lingering scent

"Another one, Ivan," Josh, a fellow waiter at our restaurant, says as he hands me a business card. I take it, glancing at the elegant design and the name of a wealthy businessman printed on it. I may have underestimated the position of omegas in this world.

"Not again, save some for the rest of us," Jane whines playfully. She's a waitress at the restaurant and also an omega, like her brother Josh. Unlike her brother, Josh is a beta.

I've noticed that omegas tend to fall into three categories: cute, average, and seductive. Jane is definitely a cute omega, with her innocent charm and sweet demeanor that supposedly triggers protective instincts in alphas. As for me, well, I fall into the 'seductive' category, known for my alluring looks and charismatic presence.

The price of beauty. It's pretty steep, especially when it comes with unwanted attention.

"Table 6 requests your presence, Ivan," a voice calls from outside the kitchen area. I let out a sigh, this is not an uncommon occurrence. It seems that some patrons just can't resist the allure of a seductive omega.

Jane giggles beside me, knowing all too well the routine. "They just can't get enough of you, Ivan," she teases, flipping her long hair over her shoulder.

I give her a wry smile before heading out to Table 6. As I approach, I'm greeted by a group of well-dressed alphas, their eyes practically devouring me. It's a familiar scenario, one that I've grown accustomed to in this world where omegas are seen as objects of desire.

"Good evening, gentlemen. How may I assist you tonight?" I say with practiced charm, flashing a dazzling smile that I know will have their hearts racing.

One of the alphas, a tall and handsome man with piercing blue eyes, speaks up. "Ivan, we couldn't help but notice your beauty from across the room. We were wondering if you would join us for a drink."

I inwardly roll my eyes. Here we go again. But I put on my best polite facade and nod. "Of course, I'd be delighted to join you. But I'm working you see."

So I charm them with my wit and grace, all the while plotting my escape. I'll finish the evening, collect my tips, and then disappear into the night.

*

I finish my dinner at the restaurant, the food wasn't the best, but it was passable. Twirling the wine in my glass, lost in thought, I suddenly catch sight of him. The most beautiful omega I had seen precisely 4 months and 13 days ago. I couldn't even search for him then, as I didn't see his face clearly, and he disappeared not long after. I spent many nights driving through the city, hoping for a mere glimpse of him.

And now, here he is.

I drink in his appearance hungrily. He's slender, dressed in black slacks and a crisp white shirt that accentuates his elegant form. His neck is adorned with a thick leather collar belt, a common sight among omegas. His blonde hair is styled simply, his piercing blue eyes catching the light. There's a mole beneath his right eye, adding a hint of charm to his handsome features. His lips are a soft pink, and I wonder fleetingly if they are naturally like that or enhanced by makeup.

Not that it matters. He's captivating, to say the least.

I watch with rapt attention as he adorns a professional smile and attends to the group of obnoxious men at the nearby table. Oddly enough, I can see annoyance creeping into his features as the men make inappropriate comments and gestures. He handles it with grace, but there's a fire in his eyes that tells me he's not to be underestimated.

Then, it happens.

One of the men stands and reaches for the omega's arm, a move that is clearly unwelcome. Without hesitation, the omega twists and delivers a swift, powerful punch that knocks the man out cold. The scene elicits a laugh of disbelief from me. Accustomed to the delicate, porcelain-like omegas of this world, who are proper and full of etiquette, this omega is like a breath of fresh air.

The security swiftly arrives to carry out the unconscious man, and the omega continues on his way, seemingly unfazed. He doesn't see me, nor does he turn. He just keeps walking, a determined stride in his step.

I feel a surge of admiration and something else, something I can't quite put my finger on. Should I run after him? Should I ask him out? But then doubt creeps in, and I hesitate. What if he rejects me? What if I make a fool of myself?

For the first time in his life, Zander D Vale is a coward.

I leave a few bills on the table, along with a note addressed to the beautiful omega, Ivan. I had overheard his name during the commotion.

Swiftly, I make my way out of the restaurant. There's something about this omega that unsettles me, something that disrupts my usual sense of control. As I step onto the parking lot, I can't shake the feeling that I've missed an opportunity, a chance to connect with someone intriguing and captivating. But for now, I push those thoughts aside and continue on my way, the image of Ivan's piercing blue eyes lingering in my mind.

*

As I step back into the restaurant, the lingering scent of spice and sweetness still fills my senses, leaving me both exhilarated and frustrated. Without thinking, I rush towards the source of the scent, only to find a luxurious car driving away from the curb. My heart sinks as I watch it disappear into the distance, a pang of regret settling in my chest.

I can't help but send a longing look towards the departing car, silently wishing for it to come back. With a heavy sigh, I turn away and head back inside the restaurant, the memory of that captivating scent still lingering in the air around me.