Page 5 of Dubious Match
This is what Emilia never discusses on her stupid podcast. The dangers of possible ruts and fights. I have a feeling she’s never had it pass through her mind.
“I’m holding a mixer at the botanical gardens on November fifteenth. I know that seems silly since the potential for snow is high, but I know how to pull off an event with heating, well ventilated tents, and games to keep the conversation flowing,” I say. “I also will have security present to ensure the safety of everyone involved, and my hope is for omegas and packs to make connections.”
Taking a breath, I allow my passion to show as my gray-blue eyes sparkle with excitement. This is why I’m so good at my job.
“Cupid Call’s mixer will be free to those who attend that day, and I will personally continue to work with those who make a connection,” I say. “I am committed to keeping omegas safe in the city I grew up in. I’m well aware of the dangers that lurk here, and champion the measures being taken to help remove them. I know what it’s like to look over my shoulder when leaving work or having dinner with friends on my way home, which is why I’m happy the gardens have plenty of parking for this event. Please ask someone to walk you to your car if you are at all anxious about it. No one is going to judge you for the extra need for protection.”
Pressing a button on my computer to have the flyer for the event appear underneath me, I decide to wrap things up.
“I’m not a judgemental person,” I say. “My dating mixer is for everyone interested in dating, but you do need to reserve a space by calling the number on the flyer. Are you a pack with children, or an omega who does? I don’t need to know the ins and outs of why unless it’ll directly affect your ability to make a true connection. Then, I ask you to share those concerns. I’m not agossip, but I am a vault. The lengths I’ll go to help someone don’t exist, because they’re immeasurable. Allowing someone to make you feel small is something that’s inexcusable. I’m well aware there’s another event happening this day, but the organizer seems to have very distinct ideas about what a ‘good’ omega is.”
Making a small, disgusted face, I shake my head.
“I believe in good people,” I say. “Staying small, playing it safe, and doing what you’re told because you’re afraid of making waves isn’t how I measure happiness. The other event organizer will probably laugh at me, or think me naive, but I created this company because I had a vision. This dating mixer is an example of that. Think it over, and let me know if you think this would be a good fit.”
Signing off of the video, I save it before yawning widely. People who don’t create content regularly won’t understand how exhausting it is to make. I want my personality, energy, and intent to come across in a video, which means I have to project all of that into the screen.
While I am known in certain circles as a dating coach and matchmaker, Minneapolis is a big city. I know I won’t be able to help everyone, and the event will only safely accommodate so many people, but I would be open to doing this event again.
Dragging myself up to stand, I walk to the bathroom to wash my face, brush my teeth, and then pull off my clothes to slide under my soft sheets. There are days that I wish I had someone to snuggle and talk about my life with, yet others when I’m perfectly happy to pass out in my bed with my sound machine and mouth tape.
I’m getting ready to enter my thirties, and I completely understand what Cian said about being set in his ways. I am too, I just have to continue to tell myself this is the way it’s meant to be.
As my eyes get heavier and I slide into a deep sleep, I decide that one day I’ll believe that.
Two
REMY
My thumb rubs over the silver seal on the envelope in my hand, a Cupid’s bow and arrow embedded into the wax. I should open this, but I believe in delayed gratification. I also may be worried about what a company like Cupid’s Call could be inviting my pack to. Is it an escort service?
“Why are you looking at that envelope as if it may blow your hand off?” Felix asks, his arms spread wide at my office’s doorframe.
My brother knows me better than anyone else, and I suppose I am looking at it like a ticking time bomb.
“It could be,” I mutter, tossing it onto my desk with a glance of distaste. “There is a Cupid’s bow and arrow on it, Felix.”
“Hmm,” he says, walking across my office. “I suppose I’ll have to save you from having a spell put on you.”
My bark of laughter makes his lips twitch as he picks the envelope up. Turning it over, he glances at the return company name and address, even going so far as to sniff it.
“Felix,” I sigh. “Are you going to fuck it or open it?”
“That’s up in the air because it smells delicious… it’s like apricots and fuck me, lavender too,” he groans. “Did someone from Cupid’s Call put perfume on all of these, or is this the actual person who sent this? My cock is rock hard over here.”
Snatching it back, I stick my nose against the envelope and inhale deeply. Yeah, that’s fucking delicious.
“Now I’m even more worried about opening it,” I complain, handing it back to him. “Please, do the honors.”
Rolling his eyes, he carefully lifts the seal with his thumb so that it’s intact before pulling out an invitation from the envelope. Scanning over it, he purses his lips.
“It’s a dating service,” he says. “We’re being invited to a mixer with other packs to find an omega. I wasn’t aware that we were looking. That’s kind of ballsy, don’t you think?”
“Who runs this thing?” I ask, grabbing the envelope back. “I know it’s Cupid’s Call, but does it say who the owner is?”
“A woman named Hollis Edwards,” Felix mutters, handing me the invitation.
“Why does everyone feel so agitated?” Malcolm groans, shuffling into my office. I guess it’s a party now. His red hair is sticking out everywhere as if he just had a fight with someone instead of a planning session for what our next launch of sex toys will be with the team.
