Page 67 of Heat Me

"I’d advise you to stop taking pheromone suppressants," I said, pursing my lips slightly. "It might help in your case."

"Oh, why’s that? Can’t I rely on my looks? Am I not fabulous enough?"

"I just… think it might help. Some people benefit from infusing their cards with Allure—it can attract the right person."

"‘Some people, huh? What kind of people are we talking about?"

"Just… many people may have better chances when—"

But he snapped, "Say it out loud, coward! Ugly people, right? That’s what you really meant! I need to lure them in with Allure because I lack in other departments?"

Wow, this escalated way too fast. This guy needed someseriousanger management therapy. Day’s hands were trembling, and his annoyance seemed to be only increasing.

"Hm? Is that a problem? I wish that was a repellent factor for all alphas, but yes, I see how you’re looking at me, with that disgusted little look on your pretty face. I’m too ugly for your standards, huh? Is that it? They send me a poster boy who dares to hint I can’t attract a mate based on looks alone!"

Now I had had enough; my patience had reached its limit.

Before I could stop myself, I retorted, "I can't say anything about your appearance; the thick cigarette smoke prevents me from observing you more closely…" I waved my hand to dispel the gray cloud. And made a loud theatrical cough.

No! Wait! Did I really do that and… say that? Out loud? Sadly, yes, I had.

My professionalism had been crumbling ever since I started working at this company.

The omega froze and shot me a sharp look.

"Oh, you bastard… Don’t worry, cigarette smoke won’t blur my vision when I file a complaint about the rude employee of Fate’s Choice! And now,fuckyour fair—I’m not showing up! You’ll pay me the fine—"

Oh, no, no. Fuckthisguy. I didn’t need him anyway. Ragu had already promised me a job!

So I rudely interrupted him, "I’m here to convey information about the fair attendance obligation, as this is how the company intends to fulfill its part of the contract with you. We want to ensure you find the best partner, and that’s all that matters. My remark was simply a suggestion—smoking is no longer seen as attractive by many people, presentation wise."

"Get out of here before I sic my dogs on you!"

His anger was almost tangible, his eyes like twin lightning bolts.

Okay, right, I admit it—I could’ve been more courteous.

Feeling disturbed, I turned to leave but froze mid-step.

Something he said stuck with me. "I wish that was a repellent factor for all alphas." What did he mean? That he wasn’t entirely undesirable after all? There was something dark behind those words, heavy and almost palpable, like a storm cloud.

With a sigh, I slowly turned around, my conscience nagging at me.

He was still standing there, trembling, pale as a ghost, his energy all over the place, strangely… vulnerable.

Unhurriedly, I walked back toward him and said, "I apologize—"

"Get out!"

"I shouldn’t have said that. It was inappropriate. Please, come to the fair. I promise I’ll do my best to find a good match for you—someone who will love and accept you as you are. I have a special… ability. I might really be able to pull this off foryou, but you have to come to the fair. I was hired because of my high success rate in matching people. Please, Day, give yourself a chance at happiness." I hesitated and added, "And practically speaking, you can only claim the fine if you attend. So please, consider it."

If nothing else would work, this would.

He stayed silent, his eyes narrowed, lips pressed into a hard line.

Then, without a word, he turned on his heel and walked back to the house, slamming the door behind him.

Phew.

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