Chapter 54
“He’s kind of pitiful, though.”
Rohan scoffed. “Nah. He’s one of those psychotic male betas who thinks that being a male alpha is better. He has no idea the kind of shitty discrimination you and I have to put up with all the time.”
He was telling the truth. Alphas were often viewed and fetishized as these sexual beings who liked rough, brutal sex. Or they were nothing more than muscle-bound Neanderthals and beastly brutes who behaved worse than animals. It didn’t matter how qualified they might be. Many businesses simply refused to hire them, and some of them wouldn’t serve or sell anything to the alphas unless they were there with a beta or an omega. Even then, the alphas would be treated as if they were invisible.
Diego shrugged. “The world isn’t fair, but from now on, I’ll focus on the positive aspects.”
“Name one,” Rohan challenged, frowning at Diego.
“I have you and Percy now.”
Rohan quickly glanced away from Diego as he concentrated on dealing with an order. “That’s so corny.”
Diego snickered. “It’s the truth.”
“Okay,” Rohan responded flatly, usual blank expression in place. Inside, he was pleased, and his heart was beating a mile a minute.
Diego chortled even louder. “Do you have any idea how damn adorable you are?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
Diego huffed, but he didn’t emit any scent of irritation. “You always act all tough and shit on the surface, but you’re soft and sweet on the inside. Don’t take this the wrong way, but you’re so much cuter than some omegas, and when you blush, just like you’re doing now, I’m sorely tempted to pinch both of your cheeks. You’re the loveliest male alpha I’ve ever known.”
Rohan scowled. “Fuck you!”
“Anytime, babe,” Diego retorted with a wink. “Tell me when, and I’ll strip naked before spreading my legs for you. Well, you and Percy, of course.”
Rohan was about to tell Diego not to be so crass when he heard some of the customers giggling and laughing on the other side of the counter. He was mortified. The customers seemed highly entertained by his and Diego’s silly argument. He could definitely smell their amusement. In fact, one of the customers urged them to continue flirting with each other. Rohan was too embarrassed to utter another word while Diego simply beamed. After that, Rohan kept his mouth shut. Diego had to be wrong. He was a powerful and fierce alpha. Diego was just trying to annoy him. So what if he ended up blushing whenever he was flustered? He was still an alpha. Period. To hell with Diego, and how fucking observant he was!
* * * *
For the rest of the day, Diego did his best not to smile at the sight of Rohan’s reddening cheeks and ears whenever he happened to look at his boyfriend. Diego wasn’t joking about how charming Rohan’s bashful and coy act was.
“What’s going on with Rohan?”
Diego was startled by Percy whispering in his ear. “Nothing.”
“Right,” Percy muttered sarcastically. “Then please explain why he’s been rubbing the same spot on the counter for the past ten minutes.”
Diego chuckled. “That long?”
“Probably even longer,” Percy answered. “I came out from the kitchen to check on you two ten minutes ago, and Rohan was cleaning that part of the counter then. What has it done to him?”
Diego snickered. “Nothing. He’s just shy.”
Percy rolled his eyes. “Did the customers flirt with him again?”
“Nope.” Diego smirked. “I did. Well, kind of.”
Percy sighed. “I swear he’s more like a stereotypical omega than me sometimes. I used to think he was the quintessential male alpha. He’s the silent, brooding type, and with all the muscle he’s packing, he’s totally what people have in mind of what a male alpha should be.”
Diego suddenly felt inadequate. “Is that what you look for in an alpha?”
Percy shook his head. “Nope. You and Rohan are perfect for me.”
Diego was instantly relieved. “Thanks, babe. I also like you just the way you are.”
“Thanks,” Percy said before pointing at Rohan. “Let me go to him and—”
“No!” Diego interrupted when a thought popped into his head. “I’ll handle him. You finish up in the kitchen. I’ll take care of Rohan.”
“It’s fine. I can—”
“Nope,” Diego cut Percy off a second time and gently pushed the omega toward the kitchen. “Stop worrying about Rohan. He will be fine.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. Besides, didn’t you tell Rohan and me last night that you have some new recipes you want to incorporate into the menu? Why don’t you start on them now? The café isn’t busy. We can put them in the display case, and hopefully, customers who come in after work will be interested in trying them out.”
Percy brightened. “That’s an excellent idea.”
Diego nodded, and he was delighted when the omega finally headed back into the kitchen. Then he approached Rohan, who had yet to stop wiping the counter. He snatched the cloth from Rohan.