Page 100 of Omega Sanctuary

"Nothing. The pastry chef here is very good."

"Part of your baking?" His mouth lifted in a half smile.

I rolled my eyes. "I'm told baking is beneath me now."

"Tell you what." He leaned back. "I'll make you a bet."

I raised both eyebrows now.

"I'll come to the next gala. If the alphas in the room ignore you the way you say, I'll bring you a gift. Anything you want."

I bit my lip. "Like an alpha gift? It could be whatever I wanted?"

"Just so." He leaned forward, eyes twinkling. "The priestesses cannot refuse what gifts I bring."

"Deal," I said. Baking supplies would be mine. I sneaked into the kitchen at the Healer's House, but I could feel Deja's disapproval.

"But if someone asks you to dance," he said. "You lose."

"Someone who isn't you or your friend you've put up to it."

"Pet, I have no need for tricks." He lifted his hands. "Just because the most powerful alpha in the room isn't asking you to dance, doesn't mean you're overlooked."

I grinned. He was so going to lose. I was going to be able to rub his deafening defeat in his face for years to come. "Alright, you're on."

"You haven't told me what my prize is when you lose," he said, his voice silky.

Prickles of heat rolled over my skin. "What do you want?"

He stared at me for a moment. My stomach flip flopped, and I forgot to breathe.

"Too much of a gentleman to ask the lady for a kiss." He breathed out through his nose. "Barely."

I let my breath out. "It's a deal then. I won't lose."

He gave me a long look. "If you're certain?"

I smirked then. "Quite certain. I'll start making a list of what I want to make now, so I can have it ready for you right away."

Rayth sat with me through the entire garden party, asking me about where I grew up and what it was a like to work in a bakery.

As his spice and woodsy scent twirled around me, I almost considered asking Nova to help ensure that I would lose the bet.

Imet Asano at his house the next day. It was my day off from training, and I’d spent the last few outings with Asano in public spaces.

Aalina protested my safety with Yvenna roaming free, but I gave her Asano's card and told her where I would be. She agreed with little grace, and I took a horse down into town.

I followed directions, but was sure I had gotten turned around somewhere. The street wound up a hill, ending at the top where a large estate sprawled over the cliff side. Asano could have hosted a gala of his own without any worry about attendance.

I paused at the double door entrance. I'd worn a simple loose dress, but now I wondered if I should have dressed up.

Asano opened the door, thankfully, and not some butler. He had red and black paint smeared on his cheek and wore faded khaki-colored pants with a loose white shirt. Both pieces of clothing were hopelessly stained with paint.

I grinned. "Did any of the paint make it on the canvas?"

"Ha, ha." He grinned. "You sound like my alpha."

I paused, managing to forget there was another person he was with.

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