1.GRACE
“Name?”Thealphadoormaninspectsmeoverhistablet,mybestpartyoutfitdoinglittletosoftenthejudgmentinhiseyes Itugthesleevesofmysilkblousedownpastthecuffsofmycoatandcrossmyarmsovermychest.It’scoolout,theenergy aroundmeborderlinehostile,andIcanfeelthepeptalkIgavemyselfinthecabdissolvinglikemist.I’mamasteratavoiding confrontation, butmore and more oftenthese days, Ifeel a lickofanger downmyspine to go alongwithmysweat-soaked blouseandthepinchedpainbehindmyeyes.“Grace.GraceWorth.Ihaveaninvitation.”
One I accidentally left on the kitchen counter in my haste to leave I was already running late, and there is nothing fashionableaboutbeingthelasttoarriveatyourfuture-sister-in-law’sbondingparty.Astheonlybetainherfriendshipcircle, I’mexpectedtobeneitherseennorheard I’mbackgroundfiller,invitedbecauseoftheconnectiontomystepbrother Fetching herdrinks,makingtoasts,andevenholdingherhairbackifsheoverindulgesaretherightsofheromegasisters.
“Thethingis…”thedoormansayswhileItrytoignoretheimpatientrumblingsbehindme,“you’reabeta,love.Thisisan omegaclub”
A reality I’m obviously aware of, since I’m the only beta in sight. At Parfum, the hottest club in the city, omegas are welcomedwithopenarms,butbetasarediscouraged,andalphashavetoqueueupandmaketheirpitchforentry Whichmeans theentiretyofthelinebehindmeismadeupofirritatedalphas,allwaitingtheirturntosweet-talkthedoorman. WhichIamclearlyfailingtodo
“It’s myfriend’s party,” Iexplainwithas muchpatience as Icanmuster. “Jasmine Crenshaw. She’s anomega, and has a privateroombooked.Couldyoupleasecheckthelistagain?”
Questioninganalphaisatrickybusiness Omegascangetawaywithitbecausealphasaregeneticallywiredtogivethem whatevertheywant.Butbetashavetousemoresubtlemeans.AndgrowingupthewayIdid,Iwastoobusytiptoeingaround thealphasinmylifetolearnanythingbutthemostbasicsurvivalskills
Whichclearlydoesn’tincludewooinganirritateddoorman.“Look,love,there’saverynicebetabardowntheblock…” “Whydon’tyoujustletherin?”Thealphabehindmehasapleasantvoice,butitstillmakesmestiffen Icansmellhisscent, whichtellsmehe’saboveaverageinthepheromonesdepartment.Mybetanoseisfairlywelldevelopedformydesignation,so Icanpickoutthecontrastingsteelandcitrusnotes.IfIwasanomega,thatmixofprotectiveandplayfulwouldprobablyhave me turningto himwitha flirtysmile Butsince I’ma beta, Ikeep myface firmlyforward Especiallywhenhe continues to arguemycaseinhisreasonableway.“Shesaidherfriendisinsideandthey’vebookedaroom.Whatharmcanitdoforherto jointhem?”
“I’mnottryingtobeanasshole,”thedoormansaysinalow rumble,tellingmeexactlyhow pathetichethinksIlookright now.“Butthere’salist,andthere’snoGraceWorthonit.”
I bite back a growl and take a deep, steadying breath. “Could you check for Gray Sawyer? My stepbrother is Kayden Sawyerandhemight’vegotitwrongonyourlist.”
Iclenchmyarmstighter,notwantingtothinkabouthowmynamewasbutcheredwhenmymomremarriedandIinheritedthe Sawyerlabel.Becausethat’sallithaseverbeen.AtagtotelltheworldIbelongtomystepbrotherKaydenSawyer.
“Sawyer!Youmeanyou’rewith that Sawyer?He’sbookedthepremiumVIPpackage”Thedoormanfrownsatme,likeI somehowtrickedhimbyfudgingmylastname.“Yeah,ofcourse.Comeonthrough.”
Butjustashereachesdowntounhookthesilkrope,afirmhandbitesintomyshoulder,andafamiliarvoicegrowlsinmy ear,“Gray!Whatthehellareyoudoingouthere?We’rewaitingforyouinside.” Mystomachclenchesinalarm,sameasit’sbeendoingsinceIwasfifteenandmystepbrother toldmeIwasthesister he neverknewhewanted
“I’msorry,Kayden,”Isayquickly,lookingupathimthroughmylashes.Doesitmakemyinsidesrawtoforcetheappeasing smiletomylips?Ofcourse,itdoes Butprideandsurvival rarelygohand-in-hand “Icouldn’tgetacab,”Ifib,knowinghe
won’tbeabletosensethelieinmysubtlescent.
Itdoesn’tstopKaydenfromsqueezingthebonesofmyshoulderuntilthesmilefallsfrommylips.I’mnotdelicatelikean omega, buteventhe mostunderdeveloped alpha has the abilityto snap a collarbone ifhe’s motivated And for reasons I’ve neverreallyunderstood,mystepbrotherhasalwaysbeenmotivatedtohurtme.
“Well,hurryup It’sfuckingfreezingouthere”
Kaydenslingsanarmovermythrobbingshoulder,pullingmetighttohissideashescowlsatthedoorman.Theguybobshis head,scurryingtopullthedooropen,theveneerofpowerstrippedawaywithonesneerfrommystepbrother Becauseonascalefromzerotoalpha,mymomhadthemisfortuneofmarryingintoapackwhoisoff-the-chartsdominant. The Sawyers aren’t influential because of their bloodline, like more respectable packs in New York, but because they’re unmatchedwhenitcomestobruteforce Theyrunthebiggestgamblingringinthecity,andnodoubtotherseedierventuresthey keepfromthepubliceye.Although,sincemystepfatherdiedlastyear,Kaydenhasbeenworkingonhisimage,whichisoneof thereasonshe’splanningtobringJasmineCrenshawintothepack
“YoushouldgofindJasmine,”Itellhimasheleadsmeintotheclub.Omegaperfumehangsheavilyintheair,andIcanfeel thewayhisbodyrespondstoitsallure It’senoughtomakethebileriseinthebackofmythroat,butIpushitdown Because mylogicalsideknowsthatifKaydenisdistractedbyomegas,hehasnoreasontoamusehimselfwithme.“I’mjustgoingtoput mycoataway.”
“Goodidea,”hemutters,nudgingmewithhishipuntilwe’rebothcrammedintothesmallcloakroom There’sadimlight burningtoilluminatetherackofcoats,butunfortunately,it’sanhonorsystem.Whichmeansthere’snohelpfulcoat-checkgirlto witnesswhatmystepbrotherisabouttodotome
“Kayden!” Iprotestas he peels mycoatoffmyshoulders. “We should - Ishould– Ineedto go apologize to Jasmine for beinglate.”
“Shewon’tcare,”hesaysbluntly,hishandsencirclingmyneckonbothsideswhilehisgazelocksonmyhammeringpulse. “I’mtheoneyouneedtomakeitupto.”
There’snowayIcanhidethewaymyblouseisstickingtomyback,or theicyshiver thatrunsover myskin It’sabonedeepreactiontothefeelofmystepbrother’shandsastheydragfrommyneckdownovermybreasts,thenaroundtomywrists. Sometimeshelingers,buttonighthe’sinamood,andhegruntsashepullsatthetightcuffofmysleeve Ithasarow oftiny pearlbuttonsthathisthickfingershavenohopeofundoing.
“Letmesee,”hegrowls,hisbluntnailsscratchingmyskin.
“Wait!”Myvoiceissharpinthetightspace.“I’llundoit.Don’ttearit.”
He flashes me a narrow-eyed glare, which just makes his pale eyes all the more unsettling. My mom had eyes like cornflowers, butthe Sawyer menhave always beenable to freeze me witha look The onlytime iced water doesn’trunin Kayden’sveinsiswhensomeonepisseshimoffandhisrageoverflowslikelava.
Ifumbleunderthatstare,buteventuallyIpeelthecuffbackandhepressesathumboverthewound Ithurts;theskinisraw andinflamed,butthat’snotwhyhe’sfrowning.“It’shealingup.”
Thethickpossessioninhisvoicemakesmeshudder,butIdon’ttugmywristaway.Rightnow,it’sjustashallow,uglygash shapedlikehismouth ButifIshowhimhowmuchIreallyhatehimmarkingmeup,Iknowhe’llbitemeforreal AndthenI’ll beboundtohispack,forthemtodowithastheyplease.
“It’sstilltender,”Itellhim,hopingtosatisfythathungryglintinhiseye “Mm,butIthinkitwouldlookbetterwithalittletopup.”
Iflinch,myinstinctsoverpoweringmyself-preservation HehatesthewayIshrinkawayfromhim,eventhoughhesmiles almostfondlyatme whenIcry. Painis good, resistance is bad. He’s proventhatto me so manytimes you’d thinkI’d have learnedmylessonbynow.
Butrightashisfuriousgazesnapstomyface,someoneclearstheirthroatbehindus “Everythingokayinhere?”
TheshockmakesmegaspandIcurl mywristagainstmychest,whichissuddenlyheavinglikeIcan’tgetenoughair.But thatsteelandcitrusscentgivesmethecouragetoturnmybackonKaydenandstepintothecorridor Thealphawhospokeup forme–twice-isleanandblondwithakindsmile.Basically,everythingmystepbrotherisnot.
“I’mfine,”Isayquickly,notwantingtodraghimanyfurtherintomydrama “I’mjustgoingtopoptotherestroom”
IcanfeeltheireyesonmybackasIscurrythroughthecrowd,butIdon’tturntolook.Hopefully,theypartedwayswithouta fuss,butknowingKayden,hehadsomechoicewordsfortheotheralpha.Somethingalongthelinesof stick your nose in my business again and I’ll smash it with my boot
ThesmileisstillplasteredonmyfaceasIstepintotherestroom,almosttrippingoverJasmine,theguestofhonorandmy futuresister-in-law
She’s the reflection I longed to see in my mirror all through my teens: bright green eyes, dewy skin, golden curls, and delicate features thatmake everypassingalpha stop intheir tracks. I’ve never liked the idea ofbeingstalked bya man, but whenIlookatJasmine’sdoe-likebeauty,Icanalmostunderstandtheirneedtocatchandpossessomegaslikeher.
“S-sorryI’mlate,”Ihuffout,mygazeslidingpasthertothestalls.
“It’sjustus,”shesays,drawingmeovertothevanity.“What’swrong?You’resopale.”Iopenmymouth,butsinceJasmine knowsallmysecrets,shecanreadmelikeabook.“You’veseenhimalready,haven’tyou?”
“Atthedoor”Ipressmythrobbingwristacrossmymiddle “He’sinamood”
Shesighs,butthenewsdoesn’ttakeanyofthesteeloutofhergaze.Jasminemightlooklikeprey,butshehastheinstinctsof awolf “I’lldistracthim,”shetellsme “Gooutthebackway,grabacab,andgetreadyforthemorning Ifheasks,I’llsayyou thinkyou’recomingdownwiththeflu.It’llgiveyouanexcusetostayholedupinyourroomuntilafteryourinterview.”
Ibreathe outa tremblingbreath,a small,excitedsmile curvingmylips “Ican’tbelieve youtalkedHouse ofOmega into seeingme.”
“Itwasn’t me,”shescoffs,althoughherexcitementisalmostaspalpableasmine.“Youconvincedthemwiththatportfolio yousentin”
Igrin,hopingJasmine’sright.I’mprettyhappywithmysubmission,althoughIstruggledtogetitdowntothethreesignature pieces the interviewers asked for The truthis, Ihave enoughdesigns to fill a warehouse, and there’s plentymore bubbling awayinmyhead.
I just need a foot in the door, and those ideas can become a reality
Abigaskfor a beta withanonline degree, butIhave to try. Because while mymom, who was anartist, once said that madnessfeedsgenius,Iknowit’sdesperation.There’snothinglikeknowingyoucouldbebondedtotheworstpackinthecity toinspireyoutoaimhigher
“Wait!” Jasmine says as I step towards the door. She grips myshoulders, right over Kayden’s bruise, but her hands are warmandgentleasshepullsmeinforahug “Goodluckfortomorrow Youdeserveyourdreams,Gracie Believethat,and HouseofOmegawillhelpthemcometrue.”
I’mmistingup as Istep outinto the corridor, butIquicklyblinkthe moisture awaywhenIfind Porter, one ofKayden’s packmates,leaningagainstthewall.Allofmystepbrother’sfriendsgiveoffthesamedarkmenace,theirbrutalityblurringtheir featuresuntilIcanbarelytellthemapart.ButPorterwasthefirsttojoinhispack,soIknowhimthebest.Ortheworst,given thethingsI’veseenhimdoatmybrother’sside
“Areyouwaitingforme?”Iask,confusedwhyhe’slurkinghereinsteadofdrinkingintheVIPsectionwithKayden.It’sa mistake, his gaze zeroinginonme witha smirk But before I canbacktrack, there’s a loud thud behind the restroomdoor There’sasignonthefrontsayingit’sreservedforstaff,andIinstantlyknowwhyoneofmybrother’sthugsisguardingit.
“Iwasjusttryingtohelphergetintotheclub!”afamiliarmalevoicegroans,rightbeforethere’sanothersicklythud.“Fuck! Shelooked scared,man…”
“Good.”That’sKayden,allcruelsneersandvenom.“Sheshouldbe.Butnotasscaredasyou,right?”
Iswayawayfromthedoor,butIcan’tgetmyfeettomove Idon’tevenknowhisname,butI’mcertainit’sthealphawith thesteelandcitrusscent.Theonewiththekindsmile,whocaredenoughtocheckonmeinthecloakroom.
“Nexttimeyoulookatsomethingthatbelongstome,”mystepbrothergrowls,“rememberwhattheworldlookslikethrough twoblackeyes.”
There’s another thud and mystomachflips, but as I step towards the door, Porter grabs myarm. “This way, your Good Samaritanendsupinthehospital Yougointhereandtrytotalkyourbrotherdown,Kaydenwillputhiminthemorgue” “That’scrazy!Allhedidwastrytogetmepastthedoorman.”
“What’scrazyisyouactingsurprised”Portersqueezesmywrist,histhumbstrokingthewoundundermycuff,andmyface burns. Igo to a lotofeffortto keep Kayden’s markhidden, butthere are no secrets inhis pack. And Icanclearlysmell the arousalinPorter’sscentashisthumbnaildigsintotherawskin “You’reours,littlebeta Anddon’tyoueverforgetit”
2.GRACE
“Thatsmellsdivine IsitfromtheGodivarange?”
Ilookawayfromthebuswindowtofindaguyslidingintotheseatnexttome.Igetawhiffofhoney,amber,androseoil–maleomega–beforeI’mdistractedbyhislongsilver-blondhair.Hehasittuckedbackbehindhisears,butitstillbrusheshis shoulders, and mycurious gaze quicklytravels downthe longlines ofhis body. He’s tall, his knees foldingsideways inthe smallgap,andbroadenoughthathisshouldersarebrushingmine.
Butit’shisfacethatstrikesmemute It’sallsharpanglesandhollows,withtiltedgreeneyesbeneathsweepingbrows It’s thekindoffacethatshouldbetoostrikingtobepretty,butI’mfairlycertainhe’sthemostbeautifulmanI’veeverseen. Whenthesilencestartstoturnawkward,hepointsatmyhandcream “I’vebeensecretlysniffingyoufromthebackseat,but Ihadtocomeandtakeacloserlook.”
“Oh.No,it’snotGodiva’s.It’smyownbrand,actually.”Iquicklytugthecuffofmyblouse,hopinghedidn’tcatchsightof thebitemarkonmywrist Allthatmanhandlinglastnightmadethewoundflareup,andI’vebeenrubbingcreamintothetender skinsincebreakfast.“Imakethemmyself.Thisoneislavender,cedarwood,andsheabutter.”
Helookswithinterestatthelittlegoldtubewithmydesignname–WORTHY-stampedontheside ButwhenIholditout, he shakes his head,lookingrueful.“IwishIcould,butI’mona scentban.Ican’ttouchanythingthatmighttransfer ontomy skin”Afaintblushtoucheshischeeksandhelaughs “Andyes,Iknowhowridiculousthatsounds ButI’mnotevensupposed tobeonthebus.Theytoldmetoarrivebyprivatecarwithafive-starsterilityrating.”Hescoffsandpusheshisbeautifulhair back.“Likethere’soneofthoseoneverycornerinmyneighborhood.”
Iblink,fascinated Iknowsomealphascanbeweirdabouttheiromegascloudingtheirnaturalscent,butthenwhydidn’this beaudrivehimwhereverhe’sgoing?Alphas,typically,don’tevenknowbusesexist. He scrunches downinhis seata bit, like he’s aboutto share a secret “Plus, Ineed safetyinnumbers” He tips his head towardstheback.“Iswear,theguyinthecornerwasjustabouttopounceonmebeforeIcameoverhere.”
Iglancebacktoseeamiddle-agedbetainacheapsuitwatchinguswithahungryexpression Orwatchingmyseatbuddy,to be precise. Ican’treallyblame him, butthe pouncingpartis seriouslyuncool, so Inarrow myeyes until he glances away, lookingflustered.
Theomega’seyessparkle,clearlyimpressed “Ooh!Welldone HowdoIlearntoshootdeathraysoutofmyeyeballs?”
Ismirk,feelingridiculouslypowerfulforamoment.MaybeKayden’sintimidationtechniquesarerubbingoffonme.“Some guysjustneedtoberemindedoftheirmanners”
Theunderstatementofmylife,butjustbecause Irarelysee itinpractice doesn’tmeanIdon’tbelieveit.IfIever getthe chancetochoose,I’dtakeaboringguywithnicemannersoverasexyNeanderthalanydayoftheweek.
Althoughmyfirst choice would definitelybe the gorgeous omega at myside. His pinklips are softlycurved, and Ifind myselfstudyingtheirshape.I’veseenplentyofomegaswithbeautifulsmiles,butneveraperfectcupid’sbow.Ihavethecrazy urgetoreachoutandtouchthatdentinhistoplipbutinstead,twistmyhandsintoaknot How creepy can you get, Grace? And afterscowlingatthebackseatsleazebagfordrooling,itwouldalsomakemeacompletehypocrite.
Butmycompanionseemstobestudyingmejustashard,hisheadtiltingashelooksmeover “So,whyare you onthebus?It can’tbealackofmoney,becauseIknowforafactthat’saChanelblouse.”
I squirm, trying to think up a lie. But there’s such open interest in his eyes, I find the truth coming out instead. “My stepbrother’stheonewithmoney.Hebuysmyclothes…andhemonitorsmycreditcards.” Hissmiledisappearsinarush,hisgazedroppingtomywrist.“Thatsoundskindofcontrolling.” Inod “He’sgotmylifemappedout Anditdoesn’tincludemegettingajobatHouseofOmega” Hisvividgreeneyeswiden.“H.O.M.E?That’swhereI’mheading,too.” Ittakesamomentforthedotstoconnect “You’reoneoftheirmodels?”
He gives anawkward little shrugas he drops his head onthe backofthe seat, exposingthe longpale line ofthis throat. Unmarked,becausehe’sunclaimed.Whichseemsincredulous,givenhowattractiveheis.
“I’mtryingoutfortheHeartoftheHouseposition,”hetellsme,bitinghislip.“Ididsomemodelingbackonthewestcoast, butneveratthislevel.AndI’mnotdelusional;Iknowit’salongshot.They’veneverhadamalefaceofthecompanybefore.” Hisscenthasturnedalittleraw,likeburnedsugar,andIrealizehe’snervous Icouldtellhimhehasnothingtoworryabout, butthatwouldbeinsulting.Likeme,he’sobviouslyresearchedthecompanyandknowshowrareitisfortheRosePacktostep outsidethetraditionalindustrypractices
Omegas are pretty little blondes with gentle curves, and designers are alphas with a bunch of degrees from fancy art colleges
We’re botha bitsubdued as we getoffthe bus a blockfromthe companyheadquarters. Butthenhe taps the edge ofthe leatherportfolioI’mclaspingtomychest.“I’vebeentryingtoguessyournamebasedonyourinitials.GloriaWentworth?Too stuffy GinnyWest?Toocutesy”Hepullsapoutyfacethat’sbeyondadorable,andgrowls,“Givemeaclue,gorgeouswoman”
“GraceWorth,”Itellhimwithasmile,enjoyingtheglowofinterestinhiseyesmorethanIshould.“Doyouthinkthat’stoo plain?Ortoopretentious?”
“No,it’sperfect.Aprincess’name,butwithabackbone.”Hegivesmeacoysmileandturnsinaslowcircle,soIcanlook himover He’sindarkjeansandawhitesilkshirtwithafadedRamonesbandteeunderneath Helookseffortlesslycool,inthe wayofpeoplewhocanflingonanythingandstridedownarunwayliketheyownit.“Now,doIlooklikeaMaxColttoyou? BecauseIthinkmydadwastryingtothwarttheomegagodsbygivingmeatoughguyname.WhichiswhyIusedtotellallhis stuffybusinessfriendstocallme Maxine ”
Isnort,butwe’vereachedthestepsoftheHouseofOmegaflagshipbuilding,andwebothfallsilentaswetakeitinwith wideeyes Likeeverythingthecompanyproduces,it’saflawlessexampleofold-worldelegance,withpolishedmarblestairs and a copper-framed archway, H.O.M.E. spelled outingold lettering. Isuckina deep breath, myhands sweatyaround the edgesofmyportfolio.“Notintimidatingatall,”Imutter,watchingagroupofmeninsleekbusinesssuitsstridedownthestairs likethey’reofftoconquertheworld.
ButMaxjustholdsoutahandtome.“Wanttodothis,GW?”
I’mnotsureIdountilIremembertheclublastnight,andthewayakindman–justlikeMax–tookthesmallestinterestin mylifeandwaspunishedforit.“Yes.Let’sgo.”
Butinsteadofstartingupthestairs,hepullsmeinforahug
“Whataboutthescentban?”Iprotest,evenasImeltintohisarms.God,hefeelsgoodandsmellslikeadream.Iknow a thingor two abouttemptingscents, and Max’s is offthe charts. Iresistthe urge to burymyface inhis shirtand snifflike a bloodhound,butit’saclosecall.“Won’tyougetintroubleforhavingmysmellalloveryou?”
“Screwtherules,”helaughs,squeezingmeuntilmyheadgrowsgiddywithhisallure.“Besides,I’mtryingtosoakupyour bossvibes”
It’sonthetipofmytonguetotellhimI’mtheoppositeofaboss,butit’sonelittlelieIgivemyself.Aren’twesupposedto fakeituntilwemakeit?AndI’llneedalltheborrowedconfidenceIcangetifI’mgoingtoacethisinterview
Whenheeasesback,Iexpectittofeelawkward,buthegrinsatme.“Don’tworry,GW.Yousmelllikepurefreshair.And I’msosickofmyownscent,I’mactuallyprayingforagarbagetrucktodrivebyrightnow.”
Iforcealaugh,butmyheartmeltsalittlemoreashecurlshisfingersaroundmine,leadingmeupthestairstotheornate revolvingdoors.
There’s a doormanwhogives us a polite nod,butamore serious-lookingmanis guardingthe foyer as we make our way inside. He’s in a sharp suit, his dark hair slicked back, and the H.O.M.E. monogram embroidered on his jacket pocket. “WelcometoHouseofOmega HowmightIhelpyoutoday?”
Ilookaround for a receptionist, buthe’s the onlymember ofstaffinthe foyer. Aquickglance takes inthe checkerboard marble floors andornamental molding,butthenmygaze catches ona displayofHouse ofOmega lifestyle products.There’s everythingfromluxurytravelluggageandfragrancesinornatebottles,tostringsofpinkandblackpearlsandanelegantchaise loungeforpregnantomegas.BesidethedisplayisahugeheadshotofthecurrentHeartoftheHouse–aprettyblondeomega withdimplesinherapplecheeksnamedIvyWeaver
“We’reherefortheinterviews,”Maxsayswithaconfidentliftofhischin.“MaxColtfortheHeartoftheHouseaudition, andGraceWorthtosee ”
“Mr.Spade.Thedesignerinterview.”
Thatgets a pair ofraised eyebrows as he consults his tablet, and Ican’thelp butthinkofthe doormanlastnight. Ibrace myselffor theinevitablebadnews,butheeventuallygivesacurtnodandwalksusover totheelevators “Youbothneedto checkinonthesamefloor.Thereceptionistwillshowyoutoyourrespectivemeetings.”
Wedon’tspeakuntilwe’rewhooshinguptothetenthfloorandMaxgrabsmyhandagain Theelevatorisslowing,andmy nervesareontherise.“Goodluck,GW.Remember,you’rewortheverysingleoneofyourdreams.”
Ithinkit’sthefirsttimeanyone’splayedonmynamewithoutitbeinganinsultandIfeelaflutterundermybreastbone.Max isgorgeousineveryway,butit’shiskindnessthatmakesmythroatcatch.“Youtoo,Max.Andifyoudon’tmind,I’mgoingto callmynexthandcreamTheMaxine.Honey,amber,andjojobaoil.SoIcansmelllikeyoueveryday.”
Hismouthcrimps,andhepressesahandtohisheart.“Eveniftheylaughmeoutoftheroom,I’mgladIcame.Becausenow I’vemetyou,GW.”
Ibitemylip,surprisedbythepinchbehindmyeyes Gettingattachedtosomeonelikehimisabadidea,butI’msuddenly fumblingfor a wayto see himagain. Should I suggest a post-interview coffee? Or maybe a drink, just incase we need to drownoursorrows
ButbeforeIcanask,thedoorsswishopenandthereceptionistisgivingusvisitorpasses,alongwithafeweyelashflutters forMax “You’reinthebigroomdownthehall,Mr Colt,”shetellshimwithaninvitingsmile “They’rereadytostart,soyou shouldprobablyhurryalong.”
Maxgivesheragratefulnod,thenshootsmeahugegrinashebacksdownthehall.“Worthit,GW.”
I nod, watching until he’s disappeared behind a door When I finally turn back to the receptionist, she doesn’t look impressed. “There’s a waiting area for you over there,” she tells me, her tone flat. “There’s been a lot of interest in the position,soMr Spademaynotgettoeveryonetoday”
Ifrown, because Icalled twice to confirmthe tenamslot. Butthere’s no use arguingwithsomeone who clearlythinks I shouldn’tbehereinthefirstplace
You’re worth it, GW.
IrepeatMax’saffirmationinmyheadasIclutchmyvisitor’spassandwalktothewaitingarea.Therearefivemen–all alphas–holdingportfolioslikemine,andIfeeltheireyesonmeasIleanagainstthewall Unsurprisingly,noneofthemoffer measeat,andItrytoignorethepinchofmyheelsandtheawkwardweightofmyportfolioastheminutestickby.Assoonas thereceptionistcallsoneofthemenintotheinterviewroom,Islideintohischair ButI’vebarelygotsettledbeforethealpha nexttomeisfrowningmyway.
“They only employ alphas for technical roles,” he tells me in a haughty voice. “They should have told you when you applied.”
“I’mprettysurethat’sagainstthelaw,”Ireplycoolly.“Theycan’tspecifyadesignationanymorethantheycanspecifya gender”
“It’stradition,”hereplies,somethinginhisgazealittletoomuchlikemystepbrotherformyliking.“Thewholedesignteam arealphas Itjustmeshesbetterthatway Andeveryoneknowsthat’showRichardlikesit Auniform,tight-knitteam” Idon’tneedtoaskwhoRichardis.Notonlyishetheheaddesignerforthecompany,buthe’salsoamemberoftheRose Pack,andthereforeapartownerofHouseofOmega.
“I’mjustsayingtheyneedtokeepanopenmind.Designtalentisn’trestrictedtoaparticulardesignation.”
“No, butthe bestuniversities are,” another alpha sneers, fingeringthe sharp creases inhis trousers. “Where did youget your qualifications?BecauseI’mcertainitwasn’tatanelitetechnicalcollege” Seriously? How condescendingcanyouget? “That’s none ofyour business, butexcludingbetas fromanyinstitutionisn’t juststupid,itshouldbeunlawfultoo,”Isnapback,feelingtheskinpricklealongmynape I’musedtobackingdowntoalphas inmyownhome,butthesemenarenobetterthanme.Idon’tgiveacrapabouttheirfancydegrees.We’reallapplicantshere, andweshouldhavethesamechanceofwinningtherole.Although,thelongertheystareatmewithhard,dismissiveeyes,the moremyconfidencewilts God, I wish Max was here right now to squeeze my hand… “Areyousayingyou’ll sue thecompanyifyoudon’tgettheposition?” I’mnotexactlysurewherethequestioncamefrom,butIjerkasthescentofirritatedalphawashingoverme.“No,ofcourse not ButI’llholdthemtoafairandequitableinterviewprocess,sameasyou” Thereceptionisthascomeouttocollectthenextalpha,andshe’snowfrowninginmydirectionaswell.Myblushspreads, andIfighttheurgetoslinkdownintomyseat.Butaftershuttingthedoorbehindthenextapplicant,shewalksovertoherdesk andpicksupherphone Ican’thearwhatshe’ssaying,butafteralongpause,shehangsupandwalksovertome “Ms.Worth?”Inodnumbly.“Ifyou’dpleasecomewithme,oneofourexecutiveteamwouldlikeawordwithyou.”
3.GRACE
I canfeel the stingof the alphas’smirks betweenmyshoulder blades as the receptionist leads me up a level and along anotherhallway There’sapangofdisappointmentthere,too,becauseI’dbeenhopingtocatchaglimpseofMaxwhenhecame outofhisaudition.Butmaybeit’sforthebest.Ifthat’stheonlytimewe’llevermeet,Ipreferheremembersthebossversionof me,nottheonewiththeblotchyblushandablousesoakedinnervoussweat
The receptionisthasn’tsaid a word to me since we leftthe waitingroom, butwhenwe reacha heavywoodendoor, she easesitopenandwalksaway.I’mleftstaringapprehensivelyoverthethreshold.Thecarpetisanindustrialgray,thefurniture heavy,masculine,andexpensive Icanseeabrassclockonthewall,amahoganycredenza,andtheedgeofwhatlookslikean imposingdesk.It’sacorneroffice,sotheviewofCentralParkisspectacular,butsomehowthatjustmakestheroomevenmore oppressive
“Areyougoingtocomein,orshallweconductthismeetingthroughthewall?”
There’sjustenoughmockeryinthealpha’svoicetoprodmeintotheroom
Idon’tknowwhatIwasexpecting.MaybeoneofRichardRose’slackeys,readytoturnhisnoseupatmyportfolioandsend meonmyway.Or,ifthe receptionistcaughtanyofthe exchange withthe other applicants,maybe anHRor public relations manager Someonetothrustanondisclosureagreementinmyfacebeforeejectingmefromthebuilding But‘lackey’isthelastworkIthinkofwhenItakeinthealphabehindthedesk.Rumpled.Unshaven.Intimidating. Andsexyasallhell
Ifrownatthe waywardthought,because he’s alsodangerous looking,witha shavedhead,crookednose,anda thin,firm mouth He’swatchingmewithanunnaturalstillness,whichjustaddstothewholepredatoryvibe Plus,he’swearingaleather jacket.It’stailored,andprobablycostsmorethanmyDiorpurse,butit’salongwayfromthetraditionalsuitsIsawinthehall. Oh,mygod.
Have they sent me to the guy with knuckledusters in his desk?
There’snohelpfulnameplateinsight,soIjustclutchmyportfoliotightertomychestandtrytokeepthetrembleoutofmy chin Insteadofdiffusingthetensionwiththeusualchit-chat,thealphajustleansbackinhischairandstaresatmewitheyes thecolorofbruisedviolets.“Doyouknowwhyyou’rehere,Ms.Worth?”
“For aninterview,” Itell himpromptly, pleased to hear myvoice come outclear and strong. He canno doubtsmell my nervoussweatwithhiscrooked,alphanose,butatleastIdon’t sound likeaterrifiedkitten.“IhaveanappointmentwithMr. Spadeforthejuniordesignerposition.”
“Notinthisbuilding I’mtalkingaboutinthisoffice”Hegesturesathisdesk,whichother thanacomputer andphone,is completelybarren.“Whyareyouhere?”
Ilookaround,buttheroomisjustassoullessfromtheinsideasitwasfromthedoorway “HowcanIanswerthatwhenI don’tknowwhatyoudo?”
“Iworkinthecompany’slegaldepartment.”Iblink,andhismouthquirksup.“Areyousurprised?” There’snopointlying,soIsettleforasmallshrug.“Idon’tknowmanylawyers.”
Long,thickfingersdrumontheedgeofhisdesk,fadedtattoosinkedontheknuckles.He’swatchingmelikeahawk,butthen hesuddenlysnorts,hiseyesnarrowing “I’vealwaysbelievedcriminalsmakethebestlawyers,oratleastthosefamiliarwith skirtingthelaw.”Hetapssomethingonthecomputerinfrontofhimandturnsthescreentowardsme.“Yousureyoudon’tknow athingortwoaboutthat,Ms Sawyer?”
Mystomachsinks intomyshoes as Istare atthe picture splashedacross the screen.Unfortunately,Irecognize itonlytoo well.It’sfromlastnight;agrainyshotofmeinthehallwayoutsidetheParfumrestrooms.Kaydenhasmebackedagainstthe wall,bloodiedknucklesoneithersideofmyhead,withPorterlookingon,thecastofhisheadclearlytakingintherapidriseof mychest. Theylooklike wolves about to fall ona terrified lamb, especiallysince Kayden’s mouthis pressed hard to the thunderingpulseinmyneck Therewasresistanceineverylineofmybody,butI’mnotsureyoucanseeitinthepicture “This yourbrother,KaydenSawyer?”
“Stepbrother,” Imutter, lookingawayfromthe screen. “The name onmybirthcertificate is Worth. And thatpicture is an invasionofmyprivacy.”
It’s onthe tip ofmytongue to askhow he gotit, butthe lawyer holds up a hand, placatingnow he’s splashed mytrauma acrosshisscreen.Icurlmyfingersintofists,socompletelypissedthatonceagainKaydenhasruinedthingsforme.Because, despite this man’s roughappearance, House ofOmega is all about elegance, refinement, and old-world charm And there’s clearlynoplaceforbarelyeducatedbetaswhogetmauledinpublicbytheirnotoriousstepbrothers.
Notthatthe nightended withthatphotograph Idon’tknow whathappened to the manwho tried to help me, butKayden, Porter, and their other packmate Derek, tookturns markingup mywristuntil Iwas white withpain. Acouple oftimes, my stepbrothercamewithinaninchofclaimingme,andbytheendofit,Iwasawreckonthefloor.Ittookeveryounceofcourage Ihadtowalkoutofthehouseandcometothisinterviewtoday
“Ithinkwe’llleavethingsthere,”theso-calledlawyermurmurs,nudgingthescreenbackaround.“Ifanyoneasks,youcan sayitwasn’tagoodfitinsteadofdesignationdiscrimination”
Theflushinmycheeksnowburnsallthewaytomyhairline.So,thereceptionist did hearme.Isupposeit’smyownfault forlettingtheotherapplicantsgetundermyskin,butIknowI’mnotwrong Thiswasnevergoingtobeafairprocess Andthe factIgothauledintothisthug’sofficejustproveswhathappenstobetaswhovoicetheirviewsaloud.
Iturnonmyheel,notbotheringtorespond.Butthatdamnsurveillancepictureisnowimprintedbehindmyeyes,andwhenI gettothedoor,Iturnback Thickblackbrowsquirkoverhismisshapennose–clearlyfromallthepeoplewho’vesurrendered totheurgetopunchhissmugface.
“Allure Industries mightbe second to House ofOmega inthe luxurygoods market, butthey’ve alreadyovertakenyouin fragrances, and they’re nippingatyour heels injewelry. And guess what? Theyhave bothbetas and omegas intheir design department.Manyofwhomareemployedthroughtheirblindrecruitmentdrives,justsotheirhiringteamsaren’tunconsciously biasedtowardsalphas.Now, that’s aclassycompany.Andmaybealessonforthenexttimeyoudismisssomeoneasabadfit basedonasurveillancephotoyouknownothingabout.”
He lets me get to the end of my speech before he starts to laugh It’s a disturbingly rich sound, although there’s more amusementthanmockeryinhisdancingeyes.“MaybeweshouldemployyouinthePRteam.Ormarketresearch.Although,I don’tthinkthosepencilpusherscouldhandleyou,Ms Sawyer”
Inarrowmyeyesathim.“It’sWorth,likeIsaid.AndIwouldn’tworkherenowifyoubeggedme.”
Nottrue.IftheCEO,GarthRose,gotdownonbendedknee,I’dprobablycave.ButI’mnotspendinganothersecondinthe companyofthisasshole.
ImakeittotheelevatorsbeforeIfeelthepressoftears.Thedoorsareopen,aguyinanavysuitimpatientlywaitingforme, butthere’s nowayI’mgettingtrappedinametal boxwithanother judgmental alpha So,Iheadfor thestairs,takingadeep, shudderingbreathastheheavydoorshutsbehindme.
Okay,soHouseofOmegaisout Imean,itwasneverreally in,exceptinmydreams,butitstill hurtstohavetheillusion rippedawayfromme.
Andbyahot-as-helljackassinadesignerleatherjacket.
Thatjustfeelsso Gucci
Ihuffmywaydownafewfloors,lettingmyragefuelmysteps.I’mwearingmyfavoritecherryredHouseofOmegapumps andImakeamentalnotenottostarthatingonthem Thecompany’sproductsarestilltodiefor,evenifit’srunbyasyndicate oftastelessassholes.
Idecidetogetoutonthenextfloor,mainlybecausesomethingdeliciousiswaftingthroughtheheavymetaldoor ButwhenI openit,thelastthingIexpecttobeconfrontedbyisaprofessionalphotoshoot.There’sawhitescreen,abankofcameras,and angled spotlights; Nina Simone’s smokyvoice curlingthroughthe air. I’mabout to duckbackinto the stairwell for a more inconspicuousexitwhenanannoyedvoicecallsout,“Where’sthemaleomega?Willsomeonegoandseewhat’stakinghimso long?”
Ifreeze withmyhand onthe door, watchinga girl witha lanyard and a highponytail hurryaround the corner Ican’tbe certainthey’re talkingaboutMax–this is the home ofomegas,after all,andthere are probablya dozenmale omegas inthe buildingrightnow–butmyfeetarealreadycrossingtheroom Acoupleofpeopleglancemyway,butmypassandportfolio mustconvincethemIbelong,becausenoonetriestostopme.AndthenI’minadressingroomthatmightaswellbeashineto allthingsomega.
Itsmells divine Iftheycouldbottletheair,HouseofOmegawoulddefinitelyknockAllureIndustriesbackoffitsperch Theroomisanarrowrectanglewithmarblefloorsandhugeframedpicturesofpastcompanyfacesonthewalls.Runningthe lengthoftheroomisalongvanitywithindividualstations,eachHollywood-stylemirrorlitupwithsoftglobes,andeverykind ofmakeupstackedinneat,glossytowers.Thereareracksofclothingparkedbehindeachstation,andwholecartsdevotedto hairdressingandjewelryaccessories.Anddottedamongstthispamperingexcessareatleastadozenomegas,theirattendants allhardatworkimprovingonperfection.
Still, itdoesn’ttake longto spotMax– he stands outlike a silver lionamongstall the gold-toned pussycats. Especially
giventhefiercescowlonhisbeautifulface.
“I’mtellingyou,it itches!”He’sstandinginfrontofoneofthevanitystations,hishandsonhishipsasheglaresdownata trim,dark-hairedalpha “Whycan’tIjustdotheshootwithoutit?”
“BecauseyourvibeisEgyptianprincemeetsStBartsplayboy,”thesmallermansnapsback,wavingahandatMax’sbare chestandlinenshortscombo “Andbecausethecollarisoneofthekeypiecesinthenextshowcase Doyoureallywantmeto gooutthereandtellRichardRoseyouwanttoditchhiscenterpiecebecauseititches?”
“No,”Maxgrumbles,liftingthewhitegoldnecklaceawayfromhisneck It’sbeautiful–ifabitornate–buttheremustbe toomuchnickelinthemix,becausethere’saraisedredrashspreadingacrossMax’scollarbones.“I’llwearit,buttheybetter bequickorI’mgoingtoleapoutofmyskin.”
Mygutclenchestoseehiminpain,andI’moperatingonpureinstinctasIpushpastarackofclothestoreachhim “I’vegot somecreamthatmighthelp,Max.Wanttogiveitatry?”
“Grace!” The transformationinhis face is shocking–and incrediblyflattering One momenthe looks like a bare-chested godabouttosmitehisfuryontheworld.Thenext,he’ssmilinglikeadelightedangel-withdramatickohleyesandglossypink lips “Oh,thankfuck!Canyoureallyhelp?IfeellikeI’vebeenrollinginpoisonoak”
Thealphaturnstome,histhinmouthpulledintoasuspiciousline.“Whoareyou?”
“Nobody,”Ireply,rightasMaxsaysinaboomingvoice,“ThisisGW.She’smymanager.”
Iwidenmyeyesathim,butthealphajustscoffsandstepsaway,leavingmetorootthroughmybagformyointment WhenI findtherighttube,Iholditupinvictory.It’savariationofthehandcreamIshowedhimearlier,onlythishasmoresoothing ingredients,likepeonyrootextract,aloeveragel,androsehipoil Ihavetrickyskin,soIknowitworksonme,butwithMax’s blessing,Itestatinypatchontheinsideofhiswrist.
“Canyouputitonme?”heaskswithanirresistiblepout.“IfItouchmyself,IswearI’llexplode.” Ibitemylip,tryingtoremindmyselfhemeans explode out of his very itchy skin,butmyhandsareshakingasIsqueezethe smalltube.I’mabouttotouchMax’sbarechest,andmybodyisalreadyincelebrationmode.
Itryto brace myself, butas soonas myfingers brushhis heated skin, he shivers, droppingonto the stool infrontofthe vanity.Hisheadslipsforward,hishairsweepingacrossthebackofmyhands.“Oh,god.Itfeels divine,GW.Canyouplease justpretendit’sketchup,andI’mafry,andslathermeinit?”
I’mnowbitingmyliptokeeptheridiculousgrinfromclimbingallovermyface.LookingatMaxisatreat;touchinghimis a guiltypleasure; but makinghimshiver inhappiness? I feel that ineverycell of mybody. “This also works as a barrier cream,”Itellhiminaraspyvoicethatsoundsnothinglikeme.“Itshouldgiveyouabitofprotection,butyouneedtotakethe neckpieceoffassoonasyou’refinishedwiththeshoot.”
Henods,hiseyesathalf-mastasIsoothethecreamoverhisinflamedskin “Let’sjustcallitwhatitis Afancydogcollar” Ishrug.It’s notmytasteeither,butseeingitframedbyMax’s sweepingcollarbones,Icantotallygetwhywealthyalphas wouldwanttobuyit
ButIkeepmyopinionstomyself,focusinginsteadongentlyapplyingtheointment.I’mstandingbetweenhislegs,buthe’s tallenoughthatwhenhetipshisheadback,we’renearlyeyetoeye.Ican’thelpnoticinghowflawlessheiscloseup.Notto mentionalltheleanmusclepackedoveraswimmer’sframe
I clear my throat, fumbling for some glimmer of professionalism. “They didn’t put anything else on your chest? Body shimmeroracorrectioncreamofsomekind?”
Hemakesarumblingsoundandsticksthetipofhistonguebetweenhisteeth.“TheysaidIdidn’tneedit.”
“Showoff,”Imutter,makinghimchuckle “Butifyouhavesensitiveskin,youshouldstartcarryingyourownproducts Keep thistubefornow,andifyou’dlike,IcansendyouafewsamplesofbodybutteranddifferenthighlightersI’veputtogether.” “Really?You’ddothat?”
“Of course And if theygive youanoptionof jewelryto showcase inthe future, askfor somethingwitha lower nickel component.Youcanstill wearwhitegold,butonlyiftheymixitwithadifferentalloy.Ipersonallystayawayfromzincand tin,butplatinum,cobalt,orsilverallwork”
I’mwipingthe excess lotionfrommyhands whenthe alpha appears atmyside.“Ifyou’ve finished,” he says ina snippy tone,“Maxneedstogettohisshoot”
Iwigglelotion-freefingersathimandMaxsnorts.Butasheadjuststhecollarandstudieshisreflectioninthemirror,Isee thehintofnervesinhiseyes.“You’regoingtobegreat,”Itellhim.“They’dbeluckytohaveyou,Max.”
“Thanks,GW”Hemeetsmygazeinthemirror,thenbendsdowntobrushhislipsovermycheek Nowthathe’sgotsome relieffromthepain,theburnedsugaredgeisfadingfromhisscentandmorepureMaxiscomingthrough.I’mprettysurehecan hear me gulpinghimdown,butthe alpha is tappinghis footnow,andMaxgives me a cheekygrin “Youwanna come inthe backandwatch?”
SeeingMaxinhiselement,andknowingIgivehimalittleboostjustbybeingthere…HowcanIsayno?
I follow himout to the photoshoot area, but before he canbe dragged off bythe stagingpeople, he clicks his tongue in dismay.“Damn!I’ma useless friend.Iforgottoaskhowyourinterviewwent.”
There’snowayI’mgettingintothatnow,soIjustshakemyheadandgivehimalittleshove.Hisbrow furrows,butthere are plentyof other hands herdinghimtowards the white screenand I point to the backof the shoot. He nods, but thenthe spotlightswingshiswayandhesnapsintomodelmode
It’s breathtaking watching him work. I’ve always wondered how people who live in front of the camera can bear the attention, but Maxseems to soakit up Everythinglooks more vibrant – his skin, his smile, the wayhe moves witha fluid energythatattractseveryeye.AndIcantellthepeoplewatchingaren’tjustdoingitbecausethey’repaidto.
“So,you’reMax’smanager?”
IlookupintothefaceofRichardRose,HeadDesigner,andalmostchoke.
4.GRACE
Ifthere’sonepersoninthisbuildingIwasdyingtomeet,it’sthemanpeeringdownatme,thebrightspotlightsglintingon themessofauburncurlstumblingoverhisbroadbrow.I’vestaredathiscompanyheadshotoftenenough,Iwascertainthere hadtobesomeseriousairbrushinggoingon.ButI’msurprisedtofindhe’sasflawlessashispicture,withlightlytannedskin,a slim, straightnose, and unflinchingazure eyes. Buthis elegantgood looks barelymake animpression, since it’s a far more primitivepartofmybodythathaslockedontothealphainfrontofme.
BecauseevenwithMax’sgloriousomegascentinmynose,RichardRosesmells perfect Andnotinthewaythatdifferent notesandaccordsspeaktomewhenI’mmakingmylotionsandfragrances.
In a scent match, genetically compatible, partners for life, kind of way Thisisbad,bad, bad onsomanylevels.
Rightnow,I’mtrespassing,misrepresentingmyself,andinterferinginaHouseofOmegarecruitmentprocess.Anyoneof thosetransgressionswouldgetmetossedintothestreet
Butscentmatchingwithoneofthemostbrilliant,elusive,wealthybachelorsinthecountry?
Thatwould getme escorted outofthe buildingbyMr Knuckledusters Probablywitha restrainingorder inmynot-toodistantfuture.
Becausebetasdon’tscentmatchalphas,letaloneonesofRichardRose’sstature “No,”Isayquickly,surprisedmyvoicedoesn’tcomeoutinawhimper.“Iwasjusthelpinghimout.”
Somepartofmethat’snotlostinascenthazeistakingnoteofeverythingaboutthisman.Hisheight,theleanmusclesunder hisslim-fitPradasuit,thebaresuggestionofscruffonhishoney-tonedcheeks Butthatdoesn’tmeanIcanreadhim Withhis gazeturnedtowardsthephotoshoot,I’mleftwithhisprofile,andhisvoicegivesnothingaway.“Myassistantsaysyoutreated hisskinallergy Canyoushowmethelotionyouused?”
I left the tube withMax, but I diga similar one out of mybagand hand it over. He studies myhomemade label before bringingittohisnose “Ivanalsosaidyougavehimsomeadviceaboutthetypesofjewelryheshouldwear” Iflushhardenoughformyearstoburn.“Justtoavoidnickel.Heobviouslyhassomekindofallergytoit.”
Henods,thenhandsthecreamback.Foranexcruciatingminutewestandside-by-sideashisminionsworkthephotoshoot, withMaxgleaminglikearisingstaratthecenter Icanfeelmypulsethumpinginmyneck,andIalmostjumpwhenhefinally breaksthesilence.“Justsoyouknow,we’reveryinterestedinhim.”
Ditto
Ibite backthe confession,althoughRichard’s attention,unsurprisingly,is still gluedtoMaxlike cement.It’s clear I’man afterthought, so why admit his interest to me? He knows I’mnot Max’s manager, and I can’t imagine he’s looking for my blessing.
“Ifhewastoshowcaseoneiteminourcollection,whatwoulditbe?”
I peer up at him, wonderingif this is some kind of test If I give himthe right answer, will he let me interview for the designerposition?“Aperfume,probably,sincehehassuchanamazingscent.Astoitscomposition,I’dneedtoworkclosely with himto distill his signature, but I’mthinking honey, amber, rose oil, and maybe a little cedarwood So everyone who smellsitgoes, that’s Max Colt in a bottle. ”
I’mstill limited to the alpha’s profile, but there’s no missing the frown that wrinkles his smooth brow. “AFace of the Companydoesn’tinfluenceourproducts.Theyrepresentthem.”
Iprobablyshouldn’targuewiththeheadofproductdevelopment,butIcan’tseemtostopmyself.“Ithinkthat’s amissed opportunity Maxisn’tjustaprettyface Andlotsofdesignershavemuses” Heslantsaglancemyway,andthere’sastrangeflickerinhiseyes–irritation,disappointment,andsomethingthatalmost lookslikepain Buthisvoiceiscoollydismissiveashesays,“Itwouldneversell Omegasdon’tlikecomplexperfumes” He’sright.Omegaslikelight,naturalfragrancesthatplayuptheirownscent,andMax,asamaleomega,wouldonlysmell like competition. “I’mnot talkingabout fragrances for omegas. I mean, anyalpha who saw Maxona runwayor billboard
would wantto know how he smells, right? So, I’d make a range offragrances thatalphas could use, like candles, diffusers, maybeevencolognes.Thatway,everyonegetsalittletasteofwhatitwouldbeliketobeinMax’scompany.”
Richardturnstolookatme,andI’mnotpreparedforthefullforceofhisattention “Andisthatwhatyouwant?Tobehis companion?”
Istiffenattheword Companionwasonceatermforbetaswhowerebroughtintopackstoprovideomegaswithfriendship Sometimes itwas more ofa job thana relationship, and theyfunctioned as personal assistants or glorified maids. Butother timesitwasachildhoodfriendoftheomega,andtheaffectioncarriedovertoadulthood “No,”Isayquietly “IlikeMax,butI havemyownambitions,Mr.Rose.”
“Youwantajob.”
Atleastit’sastatementandnotaquestion “Amongotherthings”
Instead of probing for details, he nods his head and holds out his hand. “Your portfolio, then?” I gape at him, but he’s alreadypluckingitoutfromundermysweatyarm “I’llhavealookatit,andgetbacktoyoushortly”
He’sdefinitelydismissingmenow,andIglancebackatMax,who’sbeingprimpedbyamakeupartistbetweenshots.He looksinhiselement,theperfectprofessional,andIfeelaflushofhappinessforhim WithRichardRoseshowinginterest,he mustbeashoo-inforthejob.
As for the alpha’s complete lackofinterestin me…Well,that’s probablyfor the best,too.The secondIwalkoutofthis building, the scenthaze should fade Imean, itcan’tbe all thatstrongsince he’s barelyglanced atme, and accordingto the biologybooksIrememberfromhighschool,ascentmatchinflamesanalpha’ssenses.Onesniff,andRichardRoseshouldbe hustlingmeintoadarkcorner,desperatetoconsumeeveryinchofmyskin
Mycheeksflame,rightasIfeelafainttrickleinmypanties.Oh.My.God.I’mnotanomega,soit’snotslick,butthisclose tomyscent-mate,mybodyclearlyhasamindofitsown.“Um,IjustrememberedIneedtobesomewhere.CanyoutellMax I’lltalktohimlater?”
Richard’ssea-blueeyesflickovermyfaceandIholdmybreath.Canhesmellthestateofmyunderwear?Imean,theguyis thenoseofthecompany,nottomentionbiologicallytunedtomyscent IfanyoneknowsI’marousedrightnow,it’shim Itiltmyheadback,mytraitorousbodytakingcontrol.Myscentglandisjustanundevelopedbumponmythroat,butIoffer ittohim,archingmyneck Andafteroneexcruciatingmomentwherenothinghappens,hisnostrilsflare,hispupilsdilating,and Icansuddenlytastethemuskofhisarousalonmytongue.Itakeasteptowardshim,trappedintheheatinhisstare.Butthen, withanironwillIdefinitelycan’tmatch,heclearshisthroatandlooksaway.
“Goodbye,Ms.Worth,”hemurmurs,andmystifflegsaremoving,someinstinctivedefensemechanismfinallykickingin.I don’tlookbackasIyanktheheavystairwelldooropen,flyingdownthestairslikeMr.Knuckledustersisonmyheels.Ionly slow down when I stumble on a step and imagine tomorrow’s headline: Beta Breaks Her Neck After Failed Interview Scent-Mate Definitely Not in Mourning.
IpuffoutaslightlyhystericallaughasImakeittothefoyer ThankGodtherushhourisover,andtheguarddogintheslick suitisnowheretobeseen.Ihurrythroughtherevolvingdooranddownthemarblesteps,onlytakingareal breathwhenI’m backonthesidewalk.
BackwhereIbelong
Except…
“OhGod I just scent-matched Richard Rose ”
Mychestgivesapainfulpinch,andIrubitslowlyasIstartbacktowardsthebusstop.Everythinginsidemeaches,andit feelslikeI’mwalkingthroughatroughofsoup Maybeit’sjustfromrunningdownhalfadozenflightsofstairs,butthedamp spotonmypantiessaysotherwise.
It’s because you just walked away from the man who’s meant to scent you and sweep you off your feet
That’showitgoesinromancenovels,isn’tit?Aloof,brilliantalphaventuresdownfromhisloftytowertoscenthissweet, deservingmate?Onlyineveryoneofthosegoddamnfantasies,hisperfectmatchisabutton-nosedomega.
Nature’s choice Right down to her blonde curls and superior scent glands
Whenmyphonebuzzesinmypocket,I’msooff-balanceIansweritwithoutcheckingthescreen.“Hello?”
“Whereareyou,Gray?”
ThepavementsuddenlytiltsundermyfeetandIlookaround,expectingtofindmystepbrotherstormingmyway.“I’minthe city.Iwentshopping.”
Hegrunts,andIcanhearadoorslamandthejingleofkeys “SpendingupatGucci?IhopeI’mgettingmymoney’sworth” IstareblindlyupatthebuildingI’mstandinginfrontof.“You’retrackingme?”
“Always YouknowIputyoursafetyaboveallelse” I’mastoundedhedoesn’tchokeonthelie,butinhiswarpedmind,heprobablythinksall themeasureshetakestopinme downareformybenefit.“Iwanttoseeyou.I’llswingbyandpickyouup.”
“No!” Iscramble tocome upwithanexcuse.Ihave tokeephimaway.After meetingMax.After scent-matchingRichard Rose…IfIsawhimnow,I’dprobablydosomethingbrave,whichwouldnotendwellformeatall.“I’mspendingthenightat
Jasmine’s.She’shavingapost-partysleepover.”
“Andsheinvitedyou?”
Isthatahintofsuspicioninhisvoice?JasmineandIhavebeenverycarefulnottoseemlikealliesinanyway,andforonce, IwishIwascloseenoughtomystepbrothertoreadhisface.“Ithinkshefeelssorryforme.BecauseIhadtogohomeearly andmissedoutonthefun”
Kayden’svoicedropstoadisturbingoctave.“YouknowhowIgetthatitchundermyskinwhenwe’reapart,littlemouse.”
I flinch at the pet name To Kayden, I’meither Gray, or little mouse He’s not picky as long as everyone knows I’ma Sawyer,firstandforemost.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” I murmur, hoping he doesn’t read too much into the tremor in my voice. If he thinks it’s anticipation,he’sevenmoredelusionalthanIfear
Andintheblinkofaneye,he’sbacktosteelymenace.“Bebackforbreakfast.Andnofuckingexcuses.”
I hangup, staringblanklyat the beautiful window displayinfront of me It’s a mannequinpullinga full set of designer luggagealongacitysidewalk,hersilkscarfflyingbehindherinsomekindofmarketingmagic.It’spitchedatgirlslikeme,but ashardasItry,Ican’teverimaginelookingascarefreeasthesmileonherpaintedlips
Snappingout of mydaze, I hurrytowards the bus stop, readyto call Jasmine’s number and begher to let me stay. She currentlylivesinasororityhouseatthelocalcollege,andwhiletheothergirlsaren’texactlywelcoming,Iknowshe’dletme sleepinherroom Andcryintoherpillow,allthingsconsidered
Butbefore Icandial her number, a shadow falls over me and Ilookup into Max’s smilingface. He’s backinhis street clothes,buttheglamorofthephotoshootclingstohimlikeaniridescentsecondskin “Hey,GW.IwashopingI’dfindyouhere.”Heflopshislonglengthonthebenchbesideme,shadinghisfacefromthesun whileIbreatheinhis delicious scentandtrynottomeltintothegutter.“Iwanttoaskyousomething,buthere’s notthebest place.Canyoutakearidewithme?”
Hegesturesalittlewaydownthestreet,andIlookinsurpriseatasleeklimousine.Didhegetthejobalready?“Well,that depends Doesithaveafive-starsterilityrating?”Iask,tongueincheek
Hechuckles,thenleansintowhisper,“Ihaveafeelingit’sinaclassofitsown.ThedriverlookslikesomeoneoutofGQ.” Icockabrow,curiousdespitemyself,andhetakesmyhand Hedoesn’thavetousemuchforcetoleadmeovertotheshiny vehicle.Whenhe reaches the passenger door,the driver climbs outandMaxis right.The guylooks like a movie star inhis sleekblacksuitandwide,whitesmile.“CanIbringGWwithme?”Maxasks.
Thedrivertipshisblackcap;exactlywhatI’dexceptfromasoapoperachauffeur.“Notaproblem,Mr.Colt.Letmegrab thedoorforyou.”
“Don’tbother,”Maxsingsback,pullingitopen “We’reextremelylow-maintenance”
“Liar,”Iwhisperundermybreathashefallsontotheshinyleatherseatwithahuff.IgiggleasIfollowhimin,oohingatthe elegantinterior “So,isthisaperkofthenewjob?”
“Kindof.”Hegivesmeasheepishsidewaysgrinaswebuckleupandthedriverpullsawayfromthecurb.“CanItellyou whenwegettomyplace?”IonlyrealizeI’mfidgetingwhenhecoversmyhandswithhis.“I’mnotuptoanythingfishy,GW, butI’dloveitifyou’dcomehangoutwithme”
Kayden’ssnarlingfaceloomsinmymind,andmyfirstinstinctistorefuse.ButMax’ssoothingpresenceisexactlywhatI needrightnow,soIjustsitbackandnod Thetrippasseswitheasychatteraboutthemusicontheradioandplaceswe’veboth beentooutsidethewindow.Butthefurtherwedrive,thelessfamiliaritgets,andmynervesarebackaswepullupoutsidean oldstonehouse
It'sonacornerblock,withawrought-ironfencehuggingthecurb.It’sthesortthat’smeanttobepurelydecorative,butthe oldmetaliscompletelycoveredwithclimbingroses.Therearethetraditionalred,pink,andwhiteblooms,buttherearealso yellow ones withred edges thatlookalmostlike they’re onfire Icansmell themthroughthe car’s air-conditioningsystem beforeweevenclimbout.
“I’llpickyouupinthemorning,Mr Colt,”thedriversayswithanothercutetweakofhiscap Maxthankshimsweetly,andwebothstepthroughthegateandheadupthegardenpath.Theperfumeoftherosesteasesmy nose,andfat-belliedbeesbuzzpastmyhead It’snowonderMaxsmellslikeahoney-dippedbouquet Or,forthatmatter,why theRosePacktookonelookathimandknewhebelonged.
Idistractmyselffromthepinchinmychestbystudyingthehouse.Itneedsalittlework,butthebonesareartnouveau,and thewornbrickworkiscarvedasintricatelyasanemperor’stomb Wavingflowerstalksandspreadingvinetendrilsdraw us towardsthedoor,whereinsectwingsandwoodlandanimalsgreetusontheironfaçade.Itdoesn’tsurprisemeatallthatMax livesinafaeprince’scastle Irubathumboverthenoseofashyponyhalfhiddeninthecarvedfoliage “TheColtresidence,I presume?”
“That’samuchnicerwaytothinkofmyname,”hesmiles,andthenwe’resteppingintoanelegantfoyer.It’saswornasthe exteriorofthehouse,butthere’sanornatelydecoratedstaircasetoourleft,andthepalestonefloorflowsintothenaturaloak parquetofthesittingroom.Decorativeflourishes areeverywhere,andintrueartnouveaustyle,there’s notastraightlineor
angleinsight.Itgiveseverythingafeminine,airyfeelandI’mnotsurprisedMax’sshouldershaverelaxed,hisgazesoftening ashelooksaround.
Weslipoffourshoesatthedoor,andmytoescurlaswepadintothenextroom Stainedglasswindowscastpoolsofhoney lightonthewalls,whicharepaintedinforestscenesanddecoratedwithelegantsconces.Palepillarsdottheroom,withmore nature motives carved into the stone There’s a floor lamp in the formof a delicate swan’s neck, and beside it, a sofa in peacockblue.Themanseatedonitiselderly,buthe’sasrefinedastheroom,wearingapalegreysuitwithhisthickwhitehair slicked backover a high, intelligentbrow Whenhe looks up fromthe newspaper he’s reading, Max’s eyes stare backfrom behindhiswire-framedglasses.
“Thisismygrandfather,JeffreyColt,”Maxsaysinaneagervoice,usheringmeforward.“Pop,thisisGraceWorth.She’sa verytalenteddesigner”
Jeffreysetshisnewspaperasideandlooksatmewithkeeninterest.“Pleasedtomeetyou,Ms.Worth.It’sbeenalongwhile sinceMaxbroughtafriendhome”
“Ifeel veryprivileged,” Ireplywithsincerity. “And youhave a beautiful home. It’s like beinginside Hector Guimard’s head”
“Ah,averybigcompliment.Ifyouplantostayawhile,I’dlovetoshowyouthelittlefeaturesthearchitectborrowedfrom theCasteld'OrgevalnearParis.”
“Iwouldloveto Thankyou”
He nods and asks Max about his morning. I move aside to give themsome privacy, more than happy to get lost in the beautifulsurroundings WhenMaxtouchesmyarm,hisgrandfathergivesmeasoftsmileandweheaduptheornatestaircaseto thesecondfloor.Ittakesmeamomenttorealizehe’sledmeintohisbedroom,sinceit’sactuallyasuite,withasittingarea, readingnook, and ensuite attached. The color scheme is elegantand subtle;mustard browns and antique golds, teamed with lilac, salmon, and robin’s egg blue. The wallpaper is a stylized panorama of flowers, feathers, birds and dragonflies that carriesovertothearmchairandbedlinenfabrics.It’sthefirstroomthathasrugsonthefloorandmytoescaressthewornsilk designsasMaxplopsusdownonawindowseat
“Pop’sgrandparentsbuiltthishousemorethanacenturyago.Backwhenthisneighborhoodwasstillinfashion,”Maxtells mewithasadsmile,hisfingerswalkingalongthefadedsilkofthesofa “Iknow it’snotreallyacastle,butIhatethefactI mightbetheheirwholosesit.”
Ibitemylip,hisburnedsugarscentharshinmynose.“I’msorry,Max.Isitamoneything?”
“Youcouldsaythat.”Hesighsandsweepstheroomwithawearylook.“Youknow how ItoldyouIworkedonthewest coast?Well,Igotcaughtupinsomeshittystuffwithapackoverthere,andPophadtobailmeout.Hedidn’thavethecash,and thisplaceisalreadymortgagedtothehilt,sohehitupalocalloanshark Itgotmesafelyhome,butit’sonlyforanothersixty days.Afterthat,wepaythefullloanplusinterest,ortheguytakesthehouseandwe’rebothoutonthestreet.”
“Oh,God”Ilookaroundatthefadedsplendor,tryingtoimaginesomeslimyloansharkpawingthroughtheirbelongingsto makeaquickbuck.“Thatactuallymakesmesicktothestomach.”
He gives me another of his sad smiles as his fingers curl around a lockof myhair. “It’s whyI went to the Face of the Company audition It pays better than most campaigns, and I was hoping I could hold the sharks off until I got my first paycheck.”
“Butdidn’tyou?”Ican’treadhis faceall ofasudden,andmyheartsinks intomyshoes Is thereanywaytheRosePack chosesomeoneelse?Ican’timagineit,especiallyafterRichardlookedatMaxlikehewasstarlightpouredintoahumanmold.
“Notexactly”Hesighsandstretches,hisheelsdiggingintotherugandhislong,leanbodyarchingoffthesofa “Richard Rosecametoseemeafterthephotoshootandtoldmehe’sinterested…butnotforamodelingrole.”Herubshisthumbsacross his eyes, smearing a little of the mascara still clinging to his lashes. When he looks at me, the green color is only more enhanced,butit’sthehopefulgleamthatmakesmeholdmybreath “Theywanttocourtme ThewholeRosePack Theywant metobetheiromega.”
5.GRACE
I’mnostrangertopackcourtships I’vebeenwatchingoneatcloserangeeversincemystepbrothersawJasmineataclub anddecidedhewantedtobondher.IexpectedLachlanCrenshawtolaughinhisface,buttomydismay,theystruckadeal.It seemsJasmine’sfatherisalsohavingmoneyproblems,intheformofamassivegamblingdebttomyfamily.Thefastestway forhimtowipetheslateclean-andkeephiskneecapsintact-istohandhisonlydaughterovertotheSawyerPack.
Butas far as I’maware,the Rose Packhas never courtedanyone.Theyescorttheir models togalas andopenings,andat their own shows, they always sit together There’s never been a hint of a long-termromantic interest in either the gossip columnsorindustrynews.
“Wow That’samazing,Max Congratulations”Thewordsfallfrommylipsonreflex,butmyvoiceisasthinandstrained asapianowire.
I’mnotsurprisedhesquintsatmefromunderhislashes.“Tellmewhatyoureallythink,GW.”
Iswallow,becausewhatcanIsay?Ihavenoactualobjectiontothepack–they’rehandsome,wealthy,andontheoutside, reputable - althoughthe Sawyer’s taughtme plentyoffancyhouses are builtonrottenfoundations. Butthere’s never beena whisperofscandalabouttheRoses IfMaxjoinsthem,hewillbeaglitteringjewelintheperfectsetting
But he won’t be a scent-mate, like I am… IshovethethoughtdownsofastIcanconvincemyselfitnevercrossedmymind “Itmakessense,Max I’msureitwillbea perfectmatchineveryway.”
He tugs onhis bottomlip, his greeneyes still fixed onmyface like I’ve done a poor job ofconvincinghim. Butthenhe leansbackandrubshishandsoverhisknees “Okay,nowit’syourturn Howdidtheinterview really go?”
Ihuffoutahumorlesslaugh.“Itdidn’t.Iwasremindedoftheirfairandethicalhiringprocessbyawolfinasuit,andthen shownthedoor”
Max’sbrowcrinklesinconfusion.“ButRichardhadyourportfolio.HewaslookingthroughitwhenIspoketohimafterthe photoshoot”
Isitupstraighter.“Really?Whatdidhesay?”
“Somethingaboutyoubothsharingafineeyeforbeautifuldesign.”
Islump, because itwas probablyjustanexample ofRichard Rose’s courtingskills He was complimentingMax, notmy work,andmaybeevenrubbingmynoseinthescentmatchatthesametime.
Butthat’snotMax’sfault,andIforceasmile “That’snicetohear,butitdoesn’tchangeanything Theymadeitveryclearto methatH.O.M.E.onlyemployalphas.”
Maxscoffs. “Well, that’s fuckingstupid. They’re a house dedicated to omegas. Whywould theyassume talent was only bestowedontheirowndesignation?AndI’msorry,buthewas salivating overyourdesigns.”
Oh,theirony.Myscentisn’tgoodenoughforRichardRose,butmytalentis?Angerbubblesupinsideme,butMaxsuddenly takesmywrist,hislong,coolfingersfiddlingwiththebuttononmycuff
“There’s somethingelse Iwantedtotalktoyouabout,GW.” He takes a deepbreath,his gaze fallingtomywrist.“Isaw somethingonthebusandIwaswondering areyouintroublewithanalpha?”
It’sbeensolongsincesomeoneaskedmethatquestion,Ifeelmymouthgodry.Foramoment,Ipicturemyselftellinghim everything,justlike hetoldme abouthis troubleonthe westcoast.ButthenIcarefullypull myarmaway.“IfIwas,there’s nothingyoucoulddotochangethat,Max.”
Idon’tmeantoberude,butevenknowingmystepbrotherexistsisdangerousforhim.Andifhetriedtostepin,ifhetriedto defendme ?Well,Istillcan’tgetthesoundofthatGoodSamaritan’sbrokencriesoutofmyhead “ButwhatifIcould?”Maxasks.“Wouldyouletmehelp?”
“No”Iholdhisstare,tryingtoprojecthowdangerousthisisforhim “Somethingsarebestleftalone,okay?”
Butaflashofangerpassesthroughhisluminouseyes.“That’scrap,GW.I’vebeenthere,andifthere’sawayout,youhave totakeit.Anythingelseisalivinghell.”
He’snotwrong.Livingwithmystepbrotherandhispackisanightmare.Butthereareninecirclesofhell.There’salwaysa deeper,darkerpityoucandescendtowhentheDevilthinksheownsyou.
ButMax’sfingersarebacktostrokingthewornthreadofhissofaandIcan’tbearthewayhe’savoidingmyeyes “Okay Thenhypothetically,whatdoyousuggestIdo?”
Heperksup,hishandsquicklyclaspingtogether “Youmoveinwithme”
Ofall the things he mighthave said – go to the police, buya one-wayticketoutoftown, joina victimsupportgroup – I wasn’texpectingthat,andheshakeshisheadasifheexpectedmyconfusion “Nothere ImeanintheRoseTower” ApictureofanexquisiteBeauxArtsbuildingontheUpperEastSideflashesthroughmymind.“What?”
“That’spartofthecourtingarrangement.I’llmovethere,intomyownsuite.Theyworksomuch,itdoesn’tmakesensetobe dashingacross the cityat midnight for our dates ” He chews onhis lip, lookinguncertainfor a moment “I would really appreciate it if you came with me, GW. Not just as my friend, which would be amazing, but… I can get carried away sometimes”
Igiveagentlechuckle.“Likeaskingastrangertomoveintoanotherstranger’shousewithyou?”
Hehuffsalaugh,buthe’sbacktotuggingonthatsofathread “Yeah,Iguess Thetruthis,I’mstilldealingwiththatshiton thewestcoast.IthoughtI’dfoundmyforeverpack.Wewerecourting,Iwasall in,andthenthey… ransomed me.” His lips thinandherunsahandthroughhishair,lookingdisgustedwithhimself.“Itwasawful.Humiliating.Buttheworstpartisitput Pop’shouseontheline AndhowthehellcanItrustmyinstinctsafterthat?”
Ifmyheartwashurtingbefore,nowit’saflayed,throbbingnerve.“I’msorryMax.”Hegivesahalf-heartedshrugandIpick mywordscarefully “DoyouthinktheRosePackmightbetrayyou,too?”
Hethinksforamoment,thengivesafirmshakeofhishead.“No.Ithinktheirofferisgenuine.Iwouldn’tinvolveyouifI didn’t.But…I’vebeenburnedbefore,GW.Andtobehonest,myhormonesaren’talwaysmyfriend.”
Becausehe’sanomega,andthecloser hegetstothealphapack–bothintermsofproximityandaffection–theharder it willbetoseparatewhatfeelsgoodtohimandwhatisrightforhim.
“Ihave good instincts,” Itell himquietly, because eventhoughmyscent-mate justrejected me, Iknow Iwasn’tmistaken aboutRichard’sscent.Whichmakesmewonderhowhe’dreactifIsuddenlyturneduponhisdoorstep,suitcasesinhand.“But I’mnotsuretheRoseswillletmestay”
Maxbobshisheadlikehe’salreadythoughtthisthrough.“We’remeetingonSundayforbreakfasttogothroughthecontract. But…I’vealreadytoldthemIwantacompanionclauseadded.”
Ilookathimsharply,rememberingwhatRichardRosesaid.“Why?” “BecauseIwantthemtoknowI’mseriousaboutthis.”
Iswallow downmyprotests,tryingtosortthroughmyfeelings Kaydenfirstbroughtuptheideaofmakingmetheir pack companionacoupleofyearsago.I’djustturnedtwenty-one,mystepfatherhadpassedaway,andafamilyfriendaskedifIwas availabletobecourted IthinkhewasofferingmeawayoutoftheSawyertownhousemorethananything,butKaydengotrid ofthe guyinhis usual brutal fashion. Inever heard fromhimagain, butthe word ‘companion’became aninside joke. Most packcompanionsaretheretosupporttheomega,buttheyleftmewithnodoubtthattheonlyonesI’dbeservinginthefuture weremystepbrotherandhisfriends
Myrational brainknows this isn’twhatMaxis suggesting, butIcan’tstop the bile gatheringinthe backofmythroat. “I appreciatewhatyou’retryingtodo,Max ”
“It’s a sillytermfor anoutdated idea,” he cuts in, rollinghis eyes. “Idon’twanta nanny, or anassistant, or someone to brushmyhairandtellmeI’madorable”Hetakesmyhandagain,curlinghisfingersaroundmine “Ijustwanttohangoutwith you,GW.”
God,thatpinchisbackinmyheart,butIforcemyselftoslowdownandthink.Hardtodowithhisscentinmynose,butI’m meanttobe the level-headedone here “Iwanttohangoutwithyoutoo,Max,butIalsowanta career Thathasn’tchanged becauseH.O.M.E.rejectedme.I’vedreamedaboutbeingadesignersinceIknewwhatthewordmeant.”
“Butyoualreadyare!”heexclaims,gesturingatmypurse “Imean,that’slikeabeautyemporiuminthere,right?AndI’m bettingyou’vealreadymockedupsomeofthosedesignsinyourportfolio.”
“Ihave,”Iconcedewithasmile,“butIneedworkexperienceinarealdesignhousetotakeittothenextlevel Otherwise, it’sjustmeandthousandsofotherwannabescraftinginourbedrooms.”
He nods, buthe’s still tuggingonthatthread. And whenhis eyes drop to mywrist, Istiffen. Iwantto pull away, butthe intensity of his gaze holds me still “And how safe is that bedroom, GW? I’mjust basing this on what you said, but that stepbrother who controls your credit card… Is he the one who puts those shadows in your eyes? Did he… mark up your wrist?”
Igulp and pushto myfeet, sweatbreakingoutunder mybangs. Idrifttowards the far wall, eventhoughthe clammyheat isn’tfromthesunshinepoolingonMax’sfloor.“It’snotsafeinhere,either.”Irestmyhandsontheedgeofhisdresser,staring atmyreflectioninthefadedmirror.“MystepbrotherisKaydenSawyer.Heandhispackrunmostofthegamblingringsinthe city.Andwhentheybondtheiromegainafewmonths’time,theyplantoclaimmeaswell.”
As a pack companion. ButIdon’tletthosebitterwordsleavemylips. “Why?Imean,you’realreadylegallyrelatedtohim.Whatmoredoeshewantfromyou?”
“We’rerelatedbymarriage,butI’mnot owned Yes,hecontrolsmenow,buthe’snotundermyskin”Irubmywristagainst myribs,almostwelcomingthestingoftheabusedflesh.AslongasIcanfeelthiswithoutalsofeelinghisclaiminsideme,I stillhaveasliverofhope “Ornotalltheway,atleast”
Maxsucks ina breath, clearlyimaginingall the ways analpha canclaima beta, especiallywhenhe has the morals ofa wolf
“Soletmehelpyou!”He’ssuddenlyonhisfeet,stridingacrosstheroomtogripthedresseroneithersideofme.“OnceI’m partofthe Rose Pack, I’ll hire youa permanentbodyguard. Youcanlive withme here, or inanyoftheir places around the world Andifthatisn’tenoughtokeepyousafe,you’dhaveateamoflawyersstandingbetweenyouandtheasshole” Igapeathissteely-eyedreflectioninthemirror.“Thatwon’twork.”
Heonlylooksmoredetermined “We’ll make itwork” AKayden-freefuture?Itflickersthroughmymindlikeamirage.GoingwhereverIwant,seeingwhoeverIchoose,without beingtrackedor grilledor punishedonawhim God,Icanbarelyimagineit Mystepbrother hashauntedmefor solong,I feeldizzyattheideaofgettingawayfromhim.
Butthenrealitycomescrashingdown,blowingthatmiragetodust.“Youwantmetoturnmylifeupsidedownjusttoplay boardgamesandhavesleepovers?Why,Max?Itdoesn’tmakesense”
“Itdoes.” There’s a note ofexasperationinhis voice, buthis face softens as he spins me around. Igeta mouthful ofhis sweetscent,anditonlygrowsstrongerashedipshisfacetomine AndwhileI’mstillblinkingathim,Maxpressesasoftkiss tomylips.It’slightandquick,butthetinglelingerslongafterhepullsaway.“DoesthattellyouwhyIwantthis?”
I’msotemptedtotouchmymouth,butIjustshakemyhead.“Uh.Notreally.Imean,you’rebeingcourtedbyoneofthemost eligiblepacksinthecity…”
“ButIfeelsomethingwithyou.”Histhumbsrubmycollarbone,hiseyesgreenpoolsIwanttodrownin.“Canyouhonestly sayyoudon’tfeelaconnection,too?”
Reliefpricklesmyskin,becauseafterthescentmatchnightmare,Ithoughtitwasjustme.Desperateforafriend.Drunkon hiskindness ButIcan’tadmit that,soIforceastrainedlaughandjerkmythumbatthemirrorbehindme “Max Haveyoumet yourself?You’reirresistible.I’dhavetohavefullbodynervedamagenottorespondtoyou.”
“Ofcourse.”Heclickshistongueandstarespastme,butIdon’tthinkhe’sadmiringhisreflection.“Omegaattractionstrikes again.”
More burned sugar that now assaults my heart as much as my senses. “No. Well, not just that. I like you, obviously. I followedyouhome,andnow I’minyourhouse,wantingtoknow everythingaboutyou Yes,Ifeelaconnection ButIdon’t knowwhattodowiththat.I’mabeta,you’reanomega,andthere’sacrowdofalphasstandingbetweenus…” “Ignorethem”Hereachesoutandcurlsastrandofmyhairaroundhisfinger “Thisisbetweenus Nooneelseshouldgeta sayinthat.”
Isitreallysosimple?Iknow it’snot.Butapartofme- theraw,rejectedpart- wantstopretenditis.“Well….okay.No alphas,oratleastnotuntilyourmeetingonSunday Butthenwhatdoyouwanttodowiththerestoftoday?”
Maxplaces his hands onmyshoulders,animpishsmile onhis bow lips as he massages mycollarbones withhis thumbs. “Weekend,youmean”
Iraisemybrowsathim,mystomachfizzywithexcitement.“Youwanttohangoutallweekend?”
Maxsmirks,histhumbsdriftingovermyskin “Iwanttogetwinefromthecellarandcherriesfromtheyard,andIwantto playscrabblewithyouandPop.Andwhenhe’swhippedusboth,Iwanttogethimtoteachusold-timeydancesintheparlour. Andwhenyou’vehadenoughofourcompany,Iwanttocomebackuphereandsnuggleinthatbedwithyou.”
Idon’tdareturnaroundandlookatthat bed “Andtomorrow?”
“Yourchoice.Anythingyouwant–andmypatheticbudgetcanstretchto–we’redoingit.” Iduckmyhead,becausemorethananything,Ijustwanttostayrightherewithhim And snuggle “I’llhavetomakesome calls.”
“Ofcourse I’llgodownandtellPopthegoodnews”
That we ’ re playing games and drinking wine? Or that I’ll be moving into the Rose Tower as a buffer between him and his suitors?
Ishakemyheadandtakeoutmyphone,butthethoughtoftextingKaydenmakesmewanttohideunder thebed Instead,I sinkbackonthewindowseatandcallJasmine.Sheanswersonthesecondring.“Pleasetellmeit’sgoodnews.”It’ssuchan echo of Max’s parting comment, I can’t find the words to answer right away “Seriously?” she wails “How dare those numskullsignoreyourbrilliance?”
Ismirkandtracealineintheornamentalglass.It’sahummingbird,itssilkywingsaniridescentblur.“It’sokay.Iappreciate youdoingwhatyoudidtogetmeinthedoor.”Jasmine’sdadmightbeuptohisneckindebt,buttheCrenshawnamestillholds alotofswayinthiscity,andonecalltoherunclegotmeontheinterviewlist.“Andsomethingelsehashappened,anyway.”
“Youmetsomeone.”
Jasmine’stoneissounlikeher–softandhopeful;almostlikeapurr–Iactuallytakethephonefrommyearandstareatthe screen “Yes, but it’s complicated I was hoping you could cover for me if Kayden checks up I told himwe’re having a sleepoverbecauseIleftyourpartyearly.”
“Ofcourse Ican,” she says promptly, and Ismile inrelief Jas has nerves ofsteel whenitcomes to mystepbrother “He can’tgetinherebecauseofthesororityhouserules,sohe’llhavetotakemywordforit.AndIcangivehimtherunaroundfor abitifyouwanttogoawaysomewhere ”Shedanglestheinvitation,hervoicepuretemptation “Acutebed-and-breakfastin thecountry,maybe?”
“Well,he’sinvitedmetostayathishousetonight,maybetomorrow.ButIreallydon’tknowwhatitmeans,Jas.Icanfeel myselfwanting-”Ibreakoff,becauseeventhoughIknowIshouldtellheraboutRichardRoserejectingme,someconfessions arejusttoohardtoshare.“Iwanttoforgetabouttheoutsideworldforawhile.”
“Sounds blissful,” she murmurs,andthere’s nomissingthe tinge ofenvyinher voice “Youdeserve it,Grace More than most.Sogoenjoyyourselfanddon’tworryaboutanything.”
That’s a physical impossibility,butIsmile all the same “Thanks Jas Andmaybe we canhave a real make-upsleepover soon?”
“Definitely. Now I’mlate for myafternoonclass, and youknow how muchIadore dustylectures onthe AncientRoman Empire”
Sheringsoffwithherthroatychucklestill echoingbetweenus,andIpocketmyphone. Am I really going to do this? Not just stayinghere, whichis alreadyshapingup to be one of the best weekends I’ve ever had, but Max’s proposition? He’s basicallyaskingmetobehiscompanion,whichissomethingI’veneverwantedtobe.Exceptthewayhedescribesitistotally differenttohowIeverimaginedit.
Itakeabreathandturntostudyhisbed.It’sanantiqueItalianbrassframewithanintricatelydesignedheadboarddepicting arisingsun.Onthecurvedfootboard,apairofbronzelovebirdsareperched,makingiteasilythemostromanticbedI’veever seen Andontopofitisacloudofwhitelinenbedding,allsoakedinMax’sperfectscent Justimagininghimsprawledinit, sleep-tousledandbare-chested,isenoughtomakemypantiesdampalloveragain.
Buthow would itevenwork? This arrangementis a no-brainer We snuggle, and Ihope Igetmore ofthose honey-sweet kisses.ButifI’maguestintheRoseTower,it’sawholedifferentscenario.I’mnotafraidofbeingMax’svoiceofreason,if that’s whatheneeds.Andeventhoughwejustmet,Iwouldn’thesitatetoremovehimfromdanger.Butwhatkindofpackis goingtoletabetabewrittenintotheiromegacourtingcontract?
Especiallywhenherscent-matewantsnothingtodowithher.
IhaveafeelingthatMaxisabouttogetarudeshockover hisbreakfastnegotiationsonSunday Butuntil then Ihavea gameofScrabbletowin.
Gracehasakillerinstinctwhenitcomestoboardgames NotthatIshouldbesurprised Youdon’tmarchintoaninterview atH.O.M.E.withouthavingahellofabackbone,butshewipesthetablefirstwithScrabble,andthendecimatesmeinchess.I cantellmyPopisalreadyheadoverheelsforher.Hetaughtmeapartnerwithawilybrainbeatsaprettyfaçade,handsdown. Not that Grace isn’t beautiful. She’s just… muted. Like a chameleon, who’s been taught that being invisible is better than attractingthewrongkindofattention.
Ihavenodoubtherassholestepbrotheristoblame FiveminutesontheinternetandIknewKaydenSawyeriseverythingI hatemostinanalpha.Abullywithmoneyfromhisfather,whowasalsoathugofthefirstorder,hehashalfofthecityinhis pocket,andtheresttooscaredtostandinhisway Andhispicturesspeakvolumes He’sabig,hard-facedalpha,withalip caughtinapermanentsneer,andeyesasflatandmenacingasashark.
JustthethoughtofGracelivingunderhisroofmakesmyfingersitchforaharpoon.
“Sleepwell,mydear I’mofftostudythedictionarysoIcansharpenupmyScrabbleskills”
Isnapawayfrommymurderousthoughtstorealizethey’vepackeduptheboardgamesandPopisonhiswaytobed.Ismile ashekissesGrace’shandwithrealaffection,andcomestowardsmewithwigglingeyebrows Iknowhelikesher,butitstill sends a little thrill throughme tohave himwhisper itinmyear as he gives me a goodnighthug.It’s somuchbetter thanthe mountainofdisappointmentI’vedroppedonhisdoorsteplately
“Whatnow?”Graceaskswhenhe’sdisappearedintohissuite.“Morefoxtrot?”
“Morewine,”Itellher,grabbingthebottleofsweetportPopbroughtupfromthecellarandtakingherhand.It’scooland softinmine,andIcan’tblamePopforstealingakiss Andsheseemsprettyswoonyforhim,too Shedoesthecutelittledance stephetaughtherasIleadherovertothestaircase,hummingoneofhisvintageloungenumbersunderherbreath. Ilovethishouse ThehardestpartofmovingtothewestcoastwasleavingPop,ofcourse,butImissedbeingherealmostas badly.Myfatherhatedtheplace,movingoutassoonashepresentedasanalpha.Hedeclaredthehouseashrinetosoftmen and slow decay, and for the first decade ofmylife, refused to evenlet me visit But whenmymomleft himto go backto England, he shunted me off on Pop. It was a turning point in my life, like a boat bobbing up beside me on a stormy sea. Thankfully, Pop wanted to keep me as muchas Iwanted to be kept, and Ionlyhad to see myfather once a monthwhenhe invitedmetohisbusinessclub
I will never be him. It’sthevow thathasguidedmyeverystepsinceIwasoldenoughtounderstandthepowerofnurture over nature AlessonPoptaughtmewhenhetookmein,coaxingmeoutfromunder myfather’sbadhabitswithkindwords andbucketsoflove.
“Thisroomismagical,”Gracehumsasshedriftstothewindow,staringdownintothegarden.It’saswildastheferallittle assholeIusedtobe,butPophasneverhadthehearttotameit.“Doyousleepwiththewindowopen?”
“Sometimes,ifit’sastickynight.Allthestonekeepsitprettycoolinsummer,though.”Iplacetheportandglassesonthe nightstandandjoinhernearthewindow Sheturnstomesoeasily,Ican’tresistwrappingherinmyarms “Areyouhot?” Idon’t thinkshe’s used to alcohol, because there’s a slight glaze to her eyes. Or maybe she’s just as turned onas Iam, becauseshegivesmeasoft,hoodedlookfromunderherlashes “Notinthewayyoumean” Igrinback,myowntemperaturekickingupanotch.“CanIkissyou,then?”
“Yes.”Shestandsonhertiptoes,pressingherchesttomine.“Youcankissmewheneveryouwant,Max.”
Adangerous offer, since I’ve beenstaringather mouthall evening. She has a wayofplayingwithher bottomlip which makesmehardasrock.AllthetimeshewasstaringatherScrabbletiles,she’dskimafingeroverthatpuffypinklip.Backand forth Roundandround Itdrovemenuts AndI’mprettysureitwas whyIcouldn’tmuster adouble-wordscoretosavemy life.
Lip Kiss Pant Noproblem Although,whenIplayedthatlastone,Popshotmealookthatspokevolumes ButnowIdipmyheadandtasteher.Thesweetwine,thetangofcherries,andthatspecialsomethingthat’sallGrace.I’ve never kissed a beta before, and mydates withwomenIcancount onone hand. Male omegas are rare, and right fromhigh
school Iwas courted byentitled jocks who didn’t like to share. Ifigured I’d end up the pampered pet ofsome possessive alpha,andthecynicalpartofme–thatgrewupwithparentswholoathedeachother–hadbeenreadytosettleforthat.What wasbonding,butalegalcontractwithafeatherednestattached?
Ibreakthekiss,flushingathowfuckingstupidthatsoundsinmyhead.Bondingisn’tclausesandconcessions,justsosome richassholecantrotyououtattheirannualChristmasparty It’shavingagirlstareupatyouliketheworldjustshiftedunder herfeet.
“Doyouwantanightgown?”Iask,myvoiceanoctavelowerthanusual “Wekeepsomeforovernightguests ” Butshejustshakesherheadandstartsunbuttoningherblouse.“I’msurethey’rebeautiful,basedonyourfamily’staste,butI don’tneedit.”
Mypupilsblowasshepeelsopenhershirt,onlytorevealanotherlayerofsilkagainstherskin It’sprobablywhatastylist wouldcallbisque,sincethey’veconcoctedatleastfiftywordsforbeige,andevenwithoutlookingatthetagIknowit’sfrom the HOME lingerie line Achemise – or what I’ve heard some of the girls call a slip More fromPop’s era thanmine, althoughIcan’tthinkwhyasIstudythewhispersofFrenchlaceagainsthersweetcurves.
Ittakesmeamomenttorealizeshe’stryingtowiggleoutofherbrawithoutstrippingoffherslip “Icangetitforyou,”I offer,turninghergentlyattheshoulders.“I’maproatthequick-change.”
Shegiggles,andIleanforwardandbreatheinthescentofher hair asIunsnapher bra.IdecidedlongagoIdon’thavea typewhenitcomestoattraction Ilikesoftskin,thickhair,andinterestingeyes,butIdon’treallycarewhatpackageitcomes in.ButifIhadascentthatkeepsmeupatnightitwouldbethis–freshlaundry,orvanillaicecream,withthathintoffeminine spicethatmakesmymouthwater
Whenwe’vebothwashedup,Ithrow onsomesleepshortsandclimbintobed.Wetakeapillow each,lyingonoursides withafewinchesbetweenus.Icanfeelourcombinedwarmthlappingunderthecovers,herperfumewashingovermeasshe liftsahandtostrokeafingeralongtheheadboard.“Thisbedisgorgeous.”
“IboughtitwhenIwasinMilan.ItwaspartofaphotoshootIwasdoing,andonceIlaydownonit,Ineverwantedtoget upagain”
Hereyesglow,twilightbluewithtinygoldsparks.“I’dlovetoseethepictures.”
Ireachformyphone,loggingintomycloudaccountandpullingupthemainpictureofthecampaign Itwasn’tthebiggestof my career, but it caught the eye of the west coast pack, earning me an invitation to their house in LA. The beginning of a nightmare,butIshovethebadmemoriesdowndeep,andtrytolookatmyselfobjectively.
Atall,slimguyinhismid-twenties,sprawledacrossthethousand-threadcountsheetsIwasmeanttobeadvertising.Butthe publicseemedmoreinterestedinmyhair–longerthen,andmussedinabadcaseofjust-got-fuckedlocks–andmyunderwear, apairofhotpinkbriefsoneofthestylistshadliterallyshreddedonmybody Theybarelycoveredmyjunk,andtheadvertising standard’sprudesquadendedupbanningit,for ‘offensiveandirresponsiblemarketing,objectifyingomegasandtheir nests.’ Thecampaignmanagertriedunsuccessfullytoargueitwasabed,notanest,butitsuresoldafucktonofbriefs “Wow.”Gracesays,clearingherthroat.“Hotpinksuitsyou.”
Ismirk,becausehercheeksalmostmatchmybriefs.“Prettysurethere’sstillawaitlistforthatcolor.”
She makes an agreeable sound, her smile growing as my screensaver kicks in It’s a picture of me and Pop at my first modelinggig.Iwassixteen,soheinsistedoncomingtotheChinatownshootwithme.Iwasintimidated,butthestylistsand modelsfellalloverPopinhisvintagesuit,insistingonincludinghiminthecampaign
Maybe that’s whyI feel so intune withGrace. Today, whenthe shoot was goingsideways, she suddenlyappeared and literallysavedmyskin
“You’resoluckytohavehim,”Gracesays,bitingthatprettypinklipasshestudiesthepicture.
“I’vebeenadumbassaboutalotofthings,butneveraboutPop.”Iputmyphoneonthenightstandandrollbacktofaceher, tuckinga flyawaycurl behind her ear “Myparents weren’tgreat, butIthankthemeverydayfor leavingme withhim” She smiles,butthere’saworldofhurtinhereyes,andIbrushmyknucklesoverhercheek.“Youdon’thavethat,doyou?”
“Mydaddiedalongtimeago,andmymomjustaftersheremarried”Shetriestosmilethroughtheshadows,butherlipis trembling.“Tobehonest,Ican’tevenimaginewhatitmustfeellikehavingsomeonelikePop.”
Like this, I want to tell her He raised me, more than my own parents, and anything that’s good in me came from my grandfather.
ButIholdback,knowingit’stoosoon.She’sbeenthroughtoomuch,andshe’sgotnoreasontotrustmeyet. Butactionsspeaklouderthanwords,andI’vegotallweekendtoconvinceherI’mworthtakingachanceon Wesleepafter achastegoodnightkiss,butmylibidomutiniesatdawn,andIwakewitharoaringcaseofmorningwood Gracehasrolledinthenightandisnestledbackagainstmychest.Oneofmyhandsisfirmlyplantedonthelacycupofherslip, andaleghaswormeditswaybetweenherthighs,curlingaroundhercalf.Warm,softfleshfillsmypalm,andherasscurves
intomygroin,thosetwopointsofcontactenoughtosendmeupinflames.
Ittakesmeamomenttorealizeshe’sawake.“Jesus,”Ihuff.“Sorry,GW.”
ButwhenItrytopullmyhandback,shegrabsit,holdingmestill “ThelastthingIwantyoutodoismove,”shemurmursin ahuskyvoice.“Ormove away,Ishouldsay.”
“Really?”Igentlyrollherontoherback,myfingersstrokingthehardlittlebudunderthelacycup “Youdon’tmind?” Shebitesherlip,butthistimeshe’ssmilingupatme.“Youhadmeatsnuggle,Max.”
Idon’tknowifit’sthealmostshyadmission,orthelustshiningfromunderherlashes,butawaveofheatrollsthroughme likedarkhoney,meltingmymusclesandpricklingmyskin.WhatIdon’texpectistheflushofwetnessalongmyass.“Oh,shit. Whatthehell?”
Gracepopsuponanelbow,lookingatmeinconcern “Isitacramp?”
Iwanttolaugh,exceptthatshe’snowrightundermynose,andherscentdragsatorturedgroanoutofme.Somethingflutters inmystomach;wingssparkingonlivewires Fuck Shesmellsso good
IknowIshouldgetup– clean up–butIcan’tstopmyselffromcuppingthebackofherhead,mylipsdivingintodevour hermouth
She opens under me witha moan, her fingers digginginto the clenched muscle ofmyshoulder. Her tongue is velvet, her breathall sweetlittlegasps.Idrinkdowneverysound,lickingandsuckinguntil thedampspotunder usbecomestoowetto ignore Ibrushahandovermyass,thepalmgleaminginthemorninglight “It’sslick.”Ifeelmyfaceburninawayithasn’tdonesinceIfirstpresentedinhighschoolhistoryclass.
Gracelooksatmyhandinfascination,hertonguewettingherlips “Ithoughtyouneededanalphatomakeslick” Igrimace.“Youkindado.ButIhaven’tbeenwithanyoneforawhile.”NotsinceIfledthewestcoast,feelinglikethegum onthe bottomofanalpha’s shoe. “Maybe I’ve justreached mycontainmentlimit.” Iputonone ofthose nasal PSAvoices. “Watchout.Floodwatersahead.”
Gracegiggles,butIwanttoslapmyheadatthelamejoke.NowshethinksI’maleakyomega,whenthetruthis,mostalphas havetoworkdamnhardformyslick Itdoesn’tpourfrommelikeadumptruckbackedoverafirehydrant “CanI…touchit?”
Graceisuponanelbow,andIshiverattheglintinhereyes Fuckme,Iwanthertodomorethantouchit Iwanthertosniff it,androllaroundinit…Butmyheartalmoststopswhenshebendsdownandlapsatmystickypalm.Thatpinktongue,those shiningeyes,thesoundsmyslickdragsfromherasitslipsdownherthroat…
Andthen,becauseI’vebeenraisedbyagoddamngentleman,Iopenmymouth.“Weshould…hitapause.”Sheblinksatme, andIdragapainfulbreaththroughmytightlungs.“ItoldPopwe’dspendthedaywithhim.Ifyoustillwantto,Imean.” Graceissearchingmyface,butthensherelaxesback,noddingintomypillow “MoreScrabble?” “Moreanything.Ijustwanttohangoutwithyou.”
She gives me a small smile “As longas we canpickthis up againlater” Her eyebrows waggle ina perfectPop move “Andjustfortherecord,I’mprettygoodatnavigatingdeepwaters.”
It’s myturntoblush,butshe’s alreadyrollingoutofbedandheadingfor the bathroom.Ineedtogive myasshole a stern talkingto,soItossbackthecovers,staringdownatthesheets Myscent,aspotentashothouseflowers,waftsupatmefrom thepuddleofslick.Notquiteabiblicalevent,butNoahshouldprobablystayonhighalert. Fuckme
Istripthebedinrecordtime,andthenscuttleofftotheguestbathroom,clenchingmytraitorousasscheeksthewholeway.
AfterbreakfastwithPop,heshowsGracehiscollectionofvintagepostcards Noneofthat‘wishyouwerehere’stuff,but sepiadrawingsofcrookedEuropeanalleywaysandwomeninhippiegownswithflowersintheirhair.
“These should be ondisplay,” Grace says, sortingtheminto sets onthe glass table inthe front salon. She’s inthe same clothesasyesterday,butbarefoot,withherhairtrappedinasilkyknottiedarounditself “Irecognizeacoupleoftheartists Sadly,thisonediedwhenshewastwenty-two.”
Theychatforawhileaboutdifferentartists,PopsharingstoriesfromhismanytripstoEuropeinhisyouth Heeventually goestotheattictocollectsomewoodenframes,andtheyspendtherestoftheafternoonmountingthepostcardsanddebating wheretohangthem IfPopwasenamoredbefore,he’sdealingwithafull-oncrushbythetimewesitdowntodinner
He'spreparedaroastchickenwithallthetrimmings,andGracesnapsthewishbonewithme.Shegetsthewish,andIwatch asshecloseshereyes,hertoothchewingupthatsweetbottomlip.“Wanttotellmewhatyouwishedfor?”
I’vetakenherhandoverthetablecloth,buthergazeisfixedonPop “WoulditstillcometrueifIsaiditaloud?”
The question is too adorable for words, but Pop just smiles at her kindly. “I can always roast another chicken next weekend”
Butshe keeps her wishtoherself,andafter dinner we settle inthe games room.InsteadofScrabble,Popputs onanarty Frenchfilm, and theybegina longdiscussionofNew Wave directors thatwould normallyputme to sleep. ButwithGrace cuddleduptomyside,there’snofearofthat,andI’malmostjumpingoutofmyskinwhenwefinallyheadtobed.
Weundress eachother bymoonlight,her hands slow andadmiringas shetraces myslick-coatedthighs.I’vewashedup-
twice–butGracereallyhasturnedmeintoaleakytap.“I’vebeenthinkingaboutthisall day,”sheadmits,givingadelicate shiverassheliftsherhandtohernoseandbreathesmein.“Pop’sanamazingcook,butnothingcancompetewiththewayyou taste”
Herwordsmakemybackcurve,thatomegaarchdesignedtolurehungryalphasmyway.“Ididn’tmeanitaboutcontainment limits”Asherfingerstouchthebumpsofmyspine,Iskimmythumbalongherbottomlip “Myslick,Imean Thisisn’tjust aboutgettingoffforme.”
Shegivesmealookthroughherlashesasherhandsdrifttothewaistbandofmyboxerbriefs “Butwecan,right?Getoff,I mean?”
“Fuck,yes,”Ibreathe,andwelaughaswequicklystriptherestoftheway.
We fall into a long, grindingkiss, our hands wanderinguntil we’re bothgulpingfor air The bed curls around us, almost nest-like withmyfanciestsheets. We kiss and lick, downnecks and alongthroats, the feel ofher tongue onmyscentgland sendingawaveofblisspulsingthroughme Mydickgivesaviolentthrob,andfor amoment,IthinkI’mgoingtoembarrass myself.Again.Thatwouldtakeleakytoanew low,especiallysinceI’vetrainedmyselfnottocomeuntil I’mstuffedwitha big,thickknot
Alittlethrillrunsthroughme,becausethere’snoknot–oralpha–insight.Thisisn’tjustbiology,butpleasure.Givingand taking,inequalmeasure.
AndGraceisn’tshyaboutgiving,droppingkissesdownmybelly,herfingersstrokingmynipplesassheheadssouth Iwant totasteherfirst,burymyselfbetweenhersweetthighsuntilshe’sscreamingmyname.ButIsinkbackintothebedasshelicks downmyshaft, her lips like velvetas theypress againstmythrobbinghead Mythighs quake, and she barelyhas me inher mouthbeforeI’marchingagain,myreleaseeruptinglikeachaoticgeyser.
Igroan, too blissed outto be ashamed. Grace sinks deeper onto mycock, humminghappilyas she swallows me down. I finallystopcoming,andshelooksupatmethroughhoodedlids.Mydickisstillinhermouth,andIgroanasIdragherupmy body,desperatetosuckthehazypleasurefromherface.
Wemakeoutliketeenagers,myhandonherclituntilit’sswollenandslippery Graceissquirmingandsighing,butwhenI trytoducktowardsherthighstofinishheroff,herhandgrabsmyhair.Shelicksherbatteredlips,andslicktricklesfrommy ass,Pavlov-style “Iwanttocomewhenyou’reinsideme,Max”
Fuckme, yes.WhenI’mslickeduplikethis,myrefractoryperiodispracticallynil,andmycockisthrobbingwithanother imminenteruption.
Shepullsmeoverher,andeventhoughmybodyisbuiltforbottoming,Ilovethewayshemeltsintothebedunderme.Her thighsdropopen,herhandsgrippingmyslickass.Islideintohersoeasily,Ihavetobitemycheektoholdbackmyorgasm.
Gracegroans,archingherbackandhookingherlegsaroundmyhips Shewrithesunderme,herbreastsflushed,andIattack themwithmyteethandlips.Herscentisthickening,hersweetspicebeadingonherskin,andIlapitupasIthrustintoherwet heat I’mnotbeinggentle, myhips rollingand snapping, butshe grabs a handful ofmyhair and squeezes her thighs “More, Max.More.”
Inod,tiltingherhipsforadeeperangle.She’sspearedonmycock,butnowIcantortureherswollennubaswell.Irubitas we rock, and she pants outher pleasure, her eyes rollingup ona breathless moan Ifuckher harder, our skinslappingand sucking, and the bed judders againstthe wall witheverythrust. I’mno alpha, butGrace has me slamminginto her like I’m tryingtoplantaknot
Andthenshe comes withmyname onher lips,andIstrainover her,everymuscle clenchingas Ibreakapart.Her pupils blowasIburymyselfinsideher,fallingontomyhandssoIcansuckhercriesfromherlips Shetasteslikevanilla,spice,and me…
Mine
Whichisnuts Webarelyknoweachother,andinsanechemistryaside,omegasandbetasaren’tbuiltforthelonghaul But as Iroll ontomybackandshe comes withme,itdoesn’tfeel thatway.There’s notaninchofskinbetweenus,andwe’re a slippery,pantingmess
Butwealso fit.Like…twopartsofawishbonefindingtheirwaybacktogether.Justlikenatureintended.
7.GRACE
I’vereadaboutinsatiablelovers,butIalwaysthoughtitwasjustfictionspunforunbondedomegas Butwhenwewakeat dawn,Maxisstill insidemefromthelasttimehecame,ourlegstangleduplikeovercookedspaghetti.I’velostcountofmy ownorgasms–Iseemtobefloatingonaseaofpleasurewithnohorizoninsight–andasweclimboutofbed,groggyand trembling,Iwonderifitmatters.Hispleasureismypleasure,andevenwhenhe’snotinsideme,Icanfeelhimineveryatom ofmybody.
Weshowertogether,holdingeachotherupasifthespraymightsweepusapart Heseemstolikeusingmyasscheeksasan anchor,whileIcanbarelykeepmymouthoffhisscentgland.IknowIshouldstop–wereallyneedtogetclean–butmybrain wentofflinehoursago Fareasiertojustnuzzlehisthroatandsurrendertothewashofblisshummingundermyskin
“Is your heatlike this?” Iaskas Maxshampoos myhair, his long, skilled fingers massagingmyscalp until myeyes roll closed.
“Mm”It’s anon-committal soundandIsquintthroughthesoapinmyeyes “No Mosthavebeenatclinics ThankGodI wasn’toncyclewhenIwasonthewestcoast.”
Iknow thatomegas have twoheats a year,althougha bondingoftentriggers a third Unbonded omegas tendto checkinto clinics,where,accordingtotheadsI’veseenonTV,abunchofsmilingpeopleinwhitecoatsandglassestendthemthrough theirnofussheats
HenudgesmeunderthesprayandIpurrasherinsesmeclean,thenlathersconditionerintomysqueakyhair.Itsmellslike honeyand Max,andIknowI’llbesniffingmyselfallday.“IthinkifIsawyougointoheat,it’dmelttheskinoffmybones.”
Heturnsmetowardshim,ourhipsslidingtogether He’shard,andI’mwet,andwedon’teventalkaboutgoingagain He simplyliftsme,andwhenI’vewrappedmylegsaroundhiships,sinkshiscocktotheroot.Hisslickmakestheglidealmost toosmooth,andIclencharoundhim,greedyforeveryinch
“Wouldyoulikethat,GW?”Hepantsagainstmyinflamedskin.“Doyouwanttotendmethroughmyheat?”
Webothgroanashebacksmeuptothewall,pressingmyspinetothecooltile “Yes Yes!”Ihavetobitemyliphardtojolt mybrainbacktolife.“Butyou’llbewiththeRosePackbythen.Imean,ifthecontractworksout,andeverything…”
“The Rose Pack and you. ” He punctuates the word with a thrust I feel all the way to my curling toes. “The first is negotiable,butI’mprettystuckonthesecond”
Stuck on me. I’m pretty sure I’d shiver if our body heat – and the water pouring down on us – wasn’t cranked up to scorching “Iwould lovethat Buttheymighthaveadifferentviewofsharingyourheat” Heshrugs,watercascadingdownhislong,leanformashegrindsmeintothewall.“LikeIsaid.Notnegotiable.”
Weeventuallymakeitoutoftheshower,andItrynottopoutasIpullonmyclothesforthethirddayintherow.Popping hometochangeisjustnotanoptionwhenyoulivewiththeSawyerPack,butnothingbutadmirationshinesfromMax’seyesas hewatchesmedress.Beforeweleavethehouse,Popkissesbothourcheeks,hishappinesslikenectaronmytongue.I’mpretty sure he knows Max and I are more than just friends now, and the fact he looks so smug makes my heart flutter like a hummingbird.Butmynervescomebackinarushaswe’reusheredintoanupmarketrestaurantadjacenttoRoseTower.
Steady, Grace Asawkwardasthisisgoingtobe,there’stoomuchatstaketomessitupforMax
Intheory, anomega holds mostofthe cards ina courtingarrangement. Ifthey’re inhighdemand, theycanplaypacks off againsteachother anddemandbetter terms.InJasmine’scase,shewasonlyabletonegotiateathree-monthcourtshipandto keep her roomat the sororityhouse. It’s a sliver of freedom, and she knows exactlyhow tenuous it is. Because whenshe actuallybecomespartoftheSawyer Pack,shewon’tbeabletotakeastepoutsidethatKaydenhasn’tapprovedinadvance. GPSmonitoringwillonlybethetipoftheiceberg
ButMaxisn’tJasmine,andtheRosesaren’tmystepbrother.SomethingItellmyselfaswe’rehandedglassesofchampagne bythemaîtred Technically,therestaurantisopentothepublic,butthediningareaisemptyasheleadsusacrossthefloor I takeaquicksipofthesparklingdrink.It’sdelicious,butthebubblesburnmytongue,remindingmethatthisisstillalongway fromacelebration.
“Youdidn’twanttobringalawyer?”Imurmuraswereachthedoorstotheprivatediningroom. “Nopoint,” he snorts as the maître dsteps back,offeringa glimpse ofanelegantlylaidbreakfasttable.“FromwhatI’ve heard,noonecanout-argueDanielRose”
Iblink,sincethenameDanieldidn’tcomeupinanyofmyresearchintoH.O.M.E.Isheanewaddition?Arelation,rather thana packmember? I know that GarthRose is the CEO, and Joshua Rose is the head of marketingand development, but RichardistheonlyoneI’vemetintheflesh.
Or,atleast,that’smyassumptionuntiltheroom’soccupantsgettotheirfeet Icometosuchanabruptstop,Maxlooksatme inconcern.Butall Icanseeis thealphaIwas senttoafter myfailedattemptataninterview.Mr.Knuckledusters,complete withleatherjacket,shavedhead,andeyesthecolorofbruisedviolets.
“Max Grace I’mDaniel Rose, Head ofLegal Affairs Thanks so muchfor meetingus atthis earlyhour” Iblinkas the lawyerextendshishandingreeting.Hisvoiceissmoothandinviting,buthiscockysmilemakesmyhacklesrise.
Maxshakes first, and thenIstep forward ina daze I’mprompted as muchbyingrained manners as bythe allure ofmy scent-matched alpha beside him. I fit my hand in Daniel’s, trying to hide the shiver that passes through me at his touch. Although,Idoubtthere’smuchthelawyermisses,giventhehawkishwayhe’swatchingme
“You’vebothmetRichard,ourHeadofDesignandInnovation,”Danielgoeson,gesturingtohiscompanion.“Unfortunately, GarthandJoshuaareinLondononbusiness,butthey’reitchingtogethomeandmeetyou.”
Unlike Richard, who barelymeets myeyes as we settle into our chairs He might be hellbent onignoringme, but I can definitelysmell him, and Islide myhand over Max’s, earninganarched brow fromthe lawyer. “YoumetonFriday, right? Lookslikeyou’reprettycozyalready”
Istiffenattheimpliedcriticism,butMaxjustgives thealphaabigsmile.“Weclicked.Instantly.AndIsupposewehave yourpacktothankforthat,sinceyoubroughtustogetherfortheinterviews.”
“Clever us,” Daniel murmurs, butIdon’tlike the glitter inhis eyes. Atbest, he thinks Iorchestrated our meeting. And at worst,thatIheardhowinterestedtheRoseswereinMaxanddecidedtoattachmyselftohimlikeatick.NotthatIcare.Hecan thinkwhatevernefariousthoughtshewants,solongashedoesn’ttrytogetbetweenus
Tocalmmyfrayingnerves,Itakeasipofwaterandstudyoursurroundings.Iknow frommylocalhistoryclassesthatthe restaurant was once part of the original Rose Tower It shares its ornate Gilded Age design, fromthe marble floors to the bronze and crystal chandeliers, and the flamboyantly carved ornamentation on the walls and pillars. All things that would dazzlemydesignereyeifIwasexperiencingitindifferentcompany.
Ibreatheasighofreliefwhenthefoodstartstocomein.It’ssmall plattersofexquisitebreakfastsamplers,includingfeta frittatas,gruyereomeletswithheirloomtomatoes,smokedsalmonandsoft-boiledeggs,andbuttermilkpancakesdrizzledwith maplesyrup
“Weweren’tsurehowhungryyou’dbe,soweorderedalittleofeverything,”Danielsaysasnolessthanfiveserversflutter aroundus “There’salsocoffee,tea,andfreshjuices” Weputinourdrinkorders,andoncetheservershaveretreated,Danielleansforward.“Wehavethecontracthere,butthere areafewpointswewerehopingtoclarify.”
Maxsmiles,allcharmashemuncheshiswaythroughatowerofpancakes “Sure We’vegotafewthingstoadd,too” I’mnottheonlyonewholooksathiminsurprise,andIsuddenlywishwe’dspentmoretimetalkingabouthiscourtshipand lesstimerollinginhisheavenlysheets No,scratchthat NothingbeatsthefactIcanstillfeelMax–bothonmyskin,anddeep insidemycore.
“Well,let’sstartbysayingwe’vespokentotheoutfitholdingyourfamilyhomeascollateral,”Danielsays,histhickfingers claspingacoffeecupthatdoesn’tmatchthedelicateRoseplacesetting.“Thedebthasbeentransferredtoourlendingservice, asperyourfirststipulationinthecontract.”
There’snomistakingMax’srelief Hisentirebodyrelaxes,andhereachesovertodropakissonmylips “Thankyou,”he tellsthetwoalphas,radiatinghappiness.“Ican’twaittoletPopknow.”
Daniel smiles, buthis gaze lingers onmymouth “Are we inagreementthatthe courtingperiod will be for three months, withthe optionfor either partyto terminate after thattime, or to extend for another three?” Maxnods, and Icanpicture the alpha tickingoffanother boxonhis mental checklist He might looklike a gangster, but he seems to be takingthis process seriously. “Richard said you understood the medical requirements, and you’re also happy with the deep background check we’llbeconducting.”
Thatmakes Maxsmirkaround his teacup “Are youtellingme youhaven’talreadyrunme througheverydatabase, going backtomypreschooldentalvisits?”
Danielgiveshimaslow,sinfulsmile “Ihavemysources,buttherearestillafewthingsI’dliketopersonallycheckout” There’snomistakingtheinvitationinhiseyesandIputmycoffeecupdownhardenoughtomaketheflatwarejump.“Max willbedoingthesame,ofcourse.Andhe’llhavefullaccesstoanyofthepack’smedicalissuesorlegaldisputes,right?”
Daniel swings those heavy-lidded eyes myway. “Of course. It’s alreadywritteninto the contract.” It’s prettyobvious I haven’treadit,buthejustmovessmoothlytothenextpointonhismentalchecklist.“We’vedoubledthelivingallowanceyou
suggested,Max,andalsotakencareofyourcreditcarddebts.AreyoustillhappytomoveintotheRoseTowertoday?” Today?IsendMaxastartledglance,buthe’salreadynodding.“Assumingeverythingelsechecksout.Andyou’veaddedin thepartaboutGrace,right?”
I’mnowveryfirmlyinthespotlight,andwhenRichardliftshiseyestomine,IputmyforkdownbeforeIchoke.
“Thecompanionclause,”Danielsaysslowly
“Wedon’twanttocallitthat,”Maxdeclares,threadinghisfingersmoretightlythroughmine.“It’sold-fashioned,andtobe honest,kindofinsulting”
“Ofcourse.”Danielopenshisjackettoretrieveapenandaleatherboundnotebook.It’sadeepnavymoleskinthatIdazedly recognizefromtheirAlphaAbroadrange.Danieltapshispenoverasnowywhitepage.“Whatshallwecallit,then?”
“Well,she’smorethanjustafriendwho’llbelivingwithme”Maxshootsmeahoodedglance,hismouthquirkingupashe says,“ButI’msureyoucantellthatfromourscent.”
Ittakes me a momentto realize whathe means Our scent, because we spentall nightrollingaround inhis slick-coated sheets.
“How aboutanIntimateClause?”Danielsuggests,aslightquirktohislipsashetapshispenagainsthisnotebook “It’sa termwe use whenanexistingcouple is mergingwitha pack. Itaffords youboththe same considerations, and also respects yourpriorrelationship.”
Ilookathiminsurprise,becauseit’sperfect Or,atleast,itappearstobeonfacevalue I’llneedtoreadthefullcontract, butIgiveatentativenod,andMaxbeamsatme.
Danielmakesanentryinhisnotebook,butRichard,Inotice,isbacktostaringblanklyathissoft-boiledeggs Iwaitforhim tosaysomething–togiveeventheslightestindicationhe’spartofthisprocess-butwhenheremainssilent,Daniel liftshis gazeandIgetthefullforceofhisviolentlyblueeyes.“Andyouunderstandthatifallgoeswell,we’llbebondingMax.Bites, knots,thewholenineyards?”
Ishufflemyfeet,hatingtheheatburninginmycheeks.“Iunderstandhowapackworks,Mr.Rose.”
“Daniel,”hecorrectsme “Asapackintimate,youcan’tbecallingusallRose,orit’sgoingtogetconfusingfast”Theterm – intimate – hangs inthe air betweenus, butIjustshrug. IdoubtI’mprojectingthe indifference I’mstrivingfor, especially whenhissmirktakesonawickededge “We’llneedtotalktoGarthandJoshuaaboutthis,butIthinkIknowwhatthey’llsay Ifwe’remergingpacks,they’llwanttocourtyouaswell.”
Igapeathim.“What?”
“Dates.Justtomakesureyou’reagoodfit.”Thoselongblacklashesloweroverhisglitteringeyes.“Beingapackagedeal, andall.”
Heatwashes over me,sopotentIhave toswallow awhimper Whatthe hell? I’dunderstandmyreactionifIwas getting flirtylooksfromRichard–givenhisscentisenoughtomakemyheadspin,evenwhenhe’sdoingeverythingtoavoidme–but there’snothingdesirableaboutDanielRose He’sjustmystepbrotherinabetterwardrobe Or,atleast,that’swhatItrytotell myselfasIstareathissmirkingmouth.
“Idon’tknowaboutdates,”Imanagetogetout,“butI’mwillingtospendtimewitheachofyou,asneeded.”
It’s not exactlyanenthusiastic declaration, and Maxjumps into the awkward silence “We’re obviouslygoingto need a schedule,workingaroundeveryone’scommitments.ButIwanttomakesureonenightaweekit’sjustmeandGrace.Ourown datenight Plus,shewantsajob”HeturnstostarehardatRichard,hisjawflexing “Infact,she deserves ajob,andI’msure you’llagreesinceyou’veseenherportfolio.”
“Ihave,”Richardsaysquietly,ashiverrunningdownmyspineashefinallyflicksaglancemyway “It’sveryimpressive” “Thanks.”
“Butunfortunately,we’vealreadyfilledthejuniordesignerpositionyouappliedfor.” Sofast?Ibitemylipindismay,butthenaflushofanger coilsinmybelly WhyamIsurprised?Itwasprobablyaneasy hire,giventhecropofclonestheyhadtochoosefrom.“Withanalpha,Isuppose?” Richardtiltshishead,andIwaitforhimtorespondtotheaccusationinmyvoice Buthejustgivesliftsashoulderinhis salmon-huedlinenjacket.“Hewasthebestcandidate.He’scompletedanumberofinternshipswithourcompetitors,andcame highlyrecommendedbyhislastemployer”
“ThengiveGraceaninternship,”Maxsaysquickly,hisscentsharpeningashesitsstraighterinhischair.“Shedeservesit, andifyouwon’tgiveherafootinthedoor,howcansheevercompeteforaposition?It’snotfair,andyouknowit.”
Danieltakesaneatbiteofhisfrittataandraiseshiswickedblackbrowsatme “PRorMarketResearch?”
It’satauntingreminderofourlastmeeting,whenItoldhimIwouldn’tworkforH.O.M.E.ifhebeggedme.ButIjustgive him a tight smile If I’m honest, I’d probably accept any pathway into the company, but Daniel just waves a hand at his packmate.“She’llbeinyourdepartment,Rich,soit’suptoyou.”
Richardstareshardatwherehisfingersarerestingonthelinentablecloth.Hisscentmightbeamouth-wateringallure,but hisbodylanguageistextbookrejection.“Livingwithanemployeewillraisealotofquestions.”
“ThenIwon’tmoveintotheTower,”Ireply,foldingmyarms.“IcancommutefromwhereIlivenow.”
Max stiffens beside me and Daniel slides a narrow-eyed look my way, clearly unimpressed with my current living arrangements.Isquirmundertheattention,butkeepmychinup.WouldIreallyabandonMaxandmovebackinwithKayden? Hell,no ButIneed ajob IneedtobelieveI’msomethingmorethanmystepbrother’spossession–orMax’slive-inlover “Wecanputaconfidentialityclauseinthecontract,”Danielsaysslowly,hisgazestillrestingheavilyonme.“Nooneinthe officeneedstoknowwhatwegetuptoathome”
Richard frowns, but I feel a trickle of relief at the idea of keeping this to ourselves. I have no idea how long this arrangementwilllast,butIdon’tplanontellingKaydenI’manintimateoftheRosePack Theverythoughtmakesmechokeon mycoffee.
Maxis watchingme closely, and he gives the alphas a firmnod. “That would be great. It’s no one’s business but ours, right?”
Noone’sbusinessthattheownersofHouseofOmegaarecourtinganomegaoftheirown?Acynicallittlevoiceinmyhead saysthatwhenyou’reashigh-profileastheRoses,aprospectivepackmateisfrontpagematerial ThefactMaxdoesn’tmind keepingthisprivate–whenhe’dbetheenvyofeveryomegainthecountry-justmakesmyheartmeltevenmore.
“Ifwe’reofferinganinternship,itwillonlybeonatrialbasis,”Richardmurmurs,clearlystuckontheliving-and-workingtogetherissue.“Twodaysaweekforthefirstmonthofthecontract.”
“Three days,” Icounter, squeezingmyhands betweenmyknees. “And for halfthe contract. Anythingelse won’tgive me timetolearnthecompany’ssystemsandprocesses”
Hedipshisheadlikehe’stiredofthewholeconversation,butthenheshrugsandgoesbacktohisbreakfast.Alittlepangof hurtlodgesinmyheartathiscooldismissal Butscrewhim I’vegotafootinthedoorofthebestluxurygoodscompanyinthe world,andthat’snotsomethingmanybetascaneverclaim.
Danieljustsmirksanddropshisnapkinonthetable.“Ifwe’vefinishedwiththehorsetrading,howaboutwegoshowyou yournewhome?”
Mystomachisflutteringaroundourextravagantbreakfastaswe’regivenatourofRoseTower Itrynottogetdistractedby the architectural features, butit’s hard whenit’s a shrine to the Gilded Age. GarthRose puta lotofmoneyinto itwhenhe boughtita decade ago, and Idon’tthinkI’ve seena more devoted restorationwithits parquetde Versailles floors, marble stairs,andintricatefloralmoldings.
Therearefourfloors,witharooftopterraceandswimmingpool,andthebedroomsuitesonthelevelimmediatelybelow. They’vesetasidetwoseparatesuitesforus,butMaxquicklyvetoesthatbypullingmeintohisroomanddraggingmedown ontothe edge ofthe bed.It’s notas prettyas the one we spentthe weekendin,butit’s huge,witha comforter thatfeels like silkybutterundermylegs
Thealphasleaveustogetsettledin,andasMaxcallsPop,Idriftouttothebalcony.Icanhearafewsniffles,butthey’rethe happykind,soIleave themtotheir conversation.Butthere’s a lumpinmythroatas Ipull outmyphone.Anditonlygrows largerwhenIfindatwo-wordtextwaitingfrommystepbrother’snumber:Callme
Foramoment,Iclosemyeyes,picturinghiswrath.Twodaysofnocontact?Kaydenwillbe livid.Butwhat’shegoingto do?Evenifhe’smanagedtotrackmetoFifthAvenue,hecan’texactlystormtheRoseTower,canhe?
Withnewconfidence,Iturnmyphoneoffandheadbackinside,Max’sarmscomingaroundmeinarockinghug.He’salmost vibratingwithhappiness,andIpushallthedarkthoughtsasideasIsoakinhisscent.It’smouth-watering,andImakeamental notetostartworkonaMaximumBlissfragranceassoonasIcangetmyhandsonmyoils,vials,andscentstrips Maxmustbethinkingalongsimilarlines,becausehetwistsmyhairaroundhisfingerandsays,“I’mgoingtoheadhomeand grabsomeofmythingstomorrow Whataboutyou?Wantmetocomeandhelpyoupack?” I smile, but I’mwell-practiced at side-steppinglandmines as explosive as this one. “I’ve actuallybeenstayingwithmy friendJasmineforthelastfewdays.I’lljustgrabmystufffromherplace.”Maxfrowns,butdoesn’tpush.Iknowhe’sthinking aboutKayden, butlike me, he probablydoesn’twantto burstour happybubble. “IthinkI’ll do ittoday, since itgets pretty hecticoncampusmid-week.”
Maxtiltsmychinup,tryingtoreadmyeyes “Andyou’reokaywiththis?It’snottoomuch,toosoon?” Ilookaroundattheopulentroomandshrug.“It’salot,”Iadmit.“ButIguesswejusttakeitonedayatatime.”
ButMaxisn’tabouttobebrushedoff,cuppingmycheekssoIcan’tlookaway
“Youhavetotellmeifthisdoesn’tworkfor you,Grace.Ifsomethingisn’tright,we’llchangeit.Okay?Youdon’thavetofightthingsonyourownanymore.”
WordsthatarestillringinginmyearsanhourlaterasIwalktothepubliclibraryon67th Street.It’sclosed,beingaSunday duringCitybudgetcuts,butI’mnotheretostudy Instead,Itakethealleytothebasementstairwellandrapmyknucklesonthe steelsecuritydoor.
“Noclassestoday,”Billysaysthroughthegrill,thengetsalookatmyface “What’sup,Grace?” “Hey,Billy.Ijustneedtograbsomethingoutofmylocker.IsitokayifIdoitnow?”
