10. Delcy

The clinkof Lydia"s high heels announced her arrival before I could see her. I peered through the peephole, my pulse skipping erratically. There she stood, framed by the dim hallway light, a garment bag slung over her arm and a cosmetic case in hand.

"Open up, Delcy! Time"s ticking!" Lydia called out, her voice laced with that characteristic blend of excitement and impatience.

I unlocked the door and swung it open, my hands slick with nerves. Lydia breezed past me, the scent of her expensive perfume filling the small space of my apartment. She laid out the garment bag on my bed with a flourish and unzipped it to reveal a dress that took my breath away.

"Lydia, this is gorgeous," I whispered, running my fingers over the delicate lace and rich fabric. The dress was a pastel peach that I knew would complement my skin tone, a stark contrast to the muted colors I usually wore.

"Anything for my bestie," she said airily, clearly proud of her selection. "You"re going to knock those Sterling brothers off their feet."

Her words sent a shiver down my spine, the good kind mixed with a dash of dread. The thought of sitting across from Colton and Jaxon made my stomach flip-flop. Both men were stunningly handsome, but it was more than their looks that had me on edge. It was the power they wielded effortlessly and the intense way they looked at me.

"Now sit down so I can do your makeup."

I settled onto the couch while Lydia lined my eyes with a smoky shadow, brushed blush onto my cheeks, and painted my lips a berry that matched the color of the dress. Watching my features transform in the mirror, I hardly recognized myself. The woman staring back at me looked sophisticated, alluring even.

"Voila! You look hot, girl." Lydia grinned. "Those alphas won"t know what hit them."

I laughed. "I hope I can keep their attention. I"m sure they"re used to dining with models and celebrities."

"Please, they were practically all over you the moment they saw you at the gallery event," Lydia said. "Just be your charming self and they"ll be eating out of the palm of your hand in no time."

I appreciated her encouragement. Lydia always knew how to boost my confidence, even if she did run with a more privileged crowd. We"d been friends since childhood, but our lives had diverged as we grew older. I wondered sometimes if she felt embarrassed by me, but she never showed it.

As Lydia continued to expertly apply makeup to my face, transforming me from the girl who served coffee to someone who might belong in their world for just one night, I found myself caught between anticipation and fear. What did they want with me? Was it just dinner or something more?

The brush strokes on my cheek paused as Lydia"s phone rang. She glanced at the caller ID and frowned, eyes narrowing.

"I need to take this. I"ll be right back," she said, already heading for the door.

I watched her step outside, speaking in a hushed but heated tone. Try as I might not to eavesdrop, I couldn"t help overhearing snippets.

"You said you"d have it by now... I don"t care, figure it out... it"s not my problem how you get it, just pay what you owe..." Lydia sounded more upset than I"d ever heard her.

A few minutes later, she came back inside, plastering a smile on her face like the call never happened. I considered asking if everything was okay but stopped myself. It wasn"t my business, and I didn"t want to spoil the mood.

Lydia checked the time on her diamond encrusted watch.

"The car will be here any minute to pick you up. Are you excited?"

"Nervous, mostly," I admitted. "I still can"t believe I"m going on a date with the Sterling twins. Me, little nobody Delcy Charlton."

"You"re not a nobody." Lydia squeezed my hand. "You"re smart, talented, and so much more interesting than those arrogant alphas or their usual arm candy."

I smiled, grateful for her faith in me. A buzz from Lydia"s phone interrupted us again. She checked it and sighed.

"Ugh, I have to take this." She gave me an apologetic look. "I"m so sorry, but I should really talk to him quickly. Do you mind?"

"Of course not, go ahead." I waved her toward the door. "I"ll get dressed and do a final mirror check."

Lydia flashed me a relieved smile and slipped outside again. Her voice filtered through the thin walls as she spoke.

"I need more time," Lydia hissed into the phone. Her voice wavered, a stark contrast to her usual confidence. "I know I owe you a lot, but I"ll get you your money soon."

Debt? Lydia never mentioned any financial troubles to me. She always flaunted her affluent lifestyle as if money were no object.

The conversation shifted abruptly as Lydia dialed another number, her tone now sharp and businesslike.

"Listen," she spoke into the phone once connected. "We need to talk about that contract and commission. I"ll come by at the Alpha Gold Club."

Alpha Gold Club? Was there such a club with that name?

Before I could ponder further, I picked up the dress and headed into the bathroom to change. Ten minutes later, I stared at my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing myself. The dress hugged every curve perfectly, accentuating what needed accentuation, and the makeup was flawless without being overdone. I rarely had occasion to dress up, but tonight was different. Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady the butterflies fluttering in my stomach.

I was going on a dinner date with Colton and Jaxon Sterling. Just thinking their names made my pulse quicken.

That incident seven years ago left me with a deep-seated anxiety around alphas, which was why I had always kept my distance. Yet there was something about Colton and Jaxon that captivated me, an allure I couldn"t defy. They pulled me in with an inexplicable magnetism, prompting behavior that was out of character for me, such as accepting this dinner date despite my initial reluctance. I could have expressed my disinterest and canceled, but I chose not to. For reasons beyond my understanding, I desperately wanted this date to happen.

A knock at the bathroom door startled me from my thoughts. I opened it to see Lydia standing there.

"Let me look at you!" she squealed, clapping her hands together when she saw me. "Oh, Delcy, you look absolutely gorgeous in that dress. Those brothers are going to be drooling over you all night."

I smiled shyly, smoothing my hands over the fabric.

"Thanks, Lydia. I can"t believe you lent me something so nice."

"Like I said, anything for my bestie," she said, hugging me. "Now the heels and we"re all set."

Slipping into the four-inch heels Lydia had picked out, I felt a shift within me. The added height brought an unfamiliar grace to my posture, a confidence I didn"t know I possessed. With each step, I practiced balance and poise, trying not to think about the towering Sterling twins awaiting my arrival.

I caught my reflection in the mirror one last time. The woman looking back was someone else entirely—beautiful, composed, and somehow powerful. I took a deep breath, allowing myself to bask in this newfound sense of self, however fleeting it might be.

A soft chime echoed through the apartment signaling that Colton and Jaxon had arrived. I picked up Colton"s suit jacket from where it lay draped over a chair—carefully maintained despite my inability to afford professional dry cleaning—and made my way to the door.

Lydia gave me an encouraging nod as I stepped out into the cool evening air. There it was, Colton"s black Rolls-Royce parked at the curb, its sleek lines reflecting the fading light like some predatory creature waiting in the shadows.

Colton stepped out first, his presence commanding even in stillness. He wore a tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean frame, a man who wore power as effortlessly as his clothing. Jaxon followed, equally imposing but with an air of mischievous charm that softened his strong features.

I approached them, clutching Colton"s jacket.

"Thank you for coming," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I"ve taken good care of your jacket."

Colton took it from me with a gentle touch that lingered on my fingers for a second too long.

"It"s fine," he said, his deep voice wrapping around me like velvet. "You didn"t have to worry about it."

Both men watched me with an intensity that made my heart race. Their gazes seemed to drink in every detail of my appearance, leaving me exposed yet strangely empowered under their scrutiny.

Lydia appeared at my side, her impatience palpable as she glanced at her watch.

"Time is of the essence," she reminded us briskly. "We should get going if we don"t want to miss our reservation."

Jaxon opened the car door for me and ushered me inside with a warm smile that somehow put me at ease amidst the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. His hand brushed against mine as I took my seat, sending a jolt through my body that resonated with something primal and urgent.

Lydia leaned down to whisper before closing the door.

"I"ll follow behind in my car," she said with a conspiratorial wink.

As Colton slid into the driver"s seat and started the engine, the purr of the Rolls-Royce filled the silence between us. We pulled away from the curb smoothly, leaving behind Lydia and any remnants of my old life for the evening ahead.

The interior of Colton"s car was as luxurious as one would expect—leather seats that hugged your form, ambient lighting that set off every polished surface with an understated glow. Yet despite all this opulence surrounding us, it was their potent pheromones that dominated the space.

I could feel their alpha presence pressing in on all sides. It was both exhilarating and terrifying. Warmth spread through me as if their very scent could reach inside and touch something secret and hidden, a part of myself I"d kept locked away.

Jaxon broke the silence first with light conversation about mundane topics—the weather, some recent exhibit he"d enjoyed—which helped ease some of the tension building within me.

Colton remained quiet but attentive throughout Jaxon"s chatter, his focus on driving while stealing glances at me through the rearview mirror every so often. His eyes were like twin sapphires, deep and penetrating, and every time our gazes met, I felt a little heady.

We drove through the city streets lit by a constellation of streetlights and neon signs until we reached our destination, Auburn Retreat, a restaurant renowned for its exclusivity and culinary excellence.

Colton parked at the valet stand before coming around to open my door. As I stepped out onto solid ground again, he offered his arm, a gesture so gallant it felt like something out of another era or perhaps just another world entirely different from mine.

I placed my hand lightly on his forearm, acutely aware of how close we were standing. The energy between us was palpable, a current that seemed to hum beneath our skin. Together we walked toward the restaurant with Jaxon trailing behind us, a trio bound by circumstance and an unspoken promise of what this night might bring.

* * *

The gleamingfacade of the restaurant towered before us, a beacon of elegance in the twilight. As we stepped through its doors, a wave of awe washed over me, the opulence of the interior leaving me breathless. I had seen places like this in magazines and on-screen, but being here—the walls draped in rich velvet, the chandeliers cast a golden glow over marble floors, and immaculately dressed waiters whisked around serving patrons who oozed wealth and sophistication—was an experience I could hardly believe.

The ma?tre d" greeted us with a polished smile, leading us through the sea of linen-draped tables to a luxurious private room that felt like it was perched between the stars and the city below. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered an unobstructed view of the glittering skyline. I settled into the plush sofa, my heart fluttering like a caged bird, excited yet anxious about the night ahead. This was all so far removed from my everyday reality working at the coffee shop.

My phone buzzed in my clutch, and I retrieved it to find a message from Lydia. My stomach knotted as I read her words.

Sorry, Delcy. I can"t make it. A business emergency just came up. I"ll make it up to you another time. Have fun and enjoy the date.

I stared at the phone and reread the message, to ensure I didn"t misinterpret anything. Was this business emergency something to do with those calls earlier?

"Everything all right?" Jaxon"s voice pulled me back to the present.

I looked up to find both brothers watching me with attentive eyes.

"Lydia won"t be joining us," I said, trying to mask my rising panic with a steady voice. "She has an unexpected matter to attend to."

Their expressions softened with understanding, though I detected a glint of something else in their eyes. Opportunity? Anticipation? It sent a little shiver through me.

We settled into our seats as if nothing had disrupted our evening. Colton took charge of ordering our meal with an air of confidence that made me feel at ease. I trusted his taste implicitly.

The candlelight flickered across their faces, throwing shadows that made their expressions seem even more intense. Jaxon"s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

"So, Delcy," he began, his voice smooth like velvet. "Tell us about yourself. We"re eager to know more than just the brilliant barista of Brewed Dreams."

A blush warmed my cheeks at his words. I hesitated for a moment, taking a sip of water to gather my thoughts before diving into the story of my past.

"Well, I"ve always loved drawing and designing since I was little," I said, feeling their gazes fixed on me. "My father bought me my first sketchbook when I was about five, and I would fill it with drawings of dresses."

Jaxon smiled, his interest evident. "Do you still have those drawings?"

I nodded, a nostalgic smile tugging at my lips.

"I do. It"s back at my apartment, tucked away safely." Memories of that time fluttered in my mind like delicate butterflies. "My mother... she sewed one of the dresses for me for my seventh birthday. I wore it to every important event until I outgrew it."

Colton"s voice cut through the warm recollections, deep and gentle. "Does your mother still sew?"

The question stilled the butterflies abruptly, and a heavy silence fell over me before I could respond. My eyes dropped to my lap where my fingers fidgeted with the hem of my napkin.

"No," I said quietly, feeling their concern even without looking up. "My parents... they passed away in a motor vehicle accident ten years ago when I was fifteen."

Their apologies were immediate and sincere.

"I"m sorry for your loss," Colton said softly.

Jaxon echoed his sentiment, his cheeky demeanor replaced by solemn respect.

"It hit me hard," I said after a pause, meeting their eyes again. "They were my world." A sigh escaped me as the weight of the past pressed down on my chest. "If it wasn"t for Grandpa Sid being there for me... well, I don"t know what would have happened." I tried to offer them a smile but knew it didn"t quite reach my eyes.

Their understanding filled the space between us as they both nodded in silent agreement about the harshness of our world toward omegas like me.

"We admire your resilience," Colton said firmly. "Going through such a tough childhood and still standing strong... It"s commendable."

I appreciated their words but felt uncomfortable under such praise. It was simply life, and I had no choice but to endure and adapt.

Jaxon shifted the topic gently, sensing my discomfort.

"Grandpa Sid sounds like a wonderful man."

"He is," I said with more warmth this time. "But his heart condition..." My voice trailed off as worry creased my forehead. He was all I had left and thinking about losing him too... "We can"t talk about such depressing things now," I quickly added, forcing cheerfulness back into my tone as if it could chase away the dread clinging to the edges of our conversation.

"What"s something you two can"t live without?" I asked them both, eager to turn their attention away from my personal sorrows.

Colton didn"t hesitate. "Good food," he declared with a passion that matched his profession.

Jaxon grinned widely. "Good coffee. I"m a bit of a coffee snob."

I chuckled at their answers but couldn"t shake off the feeling that there was something deeper behind their words, something unspoken that lingered in the air between us like an invisible thread pulling us closer together.

Their intense gazes locked on to mine once more, and suddenly it was hard to breathe, hard to think about anything other than the magnetic pull drawing me into their orbit.

The way they looked at me, with a hunger that wasn"t just for food or coffee, sent shivers down my spine and made every nerve-ending tingle with awareness. It was thrilling and terrifying all at once, the intensity of their attention embowering me made of whispers and unvoiced promises.

For a moment we simply sat there in silence, three souls caught in an intricate dance of attraction and uncertainty, and then Jaxon reached out to refill our glasses, breaking the spellbinding moment with a clink of crystal against crystal.

"Here"s to new discoveries," he toasted with a mischievous glint returning to his eyes.

Our dishes arrived, presented like edible works of art. Every bite was a revelation, a symphony of flavors I"d never experienced before. For a little while, I forgot my worries and simply enjoyed the decadent meal.

"So, Delcy, what"s your big dream for the future?" Jaxon asked.

I hesitated, the fork hovering in midair. Dreams were something I"d pushed to the corners of my mind, labeling them as frivolous in the face of my day-to-day struggles. Yet sitting here, surrounded by the warmth of their company and the soft hum of conversations around us, it felt safe to share.

"I love fashion design," I said. "I"ve always dreamed of having my own clothing line."

Their encouraging nods prompted me to continue.

"But that"s all it"s been—a dream," I said with a hint of resignation. "My financial situation makes it feel out of reach, like a childhood fantasy that"s not meant for the real world."

Colton"s gaze was steady on me, and there was something so affirming about his attention that it made me feel seen in a way I rarely did.

"You shouldn"t let that stop you," he said firmly.

The earnestness in his voice sent a warm flush through me. I laughed softly to ease the intensity building inside me.

Turning the conversation away from myself, I leaned back and looked at them both with playful curiosity.

"I bet you were wild when you were younger."

Jaxon laughed. "Too right! We drove our nannies mad with our antics. Poor women couldn"t keep up with us."

I laughed along with him, picturing these two imposing men as mischievous boys running circles around their caretakers. It was an endearing image.

"Twins are adorable," I said with a smile. "My boss, Blair, has twins, four years old, and they"re just the cutest. They come into the café sometimes after daycare."

The atmosphere shifted then, something in their demeanor changing so subtly that if I hadn't been paying attention, I might have missed it.

"Is something wrong?" I asked gently.

They exchanged a glance before Jaxon reached out to pour more drink into our glasses, his hand accidentally brushing against mine. A spark ran through me at the contact, a jolt that seemed to linger far longer than it should have.

The room felt thick with tension now, their pheromones hanging heavy in the air like an intoxicating perfume. My own body was responding despite my best efforts to remain composed.

I contemplated excusing myself to take another suppressant—I had already taken one earlier when Lydia turned up—but would it be too much? My mind raced with indecision.

Eventually, dinner came to an end and we stood to leave. Colton settled the bill with an ease that spoke of his status.

Instead of returning to the car, Jaxon suggested a stroll to work off the big meal, which Colton nodded with agreement. I gladly followed them as they led the way.

The cool night air caressed my skin and raised goosebumps along my arms, partly from the chill and partly from their proximity. Jaxon noticed my shiver and draped his jacket over my shoulders. The warmth of his gesture enveloped me, and I murmured my thanks.

The time seemed to slip away until eventually we found ourselves back at their car and Colton drove us toward my apartment building.

When we arrived at my doorstep, they both stepped out with me, a gentlemanly act that had warmth spreading through my chest.

I turned to face them both under the dim glow of the porch light.

"Good night," I said softly. "And thank you... for such a lovely evening."

Jaxon"s lips lingered near my ear, his warm breath sending tingles across my skin.

"We"d love to take you out again," he said, his voice like rich velvet.

I drew in a shaky breath, acutely aware of his proximity, of the heat radiating from his body. My mind spun as I tried to form a coherent response.

The words came out before I could stop myself.

"I... I"d like that," I said, my own voice sounding distant and breathy to my ears.

Jaxon pulled back just enough to meet my gaze, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. Even in the dim light, I could see a smile tugging at his mouth.

Beside him, Colton stood silent, though his intense stare spoke volumes. He seemed pleased by my answer too, a new energy simmering just under his composed exterior.

I wet my dry lips with the tip of my tongue, watching as both their gazes tracked the movement. The air between us felt charged, electrified by unspoken desires.

Jaxon moved first, slowly, giving me time to pull away if I wished. But I remained motionless, anchored in place by his hypnotic eyes.

His hand cupped my cheek, tilting my face up toward his. I let my eyes flutter closed as his lips met mine.

The kiss started soft, exploratory, before deepening. My lips parted and I tasted him, rich espresso and something uniquely masculine, indescribably addictive. I pressed myself closer, suddenly desperate for more contact.

Jaxon obliged, his free arm encircling my waist, his hand splayed against the small of my back. Our bodies molded together as the kiss continued. I was drowning in sensation, my focus narrowing to just the feel of his mouth on mine, his firm muscles flexing under my palms.

My lungs burned for air but I didn"t want to break the connection. When Jaxon finally pulled back, I swayed on my feet, dizzy and disoriented.

My hazy mind barely registered Colton moving closer until I felt his hand tilt my chin up. Our eyes met for a brief moment before his lips claimed mine.

If Jaxon"s kiss was exploratory, Colton"s was consuming. His mouth moved over mine with surety, as though staking a claim. My hands curled into the front of his shirt, anchoring myself against the onslaught of dizzying pleasure.

Colton kissed me thoroughly, leaving no part of my lips untouched. I clung to him, lost in his commanding presence.

Too soon, he withdrew, steadying me with his hands on my hips when I stumbled. I blinked slowly, trying to reorient myself in a world that no longer felt quite real.

Both brothers regarded me intently as I attempted to gather the fraying edges of my composure. Their eyes shone with undisguised want, but they made no move to resume our heated encounters.

"Good night, Delcy," Jaxon said, his voice a delicious caress. "Sweet dreams."

Colton echoed the sentiment, his deep baritone resonating through me.

I whispered a faint good night in return, watching almost numbly as they made their way back to the car idling at the curb.

My lips still tingled from their kisses. I pressed my fingertips to them, half convinced I had imagined the entire dizzying experience. But the lingering ache inside me was real—a hunger awoken that refused to be ignored.

I slipped inside my apartment on unsteady legs, leaning back against the closed door as I struggled to process the torrent of emotions swirling within me. Confusion, exhilaration, longing... Never had a simple goodnight kiss affected me so deeply.

With a shaky laugh, I pushed off the door and made my way to the bedroom on wobbly knees. My mind replayed every detail of those kisses—the taste, the feel, the way they had utterly consumed me.

As I readied for bed, anticipation simmered within me. Our first date was over, but I sensed it was merely the beginning of something far more dangerous and unpredictable.

Whatever was developing between us, it frightened me as much as it thrilled me. But as sleep claimed me that night, my dreams were filled with Jaxon"s playful smile and Colton"s searing gaze. And I found myself eager to explore this intoxicating new territory with them both.

The dawn light filtered through my blinds, painting soft stripes across the room. I lay in bed, restless, the sheets twisted around my legs—a physical testament to a night spent tossing and turning. My mind replayed the events of the evening before, as if by revisiting them I might find some clue as to whether they were real or spun from my own fervent imagination.

I sat up, rubbing sleep from my eyes, and there it was—Jaxon"s jacket draped over the chair, tangible proof that last night wasn"t just a dream. I had forgotten to give it back to him, just like I had done with Colton"s before. I reached out and ran my fingers over the fabric. It was smooth and undoubtedly expensive. The scent of his cologne clung to it, a mix of woodsy notes and something uniquely him that made my heart skip.

I touched my lips with the tips of my fingers, remembering their kisses—first Jaxon"s, playful and testing the waters, then Colton"s, firm and demanding. Heat bloomed in my cheeks and spread through me like wildfire. It was baffling—they were alphas of high society, used to luxury and opulence. And me? Delcy Charlton, an omega who grew up with nothing but hand-me-downs and thrift store finds.

Would they have noticed me if I hadn"t been at that gallery event? Would they have seen beyond the barista apron to the girl with dreams as vast as the ocean but with pockets as shallow as puddles? In their world of extravagance and wealth, I was a mere speck—a footnote in their grand narrative.

I pushed these thoughts aside as I climbed out of bed. There was no use pondering what-ifs when reality demanded attention. So I got ready for the day ahead. There were groceries to buy and Grandpa Sid to visit.

* * *

Monday arrivedwith its usual flurry of activity at Brewed Dreams. The hum of conversation blended with the whirr of coffee machines and the clink of porcelain on wood. The rich aroma of freshly ground coffee beans filled the air, a scent that became as familiar to me as my own heartbeat.

Customers flowed in and out in waves—some in a hurry, others lingering over their drinks. I slid from table to table with practiced ease, taking orders and serving up smiles along with lattes and cappuccinos.

I kept glancing at my phone between rushes. It sat silent on the counter, no messages or missed calls lighting up its screen. Lydia hadn"t texted me all morning, not even a cursory How was your date? It was odd. She'd usually be all over any gossip or news about my life.

Then again, Lydia had her own world, one filled with glittering events and social gatherings where she could flaunt her alpha status. She probably got caught up in something more pressing than her omega friend"s dating life.

I resigned myself to another uneventful day, the monotony of my routine wrapping around me like a well-worn shawl. As I was wiping down the counter, Blair slid an order across to me.

"Sterling Enterprises, Executive Department. Jaxon Sterling," she said with a nod. "The usual." She winked at me.

My heart lurched at the name, pounding against my ribs as if trying to break free. I steadied my shaking hands and focused on preparing the coffee.

With the order securely in carry boxes, I stepped out into the crisp afternoon air and made my way to the Sterling Enterprises building. The revolving doors swept me into a world of hushed tones and polished surfaces. I rode the elevator to the executive floor, where the doors parted with a soft chime.

As I stepped out, I felt it immediately, the weight of numerous gazes on me. It was different from before, these stares burned with curiosity and animosity, especially from some of the women around my age who stood in clusters like exotic birds preening their feathers. Their whispers snaked through the air, words dripping with venom.

I straightened my spine and headed for Colton"s and Jaxon"s offices. Halfway there, three women stepped in front of me, effectively blocking my path. My gaze locked on to one of them, the same blonde who had tried to intercept me weeks ago during my first delivery here.

"You can hand those to me," she said with a thin smile that didn"t reach her eyes. "I"ll take them to Mr. Sterlings."

I took a step back, meeting her gaze with quiet defiance.

"No, that"s all right. I"m capable of completing my delivery, thank you." My voice was even but firm.

She moved closer again, an imperious tilt to her chin.

"Really, it"s no trouble at all," she insisted. Her companions flanked her like loyal henchmen.

The hallway had become an arena with us at its center, every eye fixed on our standoff. The air was thick with tension as I sidestepped them once more.

But she was relentless. She blocked my way yet again, her eyes cold and calculating.

"An omega like you can"t possibly think you"re doing anything but bothering everyone here, especially our bosses, with your disgusting omega scents."

Anger flared within me like a sudden blaze. It wasn"t just about her words; it was about every sneer I"d ever received for being an omega, every door that had been slammed in my face because of what I was born as.

"I"m not bothering anyone," I countered sharply. "And for your information, being an omega doesn"t mean I can"t do anything." My hands tightened around the carry boxes. It was all that kept them from trembling with rage.

The woman laughed, a brittle sound that echoed mockingly off the walls.

"You"re just deluding yourself if you think they actually want you here."

I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, willing myself to remain composed despite the storm raging inside me.

"You"re looking down on omegas," I said evenly but with an edge that sliced through her condescension like a knife through paper. "You"re a bigot and should be ashamed of yourself."

The corridor had fallen silent; you could have heard a pin drop.

"Colton and Jaxon don"t mind my scent. They would have told me otherwise," I continued boldly, bolstered by their previous kindnesses toward me, by their unexpected gentleness and their warmth that seemed so at odds with their imposing reputations.

The woman opened her mouth to retort but I cut her off before she could spill more venomous words.

"And just so we"re clear," I added with quiet finality. "Jaxon specifically requests that the delivery be made by me on their special request form on every order."

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd that had gathered around us, a sea of faces marked by shock and surprise as they absorbed what I"d said.

Whispers spread through the office like wildfire, a cascade of murmurs and hushed voices rising in volume as speculation ran rampant through the ranks of Sterling Enterprises employees.

"She calls them by their first names," I heard one say softly to another.

"Nobody is allowed to call them by their first names," another said. "It has to always be Mr. Sterling."

The woman who had challenged me stood rooted to the spot, her bravado evaporated like mist under the sun"s glare, leaving behind nothing but disbelief etched across her features.

The confrontation had escalated far beyond what I had anticipated when I set out to deliver coffee. I was bracing myself for the next sharp word, the next sneer, when two familiar faces emerged from the distance. A middle-aged woman and a man in his early thirties. Emma, I believed her name was, was Colton"s assistant, while the man, Mike, was Jaxon"s.

The silence that fell was almost immediate. It was as if their presence was a blanket smothering the crackling tension. Emma"s gaze cut through the crowd, stern and unyielding.

"Everyone, back to work," she ordered, her eyes then landing pointedly on the three women who had tried to belittle me. The office floor buzzed into motion, people shuffling away like scattered leaves in the wind.

With a smile that felt like a balm to my frayed nerves, Emma approached and relieved me of one of the coffee carriers.

"Mr. Sterling said to go and wait in his office."

Mike took two cups from the other carrier in my hands, his actions efficient and silent, and then followed Emma back to where they had come from.

There I stood, a flurry of thoughts whirling through my mind. Emma"s instructions were clear—wait in Mr. Sterling"s office. Which one though?

The eyes still on me felt hot against my skin—some curious, some envious, others scornful. My first instinct was to flee, to escape this den of alphas where I felt like an intruder in a world not meant for me. But before I could turn on my heel and vanish back into the sanctuary of my mundane routine, Jaxon came strolling down the hallway.

His smile was bright as he greeted me, a beacon in the dim corridor.

"Delcy," he said warmly as he gently grabbed my elbow and steered me toward his office. His touch was light but firm, reassuring in its familiarity.

The reaction from our audience was immediate—wide eyes and loud gasps punctuated the air like exclamation points.

"Sorry," I managed to say, a flush creeping up my cheeks as we moved together through the sea of employees. "I forgot to give you your jacket back Saturday night. Should I bring it around after work this evening?"

Jaxon shook his head, his expression easygoing but with an undercurrent of something more serious.

"No need for that," he said smoothly. "I"ll pick it up when we next pick you up for dinner."

His words hung in the air between us, a promise, and they seemed to echo off the walls of Sterling Enterprises for everyone else too. Shocked whispers spread like ripples on water, and more wide eyes followed our every step.

Jaxon asked casually as we walked, his voice carrying just enough for those around us to overhear if they strained their ears, which they undoubtedly did.

"I know you already told me, but I want to hear it again. Did you enjoy yourself Saturday night?"

I nodded, still feeling somewhat out of depth but bolstered by his reassuring presence beside me.

"Yes, I did very much," I replied. "The food was divine." A small laugh escaped me before I added with newfound boldness that surprised even myself, "But you don"t have to book such a fancy place like that for our next one." I paused for effect, and I could feel everyone leaning in closer, mentally if not physically. "Unless you want me to book instead?"

The collective intake of breath from our audience could have been mistaken for a sudden draft through the building"s ventilation system.

"They"re going on more dates?" The murmurs were barely contained now. Speculative glances were exchanged among clusters of employees as they processed this latest piece of information.

Jaxon chuckled, a sound that warmed me more than any coffee ever could, and pushed open the door to his office with his free hand while never releasing his gentle hold on me.

"Delcy making plans? I think that might be something worth looking forward to," he said playfully as we stepped into his office together, the door closing behind us with a definitive click that shut out the rest of Sterling Enterprises and its prying eyes.

Inside Jaxon"s office, with its expansive view and impeccable decor, there was a sense of sanctuary, an escape from curious gazes and judgmental whispers where only his presence filled the space with life and comfort.

Jaxon"s gaze locked on to mine, his eyes filled with tenderness and a hint of mischief. I inhaled sharply, my breath hitching in my throat. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only Jaxon and me in a cocoon of warmth.

I could feel the heat radiating off his body, a palpable energy that seemed to hum in the air between us. The scent of him filled my senses, an intoxicating blend of power and masculinity that made my head spin and my heart pound like a drum. It was overwhelming, intoxicating, and delicious all at once.

He didn"t release my arm. Instead, he drew in closer, his fingers tightening around my elbow as if he were afraid I might slip away. Then, before I knew it, I felt his lips pressing against mine.

I blinked, unable to move. My mind reeled, struggling to process the unexpected kiss. His hand remained gently clasped around my elbow while his other hand came up to cup my face.

I inhaled sharply. Every nerve ending felt electrified. My knees threatened to give out beneath me. Jaxon"s scent, cedar and bergamot mingling with the headiness of his pheromones, was potent. I felt myself instinctively yielding to him, my lips parting slightly under the gentle insistence of his mouth on mine.

The kiss deepened, and an aching need unfurled inside me. My free hand came up of its own volition, my fingers curling into the fabric of his shirt as if I needed something solid to cling to in the swirling tempest of sensations.

Jaxon made a low sound in his throat—part growl, part groan—and wrapped his arms around me fully, molding my body against his. I was embraced in the warmth and strength of him. His tongue caressed mine, stoking the rising heat within me.

I closed my eyes, surrendering to the kiss, to the feel of his strong arms wrapped around me, to the way his body pressed against mine. I felt like I was melting into him, becoming one with him, and for a moment, I forgot everything but the two of us.

But then the sound of a throat clearing came our way, and just as suddenly as it had begun, the kiss ended. Jaxon released my lips, his eyes still locked on mine, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. My head in a haze of sensations, I shifted my gaze to see Colton at the door.