Chapter Five
Taking a moment to take in my appearance, I nod to myself. The dusky pink shade of the dress looks amazing against my skin tone and the dress itself is a masterpiece—if I do say so myself. The sleeveless dress plunges in the front to my navel, and the back is open until just above my ass. A slit up one side of the flowing skirt allows for easy movement, and the filmy cape that attaches at the top of the shoulders runs down the lines of the dress, giving it an ethereal feel and adds a train to the dress. Matching heels keep me from trampling on the dress and puts me at nearly six feet again. Let’s just hope that none of today’s suitors have a problem with my height.
While it hadn’t been a problem with my day-one suitors, you never know how someone is going to react. After all, there are some who believe that omegas are meant to be small and petite. I’m slender, but I’m taller than most female omegas I’ve met. I’m probably one of the few omegas who can say they’ve met many other omegas since I’ve been called on to design for quite a few. While a handful of them were catty to me, most weren’t. That realization was all I needed to know that the tales they spin about omegas not getting along are lies.
Between watching Sophia and Chase last season and my interactions with other omegas in the past are the reasons that I agreed to have omega suitors this season. And based upon my reaction to Koda yesterday and today, it was a good call on my part. By the time we made it back to the compound, I’d had to rush a little to get ready on time, but I think I did a pretty damn good job.
A knock on my suite door pulls me from my thoughts. It seems like I got ready just in time. I guess it’s time to meet a new set of suitors. As much as I’d love to think about the suitors I met on day one, I need to focus on the other sixteen suitors I still have to meet.
I open the door, a smile sliding across my lips when I see it’s Hector. “Good evening, Hector.”
“Good evening, Miss Evangeline. It’s time for me to escort you outside. Reginald is ready for your interview.”
I nod, stepping out of my suite, and swinging the door shut behind me. Following Hector out of the mansion and down the path, I wonder where Bree is. I figured she would be the one to escort me, and I find myself asking Hector about it.
“Bree is running the suitor interviews. I’ll be in charge of wrangling the suitors once you’ve met them until she finishes. Usually, Tessa would help with one or the other, but since she’s not here…” Hector shrugs.
I bite back my question of where Tessa is and nod. It’s none of my business where the alpha is, and Bree already told me she would join when she was able. It does make me worry about Bree a little, as she’s having to run everything all on her own. Not that I think she isn’t capable—she’s more than proven she is capable of anything—but when you’re used to relying on someone else to help with something, it can be hard to have to do it on your own.
“Thank you, Hector,” Reginald says as he walks down from the gazebo. I’m surprised to see his omega at his side. Reginald must catch my confusion because he shoots me a grin. “Tyler is here to help out since Bree is with the suitors.”
Tyler gives me a friendly smile. “Bree has been trying to get me to join the cast since Reginald joined on, but if I’m honest, I much prefer hanging out in the cabin with the rest of our pack over being out here dealing with the hubbub. Plus, I love my job.”
“What is it that you do?” I ask as Hector mumbles a goodbye and steps away.
“I’m a freelance graphic designer. It’s my passion, and I can do it from anywhere. It makes it easier for me to follow Reginald around for movie shoots.”
I smile as Tyler becomes more animated as he talks about his work. “You’ll need to send me your information. I’m always in the market for a good graphic designer. I’ve been thinking about redoing my logo. The current one is okay, but with the brand expansion, I think I want something more.”
“As much as I love that the two of you are getting along,” Reginald begins with a smile, “we do need to get your interview done before your suitors start arriving.”
Rolling my eyes at Tyler, I nod. “Let’s get it over with, then.”
The interview is quick and easy. Reginald just wants to get my thoughts on my first four suitors and how our group date went. Something tells me that unless there’s someone I don’t get along with, most of these interviews are going to be very similar. I understand why we have to do them, but that doesn’t make them any less annoying.
Reginald seems to notice my attention moving away from him and the interview, quickly ending it before leading me over to the circular driveway. “I know these interviews can be dull, but they’re important for putting the show together.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I promise I’ll try to do better.” I shrug. “I don’t even have an excuse. I guess talking about something that just happened seems odd to me, but I understand why we do it.”
“Your first suitor should be here any minute. Bree let me know she should be down before they’ve all arrived.”
I nod, my mind already wandering to the suitors I’m about to meet. This right here is why so many people never have a problem believing I’m an omega. They call me flighty because my mind is always somewhere else, but it’s not my fault that there’s always something else that needs my attention.
The sound of tires on asphalt tells me my first suitor has arrived without Reginald having to tell me. He steps back and moves to his spot, already talking to the cameras. I can’t imagine having to do his job. He regularly has to talk to the camera as if it were the actual audience. It makes sense, but I’d feel self conscious about basically talking to myself. Knowing Reginald though, he’s probably never felt self conscious a day in his life.
I straighten up as the limo comes to a stop in front of me, the door swinging open and a man steps out. He’s on the shorter side, probably closer to my height without my heels, but just as attractive as the other suitors have been. He’s wide and bulky, making me guess that he’s an alpha, despite his shorter stature. There’s a bit of a salt and pepper color to his close-cut hair and neat beard, a cocky grin on his face as he moves toward me.
“Well, it seems we have an Amazonian omega, doesn’t it?” he says with a laugh as he stops in front of me, his scent wafting toward me. Cranberry and orange scones—yum. It’s one of my favorite treats. That’s a definite bonus in his favor, making up for his comment. It also confirms his alpha status.
“Not an Amazonian,” I say, my smile tight. “Just tall and in heels.”
He hums. “I’ve always wondered why tall women feel the need to wear heels. Do you enjoy being taller than men?”
My back goes up, but I fight against it. His gray eyes don’t hold any malice, and it’s possible that he’s just nervous. I might not like his comments, but that doesn’t mean I should lose my cool.
I manage to keep the smile on my face, but it feels brittle. “Honestly? I don’t think of others when I’m dressing. I dress for myself, not for others. I like heels, and they make my legs look great, so I see no reason to stop wearing them. If anyone is put off by my height in heels, then there’s no reason for them to be around me, right?”
Internally, I wince. So much for holding my tongue.
“I didn’t catch your name,” I continue, wanting to cut this off before it becomes a thing. “I’m Evangeline.”
“I’m aware,” he says dismissively, his eyes raking over my body. It takes more effort than I’d like to admit to not squirm under his watchful eyes. Sadly, not because the look makes me hot and bothered, but because it doesn’t. His gaze feels lecherous as it runs over me. “My name is Viktor Russo. I’m thirty-nine, a book editor, and alpha, as I’m sure you can tell. Before you get any ideas, I don’t edit silly romance stories I’m sure you read. I edit for non-fiction.”
Biting the inside of my cheek, I force myself to keep smiling and take a deep breath. I hadn’t anticipated disliking someone so much upon our first meeting. “I think you’d be surprised about what I do and don’t read, Viktor. Though my job doesn’t allow much time for reading in general, I actually quite enjoy reading about history.”
“That’s surprising,” he says, and I wonder if he realizes just how condescending he sounds. “And this job of yours? Being a fashion designer? How long do you think you’ll be able to continue doing that once you have a pack and start popping out babies?”
Glancing over his shoulder at Reginald, I beg him to help me. I’m not sure if it’s the desperation or the rage in my eyes that gets to him, but he clears his throat and gestures for me to wrap it up.
“Well, as lovely as it’s been meeting you, it looks like our time is up. I’m sure we can talk more once the other suitors have arrived.” I’m effectively dismissing him, and he one hundred percent knows it based upon the anger in his eyes. Instead of saying anything, he just nods and steps around me.
I allow my eyes to fall shut as I try to rein in my annoyance. First impressions aren’t always correct because people don’t always act like themselves, but if Viktor’s attitude continues, I’m unsure that he’ll make it very far in the season.
Focus, Evie. Don’t dwell on the negative. We have three more suitors to meet, and there were four amazing suitors yesterday. They can’t all be a match for you.
Feeling better after my pep talk, I open my eyes and find Reginald staring at me. I give him a quick smile and thumbs up as I ready myself for suitor number two.
I don’t have to wait long for the next limo to arrive. When the door swings open, the first thing I see is a long, bare leg. When the woman finishes stepping out, her eyes finding mine, a smile lights up my face. She’s beautiful with her perfectly curled honey-blonde hair. The dress she wears is navy blue and strapless with a lace overlay that hits her mid-thigh. A train wraps around her waist and trails to the floor in the same lace, and I’m so glad she chose this dress. It looks like it was made for her.
Finally breaking our stare, she steps toward me with a smile on her face. It doesn’t take long for her hot cocoa, marshmallows, and candy cane scent to find me. and my smile only grows. It’s an amazing scent, and something tells me it suits her perfectly.
“Hi,” she says shyly, offering me her hand. “My name is Lillian. Lillian Ireland. Beta and twenty-three.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, sweet girl,” I tell her with a purr that sends a blush across her skin. Her dark brown eyes lower before meeting mine once again as I take her hand in mine. “Tell me a little more about yourself. What do you do for a living?”
Lillian seems a little awestruck as I refuse to release her hand. She shakes her head as if to clear it, her voice still quiet. “I work in marketing. I just graduated with my degree last year, so I’m still working my way up, but I really love it.”
“That’s good. We should all love what we do.” I step closer, reaching up with my free hand to trail my hand over her cheek. In her heels, she’s only a few inches shorter than me. I wonder if all of my female suitors will be shorter than me. I guess only time will tell. “I love what I do, and seeing you in this dress, I’m really glad I do what I do. It looks like it was made for you.”
She flushes again, ducking her head. “It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever worn, and surprisingly comfortable. Plus, there are pockets!”
I laugh. “That there are. I’m a firm believer in putting pockets on dresses when possible. Just because we wear a dress doesn’t mean we don’t have things to carry with us.”
She nods. “I’ve always hated that about dresses. It’s why I mostly wear pants to work, though I do have some skirts with pockets.”
“You’ll get to check out my whole line while you’re on the show, and I promise there are lots of dresses with pockets. Hopefully, you’ll try them out?” Glancing down at her long legs, I grin. “Because it would be a shame to cover up those legs.”
“Oh.” She giggles, ducking her head again. “I can’t seem to stop blushing.”
“That’s okay, sweet girl. I like it.” I step back from her, giving her some space. I don’t want to overwhelm the poor woman, after all. We chat about our hobbies for a few moments, and when I see Reginald signaling for me to wrap it up, I have to fight back a pout. “It’s been wonderful chatting with you Lillian, but it looks like our time is up. We’ll talk more at dinner, okay?”
She nods, still smiling. “I’d like that a lot.”
“So would I,” I tell her, turning to watch her walk toward Hector, who’s standing at Viktor’s side. My smile falls away at the way the alpha’s eyes move up and down the beta’s body. I’m just about to step toward them to make sure he doesn’t make her uncomfortable when Bree steps in front of me.
“And where do you think you’re going?” She raises an eyebrow, hands on her hips.
I frown. “I don’t like the way he’s looking at her. She’s shy, and I don’t want him to overwhelm her.”
Bree glances over her shoulder, watching as Lillian tries to put space between her and Viktor. “Yeah, I don’t like that either. I’ll take care of it. You just worry about meeting your next two suitors, okay?”
I open my mouth to argue with her but snap it shut at the look on her face. I grin, shaking my head. “Yeah, okay, Bree. Thank you.”
“It’s my pleasure,” she responds before turning to head toward the others. I can’t hear what’s being said, but I don’t like the look on Viktor’s face as he listens to Bree. But he does stop trying to move closer to Lillian, his eyes finding me instead. I fight to keep my face neutral as I spin back toward Reginald.
The beta gives me a tight smile but doesn’t say anything as the next limo turns into the circular driveway. I’d been much too concerned with Viktor and Lillian to notice its approach. I guess it’s a good thing that Bree interrupted me.
The limo pulls to a stop and the door pops open almost immediately. The man who steps out is probably close to six feet, but lanky, the tux he wears not fitting him as well as it could. His messy hair is a nondescript brown, his eyes the same. He’s cute, but not nearly as attractive as most of the other suitors I’ve met. The smile on his lips makes him more attractive, and I find myself returning it easily.
“Hi,” he says eagerly as he saunters over. “My name is Dustin Ellior.”
I take his offered hand, trying not to frown at his weak handshake. Trying to scent him discreetly, I lean closer. Definitely a beta. His honey and clementine scent barely registers over the scent cancelers. “It’s nice to meet you, Dustin. Obviously, I’m Evangeline. Why don’t you tell me a bit about yourself?”
“Well, I’m thirty-six, a beta, and I work in banking,” he starts, and I try not to zone out as he explains how much he loves banking. While I’m glad he loves what he does, there isn’t really anything exciting about banking, and it’s all he talks about. And he doesn’t let me get a word in edgewise, so I can try to move him to another topic. It’s unfortunate, to say the least.
“Oh, sorry to cut you off,” I say with a smile when Reginald sends me the signal to wrap it up, “but it looks like our time is up. I don’t know that I’ve ever heard about banking quite like that. I look forward to getting to know you better after meeting the other suitors.”
Dustin doesn’t seem put off by this, just giving me a smile and moving toward Bree and the other suitors. I try my best to keep my face blank, to not reveal the thoughts coursing through me—the boredom and disbelief. I refuse to lift my eyes back to Reginald, afraid I’ll end up revealing everything I’m thinking to him and the cameras. I don’t want to embarrass the poor guy on national television just because he got excited about his job. It seems cruel.
Taking a deep breath, I force myself to focus on my final suitor of the day arriving. Within a minute, the limo pulls up into the driveway and stops in front of me. The door doesn’t open immediately, and I find myself shifting from foot to foot in impatience. Why are they taking so long?
Finally, the door opens and my jaw drops as a familiar face steps out. I’d recognize that sun-kissed skin, artfully tousled brown hair, and olive green eyes anywhere. After all, he’d ended up being my favorite on season two.
“Alejandro Delgado?” I gasp, trying to bite back a squeal. Unfortunately, it slips out. “Oh, my goodness! I can’t believe you’re one of my suitors!”
Alejandro chuckles, flashing me those pearly whites of his. The alpha comes to a stop in front of me, his vanilla with sweet cane sugar and a zesty lime twist scent hitting me hard. All I can do is stare up at him as slick spills from me. He’s even more beautiful in person.
When he first appeared on Heated’s second season, I had been less than impressed—just as Sophia had been. He was everything I was used to seeing in models, and I hated it. But watching him grow up in the weeks he was on the show, only to be sent home for stepping in to punch Dylan before Carson could? My little omega heart melted right then and there. Sacrificing himself for a beta who he knew belonged with Sophia.
When they interviewed him afterward, he had no problem telling them exactly why he did what he did. I watched it more times than necessary and every other interview he’s given since then. To say I’m obsessed is putting things mildly.
“Hello, Evangeline. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” When he reaches out to take my hand in his and lifts it to his lips, I almost melt at his feet. What did I say about men kissing my hand?
“As happy as I am to see you here, I’m surprised they let you return after punching another suitor.” I wince, realizing just how bad that sounds. “I really am happy that you’re here.”
He chuckles again. “You said that, and don’t worry, I’m not offended. I was surprised when I received the phone call as well. Apparently, there was a big campaign by fans of the show who thought I deserved another chance at happiness. Bree did tell me that if I punch anyone this season, I’ll never be allowed near set again.”
A giggle spills from my lips as I turn to look at the omega in question. Her eyes narrow on Alejandro as she gives him the ‘I’ll be watching you’ signal. “Definitely no punching, then. I’d hate for you to not be allowed on the show. I’m actually a big fan of what you did. I admit, I was a big pile of omega goo when you did it, and then listening to your interviews after? Getting kicked off because you knew Sophia belonged with Carson and the rest of his pack. It was…”
“Stupid,” he offers with a grin before shaking his head. “I don’t regret it. No matter how much she denied it, Sophia was meant to be with them. Carson still thanks me anytime it gets brought up.”
“Oh, are you friends with them, then? With Pack… Shit, I don’t even know what pack name they went with.”
“Pack Lewitt,” he offers. “Asher is still the head of the pack, and the omegas wanted to share a name. And yes, I am close with them. In fact, Chase and I are actually working on a project together now.”
My smile grows at that. “I love Chase and what he’s doing for omegas. I don’t usually follow politics as it’s quite dry, but when he’s out there lobbying for my rights and my treatment, I figure I ought to pay attention.”
“I’m sure he’ll love hearing that.” He grins. “He loves to hear that omegas are sitting up and taking notice of what he’s doing. It makes him feel like he’s actually making a difference.”
“He is, and he should never doubt that. Can you tell me more about the project the two of you are working on together?”
Alejandro laughs. “Are you sure this is what you want to spend our time talking about?”
“If it interests you, then I want to know about it.” I shrug. “If someone is passionate about something, it means they believe in it, and that’s always something I want to hear.”
He nods slowly. “Okay, then. Sure, I can tell you a little about it. As an alpha, I felt like I wasn’t properly informed of what and who an omega is. I feel like our education system is failing us on this, and I’m not the only one. We learn the basics in high school, but once our designation reveals, we only learn about our own designation. And what we learn isn’t all correct. I’m not the only one who feels like they were unprepared for meeting an omega or trying to form a pack.
“When I realized that it was an issue that many alphas, betas, and even omegas felt the same about, I knew something needed to be done. Chase and I are working on a proposition for a bill to expand and better the education programs surrounding designations. It’s still in the beginning stages, but we’ve had a lot of positive feedback, and there’s been an influx of support. With how slowly laws are passed, it could be years before we’re able to get it passed—if we’re ever able to get it passed—but I’m hopeful.”
My smile has grown with each word. It’s clear that he really is passionate about this, and I love it. He’s no longer that spoiled model who showed up last season. He’s clearly becoming the man he was always meant to be, and I can’t wait to see him continue to grow. That might seem a little weird, considering I’ve just met him, but I feel like I’ve known him longer. Not just because he was on the show but because there’s something drawing me to him. I don’t know how to explain it.
“That sounds like a great idea, and I hope the two of you are able to get it worked out.” I shrug. “I know nothing about lawmaking, but I definitely support what the two of you are trying to do. Does this mean you’re not modeling anymore?”
Because trust me when I say I’d love to have him model for my male line.
He shrugs. “Over the last year, I’ve only taken a few jobs, and they’ve mainly been for charity or other good causes. I love being a model, but I love trying to enact change even more. I never would’ve thought that politics would be my thing, but when it fits, it fits. I’m even going back to school in the fall.”
“That’s really awesome. Well, if you ever do want a job modeling, I would welcome you with open arms. My male line still needs a spokesmodel.” Is it a little weird that I’m trying to hire him when he’s here as my suitor? Maybe a little, but I’ve learned that you don’t waste opportunities.
He laughs. “Why don’t we see how things go over the next few weeks? I won’t say no because this line is fire. You might not have a spokesmodel yet, but I’ll be surprised if you don’t have people jumping for the opportunity. It hasn’t launched yet, has it?”
“Officially? No. We’re considering this a soft launch,” I say with a laugh as Reginald catches my attention. This time, I do pout.
Alejandro laughs as he glances over my shoulder at Reginald. “I guess our time is up? Come along, little omega. There’s no reason to pout. Allow me to escort you to Bree and then dinner?”
“I’d like that.” I slide my hand into his offered arm, allowing him to lead me toward the other suitors. Once more, I feel Viktor’s gaze on me and have to fight a shiver. Refusing to give him an ounce of my attention, I smile at Lillian and Dustin before giving Bree my full attention.
“That’s it for day two suitors. If the five of you will follow me, we have dinner set up for you inside. Afterward, you’ll have the night free. Evangeline will have a choice of spending time with you or not before your group date tomorrow.” Bree turns on her heel, and we fall into step behind her.
I hear Viktor grumble something under his breath that I can’t make out, but Alejandro must hear it because he stiffens up beside me.
“Are you okay?” I ask, glancing up at him.
He gives a sharp nod. “It’s fine. Nothing for you to worry about. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”
I smile, allowing him to change the subject, but all it does is make me more curious about what Viktor said. Nothing I can do about it now. Maybe I can do some digging at dinner or after. I guess we’ll see.