Episode 17

...Stefano:...

I wake up determined to find clues, so I go to the bar where I was with my mate. This establishment has closed-circuit security cameras. Nobody but the owner of that place has access to them, and luckily, he's an associate of mine.

Stefano: Hey, Gordon, how are you doing?

Gordon: Good, buddy, but let's cut to the chase. I know you didn't come just to see how I'm doing, because then I'd think you've fallen for me.

He says it with a mocking smile, taking a drag from his cigar.

Stefano: Always so direct.

Gordon: You know me, I don't like beating around the bush. Tell me what you want.

Stefano: I need the security camera footage from 10 days ago.

Gordon: Because you were robbed?

Stefano: Something like that.

No, 10 days ago I spent three days locked up with a lover, and I want to know who it is.

Gordon: Don't tell me they used you and then left. But you said a lover, not a female lover... Don't tell me your tastes have changed.

Stefano: That's what I want to find out.

Gordon: Unfortunately, buddy, I can't help you. My security cameras were hacked twice. The first time was exactly 10 days ago, and the second was three days later. What a coincidence, right? The person who did it, I think they didn't want you finding them because that bastard only needed 10 seconds to hack everything and disappear without a trace. 10 damn seconds, you know what that means?

Stefano: That they're a damn genius or someone very powerful.

Gordon: Exactly. So, buddy, if you ever find a clue about them, let me know so I can hire them, haha.

I leave there with the same questions I came with, but now I have even more.

I go to the company since I've left it abandoned for a week.

Beta: Buddy, what did you do? I thought you'd be out looking for your woman.

Stefano: I was doing that just now, but I got a surprise.

Beta: What?

Stefano: They hacked into that place's security.

He's surprised because the owner of that bar definitely has the best security.

Beta: Well, then we're dealing with a genius. But seriously, bro, it's going to be difficult to get a lead on her.

Stefano: Yeah, I'm at a dead end, and I honestly don't know what to do now.

Beta: Well, we'll know more later. Just give it two months, and she'll show up with a baby bump.

Stefano: I hope so. I want to know who it is; this is too much mystery already.

Beta: Yeah, bro, but...

He doesn't finish the sentence because...

Knock, knock.

Stefano: Come in.

Will: Hello, good morning. Sorry I couldn't make it these past few days; I was away on a trip.

At that moment, my heart stopped. He looked beautiful, more radiant than ever.

Stefano: No worries.

Will: I just came to let you know that since the deal went through, I have to go back. I have other businesses that need my attention, and I can't be away for much longer.

Tyler: Yeah, besides, the deal with Russell is finalized; they won't need you anymore.

He enters the office, putting his arm around Will's waist. I know I said I would forget him, but that doesn't take away the pain of knowing he will never be a part of my life, and I will never be a part of his. I get up from my chair and extend my hand. He returns the gesture, and when our hands meet, I feel the same electric current coursing through my body, urging me to pull him close, just for me. But I can't; I have to let him be happy. Soon it will be my turn, and I must step aside.

...****************...

...William:...

I'm at a dead end, but like the coward I am, I'm going to run away.

I've decided to go back to Italy. My work is done, and he doesn't even want a dirty omega. So, I have nothing left to do here.

Tyler: Are you sure?

Will: Yes, I have nothing left to do here. Besides, he's engaged to my sister.

Tyler: An engagement that would be broken if either of them found their mate before these last 10 months are up. Besides, my sister doesn't seem too keen on this engagement either. We were all born with a destined partner; just because we mess around with others who are not our mate doesn't mean we can force that bond. Everyone is born and eagerly awaits their destined partner. Realize that everything always returns to where it began, and it may be counterproductive not to tell him now.

I thought about what he said because it could be possible, but I don't want to live with the pain of rejection and then watch him marry my sister. That would kill me.

Will: I'm not going to change my mind; I've made my decision.

Tyler: Okay, you're the boss. But what are we going to do from now on? What will happen to us?

Will: I don't know yet, but we'll be fine.

Tyler: You know what you're doing? You know you can always count on me.

Will: Thanks, buddy.

Two days later, I was discharged. We went to the hotel for our bags and to let me take a shower. I come out wrapped in a towel, as usual. Today, I don't hide my scent because it's just Ty and me. Just then, he approaches me, hugs me from behind, and my omega, feeling the warmth of his body, starts purring. He kisses my neck, and I'm already turned on. Then he says,

Tyler: Hey, I know I'm good, but since when are you so receptive to my touch? Besides, your omega is almost never so submissive, what's go...

He stops talking, buries his nose in the crook of my neck, inhales, and looks puzzled.

William: What's wrong?

He lets go of me and then says, kissing my forehead.

Tyler: Nothing, baby, don't worry. Shall we go?

I look at him strangely but nod anyway. I conceal my scent.

We leave the hotel and request the jet to be prepared, but first, we go say our goodbyes.

He looked as always, with his unwavering demeanor, as if nothing had happened. Maybe it didn't mean anything to him, I don't know.

As we're leaving, I see Ty approaching Stefano to greet him. He says something I can't hear because just then, the beta says to me,

Beta: Have a good trip.

William: Thank you.

I see Stefano looking disconcerted, but he doesn't say anything. Then Tyler puts his arm around my waist, and we leave.