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“No, he’s just a friend. It’s too generous of him to give me this.” I tried to deny the gesture, but deep down the Omega part of me was stirring.He provides,it whispered to me.

“Oh Piper, come on! You know that’s what an alpha does when he likes an omega! And that’s just the least of it!” Bella went on to tell her stories of the other omegas who had been gifted clothing, jewelry, and even homes from alphas and packs who were trying to win favor from a coveted omega. I did feel a strong sense of flattery now that people were fawning over me. It never happened in my old life - I had been far too burnt out to even care when I had been struggling to survive. But this,thisI could get used to.

“Well? Are you going to call him and thank him?” Bella watched me with sly eyes. I sighed at the excited omega and turned the phone on. It already had service. I had his number from earlier and typed it in. It rang a few times, then I heard a deep voice.

“Is this who I think it is?” His playful tone sent butterflies in my stomach.

“Perhaps - I guess it depends on how many people you sent a brand-new smartphone to.” I couldn’t help smiling as I spoke to him.

“Only you, Piper. I hope you like it.” His low voice purred into my ear and I felt myself growing warm.

“I love it. Thank you.” I meant it, too. Being treated this special was so foreign to me, and he had been nothing but kind to me since I entered this world.

“I hope you’ll keep in touch, Piper.”

“I absolutely will.” I ended the call and felt a small smile lift the corners of my mouth.

“I knew it!” Bella shrieked and threw a pillow at me. “Who is it?” She bounced on my bed, barely able to control herself.

“It’s someone I met when I first got here - he helped me when I first started to present. I saw him again today as I left work.” I fibbed a bit, knowing that the real story about getting out early to explore the city might land me in hot water.

“Is he solo or does he have a pack?” Bella asked, her eyes big with curiosity.

“I… I think he’s solo?” I hadn't ever thought to check. The whole pack thing was new to me.

“Well, if he sent a gift to you, he’s on the registry. Omega Social Services can look him up!” She squealed as I frowned.

“I don’t think it’s like that. I mean, we barely know each other.” Bella rolled her eyes at me.

“Girl, of course it’s like that! This is textbook courting behavior! Anyway, you’ll want to look him up if you want to spend time with him. Omega Social Services will have already vetted him and his pack, if he has one. They will get you all their scent cards. You like his scent right?”

I thought about it. “Actually, my sense of smell has gotten stronger since I arrived here. And he does have an incredible scent. It’s like sweet bourbon, vanilla, and spice.” I was sitting there dreaming about his scent for a minute before Bella threw another pillow at me and scampered off. I’d have to research more about packs, scents, and how all that worked. But one thing was for certain. I didn’t want a pack - I only wanted one man, and it seemed like he wanted me too.

Chapter 9

Declan

I made my way toward my local physical therapist’s office, grateful that they were able to schedule a session last minute. Being a coach was rewarding, but sometimes I needed a little TLC to work the stress out of my sore muscles. The front door chimed as I walked in and glanced at the new admin seated behind the glass. I’d never seen her before, but something about her made me take a second look. She appeared to be a beta like myself. “Hi, I have an appointment scheduled for three o clock. It should be under Declan.” She stared at me a bit too long then quickly looked down, typing away as her cheeks blushed. I was no stranger to getting this reaction from people. I’d always been told I was good-looking. I was a bit larger than the average beta and quite a bit more chiseled, thanks to my excellent gym routine and being on my feet all day. Some people mistook me for an alpha at first glance, but inside I was just as caring and supportive as the most beta of them all.

“I’m sorry… I don’t see you here for an appointment today.” A crease formed in her brow, and I could have sworn she was giving omega vibes. Her vulnerability was endearing.

“There was a last-minute cancellation and they fit me in. If you can’t find me, ask Marco, he normally works on my back.” She nodded and blushed as she typed, unable to make eye contact with me. After a few minutes, Marco came out.

“Ah! I was just about to check and see if you canceled!” He remarked as he looked over at the magnetic woman behind the desk. She looked up quickly, horror creeping across her face.

“I’m so sorry! I just... I couldn’t find his name anywhere…” Marco sighed and opened the door to get behind the desk. He was inside the receptionist area, then leaned over her shoulder to point at the screen.

“See? It’s right there. Under Patients. You have to learn how to use the system.” Something about him leaning into her space made me flare with anger, almost a possessive feeling. That was odd. He wasn’t being mean to her, just frustrated. But I wanted him away from her. I stamped the feeling down, shaking my head. Why was I so entranced by her? Marco came back out as she let out a few apologies, looking at him as he turned his back to her and walked toward his office, waving me in.

“Apologies about the new girl. She’s not familiar with our appointment system.” I followed him in, getting behind the room divider as I prepared for the exercises and stretches he would have me do.

“No need to apologize! She was adorable, really.”

Marco had me lay back while he pulled on my arm, stretching my muscles. My eyes slowly drifted shut as my mind started to wander to the girl behind the desk. I hadn't even gotten a whiff of her but I knew she had to smell incredible. Her furrowed brow, the way she bit her lip… I hadn’t been with a woman in years. I had no need. Dominic and I were always there for each other. The last time I was with a woman was when we were considering adding an omega to our pack. After that disaster, Aiden had sworn off adding anyone to our pack at all. We had taken our pack off the registry and attempted to be happy as we were.

But this beta woman had stirred something in me. I wanted to bundle her up and take her home, make her relax into my arms, and care for her until all her worries went away. Then I wanted to slowly remove that cardigan from her shoulders, kissing her skin as I made my way down…

I caught myself before I went too far with my fantasy. I shook my head, silently admonishing myself for almost getting myself riled up as I was ordered to do leg stretches. I sighed as my muscles released all their tension. Before I knew it, my hour was up and it was time for me to head home.

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