While the alpha was lost in his thoughts, the front door opened with a soft creak, allowing a young man with pink hair to enter.
He stood out both for his small stature and his striking pink-tinted hair. Wearing shorts, boots, and an oversized purple T-shirt that was a few sizes too big but somehow highlighted his figure, his eyes, filled with keen curiosity, scanned the room until they rested on William, and at that moment, a grin spread from ear to ear across his face.
With his arms behind his back, the young man began to advance with a playful stride and, simultaneously, transformed his smile into a foxy grin.
As he walked, a few whistles escaped here and there, accompanied by low, flattering comments, which, of course, he heard clearly. However, little by little, the voices faded, as those present noticed which table the boy, who undoubtedly gave off omega pheromones, was heading toward.
With a calmness that contrasted with the surroundings, he glided over to the table where the most feared alpha in the place was sitting and, without delay, took a seat next to him. Afterwards, he remained silent for a few minutes, allowing the other to compose himself, although his own patience didn't last more than five minutes.
"A coin for your thoughts?" the pink-haired boy asked in a mocking tone that managed to elicit a sigh from the black-haired boy.
"You're late," William said, giving a slightly annoyed glance. "Is everything okay, Deimos?"
"Yep, the platinum grace is in the Dulce sanctuary, and when you give the signal, we'll begin the matchmaking plan." the omega responded enthusiastically, nodding and leaning forward as he rested his elbows on the table.
"Deimos..."
"What?" He leaned back slightly, shrugging in mock exhaustion. "Look, I know I shouldn't keep pushing this, but considering your current object of affection isn't exactly from our world, it seems only logical to prepare the ground, since sooner or later she'll find out about everything."
William remained silent, pondering the omega's words, and was surprised to find that not only did they share the same thought, but Deimos was already acting accordingly.
"I'm aware of the risks, but I can't afford to waver. While I can't go into details, I can assure you that Erika means much more to you than you imagine."
The alpha held the omega's gaze in a silent exchange that lasted several seconds, until Deimos finally smiled, dispelling the tension.
"Meh, that's enough for me," he declared as he stood up and stretched his arms. "Just please make sure you don't screw it up. You're the most decent boss I've ever had, and I'd hate to lose you due to some stupid alpha impulse."
"Please don't insult me," William snorted. "Just because I share my hierarchy with arrogant, overexcited, deluded people doesn't mean I'll act any way they do."
"Okay, calm down, cowboy; I was just reiterating, because remember, you're your aunt's blood."
"The difference is, she doesn't even try to control herself when she's in the presence of her mate, while I don't even feel the need," William replied sarcastically, crossing his arms. "At least for now."
"Whatever you say. I'll go keep watch outside in case anything happens. Anyway, I think I've kept my bodyguard waiting long enough... he must look like a beaten puppy, standing alone outside." Deimos looked toward the door with a mixture of amusement and pity.
"The idiot is still mad about what happened with the singer who came from Kansas?"
"Yeah… it seems his wolf still can't get over how that omega made eyes at you."
"What nonsense. What's my fault if an omega ignores a beta, who didn't even come up to say hi, and then notices me?" William closed his eyes for a moment. "And we didn't even sleep together. We just had a couple of drinks while we talked about the possibility of me performing regularly at the bar."
"That's why I said silly alpha impulses." Deimos walked away, chuckling.
"(And that's why you like to provoke them)," the alpha thought, without even having to see the pink-haired man to know that as he walked, he was purposefully swaying his hips. "(You love to show them what you've got, tempting them, knowing they can't touch a hair on your head)." The last thought made him shake his head slightly, not knowing whether to feel amused or disgusted. "Bentral."
"Sir?" the latter replied, immediately ending his own conversation to get closer.
"Go with Xander to the back and get ready, it's time."
"Right away," he replied. "Do you want someone to watch the street?"
"No need, Deimos will take care of it," William said, placing his empty glass next to his half-finished bottle, standing up and smoothing down his clothes.
"Don't you want us to join you, sir?" Xander asked, bowing his head slightly.
"No need; just make sure no one interrupts me," he said as he slipped between the tables, nodding to some of the attendants as he walked through the door.
As he stepped out, he paused on the sidewalk, staring earnestly at the building across the street while he waited for the signal. At that precise moment, footsteps echoed from the alley next to the bar, and without turning around, he reached out to take a large box that had been handed to him. He held it with both hands and carefully examined its exterior to make sure it wasn't damaged.
"Did you have any problems getting it?" he inquired.
"Apart from the pathetic attempt at flirting from the alpha in charge of taking orders, none," Deimos snorted, placing his hands on his hips, "the coast is clear, and the only one in the store is her."
Clutching the box slightly, William privately lamented the fact that he couldn't affect the omega the way he did the rest. While he secretly admitted that interacting with someone other than his family who treated him like a normal person was pleasing to him, there were times when he wished she would act more seriously for longer periods of time, not just in fits and starts.
(Let's do it.)