15. Lyra
Work was a good distraction, and time flew by as I was buried in a project that had to get done before the weekend. Absorbed in what I was doing, I didn’t even notice someone else was there until an enticing scent drew my attention. Pausing, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath of the spicy, sweet aroma of a freshly baked apple pie. An undertone of smoky vanilla added that dash of masculine energy, telling me one of my other Alphas was close by.
Opening my eyes, I looked up to find Tanner leaning in the doorway, watching me with a grin on his handsome face. He was dressed in dark wash jeans, a white T-shirt, and a jean jacket lined with sherpa. Everything about him looked effortless down to the backward baseball hat hiding his red-brown hair. Unlike last time, he was sporting a short beard that only added to his charm.
Seeing he had my attention, Tanner entered and sat in one of the chairs in front of my desk. “Hey there, beautiful,” he greeted, his chestnut brown eyes shining with happiness.
His voice pulled me out of the scent haze I’d fallen into, and I realized I’d just been gawking at him this whole time. “Hi,” I answered, my cheeks heating. “How long have you been standing there?”
“Oh, just a minute or two. Your door was open, so I didn’t knock,” Tanner explained, reassuring me. Then his face took on a more serious expression. “Eli reached out about the summons you got this morning. The thing is, Fawn got one as well, scheduled for the same time, so Eli and I thought it would be best to head over together.”
“Fawn’s here too?” I asked, excitement clear in my question.
Tanner chuckled. “Yeah, he’s next door getting a much-needed dose of snuggles with Eli. We honestly didn’t think the separation would be that bad since he’s bonded with us, but from his reaction today, we’re gonna need to rethink a few things.”
I nodded, thinking about how being alone last night had been pretty rough. It had me wondering if Fawn and I were scent-matched, did our separation hurt us both? According to what I’d been reading, the backlash for not being with your matches worsened the more time you spent with them. Of my matches, Eli and Fawn were the two I’d had the most contact with, so it would make sense things got worse when I couldn’t be around Fawn.
“Lyra?” Tanner called, and by how he said my name, I had the feeling it wasn’t the first time he tried to get my attention.
“Hmm?” I answered, returning my attention to the man now kneeling beside my chair. “I’m so sorry I got a little lost in thought. I didn’t mean to ignore you.”
Turning my chair so I faced him, Tanner rested a hand on my knee, offering comfort but still being respectful. “It’s all good. It happens to me all the time. I was saying we should probably head out so we’re not late. Before we go, I want to make sure you’re okay. If Fawn is dealing with withdrawal after one meeting, then you might be as well. Tell me you at least have Eli with you as much as possible.”
I dropped my gaze and went to tuck my hair but realized too late I’d decided to put it up today. “I’m with him during the day,” I admitted.
Tanner muttered something under his breath before abruptly standing. Instinctively, I jerked back from the aggressive behavior, which had Tanner instantly freezing. Mortified at my reaction to one of my Alphas, I tried to make it look like I was pushing my chair back so I could stand. Meanwhile, I was internally scolding myself for acting like an idiot. Tanner wasn’t going to hurt me, and I knew the truth of that in my soul. Yes, I barely knew the man, but as an Omega, a designation known for our skill in reading people’s emotions and intentions, I knew Tanner was a good man.
“We should grab the others… as you said, we don’t want to be late,” I commented, heading for the coat rack where I hung my things.
It was drizzling outside, so I pulled on my trench coat before slipping my purse over my shoulder. Turning, I stopped abruptly, nearly crashing into Tanner’s chest. “Sorry,” I murmured.
“Lyra, please look at me,” Tanner ordered in a commanding voice, even though he tried to make it sound like a request.
Preparing for him to be upset with me for my ridiculous reaction, I did as he asked. Instead of seeing anger, irritation, or disgust, I found overwhelming concern. Ever so slowly, he reached out to cup my cheek, his gaze searching my expression as if he’d find the answers in the depths of my soul. “Lyra, has someone been hurting you? It’s okay. You can tell me even if it was Eli, and I’ll make sure you’re safe, whatever it takes.”
Stunned that anyone would ever think Eli was capable of hurting anyone, let alone a woman, was beyond me. “No,” I stated fiercely. “Eli has been nothing but kind, patient, and loving with me. He’d sooner cut off his own hand than lay a finger on me.”
Tanner looked relieved at my answer and pulled me into a hug. “I’m sorry, but I had to ask. There is nothing more important than making sure you and Fawn are safe.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Eli said from behind me.
Twisting to look over my shoulder, I realized he’d come in through the door connecting our offices. His arm was casually wrapped around Fawn’s waist, holding the Omega close, but his expression was anything but relaxed.
Tanner pulled back from the hug but caught my hand so I didn’t go anywhere. “Then you can understand why I felt the need to question the fact my Omega flinched away from me. A reaction like that isn’t a normal response. It’s learned behavior.”
Eli’s expression changed from anger to worry as he stepped forward, letting his arm slip from Fawn. He fixed me with his gaze but stopped as I held up my hand, preventing him from asking the question I knew was coming. We didn’t have the time to delve into the depths of my broken brain. “Can we please discuss this after our meeting? I can only handle so much anxiety at once, and dealing with the Scent Matchers is taking all the bandwidth I have right now.”
Eli nodded, and Tanner agreed to my request as well.
“Just to be crystal clear, my petal, we are going to talk about this today,” Eli warned, but his voice soothed my fears that he was upset with me, as did the quick kiss he placed on my lips. “The car’s waiting for us downstairs.”
“Oh, we can take our car. There’s no need for a driver,” Tanner offered.
“I think it would be best not to have any of us drive since we don’t know how this meeting will go. It’s safer to let someone not emotionally invested do the driving,” Eli countered, expertly navigating the situation, eliminating the risk I might be asked to sit up front.
Tanner shrugged, not feeling strongly enough on the matter to argue. “Lead the way.”
Fawn bounced up to me, taking my other hand, grinning like a fool. “God, it’s so hot to watch them go all overprotective Alpha, isn’t it? Don’t worry too much. It’s totally normal for the Alphas of a new pack to puff up and test each other. Once everyone knows where they stand, things settle down. Tanner and Pascal got into loads of arguments before they figured out how to cohabitate.”
“They weren’t fights, Fawnie,” Tanner cut in. “Pascal is a man who needs certain things done in a particular way, and I didn’t feel the same way. So, instead of him needing to instruct me on his laundry method, he does it himself. The same goes with cleaning the bathrooms.”
Fawn snorted. “It’s not that crazy of a concept, Tee. He sorts his clothes into colors, whites, and blacks. You, my love, shove it all in at the same time.”
“So? It works for me,” Tanner muttered, adjusting his hat as he leaned back against the elevator wall. “Another reason why the shift to everyone doing their laundry was the best call.”
“Ah… domestic bliss. It’s so idyllic,” Fawn said, dramatically pressing his hand to his heart.
“That’s how it was with my exes too,” I shared, not thinking about how the others would react.
Both Alphas stiffened, their attention locked on me.
Fawn leaned in and covered his mouth with his hand as he whispered, “Don’t mind them. Alphas like to pretend that Omegas couldn’t possibly have been with anyone but their matches. I’ve learned it’s better to wait until after bonding to bring up any old flames. It drives them wild, and the sex is amazing.”
I coughed out a laugh, unable to prevent it with both hands preoccupied. Fawn just winked conspiratorially at me, showing off the skilled blue smoky eye he’d done today. It matched the cropped blue hoodie that showed off his toned stomach and plaid skirt he was wearing. The outfit was finished off with knee-high blue and white striped socks and powder blue high-top sneakers. While it wasn’t an outfit that anyone could pull off, it fit Fawn perfectly.
Tanner released my hand as I climbed into the limo with Fawn in tow. The limo wasn’t one of those crazy stretched-out vehicles—this was slightly longer than a normal car, allowing for the second set of seats. Fawn wrapped his arms around my right arm, hugging it to his body as he rested his head on my shoulder, letting out a contented sigh. Having him close eased something inside me I hadn’t realized I was searching for. Maybe Tanner had been right about us rethinking this whole living situation. I wasn’t sure I was ready to move in, but if I couldn’t handle a night alone, there’s no way this weekend would be manageable.
“Angel, what do you think about us going out and enjoying a day together?” Fawn asked, lifting his head. “You get weekends off, right?”
We turned to look at Eli, whose attention had been on his phone. “I’m sorry. Did you ask me something?”
“Angel gets weekends off, right? I wanted to take her out for a spa day this Saturday,” Fawn explained.
“Done. I’ll even throw in the car service to use for the day,” Eli offered.
Fawn’s face lit up with excitement. “That’s perfect since I don’t have a driver’s license. Normally, I’d ask one of the guys to run errands with me, but your idea is way more fitting for the day’s mood.” Tanner and Eli laughed at Fawn’s enthusiasm as he all but tackled me with a hug. “It’s gonna be so much fun. Then we can go back to your place, watch movies, eat junk food, and have a sleepover. What could be more perfect?”
“Nothing I can think of,” I agreed and quickly kissed his lips. “I have no doubt it will be a great time if you’re the one who planned it.”
This interaction made me think of Elora and how our friendship started. Much like Fawn, she took charge and planned things for us to do, knowing I’d never be the first to initiate. While I struggled to let others make life choices for me, social interaction was a completely different situation. Each time Elora dragged me to this party or that event, I went begrudgingly, yet in the end, those were some of the best memories I had of my college years.
All too soon, the car stopped in front of a rather ornate building. It wasn’t tall or imposing. In fact, the Scent Matcher office was only four stories high. The ornate gothic architecture had copper accents, which highlighted the detail and made the building stand out. The organization’s logo was boldly displayed over the dark wooden doors you entered through.
My anxiety over this situation started to build as Eli and Tanner got out of the car. Fawn was on their heels, but I sat frozen, staring at the building. What if I go in there, and they tell me it’s all a mistake? Could they take me from these men? Wait! Did I want to stay? Around and around went my thoughts like a dog chasing its tail. It led nowhere and kept me trapped in my fears. Then a hand cupped my cheek, turning me so I couldn’t look at the building but instead found Tanner’s welcome gaze.
“Hey there, beautiful,” he greeted, just like he had at the office, with the same warm smile. “I know youre worried about this meeting, but none of us have done anything wrong. The Scent Matchers have no authority to prevent us from being together. Their purpose is to help connect matches and bring together people who have the best chance at creating a pack. Once that happens, their work is done, and nature has to take its course. Lyra, I realize it’s a lot to ask when you don’t really know me, but trust that neither Eli nor I will let them take you. We’ll be able to get through this.”
“Okay,” I agreed, allowing him to take my hand and help me out of the car.
Once I was standing on the sidewalk, Tanner rested his hands on my hips and pulled me close. Instinctively, I brought my hands up so they rested on his chest, and I could feel the steady beat of his heart. Tanner’s chestnut gaze was full of intensity, making it intoxicating to look at. “Thank you, Lyra,” he whispered. “Know that from this moment on, I plan to do everything I can to prove I deserve your trust. I’m not perfect, but I work damn hard to be the best version of myself for those I care about.”
Something about his words made my heart ache, and I think it was because people didn’t talk like this unless they’d gone through hell and back. A person who could be this self-aware at one point had to face the truth of the life they’d been living and admit it needed to change. Broken people can choose to stay broken and blame others for what happened to them, or they could pick up what pieces they could salvage and fix what was left in the hopes of one day repairing themselves little by little.
Gripping the edges of Tanner’s coat, I pulled him down as I pushed up on my toes, closing the distance between us. The kiss was short but full of meaning and promise of a new beginning. How could I offer any less in return if he could be this vulnerable and honest? “Thank you, Tanner, and I hope you’ll feel I’m worthy of such a gift in time.”
“That’s the thing, beautiful, you’re more than worthy, and the fact you don’t see it tells me someone else didn’t treasure you as they should have,” Tanner countered, cupping my face in his hands, resting his forehead against mine. “Certain people in the world emit a pure light from the depths of their soul. Everyone is drawn to them, but some can’t stand to see the truth of who they are in that light and try everything they can to snuff it out. Only this kind of light can’t be extinguished. It’s who they are and how they treat people. Although after suffering at the hands of wounded, angry people, it can be dimmed. I see how you shine, Lyra. However, I also know others have hurt you in your life, but that all changes now that we’ve found you. So hold your head high, my shining star, and we’ll get through this together.”
Never had someone so clearly described my life in such a simple way. It was a lot to unpack, and now wasn’t the place to do it, but knowing I’d been seen by this man, I was matched to was a balm to my soul. “You’re right. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can build our future together.”
Tanner quickly kissed the tip of my nose, grinning like a fool. “Couldn’t have said it any better.” I took his offered arm, and we headed into the Scent Matchers’ headquarters.
Eli and Fawn were already inside, waiting for us. It was a sweet gesture trying to give Tanner and me a little privacy for our conversation. We approached the reception desk to let them know we’d arrived.
“If Miss Clark and Mr. Fawn could follow me, I’ll show you to the room where you’ll be meeting with Scent Matcher Hooper,” the woman instructed.
“No,” Eli stated. “We will be accompanying them, or there is no meeting.”
The woman looked slightly panicked, clearly not prepared for such a reaction. It didn’t help that Eli had gone full Alpha on the poor Beta, which I felt a little bad about but also grateful.
“O-oh, um…” she started to say, but the phone rang. Gesturing for us to wait a moment, she picked up the call and sagged in relief. “Hello, sir. Yes, they just arrived. No two others are here, Alphas, and they want to accompany…” she paused as whoever she was talking to started speaking. “Of course, right away.”
She slowly hung up the phone and took a second to compose herself before addressing us. “I do apologize for that interruption, but there’s been a small change. Instead of meeting with Scent Matcher Hooper, you’ll have your meeting with our founder’s son, Mr. Noble. He insisted that all of you are welcome, and he’s eager to chat with you.”
A man walked up to the desk, wearing an expensive suit and enough cologne that I could taste it. My nose wrinkled in distaste, and I nearly sneezed at the overwhelming scent.
“Hello, I am Duncan, Mr. Noble’s assistant and bonded Beta. If you could come with me, I’ll escort you to your meeting,” Duncan greeted, offering us a slight bow.
Everything about this man was stiff, formal, and slightly robotic. Part of me wanted to say the hell with it and leave, but Tanner nuzzled a kiss to my temple, reassuring me before following the man to the elevator. We got off on the top floor, which looked more like someone’s home than an office. Duncan escorted us to a formal sitting room filled with antique furniture that made me question if I should sit on something so old.
“Mr. Noble will be with you shortly. May I offer you anything to drink? Tea, coffee, sparkling water?” Duncan inquired.
“Oh, could you make an Italian soda?” Fawn asked, apparently having zero shame of taking the man up on his offer.
“I can obtain anything you’d like, Mr. Fawn,” Duncan answered.
Fawn clapped his hands in excitement. “Then I would love a strawberry Italian soda, please.”
“Anyone else?” Duncan asked, but the rest of us declined. “Very well, I will be back in a moment.”
Looking around the room, I wasn’t even sure where to sit. There were two small couches that could seat two people at most, along with two armchairs. In the middle of all the seating was a large, sturdy-looking coffee table with photobooks of happy couples displayed. I picked up one and realized these were pictures of people who had been matched through this organization.
“Ah, I see you’ve found my success stories,” a man spoke in a deep, rumbling voice.