tasty meal.”
“Gross,” I said, rolling my eyes.
Austin laughed, smacking Alex on the head. “Way to charm her, man
The two of them started bickering again, their voices growing louder as they argued over something I couldn’t quite catch.
Isaiah chose that moment to appear, a tray in hand and an
exasperated look on his face.
“You’re both idiots,” he said, setting his tray down and shoving Alex aside.
“Hey!” Alex protested, but Isaiah ignored him, sliding into the now–empty seat next to me.
I glared at him, but he only smirked, clearly pleased with himself.
“You’re all ridiculous,” I said, pushing my tray away.
Isaiah leaned in slightly, his voice low enough that only I could hear. “Ridiculous or not, we’re not going anywhere, Stormi.”
I sighed, leaning back in my chair. This was going to be a long lunch. As much as I hated to admit it, there was a part of me that didn’t entirely mind their presence. My wolf was practically purring, her excitement impossible to ignore. She loved having them close, and the bond between us pulled at me, softening the edges of my frustration.
Their scents filled the air around me–pine, leather, and something uniquely them. It was comforting in a way I didn’t want to acknowledge, and I hated myself for noticing.
“Are you even listening, Stormi?” Elijah’s voice broke through my thoughts.
I blinked, realizing he had been talking. “What?”
He smirked, leaning forward on his elbows. “I said, you should let us drive you to school tomorrow.”
“No, thanks,” I said automatically.
“Come on,” Alex said, grinning. “It’s safer than riding that rusty old bike of yours.”
“My bike is fine,” I snapped, glaring at him.
“It’s not about the bike,” Isaiah said, his tone serious. “We just want to make sure you’re safe.”
Their sudden shift in tone caught me off guard, and I found myself at a loss for words. They sounded sincere, but I wasn’t ready to let my guard down.
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Chapter Nineteen
“You don’t need to worry about me,” I said finally, my voice quieter now.
“We can’t help it,” Elijah said, his eyes meeting mine. “You’re
Our mote, Stormi. It’s our job to protect you.”
The intensity in his gaze was too much, and I looked away, focusing on the table instead. By the time lunch ended, I was more than ready to escape. I gathered my tray and stood up, hoping to make a quick exit, but Isaiah was faster.
“Let me,” he said, taking the tray from my hands.
I stared at him, startled by the gesture. “I can do it myself.”
“I know,” he said, his tone soft. “But let me anyway.”
I didn’t argue, too tired to fight him on something so small. He carried the tray to the trash while the others fell into step beside me, their presence as overbearing as ever.
As we walked out of the cafeteria, I couldn’t help but wonder how long they would keep this up–and how long I could keep resisting.
Chapter Comments
Michele Gremillion
Hopefully they can come up with some kind of plan for them to overwhelm her.
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