8. Chapter 8 #2
Heat rushed into my face. Arabella let out a delicate laugh and pushed her hair back, exposing the smooth line of her throat instinctively toward the pack.
“I swear, Ivy has always preferred research papers over actual people,” she teased lightly.
“Meanwhile, I barely survived chemistry classes.” Elias chuckled politely as Arabella smiled brightly at him, her entire posture opening toward the pack in soft, inviting omega body language.
Clara smiled smoothly from across the table, immediately seizing the opening before the attention could drift back toward me again.
“Well, thankfully, Arabella is an expert when it comes to connecting with people,” she said warmly, reaching over to squeeze Arabella’s hand affectionately.
“That’s why she’s become the face of our brand.
” Pride filled her voice as she looked toward Pack Vale.
“Honestly, the engagement metrics after we announced the collaboration were unbelievable. People adore her.”
Arabella laughed modestly, though I could tell she loved every second of it.
“She’s spent years building trust with omega audiences,” Clara continued.
She turned toward Hunter. “Arabella was thinking of exclusive video content, lifestyle features, maybe even a behind-the-scenes series with your pack - a feature on you to help people know the men behind the company. She’d have to spend some time with your pack, but that can be arranged.
” Clara said as Arabella nodded, and I could see the men’s eyes grow with interest.
To me, the secret strategy was clear - get Arabella closer to this pack under the guise of work. I figured that Arabella and Clara were angling to get Arabella courted by them. Not that it would take much maneuvering. Arabella looked and acted as if she belonged with a high-status pack.
The conversation started professionally enough after that, though Elias somehow kept pulling me into it. Every time I tried to stay quiet, he asked another question about my research.
“What compounds are you using for the calming spray?” He asked, leaning slightly closer.
“Mostly pheromone stabilizers right now,” I admitted. “I’m trying to create something that lowers agitation without suppressing instincts completely.”
Elias looked genuinely fascinated. “That’s actually brilliant.”
I blushed embarrassingly fast.
Arabella laughed softly. “Ivy gets very obsessed with her projects. I swear she forgets there’s a real world outside.” I looked down at my drink. But before embarrassment could hit me fully, Hunter spoke up.
“Obsession usually creates innovation. I would know firsthand.” He said, raising an eyebrow at me, and Arabella’s smile twitched.
The rest of lunch continued like that, with every subtle dig from Arabella somehow countered by Pack Vale’s growing interest in me.
Elias especially seemed completely absorbed whenever I spoke, and I could almost feel Arabella’s desperation growing.
Eventually, Hunter transitioned the conversation toward what I found out was the real reason we were here.
“So, I will admit that there’s another reason we invited you out today.
” He said, his voice now serious. All three omegas in my family snapped our attention toward him.
“As we explained before, our startup developed a noninvasive compatibility mapping a few years ago,” he explained.
“Traditionally, bonding interest relied heavily on scent exposure, but repeated perfuming tests can be stressful for omegas.”
“That’s putting it lightly,” I muttered before I could stop myself. Elias smiled slightly.
Hunter nodded. “Exactly. So instead, we’ve been testing out a way to identify successful matches using blood analysis and hormonal markers.
The samples can be submitted through a lab without requiring direct exposure to scent thousands of times.
” I nodded at his words. I was aware of what they were working on, though I hadn’t researched it too much myself.
Arabella glowed. “That’s incredible.” Hunter nodded.
“It also allows us to detect early compatibility without the need to court for weeks or months, saving time for everyone involved,” Elias added.
“Much safer for everyone. And, the test looks for long-term compatibility as well, weeding out infatuation to find packs that will actually be a great match for life.”
Something strange twisted in my chest at that. This meant that they could find potential matches using this test, without even using scent, and also predict long-term compatibility. The idea felt impossible enough that I tried not to think about it too hard.
Hunter nodded. “Our bonding software gives the patient a full sheet of characteristics that show who they would potentially match best with. And, if the user wants, it can be submitted to our matching database, where we can automatically compare it with hundreds of thousands of potential matches. From there, people can find the best possible match, all without even scenting each other or courting for months. Think of the possibilities! Your match might be a thousand miles away - but this way, we can help you find them without a ball, a scent, or a courtship that may or may not work out.” He said, and my mind whirred.
If that was true - I could find a pack that matched with me. Me and my defective scent.