Page 39 of Happy Valentine's Day, Omega
And then the heady wave of Alpha pheromones hits me.
This ishisapartment. There's no denying it. His bergamot scent is so overpowering, I can almost taste it on my tongue.
My chess nemesis.
My secret Alpha.
My penpal.
All rolled up into one person – Alpha Magnus Novikov.
It's time to get some answers.
I take a step forward.
Then another.
My legs shake a little, and I curse the weakness.
Following my instincts, I slowly walk down the hallway and approach the open living space. A soft rug beneath my feet swallows the sound of my footsteps on the sleek marble floor.
In the center of the expansive room is a marble dining table with places set for two. Scattered sparingly around the silverware are red rose petals, and a single, tall candle flickers between the two settings. There is a bottle of expensive looking Champagne cooling in an ice bucket, and a bouquet of roses tied with a familiar red ribbon.
A Valentine's Day dinner date. Just as he promised.
And sitting at the head of the table with a tumbler of whisky dangling from his fingers is Alpha Magnus Novikov.
I feel every hair stand on end, and goosebumps rise across my skin.
He is a stunning Alpha. His body is in peak physical condition, but it's the way he holds himself that makes my body come alive. He moves with calculated, sleek gestures. His eyes shifting and analyzing, like a python waiting for the right moment to strike.
He hasn't changed in the hours since our match in the academy library. Yet, right now, his lips look so plump and inviting.
He tracks my perusal with a dark and intense gaze.
"Alpha Novikov," I greet, pleased when my voice doesn't waver.
"Omega Alvez," he replies. "Thank you for joining me."
I lick my lips.
This doesn't feel like a romantic Valentine's Day dinner. More like a hostile business merger. Alpha Novikov is entirely in control of this situation, and I should be afraid. Instead, my skin is buzzing with anticipation.
This is where we will play the true chess match. Earlier was a warm-up round with merely a trophy as the prize. This game has much higher stakes. Tonight, I could walk away with either a mate or heartbreak.
"Drinking the pain of your loss away, Novikov?" I ask with a mocking tilt of my head.
"Loss? No. I didn't lose, Natalia," he smirks, taking a slow sip of his drink.
I can't help the way my eyes flick to his lips, watching his Adam's apple bob as he swallows.
"Do I need to jog your memory?" I slowly stalk forward, my eyes locked on the cocky Alpha.
"I took your alpha king."
A step.
"You lost."
