Single Omegas Only

By S.C. Wynne

Tyler Sly was born unable to conceive, and when you’re an omega, that’s a problem. When his brother convinces him to join him on a tour of the wine country, Tyler grudgingly agrees. But when he gets there, his brother is a no-show, and he discovers it's actually a singles tour.

Ronan Blade is just freshly divorced from his wife of two years, and he’s trying to get back into the dating scene. When he meets Tyler, something clicks inside for him. He’s drawn to the quiet omega and begins to spend all his time with Tyler.
Tyler is equally drawn to Ronan, and soon the two men are inseparable. Once the tour ends, the men decide to keep in contact. By now, Ronan is realizing his feelings toward Tyler are not simply those of a friend.

When Ronan comes clean to Tyler about his true feelings, the two men give in to their physical need. But Tyler doesn’t trust that an alpha like Ronan would want an omega like him.

It’s no wonder then, that when Ronan’s ex-wife shows up, her appearance sends Tyler into a tail spin of fear and doubt.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S.C. Wynne
• Release date: Dec 23, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005254247

S.C. Wynne

S.C. Wynne has been writing MM romance and mystery since 2013. She’s a Lambda winner, and lives in California with her wonderful husband, two quirky kids, and a loony rescue pup named Ditto. www.scwynne.com

Book preview

Chapter One

Tyler

What the hell do you mean you’re not coming? I hissed into my cell, trying not to look as shocked as I felt. I thought this trip was about brotherly bonding. Did you forget?

Steve’s rough exhale came across the line. "I know. I know. I’m sorry. But there’s no way I can ride on a bus for hours and not puke, dude. It’s not happening."

So, let me get this straight; you guilted me into coming on this trip, and now you’re bailing? I asked through gritted teeth.

I can’t help it. I’m sick.

Unbelievable. I shivered against the chill morning air, wishing I’d never even entertained the idea of this trip. Why had I listened to him? I should have known he’d pull something like this.

How bad can it be? You get to visit Golden Valley and drink wine. You love wine.

I sucked in a breath, trying to control my anxiety. Yeah, and I can drink all the wine I want at home. I don’t need to hang out for seven days with a bunch of strangers to drink some vino.

Look, they’ll love you.

And you know this how?

Everyone loves you. He laughed.

I wasn’t sure where he got that idea. I’m going to murder you the next time I see you. I met the eyes of a pretty female omega, and when she waved, I forced a stiff smile. So far everyone I’d made eye contact with seemed perfectly nice, but that wasn’t really the point. I had no interest in spending the next week with people I didn’t know. I loathed things like this and had only agreed because Steve had badgered me relentlessly to join him.

Look, you’ll fit in just fine.

I’m still going to kill you.

I’m sure they’re all super nice.

I glanced at the group of twentysomething men and women milling near the door of the tour bus. The omegas were in one circle and the alphas in another. Both groups were eying each other, but not interacting yet. I have a ton of shit I should be doing, but instead, I’m standing here freezing my ass off with a bunch of people I don’t know.

Look, bro, I’m really sorry.

You don’t sound sincere.

He laughed gruffly. I didn’t plan this.

I wouldn’t put it past you. I scowled. Why didn’t you call me sooner? Trying to leave now would be awkward as hell. If you’d just called me twenty minutes ago, I could have just not shown up and no one would have even noticed.

I called as soon as I woke up.

Yeah, well, maybe you shouldn’t have gone out drinking the night before this trip.

Another long sigh came over the phone. I know. But it’s too late now.

I can’t believe this is happening. I squeezed my fingers around my cell.

Just relax and have fun.

Sure. No problem.

What’s the worst that can happen? You might have to talk to someone and make a friend?

Friends are overrated.

He snorted. You’re the most antisocial person I know. Why do you think I dragged you on this trip with me?

You mean the fucking trip you’re not on? I grumbled.

Now don’t be bitter.

Oh, I am bitter. This is complete bullshit. I glanced around, stress bubbling in my gut when the bus engine roared to life. Maybe I can slip away and no one will notice.

What? Steve yelped. No. Don’t do that.

Why the heck not? I watched people climbing into the bus, laughing and buzzing with excitement. They looked so happy to be going on this trip. Me? I would have preferred a dentist appointment. At least a root canal would be quicker.

Come on, man. Look, I fucked up, and now I’m not well enough to travel. But the trip will still be good for you. You need to socialize with people more. All you do is hang out with dogs all day. That’s not healthy.

Says the man who’s bailing on me because he soaked his liver in booze all night.

He sighed. I’m sure you’ll have a great time. Maybe you’ll even meet someone.

I pulled my brows tight. I’m not looking for anyone.

Sure. I know. But it’s a whole group of single people around your age. The possibility to meet someone is there.

A feeling of dread washed over me. Wait a second… how do you know everyone is single? As the silence stretched, anger sparked inside me. God damn it, Steve. You fucking set me up?

He gave a nervous laugh. Not exactly. I planned on coming too.

I closed my eyes, attempting to keep my voice even. "But you knew all along this was a singles thing, and you purposely didn’t tell me?"

Maybe.

Jesus, Steve. Why would you do this to me?

Because you never go anywhere or do anything. You’re going to die alone, dude. I had to do something to get you out among the living.

My social life is none of your business.

You’re my baby brother. I need to look out for you.

No. You don’t.

I opened my eyes, noticing the bus driver poking his head out of the doors and looking straight at me.

Time to head out, he called to me congenially.

I held up a finger, smiling weakly. Give me one sec.

He waved and went back in the bus.

Just go on the trip and try to enjoy yourself. Steve sounded uneasy.

You and I both know that no alpha will be interested in me. Not long term.

He sighed. Not all alphas want kids.

I winced. Bullshit. And even if they don’t want them, they still have them. It’s expected. You know that as well as me. Time was running out, and as I spoke, I stepped toward the doors of the bus. I had two choices: get on the damn bus, or ask the driver to grab my bag and I could skulk away to my car.

Fine, so don’t go expecting true love, but you can still get laid.

Yet another thing I could do without going on this trip, I snapped.

Give it a shot. What could it hurt? You’re already there now. Just get on the bus and try to be open-minded. He sighed. Come on, Ty, do it.

"Fuck, I growled. I literally hate you right now." I hung up on my brother and shoved my phone in my pocket. I strode to the doors of the bus and stepped up the steep stairs.

The driver smiled at me. Welcome aboard, he said cheerfully. He was an attractive alpha—honey-blond hair and warm brown eyes.

Thanks. I hung on to the metal pole in the aisle, my palms sweaty against the cool aluminum.

Thought maybe you were having second thoughts about joining us.

I didn’t respond. I just shrugged and faced the row of seats in front of me. Christmas music came from the speakers, and there was silver and gold tinsel draped above the windows, dotted with small red bows. The omegas and alphas were still separated into groups, I assumed that would eventually change as everyone loosened up. The pretty female omega who’d smiled at me earlier met my gaze with a wink. Feeling self-conscious, I made my way toward her seat because she seemed so amiable. She patted the seat next to her as I approached, and I sat beside her with a feeling of relief. I was thankful to have someone to sit with. Climbing on the big vehicle brought back the anxiety of riding the school bus in the mornings as a kid, dreading no one would want me to sit with them.

The girl I’d sat next to held out her hand. I’m Bree Fitzgerald.

Tyler Sly. We shook, and I settled into the plush brown leather upholstery. At least this was a nice bus. There was plenty of legroom, and I’d even noticed it had a bathroom on board. I met the driver’s gaze in the rearview mirror and looked quickly away. He was cute, but I wasn’t ready to start flirting with anyone.

Bree shifted to face me. Are you as nervous as me?

I hate this kind of thing.

God, me too.

So why are we here? I laughed gruffly.

She sighed. I guess everyone wants to find love, right?

I grimaced. What are the odds of that happening in seven days?

Yeah, I know. But sitting at home wouldn’t improve my odds. She smiled again. So here I am.

I smiled politely. A love connection was most likely not waiting for me on this trip. But I wasn’t about to dump my sad history of reproductive issues on her the second we met. She didn’t need to know that I had no trouble attracting alphas; it was keeping them around long term that was the challenge. Maybe if we got to know each other better, I’d share a little about my fertility struggles with her. However, for now we were merely seat companions, and whether I could have kids or not wasn’t her problem.

As the driver revved the sputtering engine, I tensed, feeling a sense of panic. If I jumped up right this second, I could still get off the bus. Instead I sat where I was, my stomach in knots and my mouth dry. Maybe I stayed in my seat because a part of me knew Steve was right; I did need to try and get out and meet people. I’d probably never find an alpha to settle down with, but I could still have some fun occasionally. I needed to tap into the carefree side of myself that had been missing for years. I hadn’t always been so antisocial, but did I even remember how to just relax and have fun?

Glancing around at my fellow travelers, I attempted to stamp down my uneasiness. I’d do my best to be open to whatever possibilities came my way, and if nobody interesting was along for the ride, I’d simply enjoy lots of good wine.

Chapter Two

Ronan

Watching the group of omegas on the other side of the bus, I plastered on a pleasant expression. I wasn’t going to meet anyone looking like I was at a funeral, but I was nervous—no point in kidding myself. I’d only been single about three months and had just gotten out of a rocky marriage that ended in a bitter divorce. I winced at the memory of discovering my wife of two years had been cheating on me through our entire marriage. I felt stupid for not seeing the signs. When I looked back now, knowing what I knew, I must have been blind not to notice. Hell, maybe I had noticed and just hadn’t wanted to see the truth.

I sighed and met the gaze of the male omega directly across the aisle from me. He nodded but then looked away quickly. I’d seen him outside the bus earlier, talking agitatedly on his phone. I’d half expected him to not get on the bus, but he eventually had climbed aboard. We seemed to be the only two people who weren’t in a party mood. I studied his stiff posture, smiling wryly. I was a cop and I could read people; he definitely was no more thrilled to be on this trip than me.

The driver, Peter, spoke cheerfully over the microphone, telling us that we’d stop for a lunch break in about an hour and a half. He explained that the total drive time to Golden Valley would be six hours, and when everybody groaned, he laughed. He said we’d stop for the night in Blue Moon Bay at a hotel, so that the next morning we could drive into Golden Valley in the daylight and begin our first day refreshed.

The male omega across from me met my gaze again, grimacing. Not looking forward to sitting on the bus for hours.

Me neither, I responded.

At least we can stretch our legs at lunch. He blew out an impatient breath, his hands fidgeting in his lap.

That’s a good thing.

Yeah.

When he glanced over again, I was struck by the light blue of his eyes and how thick and dark his lashes seemed. I hesitated and then held out my hand. I’m Ronan, by the way.

Taking my hand, he said, Tyler.

The blonde on the other side of him leaned over, smiling. I’m Bree.

Hey. Nice to meet you, Bree. She was definitely pretty, and I held her gaze a few extra seconds. She gave off an approachable warmth that was comforting, and she didn’t seem at all bothered by the idea of a long bus ride. My ex had been high-maintenance from day one. I could just imagine the bitching I’d have heard if I’d tried to take a trip like this with Tracy. As a twinge of melancholy came to me at the thought of my ex-wife, I focused on Tracy’s bad traits. It was important to remember all the good parts of not having her around anymore. She’d been impossible to please. It was good to be single. Not being married meant I was able to meet someone nice like Bree. Bree didn’t seem like the kind of girl who you’d have to worry about sleeping with the gardener, or the mailman… or the pool guy when you left for work.

Shit. Stop thinking about the past. Look to the future, idiot.

Bree asked, Is this your first trip to Golden Valley?

Tyler didn’t respond to her question. Instead he looked straight ahead, as if he wasn’t part of the conversation. I squashed my smile because he was so obviously uncomfortable. Bree was leaning on him slightly, and his knee bounced up and down nervously.

I met her curious gaze. Yeah. First time in Golden Valley. I’ve visited some of the Santa Barbara wineries though.

Not me. She laughed. I love wine, but I’ve never bothered to go to a winery before.

Everyone should visit a winery at least once, I said.

Tyler’s lips twitched, and he grunted.

You don’t agree? I addressed Tyler.

He met my gaze, his expression blank. Sorry?

You don’t think everyone should visit a winery at least once?

He blinked a few times. Probably not raging alcoholics.

Bree snorted a laugh. Well, that’s true.

I smirked. I’ll give you that one.

He slid his gaze to mine almost apologetically. I uh… I’ve been to a few of the Santa Barbara wineries before. It was a lot of fun. Beautiful scenery too.

I appreciated him making an effort to be sure I wasn’t offended. There was one particular winery in Santa Barbara that was amazing… I frowned. James Sown or something?

Tyler straightened, an excited gleam in his eye. Jamie Slone?

Yes! I snapped my fingers. That’s it. Best wine I’ve ever tasted.

He nodded. I agree. The tasting room was adorable too.

It really was. I probably wouldn’t have used the word adorable, but I knew what he meant.

They take wine seriously, and they know their shit. He licked his lips. I had the 2013 BoRific blend. It was freakin’ brilliant.

Right? We smiled at each other. I’d love to go back there. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s closer to home than the Golden Valley.

Just one more plus. He nodded.

Bree laughed. Sounds like I need to go there.

I felt guilty when I realized I’d forgotten Bree was involved in the conversation too. All my attention had been focused on Tyler and the fact that he knew about Jamie Slone wines. I met Bree’s affable gaze, hoping she hadn’t noticed how distracted I’d been. Maybe we can go sometime.

Sure. She bit her lip. Sounds fun.

I had no idea if we’d ever actually see each other again after this tour, but at least she was receptive to my suggestion. Not being rejected by the first woman I’d bothered to talk to gave me some confidence. My ego had definitely taken a bruising after my divorce. As pleased as I was that Bree seemed receptive to me, my focus returned to Tyler. I can’t believe I met someone else who knows about Jamie Slone.

I agree. Tyler leaned his head back against the seat, looking less stressed.

Do you live near Santa Barbara? I addressed Tyler, realizing too late that I should have asked Bree where she lived. I needed to make more of an effort to engage with Bree. Tyler was probably a perfectly nice guy, but I was here to meet girls. I made a mental note to reach out to Bree as soon as I finished talking with Tyler.

I live in the Los Gringos area, he said.

Yeah? What part?

Stanton Oaks.

I barked a laugh. No way. I live in Franklin City.

Seriously? He grinned. We’re like fifteen minutes apart.

Bree twisted her lips, giving me a funny look. I live in Range County. If anyone cares.

My face warmed, and Tyler immediately tensed. I care. I smiled at her.

Uh-huh. She sat back in her seat.

I met Tyler’s uneasy gaze, and he mouthed, Sorry.

I shrugged.

He suddenly stood, moving into the aisle unsteadily. Let’s switch seats. That way you and Bree can talk more easily.

I was surprised he was giving up his seat to me. I knew because he and Bree were both omegas,