CHAPTER TWOThad
“I had a wonderful time,” she purred.
“Me too. I’ll call you,” Thad told her, already guiding her to the front door.
“I could stay, if you want.”
They were at the door and he desperately wanted her on the other side of it, heading away from him. Sure, she was hot - nearly half his age and a yoga instructor - but she’d been a disappointing lay. She was flexible as fuck, but she was nothing he hadn’t had before. There was no spark, no chemistry. Just another Omega searching for a life mate who could afford a large litter and a woman with specific tastes.
He’d dated a lot of Omegas in recent weeks, thinking he was ready to settle down, but they were as dull as dishwater to him. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to settle down, but how hard was it to find a woman with some backbone. He needed someone with a little spunk. Maybe she’d happen along, but until then, he’d just have fun with the Betas. They were only slightly more fun than Omegas, but at least most of them knew they weren’t marriage material for an Alpha and didn’t push for it.
It didn’t mean he didn’t still want to find the right Omega. He was thirty-seven already and not getting any younger. That didn’t used to matter to him, but now, it always just felt like something was missing. He’d be expected to settle down. Perhaps, a part of him even wanted to start a family, but not with someone who bored the balls off him.
“I’ve got to get to work.”
He opened the door and she stepped out. He could see her already turning around for one last kiss or a final appeal. Maybe she’d suggest lunch or coming over later. Wasn’t happening. He shut the door before she got far enough that he’d be forced to close it in her face.
“Fuck,” he muttered.
A shower and a cup of coffee later, he got dressed and went to work. Another dull day ahead. He was damned good at his job, but even that had gotten stale with nothing to go home to but lukewarm carryout food and scotch. Still, he wasn’t sure if he was ready to give up his freedom for a family. He’d been on his own since he was a teenager and it suited him, in a lot of ways.
“Good morning, Mr. Ulrich,” Barron greeted him in his deep voice, eyes cast downward.
“Morning, Barron. I’m not going to the office this morning. I’ve got a meeting over in the industrial district. The vacant Fountain building we went to last week.”
“Got it, boss.”
Barron took his eyes off the ground and turned toward the car, never making eye contact with him. It was forbidden. Their pack had a distinct hierarchy and Barron was a Beta, not even one of the higher-ranking ones. His job was to serve his Alpha with respect and subservience. Below him, were the Omegas, mostly women but a few men. If Thad took a wife, he’d be expected to take an Omega, not exactly his preference. He liked a woman with a bit of spirit. Fellow Alphas were a bit too rambunctious, never knowing their place and Betas were a lot of fun, but most of them were only after a good time due to their inability to bear cubs. It was a decision he’d have to consider at some point.
He opened his phone and clicked on the tri-colored wolf head logo to open his Alpha Meets Omega app, changing his settings to reflect he was only looking for Betas. He quickly scanned some of the profiles, swiping right on all of them.
Noting the flashing notification in the corner, he opened the list of who had viewed his profile and was interested in meeting him. It was the usual sea of Omegas eager to bear his children at his command, and Betas looking for a hookup. He was about to close it when one caught his eye.
Jaycee. Beta. 22 years old. New to the city. Looking to make friends and see what happens.
It wasn’t exactly the most alluring profile, but there was something about her that held his attention. She was gorgeous, for one thing, but she was also a student. That was uncommon for a Beta. Most of them drifted through life with little more on their mind than how to exist from day to day. They partied. They fucked like bunnies. They usually burned out early and without accomplishment.
“We’re here, Sir.” Barron said, bringing the car to a halt outside the large brick building where several others stood, waiting for him to arrive.
“Are we late?” he asked, glancing at his watch.
“No, sir. They are early.”
“All right. I’ll be about an hour here. Why don’t you take the car and pick us up some of those doughnuts you brought me the last time we were in this area?”