Beta Complex

Chapter 81: Lucky For You

"I’m Zack, by the way." The alpha clears his throat and reaches up to push strands of thick hair out of the way. There’s a small freckle beneath his eye, drawing Ethan’s attention to it.

"I’m a beta." Ethan says bluntly, blinking as he tears his gaze away from the beauty mark. He clears his throat and reaches up for the bottle and pops the cap off with a hiss. He takes a few gulps, glances up at the alpha and arches an eyebrow. "In case you didn’t know. And Leo has an alpha. So, if you’re also looking for a three way-" His words come out in a defensive tone, ready to turn down whatever ridiculous idea he might be having in his head.

Zack laughs loudly, surprising Ethan. "As hot as a threeway sounds," He smirks down at him with a shrug, "That’s not really why I’m over here."

Ethan furrows his eyebrows, his gaze dropping to the rim of his beer bottle. "I’m not trying to be rude, but why are you here?" He tilts his head to peek at the alpha through his lashes. "Shouldn’t you be at the bar? Tending to the customers?" He looks pointedly towards the alcohol area, and frowns when no one is there demanding drinks. They all seemed to have migrated to other tables or to the dance floor.

Zack bites his lip, trying to hide his amusement. "I’m hoping I can get your number." He pulls out a phone from his back pocket, raising an eyebrow in question. He doesn’t seem pushy about it, which Ethan can appreciate.

However the beta only looks more confused. Did the test from the hospital lie? Is he really still a beta? He brings his wrist up to his nose and gives it a soft sniff. He doesn’t smell like he’s giving off pheromones. . . When Leo gets back, he’ll ask him just to make sure.

Throughout the last two years, whenever an alpha approaches him, Ethan can’t help but wonder and doubt. Whether to pacify the hole left behind in his heart, or maybe he’s developed some omega inferiority complex, his mind can’t seem to let go of that night.

His therapist calls it trauma, if he wants to get technical about it.

"I did say I was a beta, right?" Ethan asks, his head tilting as he blinks up at the man.

Zacks eyebrows raise, "You realize this is the twenty first century and alphas are allowed to be attracted to betas, right?"

Ethan frowns and then cringes. Great, now he’s the asshole in this scenario huh? "Sorry. I probably sound like a dick, right?"

"Only a lot." Zack shrugs with a chuckle. He doesn’t seem bothered ot upset, and even draws Ethan’s attention back to his phone as he flips it over in his hands. "Lucky for you though, I like dick."

Ethan flushes red, his gaze dropping to the alpha’s pelvis. He swallows at the noticeable bulge there, not that Zack is hard, but that he seems big enough to notice in his black jeans. He drags his eyes away when the alpha snickers, and he takes another swig of his beer.

"Uh," Ethan goes to deny him, when Leo comes rushing over, his blue eyes wide with panic and confusion. The flirty mood he’s in disappears. Immediately, his shoulders tense, ready for another scuffle with an asshole who can’t take a hint. There’s apparently a lot of them in this bar.

Ethan glances over Leo’s shoulder, trying to get a sight of the bastard who’s disturbing his best friend when his eyes find someone else.

Leo isn’t freaking out over someone who won’t leave him alone. No, this is just as bad though. Probably even worse, his dramatic heart thinks based on the way it aches and throbs in his chest.

Walking inside as if he owns the place is none other than the man he’s been trying to get over for the past two years.

Zander doesn’t look the same, and yet he does. With a pressed black dress shirt, matching slacks, polished shoes and his hair styled back to reveal his sharp features, Ethan feels like all the air has been stolen from his lungs.

Ethan isn’t one to settle on someone’s looks. Sure nice visuals are pleasing, but if he’s never been so surface level. Right now on the other hand, after not being able to see this alpha for so long, it’s a nostalgia that he both hates and loves.

"What is he doing here?" Ethan whispers, his voice thick and hoarse. His eyes not once leave the side profile of Zander’s face.

"I have nothing to do with him being here." Leo rushes out, nudging Zack out of the way so he’s closer to his best friend. The alpha frowns, his eyebrows furrowing at the sudden change of things. Leo groans and grabs Ethan’s arm. "How about we just get out of here, yeah?"

"Are you two okay? Do I have to kick someone out again?" Zack asks, glancing behind to see who exactly they’re talking about. He doesn’t see anyone out of the ordinary until he seems to spot someone. "Oh."

"Oh?" Ethan asks, finally looking away from the dominant alpha, to him. "Oh what?"

"No." Leo laughs, the sound prominent and stressed. He continues to tug on Ethan, but the beta doesn’t move an inch. "No, no what’s. Let’s just leave." He almost sounds hysterical.

"I can’t exactly kick him out. He’s technically my boss." Zack frowns and scratches the side of his face. He glances at Ethan and realizing he won’t be getting his number, puts his phone away. "How do you know a guy like him anyway?"

"Excuse you?" Leo snaps, his eyes blazing with sass.

"Boss?" Ethan furrows his eyebrows, not offended by the last question. If anything, he didn’t hear it, to focus on what he wants to hear. "I don’t understand, I thought he was a part of Phera Perfumes."