Beta Complex-Chapter 8: A Magnet For Attention

Ethan pauses at the front counter, his pen tucked behind his ear, and watches as Beau leaves the restaurant. Zan taps his finger on the surface, drawing Ethan’s eyes away from the front doors to him. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"You’re ready to pay then?" He smiles. He starts to calculate the alphas order and then relays it to him. Zander pulls out a sleek black card, holding it between two long fingers.

"Can I have your number?" The alpha asks as Ethan inserts the chip into the card reader. The beta pauses, his breath hitching. Did he hear him correctly? He blinks down at the screen before peaking up at him through his lashes.

"Why?" His voice is low and cautious. He can’t think of a reason why Zander would ask for it. They’re not friends, barely acquaintances at most.

"You and your mother helped me, last night." Zander shrugs his broad shoulders, making the collar of his sweater shift. The sharpness of his collar bone peaks out, defining the corner where his thick shoulders meet his neck. When Ethan passes him his card along with a receipt, he glides his fingers over Ethan’s, letting the warmth of his skin linger. "I want to repay both of you."

"Oh!" Ethan’s eyes widen. "You don’t have to, we were just doing what was right." He couldn’t exactly leave the beaten alpha in the alleyway after shooing off his assaulters. It would be like finishing half a job. Besides, if he did leave Zander there, hobos would have noticed him. They would have probably stolen his clothes and anything else valuable he might have had on him.

"You took a risk." Zander persists. He shoves his card and receipt into his back pocket, not bothering to pull his wallet out again. Then he leans his hip on the counter and crosses his arms over his chest. Ethan tries not to stare, tries to keep his eyes glued to Zan’s face and not the mouthwatering figure of his chest. It’s hard.

Ethan spots Leo over the alphas shoulder, his jaw dropped and his eyes wide. Oh great. The omega will be in his ear, begging to know what they’re talking about about. He doesn’t seem to be the only one either. Zander is a magnet for attention, as everyone in the lobby has their eyes on him.

"Both times you helped me." Zander clears his throat and scratches the back of his neck.Then he reaches across the counter, grabs Ethan’s wrist and pulls it closer to him. His hold is light, his fingers gentle as he rubs the pad of his thumb over the long sleeve of his shirt. Zander thought about lifting it up to see how bad of bruise he left behind, but he doesn’t want to push his luck. "I hurt you in the bathroom, and I could have hurt you in the alley way, if I wanted too."

The bruise beneath his sleeve pulses with a dull ache, and Ethan’s face flushes, because Leo is definitely reading to much into the movement where he wipes down a table. He tugs his arm back and holds it to his chest, his other hand cradling it. Are alphas always this touchy? "But you didn’t."

"No, but I could have." Zander drags his green eyes away from Ethan’s arm and gives a smile. At least Ethan didn’t snap at him again. He’ll take that as a win. "Dominant alphas are dangerous when on the verge of going feral." And he was close to it last night. If Ethan had been an omega and not a beta, who knows what would have happened. "Next time you should avoid getting into another situation like that."

Ethan raises an eyebrow at him, "Are you sure you’re trying to thank me? I feel like I’m being scolded instead."

Zander laughs, the sound of it deep and smooth. It surprises Ethan, and he can’t look away from the brightness on the alphas face. He really is pretty. "Then, take my card." The alpha pulls out a black business card, lined with gold lettering and a logo of what looks like a fancy perfume bottle.

Leo did say he’s the son of a chairman, so he should have his own card. Taking it with gentle hands, he scans what it says.

Zander Harlight

Phera Perfumes Director

XXX-XX-XXXX

Ethan nearly chokes on his own spit. He shouldn’t be surprised he has such a high title, but it still seems confusing. What was a man of his position and status doing in the back alley of his mom’s restaurant, getting the shit beat out of him for?

And then another thought, it’s none of my business. The alpha before him lives in a totally different world than he does. He’s a dominant alpha, a rare alpha of alpha’s. He’s been born into riches and fame, while Ethan struggles to manage the restaurants budget after dropping out of college.

It leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.

"Call me. I can take you and your mom out to dinner as thanks." Zander’s words pull him out of his thoughts and he takes a step away from the counter.

"But I really-" Ethan doesn’t get to finish his refusal when Zander walks out the door. "Seriously, what’s with this guy. He used to be mute, and now he’s doing as he pleases." He mutters.

"What the hell was that?" Leo hisses as he grabs the card from Ethan’s hand. "He gave you his number?!"

Ethan slams his hand against Leo’s mouth, forcing a smile to the patrons that might have over heard. "It’s not at all what your thinking." Leo pulls his hand down and bares his teeth in a smile.

"Oh, you have no idea what I’m thinking." Leo snickers and wiggles his eyebrows suggestively. "Who knew you had the charms to attract a dominant alpha. I’m so jealous."

"No, there’s no charm or attraction." Ethan shakes his head. He snatches the card back and tucks it into his aprons pocket. "I helped him out of a tough spot and he just wants to thank me." He doesn’t see the need to mention his mom.

"So, are you going to call him?" Leo nudges him with his shoulder.

"No." He says, his voice firm. "I didn’t help him to get something out of it."

"You’re never any fun!" Leo whines. "When are you going to act your age and have fun?"

Ethan glares at him. He doesn’t have the luxury for that kind of stuff. He may go out with Leo once a month, and that’s the only thing he’ll allow himself. He won’t give himself anymore or any less.