Page 20 of Hired for Research
She watched his chest heave beneath his vest as she absorbed what he said. Alphas were known to be possessive and territorial, and if they connected her with the act of—
She cut off that thought as images rose in her head, her neglected core complaining again. She’d gone months without thinking of sex or feeling desire, yet a single day in Jett’s presence had her feeling like an addict going through withdrawal.
And if just the pheromones he released from his skin was enough to affect her that way, would she be able to handle those samples to do the tests? She’d have been the first to argue for omega equality and claim she could do anything a beta scientist could, but she also had to be realistic.
Sucking in a breath, she tried to detach herself from her feelings. She didn’t like the way Jett had told her no as if he had the right to dictate what she did, but his argument was valid.
Jett’s growl had quieted, and she blocked out the sound of it as best she could, forcing her muscles to relax. Keeping her voice low and even, she nodded in acceptance.
“Your point is valid. I agree it would be too much of a risk at this point in the research, but I’d appreciate if you stated your concerns in a more professional manner and didn’t presume to have the right to stop me if I feel something is necessary to complete my job.”
She watched the muscle in Jett’s cheek flex, his jaw clenching so hard she was surprised she didn’t hear his teeth grinding together, but his growl finally ended. He seemed to struggle for a moment before jerking his chin in a short nod and taking a step back.
“My only concern is for your safety.”
Evelyn studied him for a moment longer, wondering if it was more than that. She had to admit to being attracted to the alpha, and if he felt the same, he could be struggling with the behaviors expected from his dynamic.
She let her gaze wander down his body, and the prominent bulge below his belt was impossible to miss. If he was already struggling with feelings of possessiveness, the smart thing to do would be to dismiss him and ask for another, but the thought of another alpha watching her all day made her skin crawl. She may have only been there for a day, but she was comfortable with Jett, enjoyed his personality, and was guilty of territorial feelings herself if she admitted to the way she’d felt the night before.
And their attraction gave her a unique opportunity. She’d be able to observe the way he reacted when she was near the other alphas, and if she felt the same draw to them as she did to him. Maybe it was just his dynamic and not him in particular.
“I appreciate that, but I won’t allow you to dominate me.”
Taking two more steps backward, he jerked his chin down again.
“I understand. I’ll do better.”
His gaze still seethed, though he got his expression under control. She could feel the tension radiating off him, which caused her to remain tense as well, but her mind had already moved on to what she planned to put in her notes. It had taken her a couple hours after she returned to her room the previous night to type up what she’d observed at the restaurant, but she wanted to create a new file just for her interactions with Jett.
She just wasn’t sure yet if she’d share it.
Busying herself getting everything ready to collect her first set of samples, Evelyn debated whether she’d have time to go down and talk to the imaging technician, but when she checked the time, it was already after when alphas could begin showing up. She almost asked Jett if he could go find the person for her, but he wasn’t there to run her errands, and she doubted he’d agree to leave her alone, even for the few minutes it would take him to carry a note down the hall.
Since no one had appeared in the doorway yet, she opened a new tab on her laptop and pulled up the information for the medical facility. She was hoping to find an email address for the Imaging Department, but the only thing listed was a phone number.
Glancing at the door again, she frowned. The halls were still as quiet as they’d been when she arrived, and when she walked out to where she had a clear view of the lobby, no one was there.
“You received the announcement last night, correct?”
Jett still looked more serious than he had the day before, but he finally seemed to have relaxed. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he tapped the screen before turning it so she could see the notification that had been sent telling the alphas of Eden about the volunteer opportunity.
“It’s a Saturday morning. Most people are still sleeping,” he offered.
Sighing, she returned to her laptop. She frequently forgot not everyone was an early riser, especially on the weekends when many were off. Patience was not her strong suite, but there was nothing she could do besides wait.
“I’m going to call down to Imaging and talk to the tech. If someone arrives, can you have them fill in the form?”
She passed the tablet to him which he took and went to stand in the doorway.
Dialing the number she’d found, Evelyn was surprised when it was answered on the fist ring. It usually took forever to get through to anyone at the hospitals in the city, and she began to see the perks of working in a less populous area.
She introduced herself and explained what she needed. Doctor Greyson had already sent them a message, so she had no trouble making arrangements for anyone who agreed to have an MRI. She knew not everyone would be comfortable with the machine or have the time to get the scan done, but she still hoped she’d get a good amount to compare.
Though when she hung up and there was still no sign of anyone coming to give samples, her confidence took a hit.
Jett looked over at her but remained by the door. Since she had nothing else to do, she began a new file for her observations about him. She added in her own reactions to the alpha, trying to maintain her clinical detachment, but it was a struggle when she had to recount the way her body responded to him. The memory triggered a fresh wave of sensations, and she closed the file with a huff.
“I’m sure you’ll have more luck later.”
