He cracks up. “Good night, Cordelia.”
When I peek out, he’s gone, and a moment later, his light switches off. I whip around to Mum.
“It’s not see through. I mean, it’s a shame because you could use some loosening up, and I think being half naked in front of Sebastian might rattle you stupid, but, no, it hides you completely. He was teasing.”
I breathe easier and, without meaning to, look down and check for myself.
Covered. Damn him.
Mum pauses in my doorway. “Goodnight, darling, see you at breakfast.”
I scowl as she flicks off the light, leaving me in darkness and the cold winter chill that’s seeping through the window.
I set my alarm for five am. I think I’ll go for a run.
Chapter 5
Fox
I’m hidden in the non-fiction section waiting for Katsu to come back when the bookstore fills with the scent of azaleas, cold winter air, and rain. I hold completely still, straining to hear any movement. When I don’t hear anything, I ease back to where I can see the counter.
“Sofia?” Her voice is soft, husky but with a note that is unbearably lonely. And instantly, I know that no matter what plans I had, I’m cancelling them.
Sofia popped out to take Danger to the toilet, and I am so glad she did. It’s just me and my match in the store. Just us, separated by dozens of books. Her hair is silky black and hangs just past her shoulders, but she’s got the most adorable bangs. She looks super classy, but her brown eyes are guarded. The white jumper and blue jeans could look good on anyone, but on her, they are incredible, my favourite thing.
What is it about this omega?
I finally notice the huge stack of packages she’s juggling and rush towards her. I catch them just before they fall. She huffs out a laugh, and our fingers brush. There’s a zing, totally a zing.
“Oh, thank you-”
The words die as her eyes widen: shock, curiosity, happiness. Her lips curl into a smile, and I decide she has the most beautiful lips in the whole world. They are soft, her bottom one like a plump pillow. Yes, perfect lips.
“Fox?”
“Hi, you are our Light Knot Night match, Cordelia, right?” I try for nonchalance as I set the boxes on the counter. I’m sure I will fail miserably.
Play it cool; she doesn’t need to know you’re dizzy with excitement.
“Yeah. Cordie, though. Just call me Cordie, everyone does.”
She licks her plump lower lip of perfection, and I find myself leaning towards her as if my very body itself can’t stay away from her.
Suddenly, I know what this is. Azaleas, winter, and rain are a promise of excitement, comfort, and this sense of time. She is intoxicating.
This omega is my scent match.
It’s everything I felt with Katsu. This feeling has my world shifting. It’s so strong that I can’t look away from her, that she is the best thing I’ve ever smelled, ever seen. The urge to bite has my teeth aching and my mouth watering. A growl rumbles in my chest, demanding freedom. I need to touch her, press my scent to her skin.
I swallow it all back, desperate not to scare her.
Wow. This is…I can’t wait to tell Katsu.
“Can you just let Sofia know I dropped off the parcels she ordered?” She backs away, and I follow in a panic, chasing her all the way out onto the street.
Sofia calls out, but I lift my hand distractedly and follow the omega who is trying to run away. She looks back, spots me, andtrips. I catch her before she can fall and hold her close for one long, perfect second.
“Are you going to work?” I ask, desperate for a reason to stay.
