5 - Self-Control
What had the world come to, if alphas became too terrified to talk to an omega, no matter how beautiful?
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The holiday season came and went in a flurry, but the investigation into the explosion remained deadlocked. The bureau's only eyewitness, Julian Haas, was still recovering from his injuries, leaving them with no choice but to wait.
Early January 2045, Eichwald General Hospital notified the bureau that Julian Haas' condition had stabilized enough for questioning. All three divisions, eager to glean information relevant to their investigations, jockeyed for access. However, due to Maximillian Grant's influence within the National Bureau of Security, Stefan Wildner secured priority.
The young alpha wasted no time. He spent a grueling day with Julian, grilling him for details about the explosion at the psychiatric hospital. Despite a marathon ten-hour session, Stefan emerged empty-handed.
"Nothing?"
Maximillian Grant sank back in his chair, his gaze fixed on his subordinate whose head hung low in dejection.
"What do you mean, nothing?"
"Julian Haas is only an average part-time worker caught in the crossfire. Chief, trust me, he was clueless about the explosion," Stefan explained, frustration lacing his voice.
Maximilian leaned forward, his forearms pressing into the desk. His gaze held a steely glint as he locked eyes with Stefan. "Are you telling me that you spent ten whole hours for that meager information?"
Stefan swallowed hard.
"Uh, no... Not really."
Maximillian raised an eyebrow at the young alpha standing before him. "So? What else did you learn?"
Stefan cautiously met Maximillian's gaze. "He spoke of a persistent headache since escaping the explosion, so I took him to the garden for a change of scenery. The nurse mentioned needing him to walk for circulation, so I assisted him with some light exercise. During that time, we talked... a lot. Julian is incredibly intelligent. The most brilliant omega I've ever encountered."
His voice faltered when he saw his superior's darkening face.
"Stefan Wildner, what do you think you are doing?" Maximillian slammed a hand against the desk before him, causing Stefan to flinch. "You were there for work, and not for casual encounter!"
"I know, I know!" Stefan clawed into his head and groaned. "Chief, I am so sorry... I don't know what happened... Let me go back there and interrogate him for real. I am deeply apologetic for my failure."
Maximillian scoffed.
"Chief Warwick and Chief Schindler are both waiting to talk to Mr. Haas. Get your act together, Stefan. I expected better."
Stefan bit into his lower lip.
"I am sorry, Chief," he murmured again before leaving.
Two days later, Sandra Warwick and Julia Schindler came to find Maximillian at the same time.
"Agent Grant, good day. I think we have a little problem," Sandra remarked.
"What problem?" Maximillian asked, a little confused that both chiefs decided to visit him at the same time.
"Julian Haas," Julia said. "None of our subordinates managed to tickle any information out of him. I suspect that you are having the same problem."
"Oh?"
Sandra put both hands against her hip and sighed.
"I don't want to go into the embarrassing details. Let's just talk about what to do next."
"Does this mean that it's my division's turn to interrogate him the second time?" Maximillian asked.
"Yes, but you should go personally. And go on behalf of all of us."
".... Why?"
Sandra and Julia exchanged furtive glances with each other.
"Have you seen his photograph, this Julian Haas?" Julia carefully asked.
"Yes," Maximillian confirmed.
"And what do you think about him? I am talking about physical appearance only," Sandra added, just in case Maximillian misunderstood her question.
"He is a pleasant-looking young man," Maximillian answered.
"My subordinate has only one word to describe him -- drop-dead gorgeous," Julia stated.
"Those are three words..."
"Never mind," Sandra snapped. "Agent Grant, the junior agents simply cannot resist his charm. You should go."
Maximilian raised an eyebrow at Sandra, his gaze then flicking to Julia. Notably, Julia remained silent, offering no objection to Sandra's suggestion.
Sandra spoke at a slow pace, choosing her words carefully. "Compared to other alphas, you have more self-control around omegas, Agent Grant. No offense intended, of course. It's actually a testament to your character."
Maximillian smirked at the women. "Certainly, ladies," he conceded. "However, I'll need to conduct my own questioning first before diving into your lists."
Elation bloomed on both their faces.
"Excellent," Sandra beamed, her smile reaching her eyes. "We've already sent you our prepared questions via email, Agent Grant. We trust you'll handle everything with your usual expertise. Good day."
Maximillian shook his head in disbelief after the two women left. What had the world come to, if alphas became too terrified to talk to an omega, no matter how beautiful?
The next morning, Maximillian headed straight to Eichwald General Hospital to meet with Julian Haas.
The young omega, neither wealthy nor famous, would typically be placed in a standard ward based on his financial situation. However, due to his involvement in the high-profile explosion case handled directly by the bureau, he was granted a private VIP room with restricted visitor access to ensure his safety.
The lack of visitors, it seemed, did not prevent a steady stream of well-wishers from dropping flowers and gifts for Julian at the receptionist's desk.
Entering his ward that morning, Maximillian found it surprisingly empty, save for a mountain of brightly-wrapped presents and overflowing baskets of treats. Countless bouquets, arranged in a vibrant symphony of colors, surrounded Julian's bed, creating an atmosphere that teetered between joyous recovery and somber reflection.
Maximillian felt a pang of self-consciousness as he surveyed the ostentatious display. He'd brought nothing but three lists full of questions to ask the young omega.
"Agent Grant, please wait a while longer," a nurse said when she entered the ward. "Mr. Haas had a scheduled X-ray this morning for his broken leg."
"Sure," Maximillian leaned against the wall, his arms crossed before his chest. Believing that this omega was a tough nut to crack, he already cleared his entire schedule for today.
When Maximillian was going through his tablet to read reports from other cases, a gentle voice rang out from the doorway.
"Good morning, Agent Grant."