Chapter Five
Oren
After the night I caught the glimpse of the masked omega, I began to find ways to get out of the office earlier.
Sure, I still had all the responsibilities and claims on my time, but my priorities had shifted.
Focused. Before, going to the club was pleasant, relaxing, even stimulating, but scening with people who barely qualified as acquaintances could only hold so much draw.
It gave a certain release. But it had been years since anyone had me so intrigued.
My last serious relationship had ended with my law school graduation when we took positions with firms thousands of miles apart.
Although we swore it was temporary, that we could keep our connection going, we’d been kidding ourselves about the depth of our relationship.
Arlan met an alpha tiger three weeks after he moved and when he called to tell me—I felt far less upset than I would have expected.
He’d met his fated. Arlan’s relief at my reaction was tinged with what sounded like a little disappointment that I wasn’t more grief-stricken, but how could I be unhappy for someone I cared about achieving what all of us dreamed of?
Last I heard, through mutual friends, they’d mated and were expecting their first young in a few months. Good for them. I even sent a baby gift.
But being happy for them did not mean I didn’t hope I’d have a fated mate myself one day.
Every time I went to the club, I looked for him, to no avail. Gatlin and my other friends were also keeping an eye out. Not that I asked them to, but I didn’t have to. Big, strong alpha wolf doms—with a romantic streak.
Most had already found their fated as well and had that instinct couples often did to want their kind of happiness for all their single friends. It was heartwarming, really. But a little embarrassing.
After a patrol around the club, my third of the evening, I returned to where Gatlin, his mate Shaw on his lap, were seated in our usual area.
I had seen them earlier on the floor in a scene, but judging from Shaw’s relaxed drape over his alpha, they were just coming out of aftercare.
An empty water bottle on the table in front of them was also a sign.
About to turn away and give them their moment, I stopped at Gatlin’s call.
“Don’t leave, Oren,” he said. “We’re done here and just relaxing.” He stroked his omega’s hair and brushed a kiss on his temple. “Aren’t we, my love.”
“Mmm.” Shaw snuggled closer, and Gatlin continued his caresses down his mate’s bare shoulders. The omega wore only leather shorts, and on the floor, he’d had even less on.
“He’s very relaxed,” I agreed. “You may have to carry him to the car.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time. After a particularly intense session, he’s wiped out.”
I took a seat on the sofa across from them and crossed my ankle over my knee. “I should probably be going. Early day tomorrow.”
“Us, too, although not for that reason.” Gatlin shifted his mate and sighed. “It’s just so easy to sit here, isn’t it?”
“It is.” And if I had a mate on my lap, I’d want to stay that way forever. “But, if I stay up too late, I’ll fall asleep in court, and how would that look?”
“Not wonderful, I suppose.” He chuckled. “I wish I could help you find your mystery omega, but nobody has seen him all week.”
“I know. I’ve been here, and…” There he was.
I stood up and set my glass on the table before moving into the crowd around a spanking bench.
An alpha was reddening his omega’s bottom with firm swats and the hard edge of his palm.
The younger male moaned and pushed his ass into the air, begging for more and harder.
Not wanting to interrupt the scene, I moved slowly through the gathered crowd, keeping the omega within sight. His mask made it easy, but then his eyes met mine and he jerked back, ducking and disappearing yet again. As he did, I saw a mark on the side of his neck, like a crescent moon. A clue?
Not really.
I started after him then stopped and returned to my friends. He doesn’t want to speak with me. There’s nothing I can do.
“What happened?” Gatlin asked. “We couldn’t see you in that group. What was going on that it drew so many people? Something unusual?”
“No. Just a spanking. But the couple…it was the connection between them that had everyone’s attention. They were like a dance, with each knowing what the other needed. Beautiful.”
“I love it when it’s like that, don’t you, mate?”
Shaw nodded, yawning.
“Listen, we really do have to leave, but before we do, I wanted to ask you whether you have ever considered buying into the club? We don’t ask many people, but your name came up.”
“It did?” What a surprise. “Why?”
“You’re a good alpha, a good dom, and the omegas all like and trust you. As the company expands, we are taking on more investors, and so…you.”
“That’s incredible. It wasn’t even on my radar.” And not at all in the plans I had laid out. “Would it be possible to get some numbers so I know what it all involves?”
“Absolutely. They are going to want an NDA, of course.”
“Of course.” It might be a good investment. “Do I understand that all the owners have some sort of duties within the company?”
“Yes, but not all are full-time. Everyone contributes some skills. Technically, silent partnership is allowed, but nobody has ever wanted to do that.”
“Thank you for thinking of me. I’ll watch for the information.” As a member, my email and contacts were already in their files. As would be the masked omega’s…and I’d have access to that data if I invested. Not that I’d use it. Because that would be wrong.
He stood, bringing his mate with him. The head of security was impressively muscled, and he carried Shaw as if he were a feather. “If you have any questions, just ask any of us.”