Destiny or Coincidence (AlanxJeff) VI

Mark an alpha

Alan

I knew that Jeff, just like me, didn't enjoy parties. Watching him try so hard to help me, to make me look good in an environment that clearly made him uncomfortable, left me trapped in a whirlwind of emotions. He had mentioned this was just work, and Jeff had always been exceptional when it came to work. But even so, I couldn't stop my heart from racing, filling with warmth every time I introduced him as my husband. It wasn't just an empty word; it was something deeper, something that stirred inside me. Each time our eyes met, and he gave me that shy, sweet smile, a part of me wanted to hold onto those fleeting moments as if they were something precious.

And that's when I noticed it. Jeff had always been incredibly attractive, but tonight... tonight he seemed to glow in a different way. More beautiful, more radiant. I saw how others turned to look at him, especially the alphas. Their eyes didn't just rest on him; they subtly shifted toward his neck. It was as if they were calculating something, seeing in that unmarked skin an opportunity. "Married, but not marked," I imagined them thinking. "They can still separate." The thought made my stomach churn. A wave of irrational jealousy surged through me. I just wanted to take him away from there, away from those greedy stares devouring him. Preferably, I'd lock him in my room, where no one else could have him, where only I could see him.

At some point, Jeff excused himself to go to the bathroom, but I knew he really needed a break. The suffocating atmosphere of the party, the endless introductions, it was all weighing on him. I, on the other hand, tried to hurry things along so we could leave soon, but Pete, who had initially been cordial, had become even friendlier, making it harder to cut things short politely. Despite having introduced Jeff as my husband, I noticed some omegas drawing even closer than before. Their smiles were easy, their pheromones thick in the air, as if I didn't already have someone by my side. "How could they ignore the fact that I was already taken?" I guess it's true what they say: you attract more people when you're no longer available.

I started to worry. Jeff had been gone for a while. I apologized to Pete and made my way to the bathroom to find him. As I walked, I overheard a blonde omega with light eyes, someone I wouldn't have paid any attention to under other circumstances, murmur something that stopped me in my tracks.

—Jeff never liked these kinds of parties. It can't be easy for him. Give him time —he said, his tone laced with condescension.

I turned around, surprised, and stared at him. —You know Jeff? —I asked, noticing a flicker of discomfort in his eyes.

—Yes, we were very close. By the way, congratulations —he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes—. You did what none of us who knew Jeff thought was possible.

I frowned, confused. —Impossible?

The omega nodded. —Yes, impossible. That he'd forget his first love. We all saw Jeff as someone who'd only love once in his life. Even Kluer.

That name hit me like a bomb. —Kluer?

—Yes, his first love. He still doesn't know Jeff is married. I don't think he'll take it well. He still thinks they're just taking a break. Hasn't Jeff talked to you about him?

His tone sounded innocent, but something in his gaze told me he had ulterior motives. I decided not to play along. —We avoid unnecessary topics —I responded with a forced smile—. What matters is that the first love isn't always the true one. Sometimes, we make mistakes along the way.

I noticed his lips twitch in frustration at my response, but I turned before he could say anything else. Who was that omega? And more importantly: what was his connection to Jeff?

I quickened my pace, following Jeff's scent, but it wasn't coming from the bathroom. Where was he? Then, I spotted him near a table with a bowl of punch, his cheeks flushed and his gaze unfocused. Oh no.