Ethan passes the order ticket to Jessi, the restaurants head chef and takes a peak at his mother who stands at the prepping table. It reminds him of how just hours ago, Zan was laying on it, his face puffy and bruised.
He steals a glance at the dominant alpha who talks quietly with his friend. It truly is amazing how fast he healed in such a short time.
"Oh my god, do you know who you were just talking to?!" Leo nearly screeches like a pterodactyl as he rushes up to Ethan. His eyes are wide, his grip tight as he grabs Ethan's arm.
The beta cringes and glares at him. "What made you so excited?"
"Ethan, I love you, but how long are you going to stay stuck beneath a rock?" Leo whines. He drops Ethan's arm, stands on his tip toes and peers over his friends shoulder. "That man is the son of the chairman of Phera Perfumes! He's next in line to take over. Not only that, but he's a rare dominant alpha." He sighs wistfully, "Now if can get my hands on him, I'd be set for life."
Ethan's eyebrows furrow, "The company that produces pheromone scented products?" It isn't just perfumes they specialize in, they sell candles, body scrubs, shampoo and conditioner. He remembers seeing a commercial about a new lemon and cream scented product created by Phera Perfumes.
"Yes!" Leo giggles, "They have multiple products that have both alpha and omega phero-mented so both secondary genders can enjoy it. It was very successful. Did you really not know?" Leo scoffs. "Everyone else in the restaurant does." He gestures to the lobby with a nod of his head, his blonde hair swishing around his ears.
Ethan glances around. Leo is right, mostly everyone in the room is stealing glances at the two alphas, some curious, some giddy. "What's his name?" He asks.
"Zander Harlight." Leo sighs wistfully. So that's his full name. Ethan dares to glance over at the booth that has captured everyone's attention, and is surprised to find that Zan is already looking at him. Ethan frowns and turns away.
"Leo." A deep voice calls and Ethan groans. The beta may not be his target, but that doesn't make Max any less annoying. "I see you showed up for work today."
Leo turns around to face the over-bearing alpha who stands on the opposite side of the front counter, and flashes a big, toothy grin. "I see you're here for a coffee?"
Max frowns down at the little omega. He takes in the twitch of his pale eyebrow, the tension that lines his shoulders. "Yes," he reluctantly turns his gaze away, but the diversion lasts three seconds before he finds Leo in his sights once more. "I'm also hoping we can talk."
"Actually, me too." Leo glances at Ethan and then tugs Max by his sweater sleeve towards a table in the corner, close to the front counter. Max stares down at where Leo is holding him, his tongue pressing firmly into the roof of his mouth.
They sit across from each other, Leo trying to look casual despite how nervous he actually is. However, as Max continues to observe him, Leo drops his pretenses.
"You realize you're borderline stalking me, right?" Any fake sweetness that used to be there is gone. Leo crosses his arms across his chest, his red apron bunching, and openly glares at Max.
The alpha raises an eyebrow, "Leo," He chuckles and reaches up to adjust his collar, his forearms flexing at the movement. Leo takes in his more casual outfit. Where Max always came in wearing three piece suits and a shining wrist watch, today, he's wearing designer jeans, a v-neck sweatshirt, and sneakers. Leo doesn't think he's ever seen him so relaxed. It's odd to say the least.
Max snaps his fingers in front of Leo, a satisfied smirk on his lips. "You don't know the definition of stalking."
Leo purses his lips and glares, "I'm not stupid-" He goes on the defensive but Max cuts him off.
"I'm not calling you stupid." His smile softens and he lays his hands on his lap, his back easing in the chair. "Me coming to this restaurant to have a coffee before going back to work, in hopes of seeing my favorite little omega is not stalking."
Leo's frown deepens, "Then what do you call it? And don't call me a little omega." Leo squirms in his chair as Max observes his every movement.
"I call it flirting," Max chuckles, "but it's no fun when it's so one sided. Hm?" He puts his hand over Leo's and rubs his thumb along the back of it. Leo's skin erupts into goosebumps, drawing his gaze to their hands.
"No, I'm talking to you so I can reject you -" Leo slowly pulls his hand away, hoping it doesn't trigger his alpha instinct to chase his prey. When Max doesn't grab his hand again, he relaxes.
"If you want me to stalk you, why not just say so?" Max murmurs softly, his eyes on Leo's retreating fingers. "I can't read your mind, you know." He bites the inside of his cheek and blinks at the taste of his own blood. His fingers curl into his palm, and he puts his hand back on his lap, beneath the table.
"I-I don't want you to!" Leo's eyes widen. He really doesn't! "I want you to leave me alone!"
Max tilts his head, his ears tuneing out the constant noise of the other patrons in the restaurant, and focuses on Leo. He licks the inside of his cheek, his tongue brushing the nearly healed wound he gave himself to try and hide his smile.
"You're heart is racing." Max murmurs, his eyes lowering to Leo's lips.
"Because I'm scared." The words come out breathless, and Leo presses his back against the chair, but it puts little distance between them. "You're scaring me."
"Careful, Leo." Max leans forward, his nostrils flaring as he takes in a deep breath. A shudder runs through his body and he holds in a groan, "You're pheromones are flying all over me."
Leo jumps up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor, his heart racing in his chest, "Y-You need to go now." He says. With the alpha seated in his chair, and Leo standing up, he finds himself looking down at Max. He takes in the alphas long lashes, the sparkle in his blue eyes nearly captivating. A shiver runs through his body and he clenches his fists.
"I still need my coffee, little omega." Max smiles softly, peering at Leo through his lashes.
With a squeak, Leo runs back to the counter, his face flushing red with embarrassment. The nerve of that creepy alpha!