Chapter 20
Chapter Twenty
Tatum
There For You Alpha Beta Omega Living and Care, or ABO Care for short, is a beautiful facility, and I take a steady breath as I walk in the front door. It smells nice in here. Clean, but also like someone took the time to disguise the hospital scent. It’s not a hospital, but some of the residents require medical care. Mom will be one of them.
“Tatum Cray, here to meet Mr. Trace.” I try to smile without looking as nervous as I feel as I speak to the pretty older woman behind the reception desk. She winces.
“Mr. Trace no longer works here, Hun. Did you mean…” She pauses as she clicks the button on her mouse a few times, focusing on the computer screen. “Mr. Hamlin? Sorry, he’s only just taken over while I was on leave. I’ve never been great with names, and he insists we call him Terry.”
“Uh. Okay?” I say, a little thrown, because just last week I spoke with Mr. Trace’s personal assistant, and she didn’t say shit. That and her oversharing just sort of caught me off guard. Most people I come across seem to barely give a shit when you approach them at their job. Like the counter girl at the Boutique.
“Sorry about that, there’s been a lot of changes for me over the last twenty-four hours.” She winces again, and my heart starts racing.
“Is everything okay, are you still accepting new residents?” I ask a little too frantically, when the elevator dings, and an Alpha steps into the small waiting area. His scent hits me in the face like a ton of stinky bricks. He smells like celery and parsley. Not the least bit alluring, but I can tell he’s wearing scent enhancers.
“Everything is just fine, Ms. Cray. You can come with me. I’ll escort you to my office personally. I’m Mr. Hamlin, the new resident coordinator. My family recently purchased this facility. My brother is the new owner, in fact,” he says as he approaches me, holding his hand out for me to shake. I would rather roll around in mud, than shake his hand. There’s a bottle of hand sanitizer, though.
He smiles, looking me up and down in a way that makes me very uneasy. I’ve spent many weeks working at Haze, a place where Alphas just like this one spend my entire shift looking at my body with greedy desire.
But his gaze doesn’t give me that vibe. It’s more of an evaluation. He’s estimating my value. What I’m worth. What I have to offer. I don’t like it at all.
Mr. Trace had been kind and gentle. He was a Beta. Neutral. Someone who wouldn’t be a threat to Omegas, and wasn’t domineering to other Alphas. On equal ground with Betas.
But this man? He feels…different. Or maybe I’m just paranoid. Maybe the simple fact that I expect to be watched at work makes it feel okay. Or maybe it's the extensive security team, and numerous bouncers that are in every corner that make me more comfortable.
I’m glad I didn’t bring Mom with me. I can’t focus on her and get a feel for this place. She needs all my attention.
There’s another meeting set for tomorrow, so Mom can tour the facility again and potentially move in. She’s already been here once, but all she said then was ‘okay…’ Meg came with us, and she thought it was amazing. Thank fuck.
If all goes well, then I’ll be moving her in here tomorrow. They’ve had an open room reserved for her for some time now. I got into contact with Mr. Trace just a few days after getting hired at Haze.
“Hi,” I say, as I shake his hand, not liking the cool clammy touch against my skin. The second he releases me and turns his back on me to lead the way to the elevator, I sanitize my hands. The older woman huffs a very soft laugh, her eyes twinkling with humor.
This Alpha is not the kind of man I’d usually get into an elevator alone with, but I don’t have a choice, do I? This is the best facility for a hundred miles, and I don’t want to restart the search. He won’t be personally looking after Mom. The nurses and doctors will, and unless they also hired all new staff, I’ve met them before and liked them.
Mom won’t be around this guy, only I will have to deal with him.
“Let's get to it,” he says, as we step into the elevator.
An hour later, I’m sitting in his office, gaping at the number written on the contract I haven’t signed yet.
“This is over twenty grand higher than I was quoted two months ago.” I swallow thickly. Sure, I have fifty thousand dollars, but I was hoping to make the money stretch longer. Maybe buy a reliable car. Cover moms stay here for the first six months…
“Things have changed. Mr. Trace wasn’t appropriately charging for the level of care provided here,” he says coolly, looking unfazed by my panic. At best, he looks peeved.
“Fifteen thousand a month!” I gasp, that's more than double what I’d been expecting. I’ll have to beg Declan for more hours. Additional responsibilities. I only have enough for three months.
“Is there an issue?” he asks, but I’m too shocked to respond. What choice do I have? Mom needs to be here. But… I would need to make nearly twenty grand a month to cover the cost of both of our lives. “We do have an alternative plan. You would need to provide a higher deposit. Then we could drop the monthly cost to nine point five a month.”
Mr. Hamlin picks at a piece of invisible lint on his perfectly tailored suit, as his scent overpowers the spacious office. I doubt he can even scent me. I can’t even scent myself!
My thoughts are spiraling, because there's no way I could possibly make fifteen grand a month work. What are the chances that I’ll meet more clients like Kodiak?
But Mom needs to be here. I don’t want to take her somewhere less expensive. I want her to get the best care possible. I’m not cut out for this. For watching her die. Watching her wish she was dead and only holding onto life for me. Barely.
If she’s here, they can get her on medications. Get her into a routine. She won’t be left alone for hours and days while I work. She won’t waste away on a couch until she does finally leave me here, all alone. They’ll take her out for walks and do things like art therapy. She’ll have group activities and so much human interaction… Everything I can’t give her. Not alone.
“How much would the deposit be?” I ask softly. If he says a number higher than fifty thousand, I’ll have to go back to work tonight and beg for an opportunity to earn that kind of cash again. How fucking much could he possibly charge?
He studies me for a long moment, before he finally answers. “Fifty seven thousand. That will cover the cost of her first two months of care. You will need to pay the next ninety-five hundred by the third month.”
I let out a breath. I’m five thousand short. I can possibly make that in one night though, if I talk with Declan again and maybe Dream. Between the two of them, it might be possible.
“I can pay fifty-two right now. I’ll need until tomorrow for the remaining five. I can bring it with me, when I move my mother in?” I offer, and his eyes narrow. He doesn’t respond right away. When he does, I deflate with relief. Thank fuck.
“That would be acceptable.”
“I can still visit daily?” I confirm, and he nods.
“Yes, the only thing that's changed is the cost. The proposed care will all be the same as before. Be sure to fill out the approved visitors list. It will save the rest of your family from waiting for extended times before being able to see your mother. And you will receive a report from the nurses daily in the online portal, and once a week communication from the doctors,” he says all this as if this is the most bored he’s ever been.
“There’s just me,” I murmur, as I start signing the endless pages, and filling out all the necessary information for the bank debit. I’d already added most of Mom’s info, and medical history when I’d submitted the application. This is mostly about money now. My agreement to make the payments on time, or Mom will be evicted. Dropped off at her last known residence or my documented residence.
“No other family?” he asks, suddenly sounding very interested, and my Omega senses prickle with unease. His scent spikes in the air. Because of the enhancers, it’s hard for me to distinguish exactly what he’s feeling. But I think I sense excitement.
“Not here,” I say vaguely, not saying anything else. He’s probably just nosey. But I’m not going to pretend that single, unmated Omegas aren’t in danger in this world. Especially without a family…
My mother is all I have. I need to be careful to never share that with this man or anyone else working here.
“Ah. Okay then,” he murmurs, sitting back in his seat. He watches me very closely now, and I almost wish I could lie about where I live. “Anyway, you can drop her off at any point between now and next week, but I’ll need the remaining balance to be paid by tomorrow.” He waves his hand dismissively as I hand him my bank card. I’ve already let the bank know I’ll be making a large payment, and for them not to block it. A strong part of me wants to snatch the card away from him, and flee.
Fifty thousand is the most money I have ever seen in my life. I don’t think I’ll ever see that amount again. I have to force that thought away. I need to remain optimistic. I’ll make enough to support myself and Mom, whatever I have to do.
Once I finish, I head straight into work. Hayden refused to give me my bike back, so I walk there from the ABO Care. I’m hours earlier than my shift, which means Hayden isn’t already parked outside waiting for me. Which is nice. I need the walk to clear my head.
I’d wanted to take tonight off to spend it with Mom. But I need to make five grand in one night. And then I’ll have to work tomorrow after I drop Mom off too, otherwise I won’t have enough money for the apartment. Or food…
I make my way up to Declan’s office, rather than getting ready first, and find Declan back to his usual self. Sexy as sin and dressed in another suit. Much more Declan like. Maybe he wasn’t feeling well yesterday.
“Tatum,” he says, tilting his head, as he leans back in his chair, taking in the sight of my outfit. “You’re not scheduled for a few hours.”
“I know. I needed to talk to you again. I know yesterday you did me a favor, and that asking for another one so soon isn’t a great look, but…” I take a deep breath, gripping the hem of my t-shirt, as I look up into his eyes. His scent is hidden again, unlike yesterday, and I wish it wasn’t. I could use the calming scent right now. “I’m putting my mother into a care facility. She’s not well. Hasn’t been for a long time. The deposit is fifty-seven thousand, and I’m five thousand short. I need another client, or a couple… I don’t mind how I earn it, but it’s due in the morning. I’m-I’m dropping her off tomorrow.”
I’m not sure why I’m so emotional. This is what I’ve been working for. She needs this. I know it’s what's best for her, but… I haven’t lived one day of my life without my mother by my side.
“Ah.” He leans forward and grabs a tissue, handing it to me. I take it with a half-hearted grateful smile. “That's why you came in here yesterday asking to sign the contract. Why you wanted the chance to make more money.” It’s not a question. My cheeks burn with the reminder of exactly how I earned that money.
“Her care is expensive. I need to make more money. A lot more. If that client returns, I’d appreciate it if you would consider me again.” I know he said he’d see me again, but I need to ask.
“Mmm.” The way he watches me is intense. There’s a long pause.
“Did I do well enough yesterday in the evaluation? You’ll call me if Kodiak returns?”
“He told you his name?”
“I assumed it was fake, actually.”
“Mmm,” he just grunts, but then nods. “Yes, you did well. We’ll call you if he returns. And you can start tomorrow night on the floor for one on one entertainment. If you’re picked for any private dances, as I’m sure you know, you’ll keep half the deposit, and all the tips. I’ll ask Dream to train you for some of the more complicated Muse services.”
“Thank you!” I nearly start crying again. “Would you mind if I worked extra hours as well? As often as possible, honestly…” I give him a hopeful look, grinning brightly.
“I’ll speak with the shift managers and find out what areas might need additional coverage.”
“The contract?” I try not to look like I’m willing to jump this desk and give him a lap dance to make sure my employment is guaranteed, but he just chuckles.
“I’ll have you sign it tomorrow. Go, be with your Mom.”
“Uh.” I blink, then shake my head. “No, I need money tonight.”
“Oh, right. You said that. I apologize, I was distracted.” Declan looks around the top of his desk like he’s searching for something. “I don’t… I’m not sure who’s here. Um.”
He’s flustered, and doesn’t seem as organized as last night.
“Lap dance,” he says abruptly, and I frown.
“Are you saying I can do a lap dance for a client?” I clarify, but he shakes his head.
“No. I’m saying… Do you want to dance for me, for the money?” He’s not looking at me. It’s unlike him. He’s been so confident since I met him. My heart starts racing as it slowly sinks in, what he’s offering.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Show me.” Declan pushes his chair back from his desk and gestures to his lap. I look down at my outfit and frown.
“I’m dressed.” It concerns me that my first thought isn’t how unusual this request seems, but that I’m not dressed correctly for a lap dance.
“So undress,” he says simply, and my heart rate kicks up. I try not to think about the fact that Declan is my boss and extremely sexy. I try, but fail. At least his scent is absent. The thought of taking my clothes off for him, showing him the simple black lace underwear and matching bra I’m wearing…
“Okay,” I nod my head, and stand. I take my time removing my clothes, then grab my phone. I put on a song I’ve heard played here many times and turn to face Declan.
In my mind, I pretend he’s a customer. I don’t have to pretend I’m attracted to him, though.
I sway my hips as I make my way toward the desk, letting instinct guide me. I step up onto the chair and then his desk. There are papers there, but I ignore them. I get close to the edge, and drop into an open leg squat, hands on my knees as I bounce a little, before turning and straightening my legs, but staying bent over. I arch my back, flipping my hair as I stand again, as I turn around, I hold my hand out.
Declan takes it without hesitation, and I step onto his chair between his spread legs, so I don’t have to jump off the desk. The heat of his body warms my toes. He grunts, but I just place my other foot on the ground. Both feet on the floor between his spread legs now, I turn my back to him and drop my chest to the desk.
I can’t resist looking over my shoulder at him. Is he imagining that this is what I would look like if he was about to fuck me right now?
“Touch me,” I murmur, waiting until the warmth of his hands is on my hips to move again. Slowly, I sink back, dropping my ass into his lap. The hardness there is unmistakable. I let a little whine slip free, and his grip tightens. I bounce, then circle my hips, before leaning back into him. I press my body fully against his chest, and lift my arms around his neck.
His hands travel up my body, caressing my skin possessively.
“Fuck,” he grunts when I roll my hips back and rub my ass against his hardness. Normally, I would keep a respectable distance between my ass and a client's dick. Declan is different. He’s also paying me five thousand dollars for this lap dance, I think I owe him a good experience.
Also, I really fucking want to do this. He’s paying me. I should do this.
“That's not very professional of you, Sir,” I murmur breathlessly.
“No. It’s not. But I can’t seem to control myself when it comes to you, Little Omega.”
I release his neck and spin. His hands land firmly on my ass, and I climb back into his lap. I’m reminded of being in a similar position last night with Kodiak.
I bury my hands in his hair and tug his head back. He grins at me as I roll my hips, looking as if I were fucking him. Bouncing on his cock…
“Fuck, you feel so good,” I moan, letting my eyes fall closed as I pretend to fuck Declan. This is not how I’d give a lap dance to anyone else, but with this Alpha? Fuck, I wish he’d asked for more.
“You can stop, Little Omega. I think you’ve earned your money for tonight.” Declan’s voice is barely more than a growl, and I whimper, but listen. Slowly, I open my eyes, and meet his intense gaze.
“If you think I’ve done enough,” I murmur.
“You have, Tatum. You should go home to be with your mom now. I’ll send the money.” He reaches up to cup my cheek, caressing it gently with his thumb.
“Thank you, Declan. You don’t know how much this means to me.” The tears stinging my eyes can’t be contained as I climb off his lap and skitter over to my pile of clothing.
I feel as if I owe Declan a lot more than this single lap dance, but I’m not brave enough to offer more.
Hayden
I’m leaning against the wall outside the employee entrance as Tatum steps out into the night air. The thrum of need that hits me every time this girl is around never fails to break me.
“Starlight,” I murmur as she stumbles to a stop beside me.
“You.” She manages a snarky smirk before turning in the direction of the parking lot.
“Come on, pretty girl, let me give you a ride home. I have to head that way anyway,” I offer as she looks at me skeptically. She must not be willing to fight tonight because she nods and wanders over to my ride.
“The only reason I’m agreeing is that I want to get back before the rain.”
The quiet in the truck is heavy on the short drive to our apartment building.
“How is your mom?”
“She is finally going into ABO care.” The response is almost reluctant, like she doesn't want to share that much of her life with me. She clams up after that, but I take it as progress.
When I am not running errands for Dec or Kodi, stalking my girl, or sleeping, I sneak visits to Mama Cray when I can. Because of our history… She knows me enough not to freak out when I slip through the door. The first time, I simply told her Tatum had asked.
I haven’t had to check in as much with Bernie’s daughter coming by, but my heart still aches with how much her mom has gone through.
“That’s great, Starlight,” I say softly as I pull in front of the building.
She looks at me with moist eyes before shaking her head.
“Thanks for the ride…”
Before I have a chance to say anything else, she throws herself out of the seat and onto the sidewalk, but quickly comes to a halt. Where her death trap of a bike sat until its unfortunate demise, sits a sleek baby blue bike with a comfortable seat.
She gasps as her eyes snap up to mine. I nod and simply toss her the keys to the chain. Her face is a mix of both irritation and gratitude as she catches them.
Blowing her a kiss, I pull away before she can fight the gift.
It may not be much, but it's a start.