Page 27 of Happy Valentine's Day, Omega
I extend my hand to shake my opponent's when a deep grumble echoes from further in the room. The hairs on my arms stand up straight and Alpha Tao retracts his hand before we touch.
I shake it off, resolved to stay focused. Alphas make the weirdest sounds sometimes, but that was odd.
I settle into my seat and turn the rest of the world out. My vision narrows to the checkered board before me.
Time to kick Alpha ass.
I check Alpha Tao's alpha king in record time, slamming my palm down on the game-clock with a cocky grin.
My plan worked, and the aggressive style put him on the back foot from the beginning.
I was an odd match.
Alpha Tao's hands shook slightly as he moved each piece, and a sheen of sweat formed on his upper lip. His eyes darting to something behind me in the library. I've never seen an Alpha get so flustered during a match. I can't help but think there was something throwing him off his game. He's usually a thoughtful and composed opponent.
I shrug and grin as they announce my name and move it to the top of the tournament leaderboard on the library wall.
"Alpha Novikov will play against Omega Alvez in the grand finale, February fourteenth," the adjudicator declares after the other match is complete.
I stifle a groan.
Of course the finale is on Valentine's Day, 'cause all my major life events are destined to be surrounded by roses and hearts.
I can't afford to be distracted during the tournament. Alpha Novikov has always been my toughest opponent. He's a beast at chess. I'm going to have to be entirely focused if I have even the slightest chance of winning.
As the students gather their things to leave, I'm so focused on the board in front of me, I don't notice the large shadow looming over my shoulder.
"Bring your A-game, Omega Alvez. I won't go easy on you."
I look over my shoulder, and Alpha Novikov is staring down at me with piercing intensity, a smile on his face.
He's gorgeous. Why does he have to be so handsome? It's not fair. He doesn't get to be a chess geniusandsinfully good looking.
His uniform shirt sleeves are rolled up. I struggle not to stare at his thick forearms, and fail. I swallow.
My scent thickens, and his smile broadens.
Arrogant fucker knows exactly what he's doing. Irritation floods through me. He thinks he can use my unwilling biological attraction to throw me off. Well, two can play that game.
I turn on my heel and look up through my eyelashes coquettishly.
"Don't worry, Alpha. I like it a little rough," I say with a wink, and bite my lower lip.
His nostrils flare and his smug smile melts as his lips part.
The musky, bergamot scent strengthens, and I smirk.
Gotcha.
He raises his hand like he wants to touch me, and freezes. Schooling his features, he straightens, his trademark smirk sliding back into place.
He swiftly turns on his heel and strides to the library exit, calling over his shoulder, "See you for our date on Valentine's Day, Omega."
For a split second, I think he's referring to the date I have with my secret Alpha. Then I remember the finale is also on Valentine's Day.
I stare after him long after he disappears from sight. The tension between us was thick enough to cut with a knife, and it's left me a quivering mess.
In a daze, I methodically pack away the academy chess set we use for matches, stack the chairs, and walk back to the Omega dorm.
