I mull over his words and the moments we spent with Iris. The way she’s covered her scent, how she didn’t react to us how a scent match or scent-sensitive Omega would, and I do remember her scrunching her nose. There’s only one thing that could make her do that, I know because I used them in my teens when I played Rugby. I scrunch my nose just thinking about that sterile smell. But it was better than smelling a bunch of sweaty guys.
“She’s using a nasal scent neutralizer,” I say.
“Bingo.”
“Why would she do that?” Jett asks. “I don’t think I’ve met an actor who’s used them on set before.”
“Maybe she’s more comfortable with them,” I say, making a mental note to dig a bit more into Iris Walker tonight. We always make our sets comfortable spaces for any actor and designation, but now I’m curious if Iris has had bad experiences on set before that we aren’t aware of. Jett is right that it’s unusual for anyone to choose to inhale that disgusting spray.
“Iris may not have reacted like our pack has to her, but I think her Omega knows on some level too,” Augie says.
“How so?” Jett asks.
“She felt something when she touched me. It’s why she gasped and we dropped the water. Then when you three were blocking and lighting, I saw the way she was entranced by all of you. How the four of you moved together easily, and how she fit so quickly despite the start we’ve had. There’s something there for her too, even if she doesn’t know it yet.”
The image of Iris standing next to Jett on set, Mateo lighting them to perfection comes to mind. It was easy working with her so far, but I didn’t think much of it. I was doing my best to be professional. I have no doubt I came off a little angry now that I think about it. I’ll have to apologize to her, make sure she knows she’s safe with me, with us. Maybe after a few days she’ll feel comfortable to ease up on the de-scenters and neutralizers.
My Alpha grunts in approval, the dark-haired beauty fully taking over my brain. I didn’t truly allow myself to appreciate the Omega before. Like I said, I was trying to remain professional, but she’s perfect. More than perfect.
Kind, hardworking, tall and voluptuous, with hips that I could grip on to and not worry about hurting as she took my knot. It’s the kind of body that’s made for me, for my pack.
Mine.
My heart stops in my chest at the word. My pack can’t hear my thoughts but no doubt they felt possessiveness that just burst through the bond.
Mateo chuckles. “You’re getting it now.”
Jett blows a breath through his tight lips. “What the hell do we do with this information? We have a movie to shoot.”
Different options come to mind. In a normal situation, we’d ask Iris if we could officially court her. It sounds dated, but it’s what packs do when they want to potentially have an Omega join their pack. We show the Omega what we can offer them, the pack they can have to take care and cherish them.
“If we could court her, that would be the best option,” I say.
“Why can’t we?” Augie asks.
“She technically works for us so there’s a conflict of interest. On top of that we don’t have time to truly court her. She could also say no and then she’d be uncomfortable the rest of the shoot.”
“She won’t say no,” Mateo says, his voice carrying the kind of authority that tells me his Alpha has taken over.
If I didn’t have to lead this pack and a movie to direct, I have no doubt I would have said the same. But it’s true, we all just met, none of us know what she smells like and it’s clear she doesn’t know what we smell like. We’re going off our reactions and instincts alone, including the deep-seated hope we’ve pushed aside that one day we would find our Omega.
“You can’t be sure of that, Mateo. We don’t even know her,” I say. Though the words feel sour on my tongue as I speak them.
He blinks, fists flexing at his sides. Augie places a hand on his mate’s back and rubs.
“I know you’re right, but my Alpha says you’re wrong.” Mateo sighs.
“I get it. I do.”
“Look, we can pull this back a little, yeah?” Jett interjects.
“Meaning?” I ask.
“There’s no need for a declaration right now,” Jett says. “We’ve waited this long for an Omega who fits our pack, not one chasing fame or money. I can’t explain it, but my Alpha knows Iris isn’t like the others. Let’s work with her, get to know her, and if we still feel the same by the end of the shoot, we’ll make it official and ask to court her. We don’t know the scent match yet, but I trust Mateo on this one, and my instincts say it won’t be an issue.”
“I think that’s the best way to go, too.” Mateo nods with finality.
“Same,” Augie adds.
