These days, I only had my empty and silent apartment to greet me.
I wasn’t getting any younger either. I was a 31-year-old Alpha who didn’t have many friends. I worked too much and I hadn’t been in a real relationship in years.
Clark, on the other hand, was 7 years younger than me.
Who was better off?
“Oh shit. I’ve done it again. I’ve talked non-stop about my mate and family,” Clark said, keeping his photos. “What about you, Marco? How was it like, working for Shane Mayer?”
I snorted. “Shane’s a spoiled celebrity. They’re all the same you know? The money’s good so I stuck around. A month ago, I decided I’ve reached my limits so I quit working for him.”
I told myself I was here to get a better understanding of Todd’s situation.
If I didn’t like the job, I’d politely decline and recommend someone else, someone as capable and deadly as I was.
Clark wouldn’t hold it against me.
Still, having seen Todd on screen made me wonder how he was like in real life. Most actors and other famous folks I’ve worked for were so different from the characters they played.
“You mentioned on the phone you felt burn out working for celebrities so I appreciate you meeting us here,” Clark said.
“Us?” I hadn’t meant to sound so testy but his cousin still hadn’t arrived.
Did Todd Bright like making others wait for him?
“Todd can be mischievous and a little much sometimes, but he’s a good guy,” Clark said.
“You saying bad stuff about me, Clark?” Said a new voice.
I didn’t know what to expect, certainly not Todd wearing a ratty grey hoodie and sweatpants. The slender Omega looked terrible.
He was far too pale. There were dark circles under his eyes. He looked like he just got up from bed because his dark brown hair was sticking up.
“I’m so sorry I’m late,” Todd said, looking from Clark then to me.
Was it my imagination or did his gaze linger on me a little longer than necessary?
My senses sharpened. I inhaled the most enticing smell that emanated from Todd.
Omegas gave off special pheromones that made it easy for an Alpha to pick them out in a crowd but this was something else.
Todd smelled like mint and vanilla.
For some reason, I didn’t like seeing Todd in this state.
I wanted to yank him down to my lap and offer him soothing words.
What would it feel like, to kiss that trembling mouth? Would Todd grip my shoulders and respond to my kiss?
I clenched my jaw. I was glad neither Clark nor Todd could see the erection poking through my jeans.
I pulled my mind away from the gutter.
This wasn’t like me at all. I’ve never had such a visceral reaction to any other Omega before. Todd came here, seeking my help because he had a stalker, a potential predator on his tail.
The least I could do was maintain some level of professionalism.
Clark moved closer to the window, making space so Todd could sit next to him.
“You look like shit, Todd. You got hammered last night?” Clark asked in a reprimanding voice.
To my surprise, Todd punched my friend in the shoulder.
“Don’t you start. I know I look horrible. I don’t usually drink this much,” Todd added. I had a feeling said those last words for my benefit.
Todd squinted at me. “So you’re Marco?”
“That’s right.” I leaned across the table and held out my hand.
Todd shook it, his grip surprisingly strong. For a couple of moments, I marvelled at his small and smooth fingers.
They were a sharp contrast to my big and callused ones. I released his hand, terrified I’d suddenly do something inappropriate like lunge across the table to fist his shirt and pull his mouth towards mine.
“Clark said you wanted to meet me first before agreeing to the job,” Todd said.
Not trusting myself to speak, I nodded.
Todd took out his phone from the back pocket of his jeans and continued, “Clark emailed me your resume. It’s pretty impressive. You’ve worked for a couple of B and A-listed celebrities.”
The little Omega had suddenly turned the tables on me. Now I felt like I was the one being scrutinized.
I didn’t mind that Todd was curious about me.
“You were Shane Meyer’s bodyguard for two years. Why did you quit?” Todd finally asked.
The Omega looked more sober and awake now. I didn’t miss the curiosity in his voice.
“The truth? I’ve had enough. Shane was a horrible employer.”
Todd blinked. I didn’t blame him. Clark also must’ve heard the vehemence in my voice.
“Wow. You’re honest at least,” Todd said.
Clark flagged a waitress and Todd ordered coffee.
“Bring the whole pot,” Todd told her.
“Show me what we’re dealing with. Clark said your stalker sent you some fan mail?” I asked.
Todd widened his eyes. “Does this mean you’ll—”
“Not yet. I need to assess the kind of trouble you’re in.” I reminded him.
Todd looked at Clark. At Clark’s nod, Todd sighed and pulled out a stack of letters from the inside compartment of his hoodie.
He pushed the pile of lavender envelopes across the table towards me. I picked up one and opened it.
By the time I finished going through all the letters, Todd was on his third or fourth cup of coffee.
I’ve dealt with my share of psychos before but Todd’s stalker was on a whole new level of disturbing.
I wanted to agree to the job right away. Under my protection, Todd wouldn’t need to worry about his stalker every second of the day.
He’d be untouchable because I wouldn’t let anyone or anything harm a single hair on his handsome little head.
Where were these possessive feelings coming from?
I knew Alphas were aggressive by nature. We were born protectors but I’ve always managed to separate my private life from my professional job.
Guarding Todd would blur those lines.
Todd was dangerous to me although he didn’t know it yet.
We’ve only met today and yet for some reason, Todd felt like the stranger I’ve known all my life. The stranger I was destined to meet.
“Why didn’t you call the police?” I asked point-blank.
“I didn’t want my little problem leaking out to the press. If a reporter got wind of this, my stalker could get agitated and resort to something impulsive. That’s my line of thinking anyway,” Todd explained.
“Will you agree to be his bodyguard, Marco?” Clark asked me, looking at me in the eye. “You’re the best guy I know.”
I laughed. “I’m the only guy you know who works in security.”
“Well, that’s true but you also have plenty of experience when it comes to matters like these.” Clark reminded me.
I glanced at Todd. The Omega lifted his cup to his lips but his fingers were trembling.
“You mentioned earlier that you don’t usually drink,” I began.
Clark shot me a questioning look but I warned him with my eyes not to interfere.
“Are you drinking more because you’re worried? Anxious?” I asked Todd.
Todd bit his bottom lip and stared hard at the table. Like this, Todd seemed insecure and miserable, completely the opposite of his on-screen persona.