Chapter 6
Sébastien
M y plane was late and now I’m a full fucking day late reporting to my new job. When I spoke with HR yesterday, they were understanding. I finally checked into my hotel room at nine this morning. It’s after ten and I’ve finally arrived at Hudson Yards.
It’s an impressive display of art and business seamlessly melded together. I easily find 30 Hudson Yards and head to the bank of elevators. I know I report to the ninety-ninth floor to check in with HR.
The elevator doors slide open with a smooth hum, and I step into a sleek, modern space that screams luxury and efficiency. The floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light, revealing a breathtaking view of the city below. Polished marble floors gleam beneath my shoes, reflecting the clean lines of minimalist decor: soft grey walls, glass partitions, and strategically placed art pieces that combine form and function.
I’m not sure what I was expecting, but this is definitely more refined than I imagined. I approach the reception desk, where a well-dressed woman with perfectly styled black hair greets me with a polite smile.
“Good morning,” she says, voice smooth but businesslike. “How can I assist you today?”
“I’m Sébastien Ricci, here to check in with HR. I’m the new master perfumer.” I offer a small smile, trying to shake off the last remnants of jet lag and irritation from my late arrival.
Her smile widens, and she nods, tapping a few keys on her keyboard. “Of course, Mr. Ricci. Ms. Wells is expecting you. She’s finishing up a meeting, but she’ll be with you shortly. Please feel free to take a seat.” She gestures to the plush seating area nearby, where soft leather chairs and a sleek glass coffee table sit surrounded by potted plants.
I nod and make my way to the seating area, dropping my bag beside me. I try to relax, but the anticipation of meeting everyone and getting settled into my new role keeps my mind racing. The sound of footsteps draws my attention, and I look up to see a tall woman approaching.
Her posture is immaculate; straight-backed, poised. She’s dressed in a tailored navy suit, with auburn hair pinned neatly at the nape of her neck. Green eyes meet mine with a sharpness that doesn’t miss a thing. She doesn’t smile at first, but there’s something reassuring in the way she carries herself, like she’s seen it all and knows exactly how to handle it.
“You must be Sébastien Ricci,” she says in a calm, professional tone, extending a hand. “I’m Veronica Wells. Welcome to House of Aphrodite.”
I rise, shaking her hand. “It’s a pleasure, Ms. Wells.”
Her gaze doesn’t waver as she studies me for a moment, and I feel like she’s already sized me up. “I trust you had a smooth arrival, despite the delay?” she asks, her voice neutral but with a subtle note of understanding.
I nod, a bit embarrassed. “Yes, just a rough start. But I’m here now.”
She smiles then, just a little. “Good. Let’s get you settled in. Follow me, please. I’ll take you to meet Massimo.”
As I follow her through the hallway, I can’t help but feel the weight of the company pressing around me, each step taking me deeper into a world that’s new and unfamiliar. But I’m ready. This is what I’ve worked for.
I’ve spent my entire life preparing for this position. And as an Omega, it’s the perfect place to work. House of Omega has a state-of-the art perfume lab and an impressive staff.
Veronica leads us down a different hall to a private elevator that takes us to the hundredth floor.
“Mr. Ricci is on this floor, as is your lab. All the creative aspects of the House are here. Admin is the floor below and the floor above is executive offices and boardrooms.
The scent of alpha pheromones slams into me, along with the scent of burnt peach cobbler, as the elevator's doors open. . There’s a very stressed Omega close by. My protective instincts go into overdrive. At the same time the scents coming from the Alpha’s test my restraint and I begin to perfume regardless of the scent blockers I’m wearing.