Chapter 1 Iris #2
“Yeah, but as you probably know with your Omega sisters, if someone is scent-sympathetic or gods forbid scent-matched with my Omega, I could perfume or worse yet, have a heat spike. Without the suppressant in my system daily, there will be nothing to stop that from happening. And if that happens, I’m screwed.
They would kick me off the set so none of the Alphas go into rut and I’d lose my job, more jobs in the future too. ”
She nods. “I understand. There’s a store down the road. I can get everything now and be back before you go on set.”
I give her a genuine smile, a bit calmer now that I have a plan, even if my Omega thinks said plan is dumb.
Especially hiding my ability to smell and my scent from potential matches or even a rare scent match.
Finding your scent-matched mate or mates is an Omega’s dream come true, but that’s not going to happen.
Not only is it rare, but I don’t have time to pack up and settle down.
I have my future career to think about. A career where I’m more than just the curvy Omega that was on the hit young adult vampire show Knot Hollows.
Instead, I’m a respected film actor. One that wins Oscars.
My Omega protests in frustration at my choices, but this is how it has to be.
Not only for my career, but for everyone’s safety.
When I got this job I assured production I was on suppressants.
Biology can be a bitch, and an Omega going into heat, even pre-heat, on set with Alphas present is a liability.
Alphas are also required to provide proof they’re on rut blockers.
Unfortunately, even with that it’s dangerous for an unbonded Omega to be in an enclosed space with them if said Omega isn’t on suppressants or anywhere close to heat.
Gods, maybe this idea is stupid. But when I think of leaving set, of giving up this opportunity of a lifetime, it physically pains me.
No, I can do this. I can deny my biological instincts. It will be okay.
“Are you sure you’re good?”
“Yes, thanks for doing all this, Sadie. And sorry again for yelling at you.”
“It’s okay. I know how important this job is to you and I can’t imagine how stressful this must be.”
I wring my hands and look around at the trailer. It’s the nicest one I’ve been in, spacious, stocked full of food and drinks. It’s fit for the lead of a big-budget romantic comedy. Which is what I am.
“This could be it, Sadie. This role could change everything.”
While I’m best known for playing a vampire named Genevive on Knot Hollows in my twenties, I’ve had other roles since the show went off the air five years ago.
Unfortunately, I’ve been pigeonholed so most of them are similar gigs or small character spots on TV.
I make a decent living but I’ve always wanted to be more.
To make my way into film and be taken seriously by all my peers.
This part of Juliette in Knotting Hill could do that.
Plus, alongside starring opposite of Jett, I’m going to work with the leading studio in the business, Genesis Studios.
They’re producing the best content out there right now, and Pack Quinn who own and operate it, are Jett’s pack.
From the knowledge I have of them, they all met in film school and bonded into a pack, then created their studio.
A pack without an Omega…
I brush that thought off and tell my Omega to behave.
The fact they don’t have an Omega yet doesn’t matter and has nothing to do with why I want to work with them so badly.
Not only does the three-Alpha-and-one-Beta pack produce quality content, they’re also progressive thinkers that make thought provoking shows, featuring people of all body types in their work.
Body types like my plus-size one. Which isn’t the norm for an Omega.
Most of my designation is short, thin, and lightly curved in all the right places.
I’m tall, heavy breasted, and big hipped.
I literally have meat on every inch of me.
Not that I mind. At least not anymore. I’m confident in who I am, and that’s that.
Sadie slides her phone in her jean pocket before holding out her arms for a hug.
I step into them easily and exhale a breath, letting her hold me.
She’s been such a great assistant and companion for the last three years.
With my schedule, I hardly have time to breathe let alone get a friend group.
Then there’s dating. No time for that either. If I need a hug, Sadie provides.
I breathe in her lavender scent that’s back to normal now, and allow myself to melt into her embrace and soothe some of my stress. The way I’m at ease with even a platonic Beta hug is a stark reminder of what my doctor told me last week.
One of the biggest reasons he said I needed to go off my suppressants and have a heat was that my blood panels showed abnormal cortisol levels indicating touch starvation and undue stress to my body.
I tried to deny it, but with how my Omega’s been lately, I knew he was right.
The oversensitivity, wanting ice cream, the ache between my thighs…
My system is out of whack and I need to have a heat with Alphas. Not only that, I need to feel strong hands on my body and a knot stretching my pussy, or more than one knot. It’s been far too long. Unfortunately, it will need to be a bit longer.
I hug Sadie tighter before pulling back. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll get everything and be back soon. You stay and run your lines. They shouldn’t need you for another hour.”
We say our goodbyes and I lock the door behind her. I walk to the small dining table in the trailer, picking up my script and looking down at the cover page. Knotting Hill by August Quinn.
My stomach flips thinking of the hunky Beta who reminds me of Clark Kent but with lighter brown hair and thick-framed glasses.
He’s an amazing writer and a two-time Oscar winner.
I’ve been watching his work for years now and have dreamed of getting to bring one of his layered characters to life.
I can’t wait to meet him. Not only him but his whole pack.
The only pack member I’ve spoken to is their lead Alpha, Wilder, who’s the director of the film.
My toes curl when I think of his deep and soothing voice during our phone chat prior to my arrival.
It reminded me of a calming cup of mint tea.
It made me wonder if he smelled like it too.
I shake that thought from my head. The entire pack is attractive, and I’m going to just have to deal with it.
It’s not like I haven’t worked with attractive men before. This town is full of them.
I move to the couch and sit with the script in my lap.
This really could be the beginning of something bigger for me.
I know it. I’m going to have to be strong and keep my focus.
No matter if Wilder’s voice makes my toes curl, or August looks like a hotter Clark Kent, or if Jett’s beautiful blue eyes captivate me more than any Alpha’s ever have even through a screen.
There’s also the third Alpha, Mateo, the cinematographer, who’s layered black hair and dark brown eyes would make anyone’s underwear melt.
“No.” I clear my throat. “It doesn’t matter at all.”
Yep, everything is going to be just fine.