2. SAVIN

SAVIN

My nerves are always pulled tight when we attend events. This one is no different as my attention flits wildly around the confines of the car as I try to hide my discomfort. The entire ride has been borderline unbearable as I think about what I’m walking into.

The agency I’m contracted with demands my presence at a few of these things every month outside of my modeling commitments and I’ve already skipped out on more than I am allowed. Apparently, my deteriorating health means nothing to Jace. Not even when the specialists wrap up my symptoms in a laughable diagnosis—‘failing Omega biology’. All of this shit has caused me to leave my acting career behind and yet, I’m still one of the most sought out Omegas in the industry. Even if just for my presence to bring more attention to whatever our agency is trying to promote that day.

I snort at the stupidity of it all.

I hate it.

Macon hates it.

But the alternative of staying tucked into my nest at home and being seen as helpless or a trophy Omega is more than I can bear.

“Baby, what’s got you all twisted up?” Macon asks as he pulls me against his side and out of my head. I turn to face him, my body melting against his as his rich whiskey scent covers me. His beard rubs against my temple when I curl into his chest, needing the warmth that he’s offering. The slight thrum of pain that’s always beneath the surface dissipates the longer my Alpha holds me.

He smells like expensive cologne, cedar, and whiskey and I can’t help burying my nose into his fitted suit, Macon chuckling at my neediness.

“We can go home, Savin. Jesus. Why didn’t you tell me that you weren’t feeling okay?” He kisses the top of my head as one of his large hands moves into my long, unruly hair. I rarely keep it tamed, adding to the boyish look that Jace has crafted for my persona. When I don’t answer, my head is tugged back so that I’m staring deep into Macon’s brown eyes. “Savin, talk to me.”

“Because it always hurts. That’s life. We’ll stay for an hour to keep Jace happy.” Jace probably won’t even be here tonight but he has enough eyes and ears everywhere to ensure that I actually show up. My vision tunnels for a second, a deep shuddering breath leaving me when my scent sours. I can’t even hide how much pain I’m in. Before Macon can say anything, I scramble from the car, intent on making it at least to the hotel lobby but I barely make it a step. Macon is there in an instant, letting me use him as a wall to lean on so I can drown in his whiskey scent again.

“You’re running really hot, Sav.”

“I’m okay.”

One of his hands slides around the back of my neck and squeezes slightly. “I need you to tell me how you’re doing. Truthfully.”

Tears well up in my eyes as I shimmy out of his hold. “It hurts, but it always does, Macon. I just want to get this night over with and then maybe watch a movie tonight?” I suck in my bottom lip, hoping that my Alpha won’t push the issue. I love that he worries about me, that he wants the best for me when the world dealt me a poor hand, but god, I can’t just stay at home.

I’m not that kind of Omega.

My gaze travels across Macon’s gorgeous face, his manicured short dark hair and beard that I love running my fingers across. His black suit accentuates the golden undertones of his skin, a dark but rich color that only adds to how beautiful my Alpha is. Unable to help myself, my tongue darts out to lick my lips, thoughts located in my nest as my Alpha takes me apart.

Completely.

Macon chuckles, shaking his head as he guides me inside and into the elevator. One of his arms is wrapped tight around my shoulder, the other fumbling around in his pocket. I go to ask what he’s doing when the sound of a cap flipping open hits my ears and a thin cream is run across my upper lip.

My entire body sags against his with relief, my eyes rolling into the back of my head as the pain once again disappears as well as every other scent in the area. I wasn’t even aware of how many scents there were until just now. “What is that?” I mumble, a lazy smile spreading across my face.

“The medicine Dr. Landson prescribed you. You haven’t been taking it, have you? Savin!” Macon tightens his hold around me, a growl slipping from his lips before he can pull it back.

“I’m sorry. It makes me feel weird.” The medicine is supposed to ease the pain, which it does. It also makes me feel like I’m underwater or tipsy. My brain is captured in this fog and sometimes I’d rather suffer than not be able to make coherent sentences. Everyone thinks it’s cute, thinks I’m shy. They have no fucking clue.

“Baby, what do you mean?”

“I can’t think straight. I also can’t smell you.” Not being able to scent the one person who gives me comfort in this world is terrible. It takes me wildly out of my comfort zone and being here is already a bit much for me.

Macon tugs me closer until my face is buried into his chest again. “Sav, you’re breaking my heart. Let’s go home and I’ll-”

God, I love this man. “And I can’t break my contract. I’ve already skipped out on everything this month. Jace knows that we’re not leaving because of the contract fees it would incur. It’s fine. I can do this. One hour.” I’m trying to reassure myself which isn’t working very well.

Macon tips my chin up and leans down to press a soft kiss to my lips. My fingers dig into the lapels of his jacket as I try to deepen the embrace, knowing very well that this is neither the time nor the place for it. The elevator doors slide open, giggles and camera flashes interrupting our moment.

“Let’s get this over with,” I whisper and pat his chest before twisting to smile at the other attendees greeting us. Macon’s hold on my shoulder is still tight and I know he can both scent my distress and feel it through the bond. It’s times like these that I wish we weren’t bonded, that Macon hadn’t chosen to spend the rest of his life with an Omega who could no longer be the perfect half for a man like him.

Macon leads me to a small chair, whispering that he’ll grab me some food, investors immediately invading my space to ask for a collaboration or figure out what my Alpha’s next project is. I entertain them, trying to swallow my growing anxiety when a scent breaks through the medication aligned along my upper lip.

Nervously, I run my hands through my hair, looking around for something I shouldn’t be able to smell.

It’s like a hearty cider, both spicy and sweet. Refreshing yet with a hint of a burn as it crawls down the back of my throat. The twisted scent of deliciousness makes my mouth water and my cock twitch in my pants. A whine isn’t far behind, nor is the familiar feeling of slick puckering around my hole.

I need it.

Rudely, I excuse myself while someone is mid-sentence speaking about Macon’s newest project and stumble toward the scent. My heart beats wildly in my chest as I shimmy out of my suit jacket, heat building in my lower belly. I’m not in heat but it fucking feels like the start of one.

I don’t even know what this is. I just need it.

I know that it’s mine.

Ours.

My eyes fall on a tattooed goddess perched at the edge of a cream leather couch, her curls gathered around her face as if I’m meant to discover this beauty. Earrings adorn the curve of her left ear, another one through her nose and when her lips part, her tongue darting out to lick them, I catch the bar going through it.

I bet that would feel good on my-

I clear my throat and shake my head, taking calculated breaths so I don’t suffocate myself on her scent. It doesn’t help as I continue to drink her in, the barely there dress, the long elegant legs, and the way her back is arched toward me. Calling me. Demanding that I come closer.

A familiar presence settles beside me, Macon’s arm sliding around my waist as he hands me a glass of water. “What are you all flustered about? I could feel it across the room.” His eyes travel to where my attention is currently focused. “Her? Are you up for-” He pauses and I twist to see his nostrils flaring as her scent fills them. A rumble runs through his chest, the sound shooting straight to my cock. “Savin,” he pushes out, his voice a delicious deep rasp.

“It’s her,” I whisper.

We’ve never entertained another mate although we”ve spent many nights with a third, definitely never one that smelled like her. I’ve never asked Macon for anything but I’m hoping that maybe he’ll make an exception.

Even just for one night.