Beta Complex

Chapter 76: Robot on Autopilot

"An omega." Leo says, his voice soft and cautious in the office space.

Ethan shouldn’t be surprised by this. Alphas and omegas do go together, after all. However, even knowing this, it doesn’t help the ugly feeling that creeps up his throat. Of course he would marry an omega.

Ethan doesn’t know much about corporate politics, but if what he’s seen in movies are correct, then Zander would need to marry an omega to produce an heir. He snorts at the thought, maybe it’s a little cliche.

He looks away from his friend and instead stares at a black spot on the surface of his desk. And maybe it’s a good thing that he avoided putting any labels on what he and the dominant alpha had. If Zander had stuck around him any longer, he’d probably be sucked up into all kinds of family drama.

Yes, he nods his head to himself. This is a good thing.

"She’s the daughter of a construction company." Leo continues, his blue eyes taking in ever micro expression on his friend’s face. Trying to discern what Ethan feels has always been a puzzle. He doesn’t exactly wear his heart on his sleeves, and he doesn’t often speak of how he feels. He’s usually so focused on his work, so sometimes it feels like he’s a robot on autopilot.

The omega hates to admit it, but when Zander came into his life, he seemed more free spirited. Even if it didn’t last long. He’s tried setting Ethan up on blond dates, often with Max’s friends. But none of them had the same affect on him as a certain someone.

"So if I’m honest, it seems more like an arranged marriage by their parents than it has anything to do with love." Leo continues.

If Leo is trying to make Ethan feel better, it doesn’t work.

The beta bites his lip, his eyebrows raising, "Wow." He doesn’t really know what to say. Should he say congratulations? But if he did say that, he wouldn’t really mean it.

"I thought you would have heard it from the media, by now." Leo sighs. Ethan shakes his head, but doesn’t admit that he’s been avoiding any news to do with him for the last two years.

"Max was invited to their engagement party." Leo continues. "Of course he’s bringing me with him."

There’s a silent pause as Ethan picks at a loose strand of fabric on his dress pants. He should probably fix that.

"Should I sabotage it?" Leo asks, his voice serious.

Ethan lifts his head, a faint smile on his face, "Sabotage?" He snorts, "No, why would you?"

Leo uncrosses his arms and moves to crouch in front of Ethan. He puts his palms on the betas knees and looks up at him with soft blue eyes, "Because he broke your heart, of course. I could spill my drink on her dress. Or accuse him of cheating on her-"

"No." Ethan chuckles. He shakes his head and sighs, "Don’t do any of that. It’s not her fault, and it’s not his either. He’s just living his life. And I am too."

"But he hurt you," Leo mutters bitterly.

Ethan purses his lips, hating how pathetic he feels now that it’s been spoken out loud. "No, he didn’t." He attempts to scoff but it feels weak. "I-It’s fine. Just,-" He scratches the back of his neck. "Tell him I said congratulations." He ends with a shrug.

Leo purses his lips, "Okay." He stands up and dust off his knees. "I’ll let you know when my store will be opening ahead of time, so make sure you take that day off and come to the opening."

Ethan forces a smile and nods his head, "You got it."

When Leo leaves, Ethan doesn’t rush to get back to work. He leans back in his chair and rubs his hands down his face with a heavy sigh. Maybe it’s a good thing he avoided anything to do with Zander whenever he came on the news.

He shakes his head and pushes off the chair to stand up. No, it doesn’t matter now. It hasn’t mattered for a long time. Adjusting his clothes and making sure he looks presentable, he puts on a professional face and gets back to work.

***

"Well?" Max asks as soon as Leo enters the car and sits in the passenger seat. Much like his partner, Max is also dressed neatly, with a grey suit jacket and white button up shirt. His brown hair is styled back, glistening with gel.

"Well," The omega sighs, adjusting in the seat before pulling the seatbelt over. It clicks into the lock. "He took it well, I suppose." He looks over at Max and frowns.

The alpha raises an eyebrow, waiting for him to emphasize.

"He seemed pretty bummed but it’s not like he bawled his eyes out." Leo shrugs his shoulders as he looks out of the window to the restaurant. He wonders if Ethan is still in the office, letting his thoughts wander to the alpha who took a brief interest in him. "I think he expected this to happen sooner or later."

Max hums. "Should we not go?"

Leo turns to glare at him, the scent of his sweet pheromones perfuming the inside of the car. There’s a tinge of spice hinting at his anger. "Oh no. We’re going. And we’re going to make him so uncomfortable." Leo huffs. "How could he invite you anyway, knowing we’re dating? He knows I’m Ethan’s best friend, and that I tell him everything. It’s like he wanted to rub it into his face."

Max arches an eyebrow and starts up the car. "Knowing that bastard, he probably did." He pulls out of the car park and starts the drive to his parents home. Talking about his friend, Leo doesn’t seem as nervous as he was before about meeting his family.

"Oh, so you know he’s a bastard?" Leo chuckles., reaching over to feel up his biceps. He leans his head back against the headrest and sighs, blue eyes glued to the side of Max’s handsome face.

"Of course I do. I’ve known him for years." The alpha mutters.