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“Oh yes,” I affirm, a playful glint in my eye, even though what they did is anything but playful. “So now, when we come of age, we have a choice—pick a pack or live independently for the time being.”
“There are unbonded omegas on the streets?” His expression is a mix of shock and conflict, his eyes locked on mine. Behind his words, I sense his discomfort with my being out in the open, which irks me a bit, especially since I suspect he’s flirting with me.
“Well, it’s a bit of both. I’m not allowed out here without suppressants. Wouldn’t want to cause a commotion.”
“So you’re unbonded?” His gaze briefly drops to my neck, searching for a mark that isn’t there.
“Yep,” I answer with a sly grin. “My plan is to die as a content old cat lady with a plastic knot.”
He blushes, which, to my surprise, is incredibly appealing. “Unbonded omegas,” he murmurs, shaking his head. “This is all...”
“Go on,” I urge, flashing a flirtatious wink. “Do tell.”
“It’s just, I’m not accustomed to this,” he admits, clearing his throat, his eyes alight with curiosity and desire. “Could we start over, perhaps?”
His question catches me off guard, and I hesitate briefly. Then, extending my hand across the counter, I say, “You can call me sugarplum.”
His laughter, deep and resonant, reminds me of rich, dark chocolate. “Max,” he responds, firmly shaking my hand before releasing it.
As the bell dings, signaling his sandwich is ready, I package it up and announce, “Seven twenty-four.”
He slides a black card across the counter toward me, his intense gaze never leaving mine as he takes his bag. There’s something undeniably comforting and warm about him, and a part of me yearns to catch his scent, though I resist the urge.
After completing the transaction in silence, I hand him back his card.
“Well, sugarplum,” he drawls, holding my gaze. “Apparently, I need a shower.” With that, he picks up his bag, nods, and strides out of the bakery, leaving a trail of excitement and lingering desire in his wake.
“Is he gone?” Violet emerges from the back, her tone implying relief. “Good, before the lunch rush. What a peculiar alpha.”
I can’t help but keep my eyes on the door, my mind swirling with thoughts. Maximillian Harrington isn’t like any alpha I’ve encountered before. He’s a paradox—brooding yet protective, distant yet oddly engaging.
“Hey.” Violet nudges me, pulling me from my thoughts. “Earth to Seraphina, you still with us?”
“Yeah,” I reply, shaking off the daze. “Just wondering if I’ll run into him again.”
Vee chuckles. “Well, we’re open for business, and who knows, maybe he’ll decide to grace us with his charming presence again.”
I cross my arms and lean against the counter. “Charming is not the word I’d use.”
“True,” Violet agrees with a grin. “But they say opposites attract. Who knows? He might end up being your knight in not so shiny armor.”
I roll my eyes, though a hint of a smile tugs at my lips. The prospect of encountering Maximillian Harrington feels like an inevitability—whether that’s good or bad, I don’t know yet.
Violet teases, mimicking me. “Cupid’s too busy to hit me in the ass with his arrow.”
“He smells,” I retort, though we both know it’s a weak excuse. Besides, she and Sawyer just told me I stink too. I turn back to her, deciding to make myself a latte.
“But he sparred with you,” she points out playfully. “Don’t worry, he’ll be back.”
“You really think so?” I gesture vaguely around my face. “I thought my resting bitch face would have scared him off.”
“You do like him!” Violet exclaims.
I roll my eyes. “Did you miss the bond mark on his neck, Vee? He probably has an omega.”
“No,” she laments, dragging out the word. “Curse the Fates!”
“I know, right?” I agree, though a part of me recalls a certain Delta and his twin who had caught my interest once. Fate, however, had other plans. “We’ve got work to do, Vee. Go prep.”
