17 - Appointment
"Is there something not to your liking, Agent Grant?"
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"I know no married omegas your age with two children and a PhD in genetic engineering and biotechnology," Maximillian pointed out.
His words made Julian laugh.
"Are you suggesting that I am not the kind to get married and have children of my own?"
"Not at all." Maximillian leaned back in his chair and pinned Julian with a stare. "There is just more to you than meets the eye."
A coy smile played on Julian's lips as his gaze dipped momentarily before locking with Maximillian's in a seductive challenge.
"Is there something not to your liking, Agent Grant?" he purred, his voice dripping with honey.
Maximillian simply returned the gaze with a glare, a silent exchange charged with unspoken tension. The heavy quiet was shattered only by a series of insistent knocks at the door.
"Room service," a voice announced from the hallway.
Julian, all smooth elegance, rose to answer.
"Coming," he called back.
The young beta delivering the order nearly choked on his own breath. He was captivated by the ethereal beauty before him, but a cold dread washed over him as he glimpsed the alpha male radiating menace behind the angelic vision. Had he walked in on something?
"Uh, your order, Sir..." he stammered.
"Let me take it from here," Julian offered. He grabbed the handle of the small cart and pulled it into the room.
Relief flooded the room service attendant. "Thank you, Sir!" he exclaimed before turning to leave.
But a deep, commanding voice stopped him in his tracks. "Hold on."
The young man pivoted, anxiety spiking as he saw the imposing alpha striding towards him, a mask of cold fury still etched on his face.
"Thank you," Maximillian said curtly, handing the room service attendant a twenty-dollar bill before closing the door firmly.
The bewildered young man stood there for a moment, muttering a barely audible "You're welcome" before finally retreating down the hallway.
Silence stretched between them, a taut wire vibrating with the electricity of unspoken tension. Every breath echoed in the room, amplified tenfold by their stillness. Julian remained frozen, facing the door with Maximillian's menacing presence at his back. A palpable heat emanated from the alpha, his warm breath a searing whisper against Julian's earlobe when he spoke.
"What are you waiting for? I thought you were hungry."
Julian turned around and smiled.
"I am famished," he declared. "Shall we?"
Entering the room, they unloaded the room service cart. A steaming tray of baked salmon took center stage before Maximillian, while a plate of simple grilled cheese awaited Julian. Maximillian placed his cup of black coffee next to his meal, and Julian took a cup of chococino* for himself.
Julian took a bite of his grilled cheese sandwich before raising his eyes to look at Maximillian.
"You are mistaken, Agent Grant. I am not engaged in any frivolous affair with Frank Eisenhart or any other 'elder alphas'."
Maximillian closed his eyes for a split second before unwittingly exhaling out of relief.
"That's good."
Though curiosity gnawed at him, Maximillian held his tongue. Pressing for details wasn't his purview.
However, a disquieting unease settled in his gut. The young omega across from him, living solo with no family support, seemed oblivious to the danger his beauty attracted. Had he learned nothing from the disastrous encounter with that scoundrel, Lars Eisenhart?
"Look, Julian Haas."
Maximillian sighed softly, setting his cutlery aside with a clink after a half-hearted attempt at his baked salmon. He couldn't stay silent any longer.
Across from him, Julian took another bite of his sandwich. Molten Mozzarella stretched like a creamy web before snapping, leaving a delightful smear at the corner of his mouth. He swiped at it with his pink tongue playfully, driving the alpha speechless for three good seconds.
"Yes, Agent?"
"... What about getting a dog?"
"... Huh?"
"A dog," Maximillian repeated.
"Many single omegas opt to keep dogs by their side, just in case they need the extra protection. Besides, dogs are excellent companion animals."
Julian shook his head in rejection.
"I had a puppy when I was in the orphanage. After its death, I didn't feel like raising another one."
"Oftentimes, puppies born in poor environments cannot survive for long. It is not your fault. I can help pick out a new puppy for you. How does that sound?"
Julian stared at Maximillian.
"You must be busy day in and day out, Agent Grant," he slowly said. "I am more than capable of picking out a dog for myself."
"We are there to serve the people," Maximillian said in response. "I am more than capable of sparing an hour or two to accompany you to a pet store."
"Ah."
Julian, a playful glint in his eyes, reached for Maximillian's fork. Spearing a piece of salmon, he held it up to the alpha's lips. "It almost sounds like a date, Agent Grant," he teased.
Maximillian captured Julian's hand, guiding the fork and the salmon directly into his mouth. "It is," he confirmed after a measured swallow.
Julian's lips curled up into a smile.
"In that case, I cannot refuse Agent Grant's generous offer."
Two excruciating hours later, Maximillian Grant finally reappeared in his office, leaving Stefan Wildner baffled. "Any updates, Chief?" Stefan ventured, his voice laced with a curiosity that bordered on desperation. He burned with regret at having missed the opportunity to expose Julian's scandalous meeting with Frank Eisenhart.
Maximillian gave him an annoyed look.
"Nothing worth mentioning," he said before closing the door to his office behind his back.
"....."
A flicker of surprise crossed Stefan's sharp eyes. A damp sheen clung to Maximillian Grant's hair, and a clean, soapy scent lingered in his wake. Maximillian Grant took a shower in the middle of the day, but why?
"By the way," Maximillian popped up again, almost giving Stefan heart attack in the process. "Write a report to the Omega and Beta Protection Division about a dubious meeting between Frank Eisenhart and Julian Haas."
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Author's note :
*Chococino = Chocolate + Cappucino~