I move to the computer near Dameon’s station. I tap a few keys to pull up the network status for unit 1301. “The Quantum Fiber runs on an isolated, dedicated line for your unit. It uses high-frequency encryption that can be picky with external hardware. I might need to whitelist your MAC address manually to get you through the firewall.”
Jules pans the camera between the two of us; I hope I don’t look like an idiot if I make the cut for the video.
Zora nods, her golden-blonde afro puffs bouncing. “That would be a huge help. We have a tight deadline for the tour release, and I cannot afford to fall behind.”
I nod and check the work order queue on my tablet, making sure to look busy even though I have already cleared myschedule for her. “I have a few sensor calibrations to finish down here. I can come up to the penthouse in an hour and troubleshoot the problem for you. I will get your speeds where they need to be.”
Zora relaxes her shoulders, her smile turning genuine and lighting up her dark eyes. “Thank you, Ethan. I really appreciate it. I will see you then.”
She turns back to the camera as Jules counts down for the next shot. I watch them move toward the cafe wing. I return my gaze to the screen, but I no longer see the scent emitters specs. I see the schedule for the thirteenth floor. Sixty minutes remain before I step into her world.
One hour later, I ride up in the elevator to unit 1301. The doors slide open. I step into the penthouse and find Zora sitting alone on the large gray sofa in the center of the living room. She stares out at the city skyline through the floor-to-ceiling glass, her posture rigid. She stands as I enter and offers a small smile. The faint, sweet scent of honey and vanilla reaches me as she crosses the stone floor.
“I set up my editing rig in the second bedroom.” She gestures toward the hallway. “It just won’t connect, and I’m not tech-savvy enough with this kind of thing to figure out what’s wrong.”
I follow her as she leads the way. Her scent is so hard to ignore, even with the Alpha suppressants. My inner Alpha knows she’s our omega, and no suppressant can deaden that. She pushes open the door to the smaller room. A sleek desk with a three-monitor setup and a tower occupies the corner. Zora settles into her chair and wakes the monitors.
“Go ahead and login.” I pull my handheld tablet from under my arm. “I need the specific MAC address to finish the whitelist on my end.”
Zora types in her password. She stares at the icons, her hand hovering over the mouse. “I wouldn’t even know where to look for that.”
I step closer. It feels difficult to avoid reaching out to touch her shoulder. “Do you mind if I take the helm for a second?” I gesture toward the desk. “It will only take a moment.”
“Oh, sure.” Zora stands and moves to the side of the desk, giving me the space.
I settle into her pink gaming chair. I focus on the screen, navigating to the network settings with a few quick clicks. While I wait for the hardware info to populate on the primary monitor, I reach up to run my fingers through my hair; a mindless habit.
My fingers hit the elastic tie instead of my scalp. Realizing I messed up my hair, I set the tablet down on the edge of her desk. I pull the tie free, allowing the long, honey-blonde strands to tumble over my shoulders. I shake my head, letting the air hit my scalp for a moment. Then, I gather the lengths back together and secure them into a fresh, messy man bun. Then I feel eyes on me.
I pause, my fingers hovering near the back of my head. I glance over at Zora. She stands by the desk, her eyes locked on me. She looks like someone witnessing a ghost. Part of me hopes she recognizes me, but that feels impossible. I look nothing like I did as a kid.
I relish the attention. I don’t know the specific memory I triggered, but the intensity of her focus makes my skin tingle. I pick up my tablet, finish entering the address to complete the whitelist protocol, and then I test the internet connection. It works now. I try not to show my disappointment. I wish for a harder problem to solve, just to stay here longer.
I push away from the desk and stand. “You should be all set, Zora.” I tuck my tablet back under my arm.
She blinks, the spell breaking as she clears her throat. “Thank you, Ethan. I... I didn’t realize your hair was that long.”
I reach up and pat the messy bun, offering a sheepish grin. “I usually keep it tucked away. It gets in the way when I work inside a rig.” I offer a quick wink and head for the door. “Call me if the signal drops again or you need more IT support.”
God, I want to linger. Find an excuse to stay, but I have to play the professional role here.
She follows me to the elevator. “I will. Thank you again for your help. You saved my butt.”
I step into the elevator and offer her a dramatic bow. “All in a days work, Miss.” I press the button for the lobby.
Her laughter rings out, and the joy it fills me with almost makes my head spin.
The doors close, and the car descends. If she gets on the RAA tonight, I’m going to make sure she has no choice but to pick me. I have to spend more time with her.
I catch my breath as I hurry to the camming unit. It sits three floors below the penthouse, providing a neutral space for us to cam with her without risking recognition. I enter and lock the door, the click of the heavy bolt providing the only sound in the quiet room. She signed onto the site a few minutes ago. I must ensure she picks me. I move to the desk with the black backdrop and pull on a pale blue medical face mask.
I tug off my shirt. I gather my honey-blonde hair and secure it into a tight, low bun at the base of my skull. A quick check ofthe camera angle confirms the bun remains hidden behind my head. She saw the length today as Ethan; she cannot see it again tonight.
I turn on the tower and set up the natural voice filter. I adjust the sliders until my voice drops into a warm, resonant baritone. To Zora, I sound like a stranger.
I log in to the Remote Alpha Aid portal. My fingers fly across the keys as I set my brother and cousin to ‘Busy’ or ‘Away.’ I leave her no choice but me. I inhabit the Friday profile, the persona designed to be the chill Alpha who offers a session that feels like hanging out with a friend.
The connection request pings. Handle: User7734.
