Chapter XX
I stroll casually through my office. It’s all new to me, but as soon as I stepped inside, I just knew that it was mine.
It smells like me. And I like everything in it.
On a table, there’s an awesome display of the solar system balanced delicately in orbit.
The sun in the middle lights up when I flip a switch.
I wish they would tell me what my job title is.
It’s obviously something pretty damn important and high up.
I mean, not just anyone would have a giant space telescope sitting casually under the night sky in their own observatory.
I stare at things around the room long enough that the door opens and startles me.
An Omega enters behind a cart he’s pushing. Blonde, sharp, submissive. His scent is familiar. I can tell that he’s been in here many times before.
“Good evening, Mr. Beckett,” he smiles sweetly, tilting his neck.
“Good evening… Omega,” I nod, unsure what else I can say.
His perfect smile falls as he pauses with the cart.
“It’s Jaimie. I’m sorry, I thought…you would at least remember me,” he whispers before unloading trays of food on a table.
“I recognize your scent. You’ve been in here before.”
I pace closer to assess him. Jaimie’s smile makes a return.
“Yeah, I have,” his tone takes on something mischievous. Eyes sparkling, he approaches me too. “I know I’m not supposed to help you remember anything but…”
He trails off, turning away with uncertainty. Curious, I nudge his chin with my finger until he’s facing me again.
“But what? Tell me?” I pry sternly. Nobody will tell me any-fucking-thing, and it’s been making me irrationally angry. This little Omega is no match for me. If he has secrets, I’ll make him spill them.
“You and I, silly,” he holds my hand in his. “It’s no coincidence that my scent is in here, Knox. I’m more than just your cleaner.”
“Oh.” My eyebrow lifts, “Okay. That’s good to know.”
My words come out awkward, but I can’t help it. How could I forget my own Omega? He’s gorgeous, he smells nice, and he fits in here. Knox and Jaimie. Jaimie and Knox. I guess there’s a ring to it, but it isn’t jogging any memories. I suppose it could be a newer relationship.
“It’s okay if you don’t remember everything, sweetie. Don’t force it,” Jaimie presses his cold fingers to my cheek. His touch is dry like paper as if he washes his hands too much.
I carefully pry his hand away from me, uncomfortable with being close to anyone right now. I’m sure we can rebuild our intimacy over time, but like he said, I can’t force anything. An offended look crosses Jaimie’s eyes anyway, though he respectfully steps back.
“Hey, Jaimie? Who was that other Omega?” I break the tension, remembering the emotional wreck that ran into my room as soon as I woke up.
“What other Omega?” Jaimie chews out the question but forcefully remains proper.
“He had wavy hazelnut hair and deep blue eyes like the ocean. He seemed really concerned for me.”
“Oh, um. Don’t worry about Arius. He’s just a lowly cleaner who has been trying to steal you away from me for ages. You know, the crazy obsessive type.”
I hum thoughtfully. I would’ve never guessed. Arius seemed genuinely afraid for my condition, and he’s given me plenty of space like that doctor ordered him too. Maybe that’s just part of his tactics, though.
“Hm, okay. Strange. Thanks for the heads up.”
“Anything for my Alpha,” Jaimie straightens my tie and suit jacket before stepping back, “Let me know if you need anything.”
I press my lips together and give him a nod.
Jaimie leaves, letting me eat in peace, but I’m not sure what to do once I’m finished. I don’t love the idea of my empty plate sitting here, but I don’t know when Jaimie will be back, assuming it’s his responsibility as my partner.
I suppose, I should stop hiding in my office and explore the rest of this company. They don’t want me to go home because I need to be somewhat monitored until they can sort out this entire mess regarding my memory loss, but I should be fine wandering around the building.
Just as I get up, the door opens again and a lovely scent fills my nose. Honey and rose petals. Champagne and linen. Timidly, the Omega named Arius enters with sad eyes. His mouth lifts into a wistful smile while he fidgets with his fingers.
“Hey, Knox. Your parents are coming to visit you tomorrow,” he whispers.
“Oh. Okay,” I nod indifferently, unsure why he’s the one relaying this message to me.
I don’t really remember my parents. Something tells me I don’t visit them as often as I should. Like we aren’t close, but maybe it’s literal as in distance. Yes, I think they live far.
Arius slowly steps closer, his scent playing tricks on my nose. It’s not appropriate for either Alphas or Omegas to intentionally project their pheromones in the air. I remember that much. After Jaimie’s warning, I’m skeptical of his intentions.
“I, um, was just wondering if I could join you in the observatory. We spent a lot of time as kids looking up at the sky together, and I figured it might help spark your memory.”
“Did we?” I shuffle back. His scent is ridiculously heightened. Is he trying to heat-trap me or something?
“Yeah. It’s what lead us here,” he gestures fondly around the office.
“You’re a cleaner, aren’t you?”
Arius’ eyes snap back to me with offense. His voice has an edge when he responds.
“Yeah… I am, Knox.”
I continue shuffling back from him, uncertain of all these damn Omegas around here. Shouldn’t they be more…controlled? Why are they allowed to wander into my office? Am I some kind of pimp on the side?
“Right, well, maybe you should get back to that,” I clear my throat, reaching up to loosen the knot of my necktie as I start to sweat. I remember something about myself. My temper. I recall it being rather short and dangerous at times.
“E-excuse me?”
“And quit projecting! You could get fired for that!” I cup my nose.
“Knox?! I’m not projecting pheromones, I’m– I’m just– Look, you’re backing me into one hell of a position here,” he argues as his hand lifts to his stomach.
“Why did you come in here?” I narrow my eyes above my hands, untrusting of his motives.
“To see you! We’re– We have something between us, Knox! I’m not trying to break orders, I just want you to remember!” he cries, moving forward again.
“Stay back!” I warn him, bumping into the edge of my desk.
“Knox, please! I’m not projecting! Try to remember! Try to remember how you feel about me!”
“Jaimie said you would do this.”
Arius freezes. His eye twitches and his face pales before taking on a rather furious expression.
“Jaimie was in here?”
“Yeah. Just before you came in. He’s my assistant.”
“A-and he said what exactly?”
“That you’d behave exactly like this!” I fold my arms, standing tall and defiant.
The Omega winces as if my words stung him. Now he’s the one taking cautious steps away from me. His hand goes to his stomach again. His eyes water and his lip quivers, triggering a primal urge to comfort him, but I reach back and clutch the edge of my desk instead until my knuckles turn white.
“Do me a favor and don’t let any more Omegas enter my office. Including yourself,” I demand, rubbing at the headache beginning to spread.
Arius nods, balancing on the brink of tears before hurrying out. His footsteps tap lightly down the hall, leaving me standing in the ghost of his tantalizing scent, frustrated and lost. Once they’ve faded into silence, I grab the solar system display and smash it on the ground.
I hate this. I hate not being in control of my own damn mind. I need to forget everything they’re trying to convince me is the truth and get my memories back.
Pacing with pent up anger, I glance at the observatory. If I could at least figure out my job, I would have something to do other than mope around in fancy suits.
Finding a badge on my breast pocket, I carry it to the sliding door and scan it on a sensor. Inside the observatory, I let my feet take me in whichever direction feels right until I’m standing in a room with a massive telescope sitting beneath a circular window pointing into the sky. Wow.