Ethan received a very unexpected and, quite frankly, the most unpleasant surprise.
His parents and twin came by for a visit.
An unexpected, unannounced and a very, VERY, unwanted visit.
He stared in wide eyed horror at the trio that had managed to ambush him at the entrance of his office.
"Ethan." His alpha mother called for him, sternly "Will you leave us out here, all day?"
"Mo-mother."
"You were instilled with better manners than this, weren't you?" Clarisse asked with a look of disapproval.
"Honey..." His omega parent stepped forward, a sweet smile on her face "...shall we go get some dinner and have a nice conversation?"
The rest was a blur, before he knew it, he and his family were seated at a table in a nearby restaurant being questioned by both his parents, while Edwin watched quietly on the side.
"You're working?" Clarisse pursed her lips, once again full disapproval "I guess that's understandable, given your..." She looked at him with cold eyes "...defect. No one would want something of no value anyway."
"Darling, don't be so hard on him. He looks like he has had a few difficult years." Thessa said reaching out to straighten his hair "The poor thing, all that work to make him look pretty seems to be all for naught."
Edwin rolled his eyes "Ethan, do you know the president of Hanzel?"
Both parents held their breaths, alert, after all, this was why they hunted him down and made the trip here.
Ethan was once again, shocked but their sudden visit made sense.
"We saw the pictures, dear..." Thessa explained "...and we became quite curious. Do you know him? Is he your boyfriend like they're saying?"
"Don't be ridiculous..." Clarisse cut in, before Ethan could provide any answers "...how could the president of Hanzel be his boyfriend? A bed partner at best."
"You never know, the young ones always have strange interests."
Ethan listened quietly to their exchange. His surprise gave way to anxiety and… fear. Fear that they would find out the true nature of his relationship with Alexei and that Alexei, in turn, would come to know of the fact that he was in fact, an omega. An omega groomed to satisfy rich alphas. Would he doubt everything that happened between them? Would he think that he was targeted?
Ethan could not stop his mind from spinning the worst case scenarios.
"Your phone has been going off like crazy…" Edwin's voice cut through his panicked thoughts "…I can hear it from here."
Ethan reached into his pocket, Edwin was right, his phone had been ringing nonstop. In a daze, he had forgotten to inform his driver. The man probably called Alexei to inform him of his disappearance because right now, Alexei was blowing up his phone. "Please, excuse me." Without waiting for permission, he scurried away to the nearest bathroom.
"Ethan, where are you?" Even though the voice was calm, Alexei's displeasure still came through.
"A-Alex, I'm... Um.... Alex....A-Alex I'm sorry."
"Are you in some kind of trouble?"
"N-no. I just... um... I..."
"Ethan..." He started impatiently, but soon softened "Baby, where are you? What is going on right now? The driver said your office was completely empty and you were nowhere to be seen."
"Alex..."
"So… you do know him?" Edwin interrupted, leaning close enough to overhear the voice on the other end of the phone.
Ethan stared back at him, wide-eyed and speechless. In his panic, he hadn't noticed his brother following him.
"Go on. Tell him your family is here."
"Who's there with you?" Alexei had heard Edwin's voice.
"Or shall I tell him for you?" Edwin reached out to grab the phone, but his hand was quickly swatted away.
"Leave."
"Fine…" Edwin held up both hands in defeat as he backed away "…make your little call".
Ethan took a deep breath, in a bid to calm his nerves "My family stopped by for... for dinner. I'm sorry, in all the excitement I forgot to call you or the driver and… and my phone was on mute." He narrated rapidly.
"That's fine. It's fine. I'm not upset."
"Re-really?"
"I mean… you disappearing like that was a little worrying."
"I'm sorry."
"Where are you now? Should I send someone to come get you?"
"N-no."
There was a low chuckle on the other end "Then, would you rather I did?"
Ethan wanted to say no, he almost did but without meaning to, he whispered "Yes." into the phone. "I'm at…"
Alexei was actually quite busy when he got the driver's message about Ethan's disappearance and lack of communication. It was so unlike him. Even though he had the driver pick him up from a designated place a few minutes from his office building, he was always on time, and if he had overtime, he always made sure to keep everyone informed.
Initially, Alexei tried not to think too much of it, he simply acknowledged the message and continued on with his work, but when the meeting ended, Ethan had yet to make an appearance. He wouldn't run away, right? Sure, he was a bit of a jerk, but Ethan wouldn't actually run away and it's not like he would randomly follow some stranger.
His first real concern came when the driver actually went into the office complex only to be told that the floor where New Era Designs was located was completely empty. They checked the toilets and the stairwells, nothing. All calls to his number went unanswered. He panicked.
Eventually, a call was answered but the boy did not sound right and there was someone else with him. Someone he didn't know.
He stopped long enough to give the person by the bathroom door a once over. No matter how alike they were, he could tell at a glance, that wasn't Ethan. An omega?
How curious.
Alexei knocked lightly on the stall door "Open the door."
Fifteen minutes was the time it took for the man to appear by his side. Granted, their offices were not particularly far apart but it was still impressive that he came so quickly. Ethan unlocked the door, still somewhat weary "Alex, did you...um... Was anyone else..." he looked behind him "D-did you meet anyone out…outside?"
"No." Alexei answered immediately, examining his face "There's absolutely no one out there." He followed his gaze "Was I supposed to?" he felt a light tug on his sleeve.
"I-I like you, you know that, don't you?"
"Of course, I know that. Isn't that why you hunted me down?"
"N-no… I… I-"
"Baby, let's go home." Satisfied that other than being a little shaken, Ethan was fine. He led him away by hand, once again, ignoring Edwin by the door. Soon they were in his car and on their way.
"Won't you ask?" Ethan inquired nervously, knuckles paled as he wrung the hem of his shirt "Don't you think it's weird?" he whispered.
Alexei chuckled, eyes still on the road "Baby, do you want to talk about it?"
"N-not really."
"Then, don't."
"Alex...."
"Mm?"
"Please don't hate me."
Alexei looked at him now, reached out to set free the pitiful fabric from his hands and brought one pale trembling hand to his lips "Never."
Ethan wished that was the end of it, but it was not. This little episode of being jumped by his family would be repeated a few days later, only this time, both Alexei and the driver were informed in time.
Clarisse watched him with new eyes, the usual disappointment was nowhere to be seen "I guess your mother was right after all, the young ones do have strange hobbies."
Edwin must have told them about Alexei, he was absolutely certain about it.
"Your manners and etiquette have become lax, sit with your back straight." Clarisse chided.
Immediately, both boys straightened.
"Good." She continued "Even if you're a defective omega, you managed to grab the attention of someone like Alexei Rockwell." She swirled the liquid in her wineglass while staring at Edwin "Perhaps, your brother would do well to learn from you."
"Why don't you tell us about your him?" Thessa enquired with a soft smile.
"He seems awfully rude. Clearly, he has no regards for basic etiquette."
"Mother..." Edwin called out, but his voice was drowned out by her nitpicking.
"He just waltzed in and took you away. Not even a word of greetings to your family. If he had any respect for you, he should have acknowledged us." Clarisse set aside her glass "Perhaps you're really nothing more than a plaything for him? Or else-"
"Mother!" Edwin spoke louder this time "The waiter has been waiting for you to place your order."
"How rude." She glanced at her son with disapproval before unapologetically, placing orders for everyone at the table. The twins got salads while the pair had steaks. When the meal arrived, she asked for the salads to be taken back and their quantities halved, only after this did the meal begin.
"You should shed some weight, if you become a pig, he'll find a replacement for you much sooner."
"He won't leave me." Ethan said coldly.
"Don't het cocky, of course, he will." Clarisse rebutted "You have no pheromones. A novelty for now, but eventually, he will have to settle down with someone of suitable standing and have children of his own. That's how it always goes. You can't give him any children, and with your defect, I doubt you can even satisfy him. Alphas are all like that, his interest in you would last for long. You should take advantage of the fact that you have his attention for now. Make the most of it."
"She's right, dear..." Thessa chimed in "...where are you staying? Did he give a house yet?"
"I'm… I'm staying with a friend." He replied meekly.
"So… nothing?" her voice bellied her disappointment. "So stupid."
Edwin stabbed the lettuce on his plate with great annoyance.
"Edwin sweetie, mind your manners. Can't you see your mother is speaking with your brother?"
"How long have you been together?" Clarisse continued her questioning.
"Probably a month or two since the picnic, right?" Edwin answered when Ethan hesitated.
"You have a few months left at best."
"Sweetie, do you think you can still be marked?"
Edwin scoffed.
"Mind your manners, Edwin." Clarisse scolded.
Thessa affectionately held his hand as she added "If you can be marked, then we'll help you."
"N-no, I can't."
Clarisse eyed him "What a waste, after putting in so much effort in making you a suitable omega, you ruined everything."
"Forgive me, Mother."
"Sweetie…" she caressed his hand as she continued "…won't it be nice to have a meal with him? Alexei, I mean."
"Arrange for it. We'll help you sort this mess out."
"He's… he's very busy, I doubt he would have the time to entertain the parents of his plaything." He asked Ethan with wide annoyed eyes "Right, Ethan?"
"Y-yes… y-yes…" he started timidly.
Clarisse slammed her cutlery into the table in irritation "Speak properly. Is that how to speak to him? It's grating to listen to you stutter."
"Dear, he must be feeling a little overwhelmed." She gave his hand a firm squeeze "Right, darling?"
He took a deep breath "…he's v-very busy. I don't see much of him."
"I guess you really are nothing special after all." Clarisse looked at him with disappointment again.
"Don't say that dear, after all, Alexei did come for him when he called. Surely, he must hold some sort of affection for him."
"I didn't call him!" He corrected quickly "He…"
"He probably got upset that his little toy was frolicking about…" Edwin chimed in "…isn't that how alphas are?"
Thessa nodded "That's true..." she finally let go of his hand "…you have to do better, Ethan dear, try not to annoy him too much."
Ethan stared at his untouched dinner, feeling sick to his stomach "May I be excused for a minute?" He desperately needed to get away from the table.
"Yes, sweetie."
"What a deplorable child…" he heard Clarisse say as he walked away.
"No calls today?" Once more, Edwin stalked his brother to the restroom.
"What do you want?"
"Why don't you call him? Call him to come take you way again."
Ethan let out a long exhale out his mouth "Why did you follow me?"
"I was curious."
"About what?"
Edwin leaned against the sink "A lot of things, but I doubt you would answer. Just so you know, no one's leaving until they get something out of it, so you better make the call." He closed in "If you don't you might regret it, later on."
Ethan ignored him.
"Ah!" Edwin clapped once, staring at the ceiling with a gleeful look "I read something fascinating, you know those pictures came with quite a bit of information like you being a beta and Alexei absolutely despising omegas." He snorted, "Don't you find that fascinating?"
"Edwin..."
"Make the call. Arrange a dinner. I don't care how you do it, but it better happen. I've had enough of this mess."
Ethan stared back at his reflection "I…"
"You're lucky they're kind of stupid."
"Jay! Bro!" Gavin stood up excitedly to give the new arrival a quick side hug "Dude, it's been like forever."
Lein's eyes widened in surprise when he picked up a familiar scent, looking behind him to find that it was indeed Jason who had appeared.
"Yo Lein..." Gavin gestured to him "...this is my good man, Jay. Jay Rockwell, you know right? This dude and his brother run Hanzel."
Jason's gaze fell to the seated shrinking figure.
Neither moved.
Gavin shook Lein "Dude, say something."
Lein awkwardly rose to his feet "Hello." He said extending a hand out for a handshake.
Jason glanced at his hand, then back at his face of the person who was clearly avoiding eye contact and snorted. He patted Gavin on the shoulder "I had a meeting upstairs." He glanced at his watch "I have to leave. See you around."
"Dude…" Gavin explained quickly as he returned to his seat "…don't take that personally, he usually isn't that way. He's actually a solid guy, he must be in a rush."
"It's okay." Lein assured.
"No, really. They're like usually super nice even if they don't like you, they wouldn't blow you off. Something must be up."
"Gavin, it's fine." Lein rubbed his forehead "It's not that big a deal."
Gavin glanced briefly in the direction Jason had disappeared, still a little bothered by the latter's attitude.
"How do you know him?" Lein asked.
"Oh… that" Gavin slumped in his chair "Honestly, I actually used to really hate their guts and to them I was probably nothing more than a spoiled bum just causing trouble but they really had my back when I fucked up big time."
"So… like longtime friends?"
"What?!" Gavin couldn't help but laugh "I just said I hated their guts. They bought stock in our company some years back. My parents just didn't stop going on about the Rockwell brothers and all that shit. It was a nightmare." He stared in the direction Jason had gone again with a frown "They really did us a big favour back then…" he mumbled "Did something happen to put him in a bad mood?"
Lein shifted uncomfortably in his chair knowing he was probably the reason for the chilly attitude. No, he was definitely the reason. What was he thinking, acting like they were complete strangers, but he didn't know how to act. He had never been in this situation before. The man he had been pining after for days just appeared before him, he panicked and did something stupid…
"Hey..." Gavin waved a hand in his face"...are you not listening to me?"
The action dragged him out of his thoughts "Sorry, what did you say?"
"Want to meet my partner? I think it would be cool if the three of us hung out before the baby comes. That cool with you?"
Lein pulled on his ear, feeling embarrassed "I have to tell my parents about it first."
Gavin laughed "Dude, I totally get it, everyone has been breathing down my neck since I got out of rehab..." His amusement withered "... but I can't even be upset."
Lein nodded in agreement.
"Your coffee shop, when is it opening?" he asked, eager to change the topic.
"Soon. Maybe a few weeks at most. Still can't decide on a name."
"You're in a bad mood." Alexei pointed out "Why?"
Jason regarded him with a raised brow, ignored his question and tossed a flash drive on the table.
"I still don't get why we don't use emails or text or something. Come on."
"I prefer this way."
"So? Who pissed you off?"
"Nothing. I'm leaving."
"Wait!" Alexei jumped to his feet and hurried around the table "I need advice."
He arched a brow.
"I may have to meet Ethan's parents soon."
Right. His gaze travelled down title the man's crotch, then back to his face "That quick, huh?"
Alexei dramatically covered his crotch with both hands "You nasty fucker, I told you not to think about my baby like that!"
Jason was a little amused "So if you didn't get the cutie knocked up, then you're getting married?"
"That's actually not a bad idea. Should we get married?"
Jaso rolled his eyes "That's not why you're meeting with his parents?"
"No, they just suddenly appeared."
Jason frowned "I told you that picnic stunt was trouble." He said casually, heading for the door.
"You don't know that." Alexei trotted behind.
Jason snorted "You can't be fucking serious." He pinched the elevator button "They just showed up out of nowhere, after like what? A year? Their kid just up and disappears and not a word was heard." He snorted "I Honestly thought that kid was an orphan."
"So? Why are you so cynical about everyone?"
"Don't act like you're any better and I'm just being objective."
The elevator dinged open and the two stepped in.
"Are you saying Ethan is materialistic."
Jason scrutinized him "You should know that best."
"He's not."
"Can't say the same about his family. I suggest to get a lawyer ready."
"He has a twin." Alexei leaned against the wall "An identical omega twin."
Jason met his gaze and silence filled the cabin for just a brief second before he doubled over in laughter.
The elevator dinged open again and they stepped into the garage.
"I fucking hate you."
"This is hilarious." He said still laughing.
"That's not-" Alexei froze, glanced around and smiled "Jay, it seems you picked up a flower petal."
His laughter died out "I know. I smell it too."