Seven That Evening

SEVEN THAT EVENING

Scarlett

What the hell do I do with my hands? Bennet will be here any minute now and I'm just standing here with my arms hanging at my sides like a caveman. There has to be a sexier way to stand.

I glance around the vast lobby, taking in the sparkling Christmas tree and the small leather couches. Should I stand near the tree? Or drape myself over a chair? Would that be sexy?

"Scarlett?" Bennet breezes in through the main door, and my bright red heels are suddenly very unsteady. He looks so fucking sexy. Black slacks, black button-up with the sleeves cuffed up to the elbows. I don't think I've ever seen him without a tie. "You look stunning," he says, taking in my short red dress. It was a bold choice for a workplace party, but I wanted to look my best for the alpha.

"Thank you." I smooth my hands over the tight bodice and down my hips to the short, flared skirt. Am I showing too much leg? It's got a high neckline that hides my cleavage, but it feels as if my ass is hanging out. "You look really good too." I let myself take him in from head to foot. Damn . Why is this guy interested in me ?

"Shall we?" Bennet offers me the crook of his elbow. I can feel my face warm as I thread my arm through his. It's stupid given the intense makeout session we had this morning, but I feel so bashful. Maybe even unworthy. I mean, why isn't his pack here? Is he just playing with me? Is he faking interest just to get laid? And why does just the thought of that break my heart?

Alphas form quick attachments. Not betas.

"What's wrong?" Bennet asks as we make our way through the lobby.

I shake my head, not sure why he's asking. "Nothing," I say, but even I can hear how tight my voice is.

"Beta." Bennet pulls me to a stop. "That won't do, pretty girl." I press my knees together, hating how the simple compliment instantly has me flustered. "I can smell. Your scent is sharper. What's wrong?" His dark eyes hold mine, and for a second I'm lost.

What do I say?

"Scarlett," he whispers my name as he cups my cheek. "Please, talk to me."

"All of our coworkers will see us," I say, scrambling for a good reason for my obvious worry. "What do we tell them?"

"What do you mean?" He tilts his head to one side.

"I mean," I drop my gaze, feeling so exposed for some reason. "People will see us arrive together. What do we tell them?"

Bennet smiles sweetly, and that delicious dimple pops into place. "Are you asking if we're officially dating?"

I nod, and I swear he chuckles under his breath.

"Scarlett," he wraps a muscular arm around my middle, pulling me close. "I know this might be a bit fast for you. If you'd like, we can enter the party separately, and?—"

"No!" I blurt out, then immediately cover my mouth with my hands. "It's not too fast," I say through my fingers. "I just want to make sure that you want everyone to know."

Bennet's hold on me tightens and he lowers his head, resting his forehead on mine. "I want everyone to know you're mine, beta." His dark eyes sparkle as his voice slips into a delicious growl. " Mine ."

I never understood how anyone could love the possessive declarations of an alpha. But right now, I just want to throw my whole life away, then spend every waking moment with this big, sexy alpha.

"I'd like that," I say softly, slipping my arms around his neck. "I like being yours."

He chuckles again, pushing the vibrations through his chest and into mine. The effect it has on my nipples is deeply embarrassing.

"Come," Bennet says, pulling my arms off his neck. I want to pout, but I manage a friendly smile instead. "I want to show you off." His hungry gaze moves from my chest to my legs. "Beauty like this needs to be seen."

I take his hand and push against his side as we walk. I want him to show me off too. I want everyone to know I'm taken. Claimed. Maybe even one day mated to the sexiest alpha to ever exist.

**The Party**

The party is already in full swing when we finally make it to the main hall. The whole space has been decorated top to bottom with Christmas lights and garland. Pots of giant poinsettias dot each table with fake flickering tea lights situated all around them. Even the DJ is playing remixes of classic Christmas songs, overlaid with modern beats. It sounds a little weird, but I could definitely dance to it.

"Scar!" Kassidy yells out to me, tugging her omega behind her. The poor boy looks a little overwhelmed by all the activity, but Kassidy is a good beta. I know she wouldn't force him to be here if it was too much. "Dr. Enoch," Kassidy gives my date a coy smile as her eyes flash to our clasped hands. "Dean," she says to her omega, "this is Dr. Enoch. And you know Scarlett."

Dean gives me a very sweet smile, and I immediately hug the omega. "You look so cute," I compliment his red velvet jacket and matching bowtie. "I love a man with style."

"Kassidy helped me pick it out." He beams at his beta.

"She did an excellent job." Bennet gives the omega a quick bow of his head as he tucks his free hand behind his back. It's a very respectful and subtle way to show the omega he won't touch him. The simple movement seems to sit right with Dean as his shoulders relax ever so slightly.

"I agree," Dean whispers at his feet.

"How about we find our pack alpha and get you something to eat?" Kassidy asks the blushing omega, and he immediately nods. "You two have fun." Her bright eyes drift to me. "But not too much." She winks.

It takes everything in me not to groan. Bennet leans down as if trying to see my face, but I keep my eyes down. I can feel how red my face is, but I don't want him to see and think I'm embarrassed to be with him.

"Drink?" Bennet asks, squeezing my hand.

"Yes, please."

We slowly make our way through the throng of coworkers. Most are betas, but there are a decent number of alphas in tow, along with a handful of overly excited omegas. A lot of packs don't like bringing their omegas out into public, but this is a hospital with some of the best security in the country. They're safe here.

"Glass of white wine," Bennet orders for me. "And a whiskey neat."

I press my lips together, liking that he's doting on me with customs usually reserved for omegas. Alphas order drinks and meals for their mates when out in public. I don't need him to care for me like this, but it's sweet.

In fact, everything he does is sweet.

Bennet keeps me close as we mingle, greeting nurses, doctors, and other technicians. Even Director Spanner catches my eye just as Bennet's hand slips possessively around my waist. She smiles at me, before returning to her conversation.

The next few hours are a blur of too much wine, lots of conversation, and then finally a bit of dancing.

"I'm not very good at this," Bennet says as I lead him into the center of the dance floor.

"How can you be bad at swaying?" I tease. His adam's apple bobs as he swallows hard, telling me he really is nervous. "Grab my waist." I place his hands actually where I want them, loving the way his fingers curl into the curve of my hips. "Now, just sway with me." I sway in time to Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby". Her flirty words fill the room as Bennet begins to move. He was right. He's not a great dancer. Too stiff. But I'm too transfixed by how close he is to care.

Bennet's big alpha body throws off a wonderful warmth. And even though my senses aren't as good as his, I can still smell his spicy masculine scent. It's so intense my thighs begin to tense.

"Are you okay?" Bennet asks in a throaty purr, and a distracting heat rushes through my whole body. His eyes are just so dark and intense, looking at me as if I were the last woman on earth.

"I'm good," I whisper, ducking my head.

Praying no one can see how flustered I am, I cut a quick look around us. Of course, no one is looking at me, but it still feels that way. How do omegas live with this kind of attention?

I take in the whole room: the sparkling decorations, and red and green streamers. The tree is all glitter and gold, shimmering vibrantly in one corner of the room. A few omegas admire it with sweet smiles on their faces, but it's Kassidy who grabs my attention.

She, Dean, and their pack alpha, Casius, are dancing at the edge of the room. The two squish the small omega between them, making him blush and giggle.

Shamefully, a bit of my excitement dims. I want that. But Bennet's pack didn't come here, and I'm still not sure if they know about me. And I refuse to be a homewrecker.

I gather all the courage in my bones, then tip my head up. Bennet's dark brown eyes meet mine and for a moment I just stand there with my mouth hanging open. How can one man be so damn sexy?

"What's wrong, Scarlett?" he asks, his voice a gruff whisper.

"I was just wondering," I lick my lips, hoping I don't offend him by bringing it up again. "Why didn't your pack come tonight?" My eyes flicker to Kassidy. Bennet looks at me, and his mouth pulls tight. "Do they know you're on a date?"

The corner of Bennet's eyes pull and deep dread blooms in my chest. I really like this alpha. I like him so much, that I want to let him whisk me away like an omega. Fuck, I'm so stupid.

"Bennet," I pull in a deep breath, praying I don't start crying, but I can't help the tears that sting the back of my eyes. "I can't be with someone that would keep me a secret from their?—"

"Let's go talk somewhere more private," he cuts in. But before I can utter a single word, Bennet grabs my hand, tugging me toward the door.

I'm a little confused at first when he cuts right, going straight toward the elevators. A more rational beta might be weary of getting in an elevator with an obviously agitated alpha, but Bennet won't hurt me. I know he won't.

After a very tense and quiet elevator ride, we reach the tenth floor. We're going to his office. The same place where he pushed me back on his desk and kissed me with a passion I had never felt before.

I push out a shaky breath as Bennet closes his office door. It's so quiet, I can practically hear the click echo.

I cross my arms and steady myself as the alpha steps right in front of me.

This is it.

He's going to break my heart.