CHAPTER TEN - Jasper
The previous night had been a disaster. Mariska had laid out what she wanted harsh and cold like the night after an avalanche.
Balthazar, bull-headed as he was, refused to believe she wasn’t the Omega for us.
No matter the rest of dinner was uncomfortable as shit, he wouldn’t budge.
We almost came to blows again when we got home later.
I walked away. In the end, I would still be right.
There had been no mixed messages, just Alphas thinking with their dicks.
Mariska was clear from the minute she met Balthazar that she was moving out of state.
Why would one heat and twelve dates dissuade her from chasing after her dream job?
There was no way I’d let a woman keep me from what I wanted to do with my life, and so I’d have no respect for her if she didn’t stick to her guns.
Good for Mariska. She was honest, strong, and sexy as hell.
The one I was really worried about was Lucian. He barely said anything else the rest of dinner and then locked himself in his room when we got home. His heart was already pinned on Mariska being the Omega for us, but he could see the hard reality of the situation.
Lucian was the youngest in our pack at twenty-five, and wore his heart on his sleeve.
He always gave the Omegas a chance when Balthazar introduced them to us, but after working Friday morning with Mariska, he’d been smitten.
Sure, he’d get over it in time, but I didn’t want the guy to lose that intuitive sensitivity which really was what kept our pack together.
Damn fucking Balthazar for getting his hopes up.
I’d see to it that our pack stayed strong, even after this bump in the road. I wouldn’t let Mariska tear us apart.
Time to bring out the bastard Alpha.
Since Lucian still hadn’t come out of his room by midday, and Balthazar was out on the farm working off his frustration by cutting down trees, I texted Mariska and told her that I would be the one taking her out today. “Dress for cocktails.”
I took my time getting ready, left a note for my friends—because I didn’t want them rushing after me if they got a text—and drove my Mustang to Primrose House.
The guys and I had talked about getting Mariska a gift every day for the twelve days, but my present to her today would be my blunt fucking honesty.
Walking up to the door, I ran a hand through my hair. A tickle of nervousness trembled in my gut. I didn’t like it. I’d dated tons of girls. Most of them Betas and a few Omegas. Omegas I learned fast always had agendas, and I’d never been proven wrong in that aspect.
Mariska had made her design clear: she needed us to help her through her heat. We were convenient tools. Most Alphas would jump at the chance to knot an Omega with no obligations, especially one as hot as her.
Short, gorgeous, and haunting my dreams every night.
Fuck. I hadn’t decided if I would offer my help.
I was pissed that she could screw over my packmates, but I also struggled with the idea of her suffering from her heat pains without an Alpha to help her.
It didn’t matter that I’d come so hard in the shower this morning stroking my cock to a fantasy of bending her over under the spray.
I was in no danger of losing my heart to her, but this date would decide which side of the fence I’d fall.
I rang the bell, and from somewhere out back, a dog started barking. About a minute later, the door swung open.
Eloise stood there looking like she was going to an office Christmas party. Her red dress was modest and festive, and she even had red high heeled boots to match. “Hello, Jasper. Don’t you look dapper today.”
Shit. I’d forgotten about the fact an escort would be coming with us. Guess I couldn’t be an asshole from the start. Plus, I’d made dinner reservations for two, not three. “Nice to see you. Thank you, and you look fantastic too. Red suits you. It makes your smile shine.”
“Flatterer.” Eloise chuckled but there was a faint bloom of color in her cheeks. “What do you have planned for your date?”
“I thought first we could walk the Festival of Lights downtown, and then head to the Whisper Room for a cocktail before dinner at seven. I have reservations at The Saffron Lounge.” I didn’t add that I’d have to call ahead and make sure they had a seat for Eloise, but it shouldn’t be a problem with it being Sunday evening.
She raised her brows. “Well, aren’t you the fancy one? If we’re walking, I should change my footwear. Give me a moment.”
Eloise disappeared into the house, and I waited on the porch. I was about to swing the door shut to keep the heat from escaping when Mariska appeared at the top of the stairs.
The black cocktail dress she wore was long sleeved and didn’t reveal much skin, but it hugged her delectable curves from top to bottom.
Her black heels clicked on the wood of the stairs as she came down, cautious where she stepped.
While she’d worn her hair down yesterday, today she had it up in a simple but elegant twist showing off the creamy skin of her neck.
My cock throbbed, hardening in my pants. She was pure feminine class, and add that to her slight height, she was doubly my type of woman.
I’d reach out to help her down the last few steps if I didn’t have to stay on the porch. But in my head, I’d already done so and pulled her hot little body against mine, with thoughts of propping her up on the banister and hiking up her dress to—
No. My dick wasn’t going to rule me. “Hi Mariska. You look absolutely stunning.”
She dipped her head, trying to hide the flush that crawled up her throat. “Thank you.” She tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I wasn’t sure I’d hear from any of you today. Or ever again, actually.”
“We had a deal, and I will make sure we keep up our end of it.” I smoothed out the rougher edges of my voice as I regained control of myself.
“After last night, we have a lot to think about. Balthazar may have made up his mind, but he doesn’t speak for all of us.
I want to make my own decision, and so here I am. ”
Mariska nodded slowly and turned as Eloise came down the hall.
The older woman drew in her breath and took Mariska’s hands into her own, looking her over.
“Oh, my sweet dear, you look so pretty. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen you dressed up.
We need to do fancy dinners more often.” She hugged her and then motioned to her feet.
“Best you put on some boots for walking and bring the heels with you. We’re going to see the Festival of Lights. Isn’t that exciting?”
Mariska’s jaw hardened, but she didn’t say anything. She slipped off her heels and took her boots out of the hall closet. Her bent over was every bit as glorious as I’d imagined it.
“Have you been to see the festival yet?” I asked her as she joined me on the porch. The creamy scent of her, soft vanilla and then the bang of cinnamon had me swallowing a growl. Fuck. No Omega had ever had this powerful of an effect on me.
If it was the same for Balthazar and Lucian, I could see why they were losing their heads. That’s why I had to step in and protect my pack from losing it over Mariska.
“No. I haven’t been in a few years.” She shook her head and wrapped herself up in her coat, dangling her heels from one hand.
Eloise exited the house and closed the door, locking it behind her. She breathed in the cold air and smiled. “Our Mari is a bit of a grinch. She always works through Christmas, but this year, we’ll have her with us to enjoy everything the county has to offer during the holidays.”
Mariska didn’t scowl or roll her eyes, but I could see the urge straining in her expression.
So this beauty was a grinch? I didn’t know why I found that more than a little alluring.
I even enjoyed the holidays and the warmth of being with family.
Balthazar and Lucian threw themselves into the festivities, but I certainly was no grinch.
“No one should have to work at Christmas. It’s nice that you’ll get a chance to spend time with your friends before you head out west this year. Tell me about this dream job of yours.”
I helped the ladies into my car and kept the conversation flowing as we drove downtown. Once parked, we headed to the festival. It was prettier at night, but it was a cloudy day and still a wonderful sight to see.
Offering my arm to Mariska, she hesitantly slipped hers through mine. Even with layers of clothes between us, I could feel the heat of her body. Her scent intensified and had me easing closer to her, glaring at any man who dared look her way.
I’d steeled myself for the date, ready to make it feel like a business meeting.
Get to know who you’re doing business with and then everything would go smoother.
Yet Mariska was smart, witty, and so easy to talk to.
The tension in her body tapered off the more we walked.
Sometimes Eloise was by our side, and other times, she popped into a shop or stopped to talk to someone she knew.
I bought us gingerbread coffee and stood with Mariska in a circle of trees decorated by the local school children. Eloise spoke with an older couple nearby. “So how is it you’ve earned the reputation as a grinch? Stealing presents from the innocent people of Whoville?”
Mariska gave a cute little snort and crinkled her nose as she sipped her coffee. “No. Though if I had to listen to a whole town constantly singing that one ridiculous song over and over, I might go bonkers too.”
I chuckled, sympathizing with that aspect. “So?”
She exhaled a puff of warm misty air. “So what?”
“So why are you a grinch?”
“I’m not much of a Christmas person.” Mariska looked away and seemed to stare past the many lights even though we were surrounded. “It’s too commercialized. One big promotion.”
Not for a second did I believe it. There was something else lurking behind her faraway gaze.
With Eloise otherwise occupied, I poked.
Time to see what Mariska was really made of.
“We all know that. I’m not going to wear an ugly Christmas sweater, but I look forward to the holidays and spending it with friends and family.
Did Santa not get you what you wanted one year? Have you never forgiven him?”
Her brows furrowed. “No.” She sipped her coffee as if she might not say anything else, but then quickly added, “You don’t think I still believe in Santa? Unless you do… And, oh, I’m sorry to be the one to break it to you.”
Deflecting with humor. Good tactic, but I wasn’t going to let this go.
“I know Santa is Balthazar. He often plays Santa in the Christmas parade and at the children’s wing at the hospital.
So if you’re going to be spending time with us, you should know that everything will be about the holidays.
” Noticing her tense up, I kept going. “Yup. The symphony is playing their Christmas concert this week and Lucian wants to take you. Balthazar wants to bring you to Christmas movie night in the park, and I wanted you to come with me to a Christmas party for one of our big clients. Be prepared to make merry and sing all the songs.”
Mariska’s eyes darted about as if looking for the best direction to run. She gnawed her lower lip as her breaths came a little quicker.
I pushed it even further. “We’ll likely spend time all together baking cookies and decorating our stockings, which is a tradition every year. Balthazar cranks up the music and sings with his mom and sister like they’re some festive family band.”
Her eyes grew wide, and her grip tightened on her cup so that the sides dented inward. She turned her head slowly to me and asked in a choked voice, “Can we not?”
“Can we not what?” I cocked my head as if I didn’t understand.
“Can we not do those things?” Her quiet voice didn’t gain any volume, but it no longer trembled. “Please.”
“Then tell me why you really don’t like Christmas.”
“I’d rather not.” She lifted her chin.
She might value her privacy, but I loved my pack.
I needed to know who we were dealing with, and I wasn’t lying about how much everyone loved the holidays.
“I guess we’re having a very Christmasy string of dates.
I’ll tell the guys that you think it’s too commercial so they can make it a more homey festive time. ”
“I won’t go.” Mariska wasn’t budging, and that lit another fire in me. She might be stubborn, but I was a bastard.
“If you decide not to go out on our dates, then we won’t help you with your heat.”
Her amber eyes blazed. “You promised.”
“And you agreed to go on the dates.” I shot back, pressing my lips together and smirking.
“Mariska,” Eloise called and hurried over, her cell in her hand. “Honey, I need to go. Hazel’s daughter broke her leg skiing, and Hazel needs to get to the hospital. She asked me to watch her granddaughters while she was there.” She paused and glanced at me. “Hazel is one of our neighbors.”
“Oh no! I guess we need to be going then.” Mariska tossed her half-finished coffee into a nearby garbage bin and wrapped an arm around Eloise, rubbing her arm soothingly.
Shit. Just when I was getting somewhere.
“Lyla is going to take Hazel to the hospital, but you don’t need to come home.
Enjoy your fancy dinner out. You deserve it.
” Eloise gave Mariska a hug and patted her cheek.
She then turned a more stern look to me.
“I trust you with my girl here. It’s about time you head over for your cocktail and then to dinner.
Spoil her. She might tell you she doesn’t want dessert, but she has a notorious sweet tooth. ”
Panic raced across Mariska’s face. “No, really, I should come home with you and help you with the girls. Julie and Katherine have a ton of energy. I’ll have them do races with Artemis and tucker them all out.”
“Stay. Enjoy.” Eloise locked her gaze with Mariska’s, and the pair of them had a whole conversation without saying a word. Apparently the chaperon won, because Mariska’s shoulders sagged and she nodded.
“Good.” Eloise smiled at me. “Thank you for taking us to the festival. I had a lovely afternoon. I’m sorry to have to run off like this, but have a nice dinner and continue your chat.”
“Thank you for your trust.” I could hear Mariska’s nearly silent growl beside me and grinned. “Do you need a ride?”
“No, no. Lyla is already coming to get me.” Eloise said her goodbyes and hurried off.
I kept my grin and looked to Mariska, offering my arm. “Shall we head to the Whisper Room?”
She gritted her teeth and huffed. Ignoring my arm, she stuffed her hands into her pockets with force and headed out of the circle of trees without waiting for me.
I fucking loved a challenge.