25. Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Liam
This had to be the worst week of my life. I thought we were on the brink of our greatest revenge and our biggest win. That was until I smelled Celeste’s real scent.
Now, it was like I was a different person. I had suddenly turned to mush for her. I’d do anything to be around her. And I’d fight any other alpha to the death if they tried to touch her - which I nearly had to do when she perfumed in public. Now, I was grappling with the constant need to check on her, be near her, and care for her, all while knowing she was an awful human being. Or was she?
The more I’d been around her, the harder it was to see her as the enemy she should be. Speaking of hard, I had spent the week with my dick harder than a rock ninety percent of my waking hours. And after a year of unintentional celibacy, I was somehow even more horny now that I’d found out she was my scent match. It was like my sex drive was ramped up times ten.
And my instincts were starting to take over when I least expected it. When Celeste was in the kitchen trying to cook, I wanted to scream at her for keeping that secret from us for so long. But then she went and hurt her hand, and every negative feeling for her was wiped clear out of my system as the overwhelming urge to protect her took over. Then it was all downhill - I’d wanted to make sure she ate properly, had the medical care she needed, and couldn’t even leave her alone for the afternoon while she worked. And surprisingly, it hadn’t been all bad.
She’d snipped at me and made her little remarks, but her advice on the marketing campaign made sense. It was almost like she was being honest and trying to help. But I had to stay cautious. She was still our biggest enemy, and no matter what she said, I knew she sabotaged us before. I couldn’t let a few tender moments make me forget the real reason we brought her here.
I needed to focus, especially tonight. We were going to a concert - one of the planned public dates in our contract. We would go, be photographed, then become tabloid fodder the next day. I could get through this. The rumors of her perfuming at our party had been kept away from the media, likely because none of the high-ranking alphas wanted their lack of control reported on. I was thankful for that at least, although I felt a pang of possession over the idea that other alphas had smelled my scent-match’s incredible perfume.
I dressed for our date, making sure to shower in cold water beforehand to calm myself down. I was still getting ready when Dante knocked at my door, not bothering to wait for my answer before letting himself in. He’d taken the news of a scent match the hardest of us all, and hadn’t talked much since. But tonight he was at my side, looking at me in the mirror as I combed my hair, trying not to think about Celeste.
“How are you going to get through it?” Dante asked, his jaw tight.
“Same as before.” I answered curtly, straightening my collar as I looked at myself yet again, scrutinizing my appearance in a way I’d never done before.
“It’s different now. She can manipulate you.” Dante growled, staring at me with an intensity. I faced him, crossing my arms.
“I will not be manipulated by her, Dante. I know who she is. Just because she scent matched us doesn’t mean I’m going to throw everything away.” I remarked as I tried to feel confident in my own words.
“You’ll be alone with her.” He said, his voice strained. I knew what he meant. All of us were going insane in our own way from the desire to bond with her. The longer we went without being with her, the harder it was to function.
“I will be at a whole concert full of people.” I said, placing my hands on his shoulders. “She’s attractive. We can all agree on that. But I’m not just any other horny alpha.” I said reassuringly. He looked at me, his dark eyes doubtful.
“Just be careful.” He warned before turning to leave. He stalked away and I tried not to think about what we’d have to do in the future. I wasn’t able to even think of another omega besides her. After this whole charade was over, how would we be able to do anything? Our entire existence would be consumed with fighting our alpha instincts to follow our scent match and make her ours.
“One step at a time.” I muttered as I looked in the mirror one last time. I’d get through tonight, then the rest of my pack would have their one-on-one dates the next few weeks. We could do this. I stood up straight, braced myself and walked out to the foyer. I didn’t even get halfway there before I felt like I was punched in the gut.
The sweet scent of jasmine and bergamot drifted down the hall, and my heart started racing. I almost worried I’d go into a rut before I realized the scent was her artificial perfume, not her real one - I could still function. But just the memory of her real pheromones had me halfway feral. If this was what her artificial scent would now do to me, how would I manage if I smelled her real perfume again?
I was sure she wanted this to happen. Despite all our talk of a truce, she knew exactly how easy it would be to get me riled up now that I knew she was my scent match. I bit back a growl. If she wanted to make this date difficult, so be it. I knew how to be difficult, too.
I strode around the corner, and she turned to face me. I had to hide my surprise at how good she looked. Her hair was in loose beach waves, and she wore a silvery satin halter top that was loose around her cleavage, not showing much but just giving me a hint of her curves. My eyes dragged lower, and I nearly choked. She wore a tight black mini skirt, her long, sexy legs on display as she stood in her strappy, high heels. Her makeup was done up a little more smoky than usual, and as she faced me ,she put her hands on her hips. Another wave of her perfume hit me as she tapped her foot.
“Well? Are we going or not? I’ve never known an alpha who takes longer to get ready than me.” She said, her face a mask of annoyance.
I bit back my insult and just reached for the door, not bothering to hold it open for her like I would with any other omega.
“Get in the car. We’re late.” I muttered as I strode toward the waiting SUV. I heard her heels click as she ran after me, shocked by my words.
“Hey! It wasn't me who made us run late!” She called toward me, running to keep up. “Some gentleman you are!” She snipped as she followed.
I slowed down and walked around, opening the driver side door as I looked over the roof toward her.
“I’m no gentleman.” I replied as I got into the car, not even looking as she opened her own door.
“Clearly.” She huffed as she slid into the passenger seat. I’d decided to drive us myself, excusing our driver for the time being. I didn’t need anyone around to pick up on what was going on between us. It was already a tenuous situation, with our pack being three sex starved alphas who just found their scent match. And we needed to keep it a secret from everyone.
The drive over was nearly silent, with both of us trying to ignore the fact that we were enemies-turned-scent matches, going on a date that wasn’t a real date. She looked out the window, and I kept my gaze on the road in front of me, thanking everything in me that she was back on her suppressants. Once I saw the venue, I pulled up to the valet and couldn’t be happier to get out of the suffocating space of the car.
We walked toward the elegant concert hall, acting as if we were a couple. I wanted to reach out and grab her hand, except for the fact that I was supposed to hate her, and right now I was both annoyed and turned on. I smiled at the security as they ushered us in, expecting our arrival. They led us to our own private seating area before leaving us alone.
“After you, princess.” I said, allowing her to enter before me. She flipped her hair and marched up the stairs to the balcony. I followed her, grinning despite her attitude. With her in front of me, I got a perfect view of her ass. I was so transfixed on her that when she turned around at the top, I didn’t bother hiding that I was ogling her.
“Wow. you were right.” She said, and I reached the top of the stairs, ushering her to our private seats.
“About what?” I asked, curious if she liked the date idea I had picked.
“About you not being a gentleman. I’ve never felt someone mentally stripping my clothes off like you just did. Disgraceful.” She said as she daintily sat down in her seat, crossing her legs and looking down at the orchestra. I couldn’t help noticing that her skirt rode up, showing a dangerous amount of her thigh, which I was certain was intentional.
“Oh, I imagined much more than your nude body.” I replied with a grin, and despite the massive eye roll she gave me, I saw a flush creep up her chest.
We settled in as the lights began to dim for the performance. This was a much more subdued and formal event compared to where we went for the first ‘date,’ however I knew people could still see us up in our section if they tried. But we were higher up in the venue, with our box a bit more private as the conductor walked out.
“By the way, I never thanked you for the advice from earlier.” I said, leaning in to whisper to her, enjoying the way I could see the flush of her skin now that we were alone.
“I’m regretting giving you any advice, you brute.” She said back in a low whisper through her teeth, smiling as she noticed someone down below who recognized her.
“Either way, I appreciate your insight. I understand now why you’ve been successful in your role. You’re smarter than people realize.” I said, regretting that my words, though true, might come across as an insult. But to her credit, Celeste took it well. She turned to me and seemed almost grateful at the weak compliment. She bit her lip as she assessed me, and I couldn't stop myself from imagining all the kinds of things she could do with those lips and that sharp tongue.
“And I’m learning more and more that you’re right, omegas hate being told what to do.” I said, pleased that I could tell she felt at least a little physically flustered from being near me.
“Yes, we do hate being told what to do. Especially by alphas like you.” She retorted.
“Alphas like me?”
“Yea. You know,” she said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness, “there’s something so amusing about alphas like you. Always so eager to give orders. But…” Her gaze flicked to mine, and I saw the hint of something dangerous brewing. “You’re only worth listening to if you’re the right kind of alpha.”
I arched a brow at her. “The right kind? What do you mean by that, princess?”
She looked out over the balcony, her skin peeping out from the halter top, looking so tantalizing as she gazed over the crowd. “It means someone who commands respect without demanding it. Someone who earns loyalty without having to coerce compliance from someone, like with blackmail, for instance.” Her tone was sweet as honey, but I sensed she was wading into uncharted territory with me. “And you? I’m not so sure you’re the right type of alpha.”
She was sending barbs my way, but I was starting to like it. I laughed, surprising myself with my reaction to her words. “Is that so? And here I thought you were enjoying your time with us.” My sarcasm didn’t cause her to falter one bit. She glanced over at me, and I could see… was it possible… lust, in her eyes?
“I enjoy a lot of things, Liam, but being bossed around by someone who hasn’t proven himself? Not one of them.” So the little omega was warming up to me, but throwing down a challenge. Now this was interesting.
I leaned in, invading her space just enough to make her breath hitch. I loved watching her reactions. Knowing that she was feeling even a fraction of what I was feeling from being around her made me eager to see what else I could find out.
“Yet you’re still here, sparring with me. I think deep down, a tiny part of you might like me.”
Her jaw tightened, but she didn’t back down. “I’m here with you to save my reputation.”
“That’s all?” I countered. “Then let's test your theory, shall we? If you’re so particular about who you take orders from, how about I give you one right now?”
Her eyes narrowed, the fire in them blazing hotter. “Go ahead,” she said, her voice full of curiosity. “Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes.”
I leaned back, exuding every ounce of confidence I could muster. My eyes never left hers as I said, “Sit on my lap.”
Her breath caught, and for a moment, she seemed caught between outrage and intrigue. “You can’t be serious.”
“Oh, I’m dead serious,” I replied, my tone laced with amusement. “You said you’d only take orders from the right alpha. So prove it. Show me whether you think I’m the wrong one. You were the one sitting on my lap last time - maybe you can finish what you started.”
She hesitated, her body tense as the silence stretched between us. The only noise was from the orchestra down below, which now felt like a faint background noise as every bit of my attention was on her. When an alpha and an omega had chemistry, the omega would naturally love to take orders from her alpha. This was a perfect way to see what Celeste was really feeling. Finally, she uncrossed her legs and leaned forward, her gaze never wavering.
“Bold move from a silly alpha,” she said quietly, her voice almost a whisper, but there was no denying the excitement in her tone. “But are you sure you can handle it?”
I smirked, my heart pounding as she slowly shifted her weight. “Why don’t you find out?”
Our seats were close to each other, so she didn’t have to move far to sit on me. When I felt her weight as she shifted onto my lap, I almost couldn’t believe it. She actually did it.
A deep, instinctual satisfaction arose within me. The omega was accepting me.
The lights were low as the music played, and most people wouldn't notice us up here. But we were still in public, and she spread her legs, draping them over mine so that her entire center would be exposed if we weren’t in a private seating balcony. My breath caught in my throat. What had I gotten myself into?
Celeste leaned into me, her back against my chest. I never wanted to hold someone so badly. “Well? You got what you asked for. What now?” She asked, her face so close to mine that I’d barely have to move to have my mouth on hers. I felt her spread her legs apart even farther, leaning back, grinding her ass on me.
I’ve never wanted to simultaneously reward and punish someone before. She’d followed my order, then made it her mission to turn me on. This woman was teasing me in a place where she knew I wouldn't be able to do anything about it. This was an upscale event, where risky behavior was not welcome. But I’d show her. If she wanted to challenge me, game on.
I snaked my hand across her hip, cupping her thigh. I felt her shiver as I moved my hand closer inward, reaching for her core. I was rewarded with the warm, damp feeling of her panties against my hand and a small gasp as I ran my fingers over them, feeling her through the cloth. “I’ll tell you what happens now. You’re going to take what I give you, and keep a smile on your face if anyone looks our way. After all, you’re a respectable public figure, aren't you?” I asked, barely moving my mouth as I reached my hand to pull her panties to the side.
I felt her gasp as I pulled the fabric aside and ran my hand over her folds, enjoying the warmth and wetness that was emanating from her. For a moment I was worried about her slick attracting people, but thankfully I didn’t smell much. She was being diligent about her suppressants again.
She tried her best not to squirm as I slowly moved my fingers up and down her slit, mapping out her most intimate area. The whole time, I knew people were probably glancing our way from the other balconies or the pit below. She was trying her hardest not to show any signs of what we were doing, but I heard her breathe harder the more I touched her. She swallowed as I dipped one finger inside her slowly, feeling the amazingly soft, tight entrance to her sweet pussy.
A part of my brain knew I would regret this later. That this was the absolute last thing I should be doing. Especially after I’d promised my pack mate I wouldn’t cross this line.
But I couldn’t help myself any more. My alpha side had completely taken over, and I was elated that not only had my scent match followed my orders, but that I was now bringing her pleasure, using my hands to keep her aroused and leaning on me. Nothing in recent memory had ever made me feel so satisfied. It was truly intoxicating, and I felt the release of the tension flow through me, now that we were finally being honest in our desires.
I used my fingers to excite her, enjoying every shiver and movement she made as I discovered the pattern and pressure that she liked the most. As the music below us built to a crescendo, I worked her sweet center up until she was breathing hard, trying her best not to let it show on her face that I was bringing her close to orgasm. But when the music was at its height, I stalled my hand as I remembered that I should not be doing this.
This was Celeste. She was irresistible, frustrating, and my scent match, but she was still my enemy. And even though she was the cause of my constant arousal, she wasn’t going to get what she wanted out of me that easily.
I felt her react to my pause, then push her hips against my hand, seeking more friction. I pulled my hand aside, then smirked as she turned her face, her frustration breaking through. “Keep going!” She hissed at me, and I shook my head.
“I’m the one giving orders here, remember?” I teased, then gave her a tiny touch, barely strumming my fingers over her clit while she stifled a gasp.
“You really are the opposite of a gentleman.” She said through clenched teeth, trying to look like she was simply smiling out at the orchestra when really she was riding my hand. Then, I felt her reach behind her, slowly messing with my belt.
“Celeste!” I hissed, and tried to keep a normal look on my own face as she worked to free my cock from my pants, all while sitting on my lap. It was an intricate effort to look like we were just sitting innocently, and I made sure to fix my face to look as still as a statue when a few audience members glanced toward our balcony.
“Celeste, watch it, we can’t-” I started, but my cock was now free, and she shimmied so that it was angled right at her center, pressing the length against her slit. All of my attention shifted to controlling the urge to rut her right there.
I had spent over a year without a woman so much as looking at me, and now my scent match was on top of me, skin to skin. I could easily push inside her right now and end both of our sexual frustrations. There was only a tiny scrap of control left in me, and that was the knowledge that I’d be betraying Dante, and my pack, if I lost control and fucked Celeste.
She reached down, so carefully that it looked like no movement at all, and gripped my hard cock with her hand. Then, with her legs still spread over my thighs, she slapped my cock against her warm wet slit. The noise was muffled, but I swear that despite the orchestra playing at full volume that the noise of my cock against her skin was the only thing I could hear.
I couldn't hold back a deep groan, my eyes closed from the ecstasy that I was feeling. Then I snapped them open, grabbing her at the waist as I whispered to her.
“Stop right now, or there will be consequences.” My words did little to deter her. She let out a small giggle and ran her hand down my length, and I swear I nearly gave up the facade of normalcy right then. If I let my alpha side out, I’d fuck her right on this balcony, in front of everyone.
Just then, the faces of my pack flashed before me. What would they think of me, after I’d just promised Dante of all people, that I was in control? It took only a few hours before I’d gone back on my promise that I could handle this on my own. What would he think, knowing that she was responsible for one of the worst tragedies of his life, and that I was finger deep in her tonight?
The feelings of shame quickly dampened my arousal. I reached down and moved Celeste’s panties to cover her, then shifted her so that I could discreetly put my cock away. How had she enamored me to the point where I nearly forgot everything she was responsible for?
“What? What happened?” She whispered as she sensed the change in me. I had to grit my teeth to stop thinking about how badly I wanted to be in her right now. This scent match was more powerful than I ever imagined.
“Nothing. People are starting to notice.” I said, although that wasn’t the truth. I couldn’t trust myself around her. And I needed to get away from her soon, before I did something neither of us could ever take back.