Chapter 5 Eli #2
“No those are about abusing power and harassment. Consenting adults who work at the same place can have relationships.”
He goes to say something then shuts his mouth. I smile a tad smugly as I go back to doing the dishes. After a couple minutes Ben comes to stand next to me. “What did you think of her?”
I can’t say she’s my scent match but I’ll be honest about everything else.
“Same as you, she’s beautiful. Also quirky.
” That gets his attention so I continue, “When we met again this afternoon after she signed the lease, I helped her move in everything she had packed in her car. We chatted a little during that hour or so.”
“I don’t know what it is or why but I feel like I need to get to know her. But also like something is missing.” Yeah her scent is probably the missing piece for him. I really need to ask Liam about how scent matches work.
“Then get to know her, there’s nothing wrong in that,” I say and that seems to end the conversation.
Knowing Ben it’ll probably take him a while to get past this ‘I’m her boss’ thing.
I understand why he says it, but I know she is our mate so I kind of want to just shake him until he gets over it.
We finish the dishes in silence and then he goes off to do his own thing elsewhere in the house.
Now I need to track down Liam. He likes to read after dinner and there are few spots he goes to.
After checking the enclosed part of the deck and not finding him there, I check the lounge next and find him reading in the chair closest to the fireplace.
His features are half lit by the fire with his black hair, giving him the typical brooding effect.
Hearing me come in he looks up, his sharp green eyes boring into me.
“Gonna tell me what had you so distracted tonight?”
He is too perceptive but thankfully it’s him that noticed and not Micah.
“Actually yes and I need you to keep this between us. I mean it,” I say with all seriousness.
I can be the one who tries to keep things light but I won’t mess around with this.
Our pack has a lot of people in it, all who will react very differently to knowing we have a scent match. It has to be handled right.
Liam sits up straighter and closes his book, putting it on the side table and giving me all his attention. Speaking low to not risk anyone possibly overhearing, I murmur, “What do you know about scent matches?”
It’s comical how wide his eyes get. It’s clearly the last thing he expected me to say.
But he takes me seriously and answers, “They are incredibly rare. Not much is known about them as a result. Similar to being scent compatible, anyone can have multiple scent matches. Though it’s most common that omegas have more than one.
In basic terms a scent match is our soul mate on every level.
What I remember from the little bit we are taught is the bond is usually deeper when completed.
I think there was a mention of the scents being layered with something else… ”
That feeling, it has to be that, right? “Could it have been an emotion or feeling that was layered into the scent?”
Now he’s looking at me suspiciously. “Yes,” he says questioningly. “How do you know that?”
Taking a deep breath, I confess, “Thea, I think she’s my scent match.”
His jaw literally drops. “It’s not possible, she’s probably just scent compatible with you.”
“You said rare not extinct. We both know what a scent compatible omega smells and feels like.” He looks down.
I didn’t say it to shame him or myself but it’s true.
“This is different. An entirely different level, I never felt anything like it. Ben said he’s attracted to her but didn’t scent her.
I think she wears descenter for some reason. ”
“We don’t know if she’d be a match with the entire pack,” he says.
“I know but I have a gut feeling she will be.”
“This is a lot.” Liam slumps back into the chair. “I need to do more research on scent matches. If this is true it might be the first one that we know of in a generation.”
“Okay I know you’re going down your medical research trail but we need to keep this between us.
I think we should let things happen organically.
Maybe she’ll end up meeting more of the pack on her own.
Keelan said at dinner he’ll be working on a project at the lodge so they may meet there.
You’re the only doctor in town so she’s bound to meet you at some point.
” I can’t imagine she would meet Parker anywhere since he barely leaves the property.
As for Micah, there’s a chance but he should probably be the last person she meets. Jake could be a toss-up.
Liam nods but I can tell his brain is already going a mile a minute.
I leave him there and decide to get some fresh air.
Who knew today would be so life-changing.
I really wish I didn’t have that work trip in a couple days.
It’s probably for the best to have some time before I see her again and get a better grip on my excitement.
Also, I need to think of a way to run into her.
Maybe we can do an improvement on the house?
Or I could just ask her out on a date. No, I don’t want to rush to that.
She has to meet the rest of the pack. It’s all of us or none.
I won’t let us be split again. I don’t think she’ll do that but it’s better to take it slow this time.