Chapter Six

Ares

Leila Kaye's shrill scream still rings in my ears as she stands there angrily, with scattered teacups and their contents spilled at her feet.

She tightly holds onto a tray and furiously glares at the girl I was kissing. A girl I didn't know existed until some minutes ago.

How the fuck did I get myself in this situation?

My intentions were pure and planned. I was to come to see Kaye's girl and determine if she the right Omega for me, not make out with a strange girl.

Yet here I was, with the taste of the young woman still fresh on my tongue.My shirt is slightly torn open. And my hair is roughed up.

What a gentleman I am.

Earlier, I arrived at Kaye's residence with Henry in time to meet and have a short chat with Mr. Kaye.

He is a relatively good man with great wealth. Although his money is nothing compared to mine.Yet, he had displayed his wealth for me to see, like that would convince me to marry his daughter.

I couldn't care less about his wealth. All I needed was an Omega who could take my knot and bear my pups.

When I was introduced to Leila, I thought she was nice. She was a beauty in person. When she let out her pheromones, I noticed Henry had to turn away from her as they filled the room with their sweet cinnamon scent. It was proof of her strength as an Omega. I respected that.

Yet, her smell didn't resonate with me. I wasn't satisfied. It was like something was missing. I needed something more, but I couldn't put my finger on what that "more" was.

Leila is good, but not a perfect fit for me. Even with her strong pheromones, I have no urge to touch her. She didn't make me burn with desire. She didn't come close to the way the strange woman I just devoured made me feel.

I want the best and that's what I'll get. So, I was not inclined to take her, but I couldn't leave just yet. They had welcomed me into their home. So the best I could do was try to be polite as they entertained me.

However, I had failed at this. I have always been terrible at hiding how I feel about things. If I was displeased, it showed for all to see. So, I couldn't put up an act for them. I had sat down, scowling and groaning at their attempts at conversation.

While I was not enthused with all that they were doing, Henry seemed to feel the opposite. Although he was as irritated as I was with Mr. Kaye's antics, his attitude changed when he saw Leila.

He was enthralled by her. Like all functional males would be. I couldn't fault him. She was a beautiful and powerful Omega, after all. She was also quite a conversationalist and didn't seem to be easily intimidated. Another set of traits I respected. Yet, she didn't do it for me.

Henry had showered her with praise. He had a way with words that made the ladies blush. Leila had soaked in all the praise but kept stealing glances my way.

At one point, Henry noticed my lack of interest but had read it as me being jealous of his attention toward my "intended". He had quickly withdrawn from conversing with the girl and switched his attention to Mrs. Kaye.

Mrs. Kaye, a threatening but observant woman, had gotten something else from my reaction. Since my arrival, she had watched me shrewdly. She seemed intent on getting her daughter wedded to me.

So, when I showed a lack of interest, she got nervous. The woman had tried different methods to get Leila and me to sit closer, but I wasn't having it.

Leila, on the other hand, was more graceful in her acceptance of my lack of interest. She had held the conversation without showing her displeasure.

Her parents had gotten on my nerves. I had requested some time alone.

I told them I needed time to take care of some pressing matters and make some phone calls. The Kayes had been quite interested in what those "pressing matters" were. Their interest only worked to increase my irritation.

I promised to be back with them after a survey of the gardens, and they had agreed. Not like they had a choice.

However, Mrs. Kaye had thought of another tactic. She came up with the idea of sending Leila over to join me.

"Oh, private tea time with your betrothed will do you both good," she had chirped. "You'll spend time getting to know each other privately," she had added when I didn't give a response.

A laugh had threatened to rise from me when she used the term "betrothed".

She was a desperate woman.

I didn't want Leila to join me. It negated my reason for leaving the small party. But again, I couldn't be rude to them. I nodded my approval and left Henry to keep them entertained.

I didn't look forward to the arrangement. I knew Mrs. Kaye would most likely pressure Leila to get me hooked on her. I imagined their conversation and shook my head in annoyance.

Leila was already showing signs of being under pressure. I didn't like that for her. When she came out to meet me, she'd put up an act, but I wouldn't buy it. I won't be pleased to hurt the young lady's pride. But I will always do what has to be done.

I'd have to try my best to be gentle. I noticed she loved being praised. So, I'd just add some praise to make the rejection more palatable.

I had it all planned out. I had confidence in my plan to work out well.

So, while I waited for her, I took a tour around the garden. It was enchanting with its roses and other varieties of flowers all growing beautifully together. It was refreshing to be in nature. I had a garden at my estate also, but I never paid much attention to it. The relief the Kayes' garden brought to me made me reconsider spending time in mine.

Mrs. Kaye was seriously delusional to think Leila was going to be my betrothed. I was just meeting the lady for the first time. She didn't even satisfy my needs. So why was her mother calling her my betrothed so soon? It wasn't like I had promised to wed her.

I needed a mate. But I couldn't settle for the first, close-to-best option. I'd just have to keep searching.

I was too preoccupied with my thoughts. I didn't sense it until it was so close to me. It was a scent so scrumptious that it hit me hard in the guts. It was the sweetest pheromones I had ever perceived in my life. They smelled like roses and cherry blossoms. They were stronger than the smell of the roses in the garden.

The smell immediately piqued my interest.

Where was it coming from?

On impulse, I turned around to see a woman staring at me with intense hunger in her faded blue eyes. They were so clear that they seemed transparent. It was like she was seeing into my soul. Her brown hair fell to her shoulders. I noticed some strands stuck to her clammy skin. I had this urge to pull them off.

She was pale and skinny. I feared I would break her if I held her close. She had full, sensual lips that called to be kissed.

Her attire was all black and unappealing. It hung on her body like a sack. I couldn't tell what her body would look like under her clothes. But I had a strong urge to find out.

Even with her unappealing attire and sickly look, she was so beautiful. Above all, she emanated the best scent I had ever smelled. There was no way I could ignore the fire she was stirring up in me just by existing. Especially with the way she was hungrily looking at me.

This! This was what I had been looking for!

It was what I had expected when I met Leila Kaye the first time, but it didn't happen. It was happening with someone else.

This strange, sickly woman was giving me everything I wanted just by breathing.

I had never felt the need to consume someone like this.

The feeling was so primal and raw.

I craved her.

Needed her.

Wanted to knot inside her beautiful self.

Wanted to sink my teeth into her and claim her.

In all of my thirty-one years alive, I had never experienced a need so strong.

My eyes glowed with hunger. I wasn't surprised, nor did I hesitate when she attacked me, dragging me down to meet her mouth. She moaned as I kissed her lips and neck.

My hands wanted to feel her body. I let myself get lost in her. Her moans were so sweet and soft that they made me grow harder for her.

I had thought she would be bony, but she was actually curvy and slim in the right places. Her butt was soft as I caressed and fondled it.

She didn't break in my hands like I thought she would. Instead, she melted into them.

In my chase for more of her, I tore open her clothes to place kisses on her breast. Her scent was so intoxicating. It drove me mad with need. When my mouth found her nipples, she gave a cry and pulled at my hair.

Oh! What joy!

She tasted as sweet as she smelled.

I had her balanced on my thighs while I groped her butt. My hand soon traveled down to her center.

She was soaking wet!

She was so wet, it was dripping all over our clothes. It was apparent that she was in her heat.

Did she know?

Did she know what she was doing to me?

Did she know what her slick was inciting in me?

Questions about her appearance had vanished from my mind. Her body was syncing so perfectly with mine. I wanted to howl with satisfaction.

My wolf was jumping up in excitement, pleased with the Omega I held.

She was perfect!

She was the one I wanted!

My wolf was pushing for me to claim her there and then. But even in my rut, I knew it wasn't the best time.

Her hands were all over my body. Everywhere she touched brought up a new surge of need inside of me. She tore open my shirt to feel my bare chest. I moaned in delight. Her hands on my skin were magical. I wanted more.

She reached for my pants, and I was just about to let her undress me, when I heard the crash.

There was Leila, her eyes wide with shock and anger—anger that was mostly for the girl in my arms.

The situation was a shitty one. I didn't want it to be this way. But somehow, I had found my Omega. Everything pointed to her. She was the one who could take my knot.

Fear was splashed across the girl's face. She pushed me away and staggered back. I wanted to hold her. To calm her down.

I wanted to say something to her. Or to Leila to ease the situation. But, before I could, the Omega ran away without looking back, adjusting her clothes as she went.

She's gone!

If I couldn't still taste her in my mouth or smell her on my skin, I would have assumed it was all a daydream.

Who was she?

I know I have showed the Kayes disrespect. They welcomed me into their home to discuss marriage between me and their daughter and I ended up kissing some random girl outside their home.

All I want is to chase the girl down. Find out who she is. Make her mine. But doing that will only insult Leila and her family more.

Leila is standing still with her fists by her sides, like she is trying to process what just happened and hold in her anger at the same time. I want to ask who the girl was, but I don't. It will only fuel her rage.

The plan was to end the prospect of a union between Leila and me peacefully. But, this strange woman has sidetracked that plan.

Now, the situation is awkward.

I wait for Leila to say something as I adjust myself. Thankfully, the buttons of my shirt are still intact. I feared they might have come off. I run my hand through my hair to smooth it.

"Are you done?" Leila spits at me.

I might have found her bravery impressive on another day.

I'm an Alpha, and she is challenging me. Her anger has overwhelmed every other thing at the moment.

I don't reply. I stare her down, but she holds her own.

"I don't know what I had expected, but I'd thought you'd be more reserved and be in control of yourself," she starts. "You have shown me disrespect, you have shown disrespect to my family, and frankly, you have shown disrespect for yourself," she huffs in annoyance.

I couldn't care less about what she was saying. Self-respect was the least of my problems. I am a dominant Alpha. It's a rank that gives me the power to do whatever I want. Alphas take what they want or need.

I fix my open shirt and tuck my hands into my pockets. Yes, I get that I was not respectful toward her family. Of course, I don't want to make an enemy of the Kayes. After all, they are one of the wealthiest and most influential families in town. They would serve me better as allies. But if it means keeping me away from an Omega so delicious… an Omega I want to claim… I'm not afraid to step on a few toes.

At that moment, Mr. and Mrs. Kaye and Henry come running into the garden. They must have heard the crash and come to check on us. They see the cups shattered around Leila and fan out around her.

"Are you hurt?" Mrs. Kaye asks Leila. "What happened?" She tenderly places her hand on Leila's shoulder.

"Why don't you ask your guest?" Leila snaps.

I shrug at this. Henry comes to stand by my side, his eyes filled with concern.

Leila's anger brews as I stay quiet. She groans and shrugs her mother's hands off. With precise steps, she furiously marches off in the direction the other girl had taken.

Shit. The mystery girl is in trouble.