Chapter 5
___Ava's POV___
Brittney: I understand you want the chance to apologize to my brother. Meet him at the restaurant on the top floor of the mall where you work. Just inform the host that you are meeting Benjamin.
P.S. I hope you're wearing something nice, like those jeggings and off-shoulder purple top that always suits you so well. *winking emoji*
She messaged me once more, offering a chance to absolve myself from this self-imposed guilt trip. Darn it, I'm wearing jeggings, my trusty attire, which doesn't look too bad on my curvy frame. However, I've paired them with a black low V-neck top, revealing a hint of cleavage. In the interest of making a good impression on her brother, I snap a selfie and send it her way. As I review the photo before hitting send, I can't help but admit that I don't look half bad today. But I want to make sure; he's a professional businessman, and I'm here to apologize for my subpar work, so looking presentable is the least I can do.
Ava: *attached photo* Hey Brit, how's this? If the top isn't suitable for the meeting with your brother, I can rush to the clothing store. I know it shows a bit of cleavage, and if that's unprofessional, I'll find something more appropriate. Thanks for arranging this. I truly appreciate it. You're a lifesaver. *kiss emoji*
Brittney: Oh no, you look stunning. No need to change. He'll appreciate your look. You're perfectly dressed for your meeting with him. *winking emoji* *kiss emoji*
Ava: Thanks, Brit. Chat soon. *Rose emoji*
Brittney: Enjoy your date. *heart emoji* *winking emoji*
Brittney: Oops, sorry for the typo. Meant to say "day." *winking emoji* *kiss emoji* *Rose emoji*
I've known Brittney for nearly a year now, and in that time, our relationship has evolved beyond that of just client and stylist; we've become friends. However, her family is incredibly close-knit, and if I can't make amends with her brother and make him understand that my shortcomings weren't intentional, I wouldn't be surprised to lose her as a client. From all our conversations over the past year, I've gathered that her brother holds a significant influence within their household. But knowing Brittney, I can't shake the feeling that she's up to something. I'm not sure what or who her target is, but she's definitely scheming. My suspicions are interrupted by a colleague calling me to attend to a client.
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___Benjamin's POV___
I was struggling to focus on my work when my phone pinged with a message from Brittney.
Brittney: *attached photo* Ava is dressed appropriately for your date; doesn't she look lovely? I think you should aim to dress equally well. I understand you usually lean towards a business suit, but for a lunch date, it might come across as a bit too formal. I'd strongly suggest something like jeans paired with a stylish button-down shirt. You know, strike that balance between sophistication and casual charm. Love you, big bro. *winking emoji*
Damn it, I'd been having a tough time concentrating on work, but that photo made it impossible. She's incredibly attractive. My mind races as I continue to gaze at the photo. Damn, she's not just hot; she's a firestorm of attraction that's left my Mr. standing at full attention with just the first glance. Her stunning face, those captivating eyes that seem to hold a thousand secrets, that mouth that I can't help but imagine kissing passionately, and that tantalizing cleavage... I swallow hard, clearing my throat, and admit it to myself; Brittney is doing a damn good job of driving me to crazy. However, even in the midst of this burning desire, I can't ignore the fact that she's right.
I can't show up in my usual suit and tie when my girl, even though she's hella sexy in her outfit, is rocking those hot-as-hell stretch jeans. It's time to change things up and match her energy.
No time like the present. I jumped up from my desk at the pack house, ignoring my beta, Paul, and walked out of the office to my floor, addressing Paul over my shoulder, "Cancel or reschedule all my appointments for the rest of the day."
"But Alpha, we..."
"Is it a life-threatening emergency? Can it wait until tomorrow?" I asked.
"No, it's not life-threatening. I suppose I can reschedule everything," Paul reluctantly replied.
"Thanks, Paul."
With that settled, I made my way to my room, but I was too excited to focus. Everything I tried on just didn't seem to meet the standard I wanted for my date with Ava. Brittney's suggestion of jeans and a button-down echoed in my mind, but finding the perfect combination was proving to be a daunting task. After another frustrating half an hour of trying on different outfits and feeling increasingly flustered, I decided to call Brittney over the mind-link for assistance. I heard the soft knock on my door and recognized it as Brittney from her unique scent. "I'm in the bedroom," I called out. She paused at the doorway, took in the sight of me, and then glanced around at the chaos that had consumed my room – clothes scattered all over the bed and floor. Her laughter bubbled up, and I couldn't help but blush, realizing the extent of the situation as her laughter snapped me out of my Ava-induced trance.
"Stop laughing and help me find something to wear," I pleaded.
Brittney patted me on the shoulder and said, "Benjamin, I don't know what's come over you, but I kind of like it. If Ava's the reason for my big brother acting all flustered, I might just love that girl even more. I've never seen you like this with any she-wolves you've dated in the past. Is there something you're not telling me?" She waved her hand to gesture at the chaos that was once my bedroom.
She was perceptive, and it was hard to lie to her, but it was too early for her to know the truth. "No, it's just that she's not a she-wolf; she's a human, so I'm a bit out of my comfort zone," I replied, hoping to pacify her curiosity.
Brittney smiled and nodded, not pressing further. She went to my closet, handed me a pair of jeans, and a black button-down, suggesting I roll up the sleeves. She also mentioned that she'd arrange for an Omega or two to tidy up my room. I thanked her with a hug and proceeded to the bathroom after she left. Thoughts of Ava filled my mind again as I took a shower. That picture Brittney sent had ignited a fire within me. I couldn't resist the temptation; I took matters into my own hands, relieving some tension while thinking of her.
I don’t think I have ever c*m as hard as I have in the last not even 24 hours all just to images of her.
Feeling more in control of my desires, I dressed in the outfit Brittney had suggested and styled my hair, reminiscing about Ava's skillful hands from yesterday.
Besides meeting my mate the sparks, s****l tensionand and intense chemistry we shared, this was the best haircut I'd ever had, easy to style. I headed out the pack house door. I couldn't wait any longer.
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___Third Party POV___
Paul couldn't help but notice the change in his Alpha's behavior towards the human hairdresser, Ava. His Alpha never canceled meetings or cleared his schedule for an entire afternoon and evening without a significant reason. Paul had seen Benjamin in a few situationships, but he had never witnessed him act like this. He can't even recall that Benjamin had done that for a family member, and Paul knows Benjamin loves and supports his family fiercely.
He wondered if Brittney had any insight.
With that thought in mind, Paul sets out to find her. He spots her leaving the Alpha's floor and pulls her into his Beta suite when she reaches the bottom step.
"Brittney, something is very suspicious about the way Benjamin is behaving toward your hairdresser."
"You're telling me. Paul, you should have seen his room. Just to get dressed in the 'perfect' outfit, practically his whole cupboard was on the floor because nothing was good enough. And I suggested a pair of jeans and a button-down just before he went to change. Could she possibly be his mate?"
"I don't know, but something is definitely going on, and he's not talking about it."
"I know. I asked if something else was going on, and his reply was, and I quote, 'No, it's just that she isn't a she-wolf; she's a human, so I'm a bit off my game because it's out of my comfort zone.' So either he lied to me or something else is happening, and my bet is on the former. I think I need to adjust my plan slightly. See you later; I need to contact someone. Thanks, Paul."
Brittney leaves Paul's suite, and as she closes the door, he can hear her connecting a call as she greets Pat.