AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Sighing, Elias opted for a quick talk with Donna, the front desk receptionist. Right as he was about to say something, her attitude suddenly shifted and she reached for her phone, dialing a number. That was the second red flag. He approached her, leaning against the solid glass welcome desk etched with the emblem of Deaton Medical–Advancements For a Fulfilling Life.
"Did he tell you to call once I arrived?" Elias asked, brows raised.
"No, but he's squirrelly enough that I did it myself. Why'd you take so long?"
Her question didn't bother Elias. She was a beta woman who didn't take shit from anyone, even alphas or the police. They chose her for the front desk gig because of this. People would often storm in, demanding research files or trial info without proper authority. Donna put them in their place faster than one could say fuck off, and Elias admired her for it.
Whenever faced with conflict, he would only raise his voice if others around him were doing so or if his emotions reached a boiling point, much like what happened earlier. Frustrated, Elias sighed and absentmindedly ran his freckled fingers through his damp hair, searching for a sense of calm.
"I was gone for a few extra hours, so what?"
Donna threw him a glance. "You didn't even call."
"I was busy."
"Uh-huh, but that doesn't stop Mr. Deaton from worrying."
Worrying.
Unable to respond to a comment like that without losing his temper, he glanced away, his jaw clenched. Elias' younger self never pondered gender bias; he simply dismissed it because he believed that being a boy meant he would automatically be an alpha.
It was only after Elias became a full-fledged omega that he truly grasped the profound consequences it would have on his future. He entered a phase of mourning that consumed his teen years. Elias held onto the parts of himself he despised like a drowning man clutching onto a lifeline. Used them as a shield as he fucked his way through heats and sometimes outside of them too.
Oblivious to the potency of his pheromones and the ferocity of the alphas, his encounters resulted in a series of bruises, slashes, and cuts that deeply troubled his esteemed, third-generation Hamton family. They pleaded and begged Elias to choose an internship his junior year that would distract him.
When August arrived, a wave of positivity washed over everyone, leaving a trail of enthusiasm in its wake. He hounded Elias until he sought refuge under the older alpha's wing, delicately reconstructing the broken remnants of his former identity.
Elias struggled, pushing and twisting the triangular block he'd become, hoping it would somehow fit into the round hole of life. He aquired the needed skill, an understanding of business etiquette, and a sense of how to act when the world didn't want to witness his pain. Elias scoffed, bitterness being the flavor of the week–or month–or year–or life.
Shit.
"August is a capable, brilliant scientist who doesn't need me hovering over him and shouting to get work done."
"But I so love the sound of your voice."
Elias whipped around to find the man himself grinning with arms spread wide. Dressed in wrinkled dark slacks that tapered at the ankles, a shirt with emerald stripes that was stained, and an embroidered ivory lab coat that provided a contrast to his messy honey hair. Most would see the complete picture and wonder how in the world an unkempt person like August ever became a renowned scientist. Elias knew the truth.
August's life was messy, but his work wasn't.
It was the exact strategy he'd adopted. The thought made Elias smile uncontrollably as they embraced in a healing hug. Perhaps he even clung to the man for a few seconds too many, relishing in the alpha's comforting presence.
August was all over it, like always. "Did something happen while you were out?"
Unable to lie, Elias slowly released his grip on August and mustered a last smile for Donna. She returned it while answering another call, expression encouraging. He walked with an odd sense of imbalance towards the elevators, his fingers curling and uncurling by his sides as he pressed the call button. All the while, August hovered beside him, vivid and impossible to ignore.
The mechanism dinged, calling them on board. Elias stepped inside. Clicked the button for the top floor. Curled and uncurled his fists some more. Breathed in. Breathed out. Tried to come up with something to say other than screaming the whole terrible truth.
It's like when you do something bad that you know isn't a big deal, but you're compelled to tell your parents anyway, regardless of getting into trouble. The urge itched beneath Elias' skin until August broke the silence with his soothing, straightforward baritone.
"So, it's not company-based, I take it?"
Elias shook his head.
"Personal, then?"
A nod.
"Okay, okay. You don't have to tell me."
