She nods and goes in search of them, coming back a minute later, her hand in Hunter’s, Zachary on their heels. Hunter whispers something in her ear that makes her giggle. I’m both obsessed with the sound and annoyed that Hunter is the one to bring it out of her.
I haven’t decided if I’m going to hate him yet or not. If it all works out, I’m buying him his own damn island as a thank you. If she really does leave us at the end of this week, I know I could never hate him as much as he will hate himself.
It’s one thing to lose a sugar baby you truly liked, but it’s emotional damnation to lose a scent match, so I refuse to think of any other possibilities.
We have to give her enough reasons to stay with us.
Whatever lies she believes about packs, we’re going to unravel.
Whatever fears she has, we’re going to soothe.
If it takes a lifetime for her to trust us, we’ll fight that battle every single day. I refuse to let her give up on this just yet.
I bring two platters to the table, and Zachary carries the pitcher of fresh lemonade. The marinated pork skewers arepacked with garlic and tangy from the yogurt marinade, finished with a spritz of lemon on top. Soft pitas are warm from the oven. I hadn’t planned on doing so much cooking here, it’s why I normally have a staff that joins us. It reminds me of my mother in ways I’d rather not think about, but if it’s for Madeline, it’s all worth it.
“What have you two been up to this afternoon?” I ask.
Hunter tears off some bread to scoop up the orzo with. “Released a new teaser trailer for NourishNow.”
“Going over some reports Alexia’s assistant sent over,” Zachary adds.
Alexia is my COO, and the person currently running my company and overseeing NourishNow while I’m away. I should probably give her a call. “Anything I need to be aware of?”
“Nah, she’s got it.”
“When’s the launch?” Madeline asks.
“Next Saturday.”
“I think the app is a great idea,” she says.
It borders on ridiculous how much pride I feel at that.
“Do you use our competitors’ apps?” Zachary asks her before taking a sip of wine.
“Oh, yes. I get plenty of takeout dinners, and I have my groceries delivered twice a week. I used to shop for myself, but alphas were up my ass every time I went. I miss it, though, taking the time to pick out the best apples, trying new things off the shelf, buying whatever looks good,” she says in a dreamy tone. “Of course, I spend way more in person, too.”
“Does that apply to other shopping? Is that a regular problem for omegas?” I ask because I care about everything she does, but also because it can be good market research as she’s one of our target audiences.
“Because omegas get bothered no matter where we’re inpublic. I don’t know a single omega who does her own grocery shopping anymore. Thirty-five percent of the population is an alpha. There’s only five percent of us, which means a lot of them are never going to have an omega and we’re the ultimate status symbol. So anytime an alpha sees an unbonded omega, they’re going to shoot their shot, even when we politely decline their advances. Always. Doesn't matter if an omega has a bite mark, either, alphas will still try to figure out if there’s room for one more in their pack.”
“What pricks,” Zachary remarks with a look of disgust.
She nods. “Sometimes, we can use it to our advantage. Like my best friend Harper, she’s an artist who owns a gallery. Alphas buy her paintings all the time for a reason to talk to her. If there are multiple alphas in the gallery at once, a bidding war ends up happening. It works out for her. But for myself, who would rather be alone, it makes doing everyday activities much harder, which is why I’m grateful for omega-only doctors offices, car services, and gyms.”
“Yeah, that would be really annoying,” Hunter says sympathetically.
Hunter and Zachary wear the same expression that I’m sure I’m wearing. I don’t think any of us have taken the time to consider what it’s like for an omega in a world surrounded by alphas constantly vying for their attention.
How dare my designation make omegas so uncomfortable they can’t even do their own shopping? That they wouldneedan app to get a basic necessity just to avoid alphas who view them as props for their own pleasure?
When I created the app, it was for convenience. For the family that didn’t have time to grocery shop after soccer practice, or the busy professional who needed a quick meal delivered to the office.
While I hate that omegas need something like thisto feel safer and remain unbothered, I’m thankful it's going to be available to them. Everyone should be able to go wherever they wish, free of harassment and pressure.
She points a pork-filled fork at me. “Now, if you offered omega-only shopping hours and added extra security at your grocery stores, you’d have plenty of new customers, including me.”
Why hadn’t I thought of that?
