Chasing Clark: Maple Hart, #3

By Fel Fern

I always had trouble holding onto an Omega. Losing both my job and my boyfriend at the same time dragged my confidence at an all-time low. 

 

When my mother convinced me to go on a blind date, I reluctantly agreed, only to have the best night of my life.

 

Dusty might be five years my senior but I knew right away that this Omega was made to be mine. Dusty was funny and adorable. He also took himself way too seriously sometimes. 

 

He wanted to settle down and have kids.

 

Dusty was convinced we shouldn't be together because we didn't want the same things. I might be younger than he was but one look, one kiss and I was hooked. I wasn't just Dusty's Alpha. I also had every intention of being his mate and baby daddy.

 

Chasing Clark is book 3 of my non-shifter Omegaverse novella series. Each book in the series features a different couple and ends with a HEA.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fel Fern
• Release date: Aug 25, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393486572

Book preview

1

Clark

Anger gathered inside of me like a rising storm. I wanted to punch someone, to wreck something.

I squinted at my phone, at the photo my cousin Nestor sent me. My ex-boyfriend Simon was sucking face with some unknown Alpha in the picture.

You know what really hurt?

The fact they were standing by the carousel at Maple Heights Park. 

Our park. It was where Simon and I first met, where we shared a kiss while waiting in line to ride the carousel.

The park was also where Simon broke my heart. He ripped it to pieces before handing it back to me. I could still hear his parting words in my head.

I’m sorry, Clark. I’m seeing someone else. He’s not like you. You’re too possessive. You’re too much sometimes.

What the hell did Simon mean by those words?

What did his new boyfriend have that I didn’t?

I was having the worst time of my life. First, I lost my job at the accounting firm, and now this?

I had everything figured out or I thought I did. I was the kind of guy who liked to plan two, three steps ahead.

I was the only Alpha in my family, the first one who managed to get a college degree. 

Get a good job at a great company. Find my soul mate. Have kids. Raise them in a huge-ass house.

Now my great plan was shot to pieces. I was single, stuck with a part-time job slinging drinks at weddings.

No one could replace Simon. The hole he left in my heart was too raw, too fresh. I couldn’t stand the thought of wading into the dating pool again. 

Pissed, I chucked my phone away. Not hearing it clatter on the floor, I narrowed my eyes at my cousin Todd, who picked up my cell phone. 

For the thousandth time, Todd, I began, getting out of bed. Knock first before you enter my room and give me back my phone.

Who’s this? Wait I know this guy. It’s that prick you’ve been dating, Todd said, moving out of the way as I grabbed him. Wait, did you guys break up?

I scowled at him. I knew this was Todd and not his twin Aaron because Todd was the more nosy of the pair. 

Give it, I said with a warning growl. Or I’ll punch your lights out. I don’t care that you’re an Omega.

Easy there, big guy, Todd said in a mocking voice.

I glowered at him.

Yeah, Clark. Chill. We all know you won’t hurt a fly or at any of your family members. You love us, remember? My older brother Everett, another Omega, sauntered into my room. 

I bared my teeth at both of them. They were right of course. I was the only Alpha raised in a gigantic family that somehow only managed to produce a lot of loud and obnoxious Omegas. 

Get out of my room. Can’t you read the sign outside the door? I demanded. Why are you here anyway, Todd?

Did you forget? It’s Saturday. You know, when we have our weekly family barbecues? Todd reminded me.

How could I forget?

My mom hosted weekly barbecues and invited everyone in our crazy family all the time.

I closed my eyes and pinched my forehead. A headache started pounding in my head, probably a result of having one too many drinks last night.

I narrowed my eyes and scanned the room. The empty beer can bottles were gone. I had a sneaking suspicion my mom wandered into my room last night while I was passed out and cleaned up after me.

A mama’s boy. That was what all my cousins and brothers called me. Simon accused me of being that as well.

Forget Simon. He didn’t deserve you, Everett said.

I frowned at my brother and crossed my arms, suspicious.

Why was Everett being so nice to me?

Everett then yelped. Something big and orange swiped at his ankles with sharp claws. Simon’s cat, Cutie, hissed at Everett and Todd.

Well, technically Cutie was my cat now since Simon didn’t want her. Surrendering her to a shelter was not an option so I kept her.

Both Everett and Todd jumped my bed to escape Cutie’s wrath. The smug cat prowled towards me and circled my ankles. I picked her up and stroked her. She purred.

Why is that evil creature still with you? Everett demanded. Didn’t it belong to Simon?

Cutie is a she not an it. I reminded him. I shot my brother an unfriendly look.

Cutie is such a stupid name, Todd grumbled. 

All I wanted to do was haul their sorry skinny asses out of my room and go back to sleep with Cutie next to me. 

It’s the only name she responds to. Get out. I’m nursing a hangover. I’m not warning the two of you again.

I forgot to tell you, Everett said. Mom asked me to remind you that you have a date tonight.

A what?

My mind wasn’t working properly at the moment. I did remember my mom telling me a couple of days ago that she arranged a blind date for me.

Damn. I was pathetic. 

She set you up with her friend’s son. I think his name was Donald or Daniel or something, Everett said.

Todd howled with laughter. I fixed him a glare, which shut him up instantly. Todd sobered up.

Hey, Clark, if you’re starting to date again, I could fix you up with someone from work. Todd suggested.

No thanks, I said drily.

Todd was a rising soap opera star. He once invited me and Everett to one of his parties before. It was a hellish experience.

All of the actors Todd worked with were a little snobbish. High maintenance. 

Tell mom I’m not going, I told Everett.

I winced. I knew I sounded like a spoiled kid, but what the hell?

I wished my family would get off my back. I was 22 and still young. I’d date if again after I recovered from my broken heart.

I didn’t need anyone’s help. I got this.