An Idol for the Omega

Chapter 5: Meeting My Mate

Braden

For the nth time, I straighten my clothes while trying not to bounce up and down. The Luna just texted my mate and soon I'll get to see him again!

Alpha Christopher kept me away as long as possible today. We took the Luna to lunch and then Luna Alec insisted on getting me something nice to wear. While I usually wear things like the loose-fitting jeans and sweatshirt from earlier I was grateful that the Luna understand my feelings of wanting to look good for my mate. This will probably be the last time that I see him in person.

The thought sours my mood and I re-straighten my clothes again. We went to a large mall and I was taken aback with all the stores there. I tried on a lot of different things, but with the Luna and Alpha's help I settled on some dark-wash skinny jeans topped with a white dress shirt. Even in my size it was a little billowy on me. We even found a solid, light green tie that Luna Alec said brought out the green in my hazel eyes. I don't usually wear shoes much since I go outside mostly in my wolf form, so I'm still wearing my white trainers.

I couldn't decide if I wanted the shirt tucked in or not, and repeatedly tucking and untucking it before the Luna said to have one side in the front tucked and the rest left out. He said it was a style, so I'm wearing it like that.

When we finally got to the hotel the Alpha made me wait in the truck while he booked a room. Then he had the Luna bring me in through a side entrance and use an elevator opposite from the lobby. He was worried that if I got a whiff of my mate's lingering scent anywhere that I would do something crazy, like track him down.

The Alpha booked a suite with two rooms, each situated on either side of a large sitting area. I was able to go get cleaned up when we arrived. I tried to relax while showering but my nerves stayed on edge, excited and worried about seeing my mate again. I'll get to see his face and breathe in his scent. I won't be able to speak directly to him, as Luna Alec will be translating, but I'll get to hear his voice again.

After drying off, I got dressed in some fresh boxers that we'd also picked up and my new clothes. I tried to blow-dry my hair, but it caused my curls to frizz around my face like a cloud so I had to re-rinse it all and start over. Wishing I'd thought to get a haircut as well, I try to style them back and off my face as best I could the second time around and let it air dry.

Now, I'm as ready as I'll ever be and just have to wait for my mate to show up. The Alpha already warned me to keep my distance, no matter what. I hope I can be strong and not embarrass myself, my pack or my mate again.

I sit in one of the two sofas while waiting. The Luna sits next to me while the Alpha stands, leaning against the window. It takes several minutes, but soon that honey-like smell drifts down the hallway. When I can hear my mate's steps land on the soft carpet on the other side of the door, I grip the seat cushion beneath me to stay seated.

Luna Alec rises with the knock on the door and goes to let my mate in. Stay calm, Braden. The Alpha warns me.

I briefly close my eyes when the door opens, causing that slightly sweet-yet-somehow-tangy scent to cloud into the room. When I open them, my mate is stepping through and turning to close the door behind him. He's dressed similarly from earlier, minus his jacket. He turns to the room and takes his hat off at the same time, tucking it into his back pocket.  Raising his gaze to the room he runs his hand through his inky, black hair. Fiddle me, he's gorgeous!

His mouth captures my attention first, the lips wide and full, a dusty pink color against his tan skin. He smiles at Luna Alec, a wide grin that takes up much of his face, making his sexy, almond-shaped eyes crinkle up with happiness. His jaw is sharp and square, creating a strong line that I want to lick.

He opens his arms wide and both the Alpha and I growl, low enough not to be heard by our mates, when there's contact between the two men. The Luna's small frame is quickly embraced and released. I know they're like brother's but it still makes me slightly uncomfortable. Especially when the movement seems so casual and familiar.

They converse back and forth a few times, the rich timbre of my mate's voice causing my inner wolf to hum in pleasure. Soon, they're both heading further in the room to sit down. I freeze as my mate comes closer and sits down across from me. He glances over at me and I lower my gaze immediately, knowing that I'm practically drooling over him. The Luna retakes his seat as well before making introductions.

"Chris, this is Lee Jae Bin, or Jae." Then he turns and says something to my mate as well. The Alpha nods and sticks his hand out. My mate stands to return the greeting, the look on his face making me on edge. His smile is a politer version of the one I saw before, and his eyes have an unfriendly glint in them. He shakes the Alpha's hand once then sits back down.

The Luna then says something in Korean again, this time gesturing to me and I hear my name. Turning to me, Luna Alec gives me a reassuring smile. "Braden, this is Jae."

I meet Jae's eyes now but don't extend my hand. I know that touching will not lead to good things for this meeting. I nod once, swallowing largely and trying to smile past my nerves. Jae returns my nod, merely looking at me curiously before turning back to Luna Alec.

I'm not sure what's being said for a while as they go back and forth. I know what Luna Alec told me he was going to tell him. That we're all sorry for any trouble we caused and that it won't happen again. I hear my name a couple of times and believe that he's explaining our cover story about me being a crazy fan that was taken by surprise seeing his idol so close.

Luna Alec turns to me again, nodding and this is my chance to apologize. I straighten my spine, making sure look directly into his almost black eyes. At first, I'm a little swept away, drowning in their depths, but an elbow to my rib pulls me back.

"I'm sorry for embarrassing you and making you uncomfortable. I hope I didn't hurt you." I say sincerely. I wait while the Luna translates. I was told that Jae understands a lot of English but I wanted to make sure my apology was clear.

Jae is frowning slightly at the words and I wish I could tell why. He says something to the Luna who gapes a little, looking surprised. He glances towards me again quickly before shaking his head vigorously back at my mate, his reply back is short.

I watch, confused, as Jae's eyes flick to Alpha Christopher before speaking again, this time even longer.

What's he saying? The Alpha links both the Luna and me to interrupt. Luna Alec looks a little uncomfortable, looking at Alpha Christopher while asking internally.

He asked if Braden is... like that a lot.

He looked at me, too. What's his problem? Luna Alec bites his lip, hesitating to answer. The silence is the room is starting to stretch and Jae is looking back and forth between the Alpha and Luna.

He said that you seemed... harsh. He asked me... The Luna trails off, his face slightly reddening as he refuses to answer.

"What?" Alpha Christopher growls out loud this time, crossing his arms against his wide chest.

"Well, he asked if I was... safe with you."