Hired for Heat

Hired for Heat

Chapter One – Sandra

Sandra's heels clicked against the sky-blue tiles as she made her way to the receptionist's desk at the back of the bright lobby. The desk was a large affair, made of glass and shiny metal, the gateway to what could possibly be Sandra's worst decision. The dark-haired woman behind it looked like she had stepped off the cover of a magazine, the picture of perfect customer service as she looked up and smiled.

"Hello! Welcome to The Haven. How can I help you?"

"I have an appointment at two. Sandra Weanton."

Nodding, the woman consulted the slim computer screen sitting in front of her before looking up to meet Sandra's eyes again.

"You're all checked in. If you would please have a seat, Ms. Burrie will be with you in just a moment."

Sandra turned on her heel and walked over to one of the plush, cream-colored chairs scattered around the lobby. She was the only one there, which helped calm her nerves a bit. At least there wasn't anyone to witness her insanity.

Sitting, she crossed one ankle atop the other and smoothed her skirt over her knees as she looked around the room. Three of the walls were solid windows overlooking landscaped gardens with bright pops of color from exotic flowers, while the fourth, separating the lobby from the rest of the building, was painted a blue to match the floor. It gave the feeling of a wide-open space while still being practical and maintaining a clean, professional space.

As an architectural designer, she approved.

The Haven was the top omega-tending facility in the city, containing a wide selection of studs, as well as luxurious accommodations. Sandra had never been to the facility before, but many of her peers raved about it, and curiosity had gotten the best of her.

She barely had time to settle and take in the room before the door behind the receptionist opened and a middle-aged woman dressed in plain scrubs the color of the wall stepped out. Sandra figured this had to be the woman who was supposed to be giving her the tour and stood as she approached.

"Hello, you must be Ms. Weanton. I'm Agnes Burrie," the woman said as she held out a hand to Sandra. "I'll be the one showing you around today and answering any of your questions. Are you ready to head back?"

Taking the offered hand in her own, Sandra replied, "Yes, please," and followed the woman to the door she had come through.

As they passed into the hallway behind the lobby, Sandra was momentarily distracted by the photos of smiling men hanging along the walls. Their size and musculature suggested they were alphas, and she wished she could pause for a moment to take a better look at them.

"Would you prefer to see the accommodations or the selection first?" Ms. Burrie asked.

"The accommodations first would be fine."

"Certainly," the woman responded before directing Sandra to the right.

Once Sandra thought to pay attention, she could tell the woman was a beta just like the receptionist. Betas didn't emit a noticeable scent the way alphas and omegas did, and their sense of smell was more limited as well.

As they passed a pair of women dressed in white pushing a cleaning cart, she began to wonder if all the people working at The Haven were betas. It would be logical since it would make the clients feel more comfortable. A hormonal omega could attack another if she felt the other was in her space or competing for attention.

Turning down a second hallway, Ms. Burrie stopped at the first door and swiped a card through the reader on the right. Beeping, the door opened and she stepped inside, moving out of the way for Sandra to enter behind her.

"This is our standard room. They are all identical in layout and amenities. The bed is a king size, gel-top, twelve-inch foam mattress, and we offer sheets of multiple colors and fabrics. We also have a wide selection of pillows and duvets."

Reaching down next to the leg of the wooden bedframe, Ms. Burrie pulled up a black strap.

"The restraint kit is built into the frame with reinforced straps tested up to four-hundred pounds. The bed is bolted to the floor for added stability. The table next to the bed here has a water dispenser built into it to be sure you stay hydrated without needing to leave the comfort of your nest."

Sandra found it a little strange that the bed sat in the middle of the room instead of against one of the walls, but she brushed it off as she continued to look around. Running her hand over the mattress to test its firmness, she let out a hum before crossing the charcoal grey carpeting to the door at the side of the room.

"The bathroom through there has both a standing shower and a sunken tub that is large enough for two and has a reclined seat. The jets in it are completely adjustable with controls set into the top to be easily reached. Different soaps and oils are available, as well as towels, inside the cabinet just behind the door."

Ms. Burrie persisted with her description of everything that made The Haven stand out among other tending facilities. Everything she mentioned had been in the brochure, but Sandra let her continue as she explored the space.

"If there is anything you would like to have in the room, such as extra pillows, a variety of fruits or sweets, music or specific scents, we are happy to provide whatever it is. You can also bring anything with you to make yourself more comfortable, but we do suggest being careful with your choices since there is a risk of it being damaged or forgotten. We offer a cleaning service for anything that becomes soiled."

Sandra listened to the woman with half of her attention as she stepped back into the room. She noticed a larger table in the far corner and walked over to it, running a hand over the glossy wood.

"That table is also guaranteed to hold up to eight hundred pounds and has built in restraints that can be pulled up from the legs. It can be moved, but it's rather heavy. The chaise lounge in the opposite corner is moveable as well, with similar capabilities."

Humming, Sandra continued to look around. The walls were a dove grey, and the lighting came from the ceiling, the entire thing glowing with a soft light.

"Is the lighting adjustable?"

"Of course. The controls are built into the wall here by the door as well as into the table beside the bed," Ms. Burrie responded.

Sandra gave a brisk nod and strode back to where the woman waited by the door.

"Everything looks perfect. What about accessibility?"

"Once you are inside, we monitor the pheromones in the air. Either when you call us, or when the pheromones reach a certain level, we bring your stud into the room and seal the door. It remains sealed until your pheromone levels have lowered back within a normal range unless you hit your emergency button. If that happens, security will enter the room and deal with the problem, but we have never had that happen," she assured, closing the door behind them as they walked back into the hallway.

"The rooms are all soundproofed and are monitored twenty-four seven by an AI system, so your privacy is maintained. The AI has extensive programing to register dangerous or unwanted situations. Your safety is our utmost priority."

Turning to face Sandra, Ms. Burrie clapped her hands together with a big smile on her face.

"So, now I'll take you to the selection area."

Hired for Heat