Chapter 22 CHAPTER 022
Soren finds the coffee maker easily.
Of course he does. He’s been dragged to this building enough times in the past few days to memorize half the layout already because of how massive it is.
He notices the glances of workers immediately, but he dismisses them. They won’t stop staring anyway; it’s better to ignore them. He tsks, masking his annoyance as he grabs a black mug from the counter and starts making his coffee, and once he’s done in a few minutes, he brings it to his lips, but then a sweet voice cuts through.
“Can I have that?”
Soren doesn’t get a moment to react before his mug is snatched out of his grasp by an omega who’s immediately taking a sip as if he made it.
Soern frowns in displeasure, but the omega, who’s dressed in a deep red satin shirt with puffed shoulders, with sleeves pushed up and collar tied in a loose knot, paired with a pair of black high-waist trousers that fit around his hips and a black. Soren looks him over, also noticing the dark color of his hair that is held up in a half bun and parted in the center. Soren must admit, the omega is pretty and soft, just like an omega should be. Soren looks away and immediately grabs another mug and makes another coffee.
He seems to be seeing a lot of flawless omegas today, flaunting their omega status like it’s a pride, while Soren is dying behind suppressants just to hide who he is. Soren’s lips twitch into a smile at how ironic it is. He doesn’t think he would have been this soft as an omega anyway. He’s fine pretending to be a beta.
“I’m sorry about your coffee,” the pretty omega finally speaks, smiling at Soren as he tilts his head. “I got bored, and I don’t make my coffee, ever. I’m kind of waiting for my brother to finish throwing his weight around so I can get the fuck out of here,” the words roll off his tongue smoothly.
Soren nods with another smile. “Who’s your brother?”
The omega rolls his eyes and rests his back against the counter. “If you see an omega swaying his hips with folders, looking like he owns the world and looking for whom to trap with a marriage alliance just to impress their daddy, then that’s him."
Oh. Soren realizes. This one must also be a McLaren Omega. Soren wonders how many there are. Do they all look so flawless and perfect?
“So you’re a McLaren too,” he says casually, stirring his new cup.
The omega groans softly. “Unfortunately.” He takes another sip from Soren’s stolen coffee, then makes a face. “You drink it this bitter?”
“I like it that way.”
“Figures. Omegas can’t drink much of this.”
The words feel like another slap to Soren’s face. Soren glances at him again. You don’t seem very supportive of your brother’s little marriage scheme,” Soren says lightly.
The omega snorts. “Please. My brother thinks he’s some grand strategist. If Father says ‘marry,’ he shows up dressed like a trophy and starts posing. I would give anything to become a Beta right now. You are so lucky. At least, you get to decide whether or not you want to become some alpha’s trophy and bed warmer,” he sighs dramatically and continues. “You don’t have to worry about heats, being traded like stock, or whether or not your scent is pleasing enough to secure a deal. Betas just… exist. No one tries to own you.”
The word almost makes Soren laugh. He has never been lucky. If he were lucky, he wouldn’t have been born an omega in a world that sees omegas as tools to be owned. “Betas can be owned, too,” he gives a weak smile. Society is just unfair.
The omega hums. “I still wish I were a Beta. You know what, I should go find my brother before he tries to trap another soul with marriage,” he places the half-drunk coffee on the counter. “It was nice talking to you, and thanks for the coffee, even though it’s bitter as fuck."
With another word, he walks away, swaying his hips and railing the floor with the heel of his shoes. Soren watches him go with a little smile, realizing the McLaren Omegas have the same charisma.
~~
Soren finishes his coffee minutes later and decides to return to the conference. Reigh must be done with the McLaren Omega. He takes the elevator, occupied by an alpha male. Soren moves to the corner and waits for the elevator to take him to the top floor; however, on the second floor, the alpha starts to move closer.
Soren doesn’t look at him. He keeps his gaze on the numbers lighting up above the door, counting.
Third floor.
Fourth.
The alpha’s scent starts to drift toward him. Soren’s jaw tightens as he takes a small step to the side, but the alpha mirrors him, cornering Soren against the wall.
“You are pretty for a Beta. You have the body of an omega,” he says, licking his lips before raking Soren over with his gaze that suddenly turns lustful. Soren stares at him with disgust. Even betas can never be safe from predatory alphas like this.
Soren slowly lifts his eyes to meet his, cold and flat. “You have the brain of an insect,” he retorts calmly.
The alpha’s lips twitch, amused rather than offended. “You don’t have to play hard to get. We could have some fun. What do you say?” He bites his bottom lip, and then he reaches out for Soren’s waist, but Soren grabs his wrist and twists it back.
“I think you should get away." Soren lets go of him with a push, and at that moment, the elevator opens at the thirteenth floor.
Soren almost gasps at the sight of Reign standing there with his secretary behind him.
“M-r. Mr. Montgomery,” the alpha stutters as he bows and goes to the corner, as if hiding away from the enigma who silently steps into the elevator, hands in his pockets, and eyes fixed on Soren.
“You didn’t use the private unit,” he says calmly, holding his hand out, and Soren takes it, almost happily. going to Reign’s side, as that’s the only place he’s meant to be.
Soren steals a glance at the alpha, whose eyes are wide with fear and anxiety; he looks like he’s about to melt into the wall.
“What do you want to be done with him?”
Soren whips his head up at the question, shocked that Reign knows what the disgusting alpha just did. He looks back at the alpha, who looks at him with pleading eyes, but Soren is in charge here, and he’s going to use his new powers wisely.
“You’re fired."