Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Briar
A Week and a Half Later
I ’ve barely seen Jameson the last few days, and it feels strange to be camped out in his apartment when he’s not there, so it’s actually a relief to be at work today.
When I started at Shadow Security, I thought it would be more of a Monday through Friday type of company, but this place has someone working seven days a week, and my schedule rotates based on when Easton needs me.
Originally, I was under the impression I was being interviewed to work at the reception desk. As it turns out, Easton wanted to torment me on an hourly basis, but personal assistant to the president of the company will look killer on any future job applications, and this is a pretty cushy job.
I’d like to keep it long-term, even if Easton can be an ass.
Jameson works here, too, but he’s not my direct supervisor, so it doesn’t go against the rules.
The more he pulls away, the more I wonder if I’m going to need to find a new job. The dumbest thing I’ve done recently was to relinquish my apartment. Not that it was all that great, but it was mine. Everything in me said not to give up that stability, but Jameson has a way of being so charming and charismatic that it’s practically impossible to say no to him. He went on and on about how it wasn’t safe for an omega to live on her own, and I caved, even though I knew better.
My morning is a blur, mostly because my focus is crap. I go through the motions, making sure to do the things I can’t put off, and that will have to be good enough for today.
I’m stuck in my feelings, apparently.
“Briar,” Easton calls out through his open office door.
I roll my eyes.
He could click the intercom, like a normal human being, but that would be out of character for him.
Shoving myself out of my chair, I walk the ten feet to his door and peek my head inside. “Did you need something, sir?”
“East or Easton,” he growls.
“Yes, sir.” I smile politely.
“Briar,” he growls, narrowing his eyes.
“Yes, sir?”
“You’re in a mood today,” he grumbles, glancing back at his computer screen.
I do love it when he gets flustered. It’s the only time he seems even slightly knocked off his game, which is preferable to the bossy, demanding jerk that he is most of the time.
A smile tugs at my lips, and I fight it. Our exchange feels like one in my win column, but he’s got so many in his that it barely counts as a victory. Still, no matter how surly Easton is, I always keep calm and collected.
I’m finally learning how to handle his mood swings, which is nice after months of trying to pin down his personality. It’s almost like there’s more than one residing in that handsome body of his, so it’s taken a while.
“Where is Jameson?” Easton asks, raising his eyebrows. “I’ve called him more than five times.”
My entire body stiffens.
I have no idea, and that’s the problem.
My assumption was that he was out on an assignment for Easton. There’s no way to tell if East picks up on the look on my face or if he realizes his question was out of line.
Who am I kidding?
He’s the most tactless person I know unless it comes to a situation he’s busy manipulating.
“Fine,” Easton says curtly. “I’ll call him again, but if he doesn’t get his shit together, he’ll be looking for a new job.”
“Was that all, sir?” I ask with much less pep.
Dammit, that high was ruined in thirty seconds flat.
Easton nods. “Don’t forget to take your lunch. You haven’t taken a break yet, and it’s almost one-thirty.”
I nod, swallowing thickly. “I’ll go now. I’m kinda hungry, anyway.”
It’s so bizarre.
He’s bossy and demanding, but also weirdly concerned about making sure I eat regularly.
I stop by my desk and grab my purse.
It’s a luxury to not have to clock out to go to lunch, and I appreciate it. I’ve never actually had a job before, so I have no idea if that’s standard for most companies.
I make it into the elevator, and just as the doors are about to close, Keir steps inside. He gives a clipped nod and appraises the buttons to make sure we’re going to the same place, like there aren’t only three floors in this entire building.
He leans against the front wall and gives me a once-over. “Heading out for lunch?”
My head bobbles up and down, taking in his massive frame.
Fun fact, before meeting Keir, I never had the urge to call anyone Daddy… Like ever in my life, but smoking-hot, slightly older guy is a vibe I’m apparently here for.
He has blondish-brown hair that’s wavy and full on top but shaved close on the sides. It’s a big contrast to the full blondish-brown beard with just the beginnings of gray along his jawline. There may be a few gray hairs at his temples, too, but they seem to fit Keir’s commanding presence perfectly.
“Briar?” Little laugh lines appear around his eyes as he smiles, and my silly heart races.
Oh yeah, he asked me a question.
“Y-Yeah,” I agree, nodding a little too dramatically. “Lunch. I’m starving.”
Also, maybe I’ll call my boyfriend once or twice, since I haven’t heard from him all damn day.
Not like a stalker amount of calling or anything.
It’s just so strange. He was gone before I woke up this morning, and he didn’t mention that he wouldn’t be coming into the office. I ended up needing to take a cab to work, and I was almost late because of it.
“How about I give you a ride and we eat together—my treat,” Keir offers. “It gives me indigestion thinking about you using rideshares and taking cabs everywhere.”
A smile tips at my lips, despite the awful day I’m currently in the midst of. “You don’t have to treat, but I wouldn’t mind some company.”
Keir nods as the doors open.
“Very good.” His arm extends, gesturing for me to go first.
I shove off the wall and scurry out past his substantial form. He’s Easton’s personal security, and he’s excellent at his job, but somehow feeling his hand meet my lower back as he guides us out sends a shiver down my spine.
Mouth breathing for the win .
I thought suppressants were supposed to deaden my senses. If that was true, I wouldn’t have spent the entire seven-minute drive trying to determine what he smells like. It’s smoky and nutty and reminds me a little of cooked hazelnut.
Whatever it is, it’s magical.
The suppressants have helped to cut down on a lot of my urges that come from my designation, but there are several alphas in the office that I know better than to be in close contact with.
One of those is Easton .
Standing in his doorway isn’t a problem. I can do that without being affected, but if I need to hand off a file or if he stands behind my desk to show me something on my computer…things get questionable fast .
I’ve spent hours pondering the right way to describe his scent, but I’ve got nothing. It makes my chest warm and fuzzy every time I catch a whiff of it. Sometimes it feels like there are magnets drawing me to him, but his stellar personality helps me fight the urge.
Not to mention Jameson .
Packs are common in our society, with omegas being found at the center of several, or sometimes more, alphas.
However, Jameson grew up in a single-couple household. He’s said a few times that he isn’t open to the idea of sharing.
And it’s not like I don’t get it.
I didn’t grow up in a pack either.
My dad ruled the roost with an iron fist, while the rest of us were expected to shut up and fall in line.
Well, with the exception of my brother, but with our parents gone, he’s surely stepped into the role of leading the family. He would sell me off at the first chance he got, which is why I didn’t even try to go back home after the disaster at my wedding.
My entire body jolts as Keir opens the passenger door.
“Ready for some lunch?” he asks, holding out a hand.
I nod, and he gives me a gentle tug, helping me climb from the vehicle.
My mind races.
I can’t remember the last time Jameson did something thoughtful like opening my car door. He laid it on thick in the beginning, but it almost feels like once he had me, he realized he didn’t want the hassle of keeping up with an omega.
Keir’s smoky, nutty scent floods my nose as I end up plastered to his chest when he tugs a little too firmly.
“Sorry about that.” He takes an abrupt step back, but I almost wish he hadn’t. Something about his smell soothes my anxious edges, but Keir is ever the gentleman. He closes the car door and gestures toward the restaurant.