Chapter 23 CHAPTER 023
Soren walks excitedly down the white halls of the hospital, pretending the guards behind him aren't following his steps. However, the moment he steps into Iris's hospital room, he comes to an abrupt stop, freezing in the spot as his gaze lands on his Mother and Dr. Mira talking over Iris, who’s lying on the bed.
“What’s happening?” He asks immediately, stepping closer while both of them turn their heads towards him. His gaze stays fixed on Dr. Mira, wondering what she’s doing here when she’s not Iris doctor. Soren also remembers the first and last time he saw her with Sylvester; she had complimented his scent when he didn’t have one. He can’t afford to have her close to his sister and mother. She could notice something that she shouldn't.
Dr. Mira smiles at the sight of him. “Oh, hello there, Mr. Fox.” She greets him as she approaches him with a chart in her hand. “I was only passing through, and I remembered you had a sister here, so I decided to come say hello. Your sister and mom are nice.”
Soren’s eyes twitch. “You didn’t have to do that. We are not close,” he says bluntly, and the smile on her face slightly falters.
“Come on, you don’t have to be so rude to the doctor. Did you forget you are a celebrity now? She’s not the first to come say hello,” his mother hisses. “Besides, she’s a doctor; she can tell if the other doctors are doing something wrong.”
Soren doesn’t care. She just shouldn’t be here. She could detect anything. She could ask his mother, and his mother won’t keep her mouth shut.
Dr. Mira clears her throat and adjusts the glasses at the bridge of her nose. “I’m sorry, Mr. Fox, if my actions have offended you. You see, Sylvester is a friend, and he had said to help you in any way that I can; I just didn’t think my intentions would be misunderstood. I didn't. think you would be so guarded towards me. I should leave,” she bows apologetically, and then, without another word, she leaves.
As soon as she’s gone, Soren turns to his mother. “What did you two talk about?”
The woman snorts. “She wanted to know about you. Claims you have a unique scent. I almost told her you are an omega. I would have if she gave me money, but she didn’t…so…” she finishes with a shrug and goes over to the tray of fruit at the top of the fridge and grabs an apple.
Soren stared at his mother under his lashes, painfully aware of the alpha guards standing at the door with sharper hearing abilities. “But you didn’t tell her,” he tests the waters as he steps closer.
She threw a sharp glare halfway through, biting into her apple. “What do you think of me, Soren? I am your fucking mother; give me some fucking credit.”
"Ren, Mom didn't say anything to the doctor when she asked,” Iris immediately cuts in, sitting upright.
Soren instantly realizes his sister is listening. He sighs and walks over to her. “I’m sorry,” he mutters, sitting next to her.
“You know, I think I know what your problem is,” his mother suddenly points at him.
Soren stiffens, realizing she won’t let this die so easily.
“You think everyone is out to expose you,” she says, chewing slowly on her apple. “You walk around like the world is one big trap waiting to snap shut on your neck. You are so fucking paranoid; it’s annoying."
Soren’s hands curl on his lap, realizing she is right and he hates it. If he weren't so fucking paranoid, he wouldn't have walked into the big boss’s trap, and he wouldn't let her keep blackmailing him either. Soren is paranoid about his secret, and he hates it, and it's all because of Reign. Soren didn't care this much before. He hates her for being right, but she isn't done as she continues to throw words at him.
“That doctor was being nice; she complimented you and asked about you. That’s normal when someone suddenly becomes the fiancée of the most powerful man in the city. You were so worried about your secret; you wouldn't have gone after his money, but then again, you were desperate; you always are, and you don’t think things through,” she hisses and bites into her apple.
“Ren… is it that bad?” Iris suddenly asks, staring at him with big eyes that make Soren’s heart clench.
He immediately wraps his arms around her and pulls her close.
“I’m sorry, you shouldn't have heard any of this, but I promise I’m fine; it’s not that bad,” he mutters, pressing a kiss to her head while their mother snorts, but at least she doesn't say anything further.
~~
By the time Soren arrives back at the mansion, it’s late into the night. He staggers against the doorframe, drunk out of his mind and high on a couple of cigars. Maybe he had lied and bought a few things for himself when he was getting gifts for Iris. He needed to clear his head; he didn't care what anyone thought or how badly he reeked.
He pushes himself off the doorframe and drags his feet on the shiny floor, hoping to arrive at his room without falling on his face as the door spins around him, rubbing his temple, but he doesn't get far as he collides with something solid, knocking him backwards.
With his blurry gaze, he lifts his head to meet the dark, stoic eyes of his fake Enigma fiancé. Soren squints up at him, trying to focus while the chandelier above them spins lazily, light cutting across Reign’s sharp cheekbones. Soren pouts, noticing once again how fine the man is, and he smells addictive too, like something Soren’s omega would want to be wrapped in.
“Well, if it isn’t the devil himself. You are not going to scold me for getting drunk and ruining your reputation, are you, Mr. Reign?"
“I see you had a tough day at the hospital. How’s your sister?”
Soren’s eyes morph into a glare. He stumbles a step forward, invading Reign’s space on purpose. “Don’t act as if you care. You threatened her last time, and that’s low, even for you, Mr. Reign.” He sways slightly, and that scent hits him again; it’s intoxicating. Soren inhales it before he can stop himself.
“Why do you suddenly smell so good? Do you lure Omegas into bed with your scent? Like those McLaren Omegas. You like them?” He has to tilt his head back to maintain eye contact, and even through the alcohol haze, he notices how unfairly composed Reign looks; not a strand of hair out of place. So unfair. Soren pouts, face flushed red. He should look ugly so Soren can hate him more.
“You should go to bed, Mr. Fox,” Reign says, and then he turns to walk away, but Soren suddenly pulls out his left shoe and throws it at the Enigma’s back, causing him to pause.
“Don’t walk away from me. You haven't answered me yet. Do you like those omegas? Do you wish I were an Omega instead?"
Reign turns to him, his eyes less amused as he stares at the drunk Beta. “Did you just throw a shoe at me?”
“You didn't answer me."
In a snap, Reign reaches him, grabbing his arm roughly and pulling him close, eyes burning a hole into his face. “I’m getting less tolerant by the second, Mr. Fox,” he says, voice low and dangerous.
Soren’s breath stutters. He takes a step back with a deep pout, but Reign doesn't let him go. In one swift motion, he sweeps him off his feet in bridal style. Soren gasps, eyes wide as his arms go around the man’s neck.
“I’m taking you to bed, Mr. Fox.”
Soren blinks while his heart skips a beat.