Lights, Camera, Omega (Hollywood Omegas #1)

“Don’t act like it’s been all my fault that we haven’t picked up anything new in a while. Cosmo has all but sworn off ever taking any other auditions until recently—only god knows why,” I grouse, annoyed that Julian had made it sound as if I have been the single point of failure in our pack’s current omega-less state.

“I’m not saying that at all. In fact, I’m delighted that you’ve found yourself suddenly inspired.” Julian beamed, his own salt-white skin gently freckled in a way that perfectly complimented his fiery auburn locks and bottle green eyes.

Maybe that’s why she got me going so quickly. I must secretly be a freckles guy. I think somewhere in the background as I watch Julian’s face carefully while he speaks.

“You know how I’m always desperate to spoil someone besides you and the boys,” he adds, his voice lower and laced with an underlying heat.

Just like the nacre of an oyster turns the irritant of a single grain of sand into a beautiful pearl, so Julian manages to turn my ails to boons.

Between the excitement with the spitfire beta and the prospect of finally finding a bit more success in this region of my otherwise charmed life; I entertain the idea of indulging in a quick tryst with Julian in my office before we look over the textiles for production. Too bad that we’re on such a tight timetable today.

Most regrettably, I have a meeting with Ed Mammut, my business partner and joint owner of Panopticon pictures. While I may be the one making the movies, Ed is the one who manages the business end of making those movies. He’s the reason we’re both this stinking rich. The reason I’m going to be able to make some small, lower budget films that I actually want to make once I’m done with this contractual obligation run. Sadly, there’s simply no room in today’s busy schedule for afternoon delight.

“Wow,” Julian chuckles, his nostrils flaring slightly. He’s always been sensitive to his alphas, but especially to me–to my scent.

“That little pint of sunshine must have really got you going—you smell?—”

I don’t let him finish.

“I smell like someone who can’t afford any distractions, so don’t keep running that smart mouth or I’m going to end up missing some very important meetings this morning to make a mess of my beta, since we’re still short an omega.” I purr under my breath, though the thought of someone hearing my ‘threat’ to Julian is nearly as exciting as the act itself.

I delight in the little shiver of pleasure Julian gives as he considers my warning.

“A shame, indeed.” He sighs wistfully before adding, “I’m sure we can figure something out this evening once you get home.” He winks mischievously.

“I’m sure we can,” I assure him.

“Well, we better get this over with. I’ll call the placement agency while you’re in your meeting with Ed.” Julian waggles his brilliant copper brows suggestively.

“Sounds like a plan.” I nod sagely, skipping ahead of Julian up the stairs to Sound Stage A, drawing nervous glances at my ruined suit.

“While we’re at it, I should probably call the boys–have one of them bring me something else to change into before my meeting with Ed,” I chuckle, holding the door open for Julian.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Julian sighs dreamily. He keeps an eye on me over his shoulder as he passes through the open door.

“I think that spilled coffee looks quite well on you.”

I’m sitting in the chair for hair and makeup, earbuds in, blasting the driest of harpsichord concertos in an attempt to get my head back in the game.

At first it feels like a head rush, like I stood up too fast–all the blood rushing to my head. Then my skin warms, my body starting to feel hazy and far away, like a limb that’s just woken from sleep before breaking into pins and needles.

I’m just woozy because I didn’t actually get to drink my coffee or eat my sandwich, I tell myself, trying to block out Lois and Carla, the hair and makeup team, as they crow loudly at each other about their nearly adult children.

I make eye contact with my own reflection and try to zone out, to normalize my breathing, to keep from passing out.

Then I smell it.

It’s Magnus’s scent; dark, sweet, and smoky. I look down at my hand. Even though I’d washed my hands after disposing of my empty coffee cup and scraps of sandwich, it still held his scent. In fact, it practically reeks of him—a nearly overwhelming vapor that invades my senses and threatens to blot out my higher brain functions.

Unconsciously, I bring the hand to my nose and breathe deeply. That smoky burned sugar warmth tightens its grip on me and I nearly double over, whimpering with sudden need.

Lois nearly dropped her ratting comb and pulled one of my earbuds out.

“Oh my god, Daphne! Are you?” she calls to me, her voice somewhere between worry, shock, and congratulations.

I’m so dizzy that I can barely manage to get a look at Lois without sending the room spinning. I can make out Carla beside her, her nose lifted high in the air—a look of confusion on her face as she looks on from some unseen distance, then back to me—scenting the air all the while.

“I don’t—I don’t feel so good,” I manage to get out, breathlessly.