"Not the first time I've heard that reaction," he said. "You thought I'd be older and chubbier."
I blushed furiously. Why did I have to go and make him feel bad? I didn't know why, but I had trouble thinking clearly. Had all the blood rushed to my head when I was stuck behind the chair?
"O-only because our last guy, Bill, looked like that. But I have no doubt you're an amazing Santa, too!" I blurted out.
The alpha's brows raised. "Is that right?"
"Yes! Minnie said you're awesome at your job. I can't wait to see you in action," I said honestly.
The alpha's mouth curved in a smile as his deep black eyes regarded me closely. I swallowed the lump in my throat. His face was so handsome. It wasn't just his voice—his appearance belonged to a movie star, too. My gaze was drawn to the rugged line of stubble across his jawline. What would it feel like under my fingers?
And was it just me, or did his black-as-night eyes have a literal silver lining?
Minnie's voice interrupted my inappropriate staring.
"Oh, good, you two have already met," she quipped. "Angelo, this is our new hire, Karl."
Karl. The name ignited in my mind like a newly stoked fireplace.
"And Karl, you've already met—and helped—Angelo," Minnie said, gesturing to me.
"Indeed, and it was a pleasure," Karl said, his black-and-silver eyes squinting in amusement as he gazed down at me.
My cheeks grew hotter, as if burning. Was I imagining the sultry way he looked at me?
I had to be.
Stop it! He's your co-worker. Be cool.
Taking a breath, I forced a thin,professional smile onto my face. "Pleased to meet you, Karl. I'm looking forward to working with you."
"You too, Angelo," Karl said in that sexy voice that sent jitters across my skin.
Working with a new Santa was going to be way harder than I thought...
Two
Karl
Angelo.
That was the omega's name.
Gods, the way a fire lit up inside my chest when I first laid eyes on him...
This was no ordinary feeling. Something extraordinary was happening between us—even if Angelo didn't know it yet.
But unfortunately, I wasn't free to leap right into it. For one thing, Angelo was my coworker. Humans generally frowned upon that sort of relationship. But that was nothing compared to the big issue—my real identity, and that Angelo could never see my true form. I imagined his sweet face contorting with disgust and fear as he ran away from me. I couldn't handle that.
No, I had to crush these feelings. This was my job. My favorite thing to do was perform as Santa to bring delight to children and families during the winter season. I couldn't let this strange pull towards Angelo ruin my work.
But if I was to work with Angelo for the next month, that might prove harder than expected. How could I resist his gentle face, sweet charm and that plush, juicy ass?
The next morning I was scheduled to come in for the first official day on the job. The sign for the Santa Meet and Greet was put out yesterday, so families could line up and get their photo with me. I came to work early because my costume and makeup took a lot of work to getjustright, and I never settled for anything less than perfect.
It was 9AM, so I had an hour and a half to get my behind in Santa's chair. As I made my way through the market to my dressing room, I noticed a familiar figure standing by the central Christmas tree.
My heart fluttered. Angelo stood there, gazing up at the shiny red baubles he'd placed yesterday. His blond hair shone in the morning light, and his cheeks were pink from cold. His hands curled around a steaming drink.
