Page 8 of Lethal Alpha
I let out a sigh as Jorge stands up and saunters over to the woman.
This evening was supposed to be simple and easy, but I have a feeling that things have just gotten a whole lot more complicated.
4
Riley
I handmy jacket over so it can be hung away as I curse myself internally.I’m way too early for my meeting.That’s what I get when I’m in an unfamiliar city and out of my element.
One of my usual clients asked me to scope out this city since they recently gained a new source here, but the source couldn’t look into things themselves.So, they sent me over,witha very nice allowance to spend on whatever I want, I have to admit.
Luckily, the city isn’t totally unfamiliar.
Someone I’ve worked with a few times told me that this is his favourite place to eat and that it’s a great place for networking and making connections in the industry.
So it made sense to have my first meeting here, somewhere that I know at least a little bit about.
Speaking of the devil.
“Riley!”Jorge’s always upbeat voice pulls my attention away from my brooding and his cedar scent manages to ease my nerves.“What are you doing in my neck of the woods?”Somehow he seems even happier to see me than usual.
When I met Jorge for the first time a couple of years ago, we immediately hit it off.He can be silly and impulsive, but he’s reliable and easy to work with.We don’t see each other very often, but when we do, it’s always fun.
And he’s easy on the eyes.Even though I have no sexual interest in him, I can still appreciate a well-built body.
If he wasn’t waiting for his Omega to pair bond with, I would have proposed we’d start a pack together.We enjoy being together, we work well together, and I could see a future for us.
But he’s not interested in packs, just to be paired with the Omega he’s had his eyes on for years.So, I make sure to enjoy our time together to the fullest, because it could end at any moment.
“You told me that this was a good place to eat.So, since I’m in the city, I thought I should check it out.”
“Work?Pleasure?”He looks me up and down, his eyes sparkling when he notices I’m dressed up more than usual.
“Work, sadly enough.Though, I had been planning to call you to see if you were free later this week.But it seems I don’t have to.”Talking to him makes me a lot less nervous about the rest of the evening.
The host comes back, looking very awkward.“I’m sorry, Alpha Faulkner.Your guests haven’t arrived yet.Can I offer you a complimentary drink and a table while you wait?”
Of course, they’ve not arrived yet, I’m over an hour early.The host doesn’t have to look so uncomfortable about something that’s very obviously and clearly my own fault.But I guess that’s how things are done in fancy places like this.
“Or, you can join me and my companions?I’m sure we can keep you entertained until the others arrive.”Jorge offers me his arm.
“Are you sure?”I don’t want him to do something he shouldn’t, which he has a habit of doing when we’re together.
Sometimes I feel like I’m his big sister when he acts like this, and at other times… At other times it’s very clear that his feelings for me are not familial at all.Not in a sexual sense, but like we’re already part of a pack.
Many people mistake us for pack mates when they meet us for the first time.Which we aren’t.Which always makes things awkward and complicated.
He leans closer, lowering his voice conspiratorially.“I was sent here to get you.My companions would really like to meet you.”He winks, smiling broadly.That would explain his excitement at seeing me.
“I think I’ll take you up on that drink.”I look at the host.“Thank you.I’ll be joining his table while I wait.I’d be very grateful if you could come get me once my guests have arrived.”
Then I turn to Jorge.“Who are these ‘companions’ of yours?”
“You’ll see.”He grins as he puts my hand on his arm and almost drags me over to one of the tables in the large dining area.
People at various tables start to rise, but at a quick shake of Jorge’s head they sit down again.
They’re not dressed very formally, though well enough not to stand out too much.The way they moved, they’re well trained and I noticed the way their hands went to their weapons.Security.
