22. Did You Check the Oven?
Chapter twenty-two
Did You Check the Oven?
Jason never showed up to class that day. I would have sent him a message to check up on him, but we never exchanged numbers or anything. I couldn’t help but feel that I should have done something when I noticed him walking off in the other direction. But if I had stopped him, then what? It’s not like we were particularly close.
To try and ease the guilt that was weighing on my mind, I told myself that the next time I saw him, I would see if he needed a friend.
The class went as well as I expected. It was an informational yet dull lecture about how gender plays such a significant role in our society. By the middle of the lecture, I was half-listening. My writing assignment was open in front of me so that I could dot down some ideas, but something the professor said caught my ear.
“…due to the fact that they exhibit more masculine traits and confidence compared to their counterparts. Despite being male, Omegas are oftentimes subjected to mistreatment and discrimination. Now, that is not to say that the struggles of male omegas are comparable to women in general, or even female omegas, but it is there all the same.”
The professor went on to discuss how omegas are rarely seen in positions of power. They are often deemed too weak and feminine, making them a weaker candidate than male Alphas. People tend to respect a person more based on looks than capability.
I was surprised by how intrigued I was by the lecture topic. It made me examine how being an Omega also affected my life.
For one, I was practically raised to think that my main purpose in life was to marry an Alpha, bear his children, and take care of the house. I never questioned this. But then again, why would I? It seemed that my instincts were telling me the same; to find an Alpha, bear his seed, and start a family.
Oddly enough, I started to recall one of the first things Jason said when I first met him when I moved in with Derek. Even then, he was challenging my concepts of what it truly meant to be an Omega.
Yes, I couldn’t help the hand life dealt me, but that wasn’t to say that there was nothing that I could do to change it.
There was no homework assigned, and the professor looked quite pleased with himself. Looking around, I saw that a lot more people paid attention than usual, a look of contemplation on more than one face. If his attention was to get the dusty cogs in our minds churning and start to view our lives with a more critical eye, then missions accomplished.
That philosophical mindset lasted for a solid thirty minutes, which was roughly the amount of time it took me to drive home to see Derek splayed out on the couch in nothing but his underwear, snoring while an old football game played in the background.
Hormones threw higher thinking out the window and stomped on it for good measure.
As much as I wanted to just cuddle up next to him, he needed the rest. He’s been through a lot the last couple of days, and the last thing I wanted was to disturb him because I caught a case of horndog.
I happened to see Jason again at a later lecture, and after working up the courage to ask for his number, asked if he would be interested in hanging out at our house. When I asked for his number, his eyes widened in shock, but then he smiled so wide I was surprised an agent for a dental ad didn’t materialize right then and there.
Sadly, his smile quickly fell when I said I wanted Derek and him to start over, as their previous introduction had been less than pleasant. He winched, likely recalling the conversation and how Derek was seconds away from committing an act of violence.
“Yeah, I probably shouldn’t. I didn’t make the best first impression.” I snorted. Understatement of the year, folks.
“To be fair, he didn’t handle things well either.” Jason didn’t seem swayed by my answer, so I opted to go for the empathy approach.
“Jason, I would really appreciate it if you came. It’s usually his buddies and sometimes I feel the odd one out, you know? I haven’t made many friends here and—“
“Okay, I’ll come.”
“Y-You will?”
“Sure, when you make a face like that, how can I refuse?” He gave me a grin that had my face flushing.
“Whatever, I wasn’t making a face…”
“If you say so. But listen! I’ll only come if he’s one hundred percent okay with it. I think I can handle myself pretty well, but he looked like he had about a hundred pounds on me. I’d rather not have my ass handed to me. I have a reputation to uphold and all that.”
“Mm, I’m sure all the girls would weep to see your pretty face covered in bruises.”
“You think I’m pretty? Finally! It’s about time you finally confessed.”
“Oh, shut up!”
We walked to class together and sat in our usual seats. Everything flowed normally, with the professor droning on in the front while the students either paid attention, looked at some device, or took a nap.
When class was over, Jason made me promise to ask Derek to see if it was okay if he came over. I had to pinky promise and swear and everything. The whole nine yards. I couldn’t help but laugh at his antics.
That would later come to bite me in the ass. Karma, you gotta love her.
Derek was awake when I came home this time, although he was still wearing nothing but his boxers. I kissed him on the cheek as I passed and headed to the bedroom to get changed, all the while wondering how the hell I was going to approach the topic of Jason coming over.
Hey Derek, is it okay if my Alpha male friend came over to hang out? Oh! By the way, you actually met him before. Yeah, he was the alpha who insulted you at The Hub way back when…
Yeah, there was no way in hell he would ever allow Jason in his home. But I didn’t have a choice. If I didn’t tell Derek, he might see it as a betrayal.
I hovered over Derek's couch, unable to bring myself to open this particular can of worms. He looked over his shoulder to see me standing there, and whatever emotion was written plainly across my face had him so worried that he turned off the TV and gave me his undivided attention.
Without the distraction of the TV, this already difficult discussion just became harder.
“Derek, I need to talk to you.”
“What’s wrong, baby? C’mere,” he said, patting the couch cushion next to him. As soon as I sat down, he knelt in front of me and took my hands in his. “What happened? Talk to me.”
I felt no small amount of guilt over the fact that the only reason he was reacting this way was because of my rebellious facial expression. I shake my head.
“It’s not that serious. Sorry for worrying you, I just wanted to ask if I could have a friend over…” He blew out a shaky breath and laughed, rejoining me on the couch.
“Oh my god! Don’t scare me like that. I thought someone died!” He kissed me on my head before turning the TV back on. “Of course, you can have people over. You don’t need to ask me for permission.”
“Yeah, I know…” I took a deep breath before plunging on, “It’s just that my friend is an Alpha.”
“Mmhmm,” he said, focusing back on whatever game was being replayed that night. It took my words to register, but when he did, I could practically see the moment my words traveled through his eardrums, made their way to his brain, and my statement played over and over in his head.
His reaction would have been the height of comedy had it been any other topic under discussion. He bolted upright, mouth flapping open like a fish out of water, before leaning back to rest on the couch. He crossed and uncrossed his arms so many times, it was like he didn’t know what to do with them. A muscle in his jaw ticked while his hands fisted in his lap.
“I’ll be honest, now is probably not the best time to have another Alpha in the house.”
“I understand, but he seems to be going through a rough time, so I was hoping to help him not feel so alone.”
“And I love that you are so considerate of others. That’s not the reason why I’m saying it’s not a good idea right now.”
“It’s not?” He shook his head and massaged his temples.
“Damon, it’s not that I care that he’s an Alpha. Well, I do care, but that’s a different problem. I knotted you not too long ago. If I were to see you with another man, let alone an Alpha ? I’d probably lose my goddamn mind.”
Ah, that makes a lot more sense now that the answer was waved in front of my face.
“That’s fair. If you brought home another Omega, I’d probably do the same if I’m being honest.”
“See? Tell you what, why don’t we wait a couple of weeks and then invite both our friends over? I’d love to meet the guy, and I’m sure Sarah wouldn’t mind stopping by.” Inviting Sarah was a great idea. I haven’t seen her outside of her mandated visits to see if I was in a stable living environment. Seeing her outside of a work capacity would be great, but there was still one problem…
“Yeah, about that. You’ve actually met him before?” He tilted his head to the side, his face scrunched up in confusion.
“Really? Where at?”
“At The Hub, when I first moved in with you.”
“The Hub? Who…” He trailed off as I’m pretty sure he recalled exactly what happened between him and Jason.
“No.” His eyes were dark pools of green, the absence of light making them almost appear to be dark orbs.
“But Derek—“
“No! He’s not setting one foot in this house! If I catch his ass here, I’m killing him, you hear me?”
I nodded, not trusting my voice to remain steady. I would have left it at that, but for some reason, the past lectures came to my mind.
Just because I was an Omega didn’t mean I had to be weak and timid.
“Why? He wants to apologize for what happened that day. He’s pretty cool once you get to know him.”
“Damon, I said no.”
“And I’m saying give him a chance.” He gave me a cold look, standing up to hover over me, an arm on each side, effectively pinning me in place, but I refused to be intimidated.
“Is there something going on between you two? Why do you want him over here so bad?” My body moved on its own accord, my palm connecting to his cheek in a resounding slap that sounded deafening in the ensuing silence. I pushed him aside and he stared up at me in shock, a hand to his cheek.
“I’m insulted you even asked.” It was hard not to look like a disgruntled teen storming off to their room, but I think I pulled it off okay. I went up to my library and slammed the door closed, locking it for good measure. My heart seemed to beat at a hundred miles an hour, my blood still boiling with the utter rage I felt. I paced across the room like a caged tiger looking to strike anything that looked at it wrong.
What the fuck? Did he think that I was that easy to lose interest in him? Why couldn’t he see that I was practically obsessed with him?
I finally sat down after wearing myself out from all the pacing. Once I calmed down, what I did caught up to me.
I hit him. I’ve never struck anyone in my life, and yet I struck Derek. I groaned, placing my head in my hands as I sat there wallowing in regret and embarrassment. If my old instructors could see me now, they would have had a heart attack!
I told myself a long time ago that violence was not the answer, and that no matter what I felt in the moment, I wouldn’t turn out like him. Yet here I was, striking a loved one. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree after all.
Sooner or later, I would have to face Derek and finish what I started. I don’t want to give up so easily this time.
I jump to my feet and head to the door, flinging it open to find Derek already there, hand comically raised in a fist as if ready to knock.
“Hey, can I come in?” I nodded and stepped aside as he entered the room. He looked around as if he felt out of place, not taking a seat until I grabbed him by the hand and led him to the loveseat I had in the room. I held one of his hands in my lap, my thumb stroking the appendage absentmindedly.
“Sorry—“
“Sorry—“
He motioned for me to continue. Instead of answering right away, I reached up to cup his face, the spot where I slapped him earlier. His eyes fluttered close as he leaned into my touch.
“I’m sorry for slapping you, Derek. I was just... so angry , but that’s no excuse to take it out on you with violence.”
“You don’t need to apologize for that, you just slapped some sense into me. Literally,” he said with a weak laugh. “I should have never implied that you would cheat like--”
“Don’t you dare. Her name is forbidden in this house.” He gave me a weak smile and nodded. It makes sense that cheating would be the first thing to come to his mind, but it still hurt me to think he thought I was capable of that.
“I love you, Derek. You . Short of a personality shift, I don’t think that’s gonna change anytime soon.”
He was quiet for a while, but I could feel his hand tremble in my lap. Derek , the person that seemed larger than life, his shoulders wide enough to bear the world.
But Derek is just a man, and no matter how strong he is, even he would tremble and break under such pressure.
“If you don’t want him to enter our home, then can we at least find a common ground and meet up somewhere in town?”
“No, it’s okay. This is your home too, and I shouldn’t dictate who you can and can’t have over. That’s not the relationship I want to have. I want us to be equals.”
Love welled up inside of me, almost overpowering me with how strong it felt.
In the end, we decided on a weekend a couple of weeks from now. Invitations went out that night, Jason readily agreeing while Sarah called me all kinds of names under the sun for not inviting her over sooner but said she and her husband would stop by regardless.
Derek said some of his buddies and their partners would stop by, and it wasn’t until I got a final count of the number of people who were coming that I started to panic a little.
Did I really need to cook for so many people, more than half of the group Alphas?
I quickly told Derek that if they came, the rules would be like those at Superbowl gatherings. They would need to bring the ingredients if they wanted to eat. He quickly shot down the idea, though, stating that they were all grown adults and could bring their own food if they wanted to eat.
Well, that works too.
The day of the gathering, I was so racked with nerves that I ended up cleaning to destress, the house smelling like chemically produced lemons by the time I was done. The anxiety still had a stubborn chokehold on my heart, but at least I was more than satisfied with how the house looked.
The first guests to arrive were Derek’s friends, a couple he went to school with and stayed in contact with. I had previously met the man when he came over to watch football, but his partner, a female Omega, was new to me. We quickly introduced ourselves, and she offered to help me in the kitchen, help that I desperately needed.
In my panic-induced mind that made me stress-clean, I didn’t want to start cooking with the house smelling like a small-scale chemical plant. I had to air out the house before people started to arrive. That was two hours ago. There was still a faint whiff, but it wouldn’t kill anyone.
Sarah and her husband were the next to arrive. Once they arrived, something magical happened. As soon as three men gathered in one spot, they disappeared into the man cave, Sarah’s husband still gushing about how impressive the space was. I probably won’t see them again until everyone else arrives, but at least I had company.
Almost an hour had passed, and everyone had shown up bearing some kind of food, drinks, or both. Everyone except Jason.
I texted him to see if everything was okay. I even tried calling him, but no answer. Derek didn’t seem too sad about not meeting him, and I couldn’t blame him. If I were in Derek’s shoes, I’d be hard-pressed to let someone that I almost had a falling out within my home too. It was easy to put myself in his shoes too. All I had to do was think of Yas—she who must not be named. I didn’t even have to envision it, and I could already feel my blood boiling.
Just when I was about to give up hope, the doorbell rang and I shot up to my feet. Derek got up at a much more relaxed pace than me, but he rolled his shoulders and neck as if preparing for a fight.
“Don’t kill anyone out there!” Sarah calls after us as we make our way to the door.
“Haha, very funny.”
“I’m not joking,” she said in a sing-song voice, nodding her head to Derek. He was breathing hard, his fists clenching and unclenching at his sides. Oh, well, that’s not a good sign.
“Derek,” I said cautiously, “maybe this isn’t such a good idea...” The last thing I wanted was to invite Jason to a fight he didn’t want.
Derek takes a deep breath and gives me a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
“I’m okay. Let’s just get this over with.” The last thing I heard from the living room was Sarah confirming whether one of Derek’s buddies was a cop. He was, but an off-duty one. I vowed to do my best not to drag him into an escalated situation.
Derek beat me to the door, but before he opened it, I gently rested my hand on his arm.
“You’re scowling.”
“Sorry, but I doubt it’s going away any time soon.”
“That’s fair, but can you tone it down and at least turn it into a hard frown?” He did as I asked. Giving him one last look, I stepped back so he could open the door.
Jason looked nervous, biting his bottom lip. His hair was disheveled as if he had run his hand through it multiple times since arriving. Upon seeing Derek, he cleared his throat and held out his hand.
“Derek. Nice to meet you... again I mean. I want to apologize for how I acted the first time we met.”
Derek took Jason’s outstretched hand, and based on the wince on Jason’s face, it was safe to say that Derek was doing his best to crush his hand.
“Jason. Glad you could make it. Almost thought that you would be a no-show.”
“Sorry to disappoint, just fashionably late is all.”
“Pretty sure people would just call it late at this point.” I laughed awkwardly, which inadvertently brought both of their attention to me.
“Jason! So glad you could make it,” I said, trying to break up the building tension. “What’s in the bag?” He held a gift bag in one hand, hanging loosely by his side. He held up the bag as if he had forgotten it was there and offered it to Derek.
“Damon told me you like bourbon, so I thought I’d bring some as a peace offering.” Derek accepted the bag, pulling out a glass container holding the signature amber liquor inside. It had a black label with gold lettering embossed on the front. I’m not too familiar with brands, but it looked expensive. As far as peace offerings go, this one was pretty good. Hopefully, Derek felt the same.
Derek grunted in a begrudging manner, staring at the label for a few moments before thanking Jason and offering him to come in finally.
As Derek led Jason to where the rest of our guests were gathered, I hung back by the front door and heaved a sigh of relief, my head and heart pounding from the soap opera that seemed to be unfolding right before my eyes.
After introducing himself to everyone else, he opted to sit on one of the highchairs by the kitchen island. I quickly excused myself to find some pain medicine for the stubborn headache that refused to go away. I hoped that I wasn’t coming down with something.
Rejoining the others, the party seemed to be in full swing. Despite sitting on the outskirts, Jason was quickly pulled into the group’s orbit. Some of the women—and a few of the men—gave him appreciative looks, while the men seemed to delve into showboating by trying to prove how masculine they were. It seems that Jason’s looks never failed to affect someone in some shape or form.
Thankfully, Derek seemed to be in an easy-going manner. He even showed off the gift that Jason brought over. His buddies begged him to have a taste, but he shook his head no, saying that something like this should be reserved for special occasions only.
“How about we start digging in? I’m starving!” said one of Derek’s buddies, his wife slapping his chest and giving the others a chagrined smile.
“I’m so sorry about that. He gets plenty of food at home, I swear,” she said, sending the group into a fit of laughter.
With no other objections, we took all the food to the dining room, where the large oak table was barely large enough to accommodate everyone. Bottles were open, and drinks started to flow, dishes heaped with food passed around. This was one of the best gatherings I’ve ever been to, and considering that I haven’t been to many, I chalked it up to being overwhelmed with so much happiness. Happiness at being surrounded by such bright souls, tears gathering in my eyes as I clutched my sides in laughter.
Things came to an abrupt end once I started to dry heave.
Everything was going fine. Better than fine, everything was going great. At least, until a dish of what seemed to be broccoli, rice, and a healthy amount of cheese made its way to me. It looked quite good, appetizing really, until the smell from the dish assaulted my nose and caused me to almost spew my lunch right there and then.
The ailment came out of nowhere, and I really thought that I caught something. Derek’s hand was on my back almost instantly, concern etched on each line of his face.
“Sorry, I don’t know what happened…” I excused myself from the table, my appetite extinguished. I tried to assuage all of their concerns, telling them that I was okay, and left to rest in the living room. Sarah followed me after a few minutes, laying a gentle hand on my shoulder.
“Are you sure you’re okay? Need me to get you anything?”
“I’m okay Sarah. I just think I’m coming down with something. I even had a headache earlier.”
“Really? Aww. Damon, if you weren’t feeling well, you should have told us. I’m sure everyone here would have understood.” Appreciation of having such a good friend began to well up in my chest. I didn’t know what I did to deserve a friend like her.
“I thought I would be okay 'cause I felt fine earlier. It comes and goes at the most random times, though.” She arched a perfectly plucked eyebrow and gave me a discerning look.
“How often are we talking about here?” I thought for a moment, trying to pinpoint when exactly I started noticing the changes.
“Maybe a week? No more than two weeks. Whatever this was, though, it’s one hell of a cold 'cause I’ve also been pissing like crazy!” Sarah is quiet for a moment, then drops a bombshell of all bombshells on me.
“I’m not a doctor, but are you sure you’re not pregnant?”