Page 2 of Perfectly Yours

Carleen is so optimistic that the perfect pack is just out there waiting to sweep me off my feet. “It can hurt, though. I’m not needed. Betas never are. And I want more than to be ignored with a credit card. Nights like this are fun, I guess, but it’s just that. One night. And then tomorrow, all these rich people run back to their lives while we’re still here. No, I love what I do, Leenie but I’m not about to sacrifice it for a life where I get ignored.”

“Sacrifice?”

“Yes, sacrifice. Right now, I’m happy. I have a bed, my bike, and I’m about to get my second degree. Hell, I’m only 27 and more accomplished than any of the other girls.” I say that as an accomplishment but most Betas are far ahead of where I am. Again, they have to be in a world that doesn’t need them. Carleen sighs, knowing that she won’t win this conversation.

I manage another shrug before I glide out of the kitchen and into another open floor plan. People have already started to filter in so I hang out around the edge, not surprised when Tati bounds up to my side with two shot glasses.

“Starting early?” I mutter, even as I slip one from her fingers.

She grins, bouncing with enough excitement for the both of us. “Got to. There’s so many famous people here and we need to be on our best behavior. Boss demands it.”

Makes sense. Our boss, Lewis, is in the business to make money so if the girls here tonight make a statement, then we’ll likely be hired again. I throw back the shot, pleasantly surprised that it’s high-end tequila. I know better than to ask where she stole it from but the open bottle on the table nearby answers that question.

Tati drags me toward the other girls, all of them throwing out celebrity names and Wall Street businessmen that I’ve never heard of. “Lighten up, Ellie! This is going to be our night!” One of them squeals.

I manage a smile but I’m not as optimistic. “We’re here to work.”

“No harm in finding a pack, Ellie,” another one throws back. I don’t know her name—not because she’s new—I just don’t care. It’s pretty obvious that they don’t know they can be blacklisted from events like this and our boss won’t hesitate to drop them from a routine for behavioral issues.

It’s not my problem, though. That’s a lesson they’ll have to learn on their own. Leaning against the wall as they continue their bubbly conversation, Tati and I peruse the attendees, making mental notes of who to speak with, spend time with, and grab a few extra tips. We have similar agendas, although she’s saving up for a clothing business. Most of my outfits come from her creative wheelhouse and I’m more than happy to show them off.

“See anyone you like?” Tati asks.

“Not really.”

“You know the Astor couple is here? They don’t come to a lot of events but they’re fucking coming to this one. The gods have blessed us.” Tati wiggles beside me before leaning over to place a kiss on my cheek and then scurries off. Most likely to find more alcohol.

I don’t know much about the Astor couple, just that they’re a wildly famous Alpha-Omega duo made up of a movie director and a retired actor. The few pictures I’ve seen don’t do them justice but that’s neither here nor there. They’ll just be another couple buying our time and attention.

“Seriously? Macon Astor is fucking gorgeous.”

“His Omega is so pretty and tall. I’d let them throw me around any day.” Giggles peel from their lips and I drown them out as I focus on my first target. Whoever gets me drunk the fastest is a win in my book. “You better dance your ass off, Ellie. This shit is your ticket to freedom.”

Hardly.

We’re not needed. We can barely scent Alphas and Omegas and our own scents are usually so muted that we don’t add to the biological need built in this society.

Deciding that I’m better off finding a place to sit so that the sleazeballs can come to me, I make my way to a corner of the couch. It’s a deep cream leather that sinks down, sucking me into a beautiful dream surrounded by clouds. My rather inelegant attempt to straighten up goes unnoticed and I perch myself like a trophy waiting to be discovered.

That’s when heat ignites in the pit of my belly, my nostrils flaring at the most delicious scent I’ve ever caught in my entire life. Like berries and cream with a tart finish at the end. I resist the temptation to spread my legs as need flows through my entire body. My back arches forward as I dig my fingers into my thighs, my nipples pebbling against the thin fabric of my dress. What is this feeling?

A whine sits at the back of my throat as I take a gulp of air, only to be suffocated with the scent. There’s an Omega close to their heat. That’s the only reason for a scent like that.

The problem is that a Beta would never react so violently to it.

I try to ignore it but with every passing second, my body yearns for that scent so that I can devour it.

Chapter two

SAVIN

My nerves are always pulled tight when we attend events. This one is no different as my attention flits wildly around the confines of the car as I try to hide my discomfort. The entire ride has been borderline unbearable as I think about what I’m walking into.

The agency I’m contracted with demands my presence at a few of these things every month outside of my modeling commitments and I’ve already skipped out on more than I am allowed. Apparently, my deteriorating health means nothing to Jace. Not even when the specialists wrap up my symptoms in a laughable diagnosis—‘failing Omega biology’. All of this shit has caused me to leave my acting career behind and yet, I’m still one of the most sought out Omegas in the industry. Even if just for my presence to bring more attention to whatever our agency is trying to promote that day.

I snort at the stupidity of it all.

I hate it.

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