The Omega Mated To The Four

Chapter 19

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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.

look like?" he said, raising an eyebrow at me. "I'm

snorted, unable to help myself. "You're

he said, his tone light but his

my sandwich. "You have a table, Elijah.

leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest.

argue, but before I could, the rest of

1/3

Chapter Nineteen

bickering as usual, shoving each

over, Elijah," Alex said, nudging his

Elijah replied without

plopping

wasn't far behind, pulling up a chair on my other

guys are like vultures," I muttered, glaring at each of

grinned, unfazed. "And you're like a

said, rolling my

on the head. "Way to charm her,

two of them started bickering again, their voices growing louder as

something I couldn't

moment to appear, a

on

he said, setting his

ignored him, sliding into the

glared at him, but he only

said, pushing

I could hear. "Ridiculous or

sighed, leaning back in my chair. This was going

practically purring, her excitement impossible to ignore. She loved having them close, and the bond between us pulled at

air around me-pine, leather, and something uniquely them. It was comforting in a way I didn't want

listening, Stormi?" Elijah's voice broke through

he had

elbows. "I said, you should let us drive you to

I

safer than riding that