“I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday. It was rude and inappropriate.” I apologized with my head lowered to my team members.
“It’s alright. Once in a while, we need you to put us in our place.” Sven said as my brows softened.
“I was damn tired of you being too nice or the management and authors would eat you alive.” Jade said as everyone laughed.
Reina placed her hand on my shoulder and I stood upright before she smiled at me and raised a chart in her hand.
“It’s great to have you back Leslie.” Reina said before I smiled brightly.
“Likewise.”
The mood in the office was far lighter than the normal that I was familiar with, but I was glad. There was no hard feeling or resentment against me, especially since my team was used to getting complaints from the other staff.
“I’m heading out.” I said after I helped Ash process a request for his author since I only had one author t
I held two tickets to an event to an amusement event and sighed when I remembered the words of Uncle Bob.“Leslie!” Bob shouted from the door of our office loudly.“Am I in trouble?” I whispered to Jace, who looked at Bob and shrugged.“He seems excited.” Jace whispered before I heard my name over a megaphone this time.“Leslie Campbell!” Uncle Bob shouted as I stood up. “Outside! Now!” He screamed as everyone covered their ears before his secretary snatched the megaphone and glared at Bob.“Sir, I would appreciate it if you acted appropriately.” Sawyer, his calm and cold secretary, said as Bob smiled and tapped his shoulders.“Sorry love. Leslie now.” Uncle Bob said as I followed suit immediately with Sawyer maintaining a distance that gave us enough privacy.“Is there anything I can do for you, sir?” Before Uncle Bob placed his hand inside his suit, I asked, and he ha
AzraelI was mad, and I was mad for a good reason.“Hoy kid.” I said, as Leslie smiled awkwardly.“I just remembered that I have this thing to do for Reina at the office. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Leslie said, while avoiding my gaze before he left.Strange.“Omega, I need…” He replied by shutting the door with a text message a few minutes later.Another excuse.This went on many times. When we meet, he had something to do; if we had to be around each other, he avoided my gaze and maintained space with his eyes stealing gazes occasionally when he assumes, I’m unaware.I grabbed the cup and chugged the drink before placing it on the table and pouring myself another one.“It’s one of those days.” Mike said as he exhaled smoke. “What crawled out of your pants?”“What’s that supposed to mean? Mitsuki isn’t someone to be in a
LeslieI focused on editing an author under my team’s management work when I heard a loud ruckus. I was startled at the noise and peeked to understand what was happening.“I have great news, everyone. To celebrate our new employee and making another successful book by author R. K Rowling under our editor Jade Lee; the management has rewarded us with a team picnic with all the authors we handle.” Reina said like she had just won the lottery and it shocked me how everyone banged their table in excitement.“Hey Sven, what’s so special about a picnic?” I whispered, as Sven moved closer.“Any picnic hosted by the company always has prize money. Depending on the game, the prize varies. Team B won one grand for category editor-author leg race. Reina won a new car from an eating contest.” He replied as I stared at him in shock.“Is the management really okay?” I asked, and he nodded.“You
They said it was going to be our team, authors and one invite; an approximate of thirty people, but here we were in a perfect and large private outdoor space with a few board members and their dates.The editors I've assisted introduced me to the other authors. They were super friendly, shocked that an omega like me was the one who improved their work, but friendly in summary as we exchanged names and business cards.I haven’t spoken to Ben since he left and I was going to block him if he tried to call to make any excuse other than where and how he’d get to me. Azrael also wasn’t here, but everybody expected the same from him.“Are you enjoying yourself our little Leslie?” Uncle Bob asked as I stared at the jovial mood at the party. It was colourful and everyone you could never imagine in anything casual was very casual.“Yes, I am. Thank you for honouring our team with this reward.”“Thank you for making us number one. I was hoping you’d be here with your partner. I wanted to see the
I introduced Ben to the rest of the team and they were loving him, but the bonding had to be placed on hold because the event was about to start.The first game was a sack race and though the reward was a plushie, it was fun to see everyone give their all, including uncle Bob. Pictures were taken, winners declared, and the cheers only got louder when it was a dramatic athlete.“The three-legged category will soon begin.” The announcer said as Ben locked our fingers.“We should see if we can sign up for that.” Ben suggested before Azrael appeared.“Sorry to ruin your honeymoon with your husband, but I need the shrimp to take part; we are a team.” Azrael informed Ben from behind us as he wrapped his arm around his neck.Ben clearly didn’t like it, but the moment I held his hand, he smiled before he patted my hair“I’ll be cheering from the side-lines. Remember, don’t overwork yoursel
The company was unusually busy from the moment I dropped in the afternoon after concluding with the final drafting with Azrael. The mood was awkward, but I was glad he kept a very professional mood even though he wouldn’t stop staring at me and the marks on my neck I tried hard to hide when I resumed work.“Ah Campbell, is your work ready?” Reina asked, and I nodded.The meeting held last week was to surprise the public with a mass publication from our top authors. Many people were worried about a backlash with people selectively buying just from two or three of our authors, but analysis and data would favour where and countries the author has a large fanbase.I supported the motion because I was more confident about the ending series Azrael and I put so much effort into making. I was excited because I wanted everyone to see that there were now emotions to his writings like in the past and a new expression we would e
AzraelBadum, badum; thump, thump; thump.I can’t forget the sound of our heartbeat and every time he is near; it gets louder. Almost like me whenever I’m near the only person I love. These conflicts I didn’t need it and I certainly didn’t need to see that omega the same way I saw a woman.I shouldn’t think deeply, but there’s been one question that has been bothering me since the first time we had a situation similar to that time.Why do I have an uncontrollable urge to possess him? The urge to be his alpha?I was afraid that I was slowly depending on Leslie, especially since he had integrated into being a part of my life like a fucking habit. He was an airhead, clueless and naïve like me, when I had taken my first determined leap to society.Leslie may be honest, but he was also mysterious, avoiding topics about his childhood and the few times he did, it was his
LeslieThe holiday had ended, and before we knew it; we were in a new year. Ben and I had a satisfying vacation in Iceland; no work, no family, and no drama to spoil our fun. We also had a lot of pictures and it had me looking forward to the future… A future with a child.“Happy new year Bell.” Ash said as I smiled.“Happy new year everyone. Everyone seems to be in a good mood.” I sat down in my seat as Jade handed me a cup of coffee.“Taking a break from the scent of paper was all I needed. You Americans sure enjoy paperwork for a developed country.” Jade said, as I chuckled.“There’s nothing wrong with data insurance for fragile information.” I replied, as everyone agreed.Reina walked in with a serious expression and her usual confident streak, then stood in front of the team.“Happy new year team one; I can’t say I’m glad to see your young faces, bu
A year has passed, and we’ve experienced wonderful and painful things together, but we’re fine and strong.Valentin proposed to Lucas, and they had a fast court wedding in April. No one knew but Ancel, and you can’t blame him. He found out the day they wedded.We knew because I didn’t hear from Lucas for two weeks, but his social media flooded with honeymoon and his past lovers called me to confirm if it was true.We’re happy for them but everyone in the family except Konrad hopes they don’t have a child as Lucas’ fertility period ends.There would be so much awkwardness every time Leslie and I saw that child and the age gap. Dominant omegas fertilities are just too long.There were bad times. Isaac and Sarah separated for a few months because of their careers and a client of Isaac that was Sarah’s childhood friend.It wouldn’t be my concern, but Isaac was my brother, and Lucas cried. They were a power-couple so watching them almost throw everything because of another woman; it was pa
AzraelLeslie’s second pregnancy journey was fierce. Tougher than the duration he was pregnant with Nikolaus.Week ten.Leslie eats mostly fruits because his nausea is heavy. He gets fatigued over minimum effort and sleeps for long durations. He cries a lot, but he bounces back after the mood swings.He craves churros with weird dips and ketchup a lot.Week seventeen.Leslie’s a little underweight but his bump is growing now. The doctor gave us a supplementary diet we’re strictly following. Leslie hates the taste, but Carson Campbell, Isaac and Lucas are great helps with improving the diet.Leslie’s nausea is getting better but his mood swings aren’t better.Week twenty-four.We’re going to go for a gender test but mother insists on a gender reveal party so the results will be mailed to her. Since we don’t know the baby’s gender, we decided to start decorating with neutral colours like orange and yellow, but Leslie wants purple.We haven’t started picking names, but we know bobby is g
LeslieThe daily life of a marrying a spoilt rich international treasure.I wake up by five every morning for devotion and head to the kitchen. I enter the kitchen and start preparing school lunch for my kid.Ida joins me in the kitchen around six to make breakfast for everyone except I package Azrael’s breakfast because he wakes up when the driver takes Niko to school.Azrael wakes up around ten and eats breakfast late if he eats at all. On days Azrael wakes up early, I don’t work at home.I continue to unwrap wedding gifts from family, friends and fans, sorting things to give out and donate with the servants until I get exhausted.Our habits didn’t change after marriage, and we’ve been married for five months, but things were different in a good way. Pleasant.At least until now.I bolted to the bathroom and crouched in front of the toilet, gripped the toilet seat and hurled in the bowl. My stomach twisted in pain, but gentle pats soothed my churning stomach.“Is that better?” Azrae
LeslieThe soft strands of the brush glided carefully around my cheeks and stopped. I opened my eyes and stared at the mirror.The makeup artist did a terrific job making the makeup subtle. My hair was ready, cut shorter than the original length and gelled.Ancel opened the door, surveying seriously with a small note in his hand. He stayed at me and pulled out a white rose from the vase in the room.He placed the rose in my pocket and patted it.“Perfect but I liked the white suit better.”“You were going to make me wear a long veil if I wore that and this is my second marriage.”“You and Azrael would match but the blue isn’t bad. Soft and stable and I get to see you marry.” Ancel said and the door opened.Dad entered with a bouquet of hydrangeas and minor flowers. I recognised the flowers from mom’s garden and dad handed it to me.“Ancel, could you give us a minute?” Dad asked and Ancel winked.“Sure thing pops, have to make sure the set’s perfect.” Ancel said and left the room with
The doorbell rang, and I opened it. Kaiyo stood there with a pout on his face and glared at me. I spread my arms across the door and leaned back a little.“You’re not here to dump tomato juice on me again, are you?” I asked, and he blushed.I smiled and lowered my arms.“I came to apologise, so listen closely, because I won’t say it again.” He puffed his chest and placed his hand on his hip. “I’m sorry for splashing juice on you and saying embarrassing things.”“Stay away from Mitsuki. You don’t deserve him. He’s mine.” I teased, and he turned red.“S-stop teasing me. Y-you be kissing my feet. I came here today.”I patted his head and smiled. “Do you want ice-cream? Sundae?”“What flavour?” He shook his head and wiped his mouth. “I’m not a dog.”He acted like Becca’s, one of Isaac’s twins in her teenage stage that doesn’t want to be smouldered by adults. It’s difficult to find innocence and pure naivety at his age these days.Everything I wouldn’t describe Lucas, me or Oliver as.“Com
105LeslieI joined my friends at the table. They were all waiting, so I raised my hand to reveal the wedding ring.“Yes!!!” Everyone cheered.Some high-fives and hugged me.“Congratulations!” Isaac said and grinned. “You’re marrying my brother again. Welcome to the family.”We laughed at the joke, and I nudged Isaac.“I can’t wait to tell everyone, and it was all thanks to me.” Ancel gloated and pulled out his phone.“Hold on there cowboy, Lucas might have already beat you to it. He was the first person Azrael called to while we were in Japan.”“I’m still going to spice it up more. I still have a picture of the ring.” Ancel said and started typing.“Thank you.” I whispered to Ancel. “For helping me with the ring.”Ancel nudged me and smiled. “Anytime. Patronise my company to decorate your wedding. I’ll give a discount even though your fiancée is one of the wealthiest living things in the world.”“Of course. Just set an appointment for next week.”Ancel was genuinely happy, but his ey
AzraelI took pictures as Leslie excitedly stuck out his head from the train; the breeze blowing against his hair and his eyes excited with the nature scenery around Japan.Leslie was my kid, but travelling brought out that soul in him more. No sleep for me if he was awake, talking my ears out on all the places he wanted to go.I never want him to cry or feel lonely when I’m around.“I can’t wait to take a lot of pictures.” Leslie said, and I sighed.“I’ve missed hot spring baths.”The train stopped, and we headed for one of the popular temples in Kyoto – Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.We took a lot of pictures with a temple guide giving the history of the temple. I didn’t believe in any gods, unlike my parents and Leslie is Christian, so I couldn’t understand his fascination with temples.“Should we buy a charm or two? Maybe a souvenir?” Leslie asked.“Kid, these god statures aren’t for decorations and children touch things they shouldn’t. Let’s stick with the papers that won’t leave t
103Ben and I watched the examination Dr. Steve had with Niko. They were talking as Niko coloured and laughed.Dr. Steve touched a colour of the Rubik's cube and Niko would match the colours he picked as they talked about random topics unrelated to colours.Dr. Steve came out as a nurse took supervision, and we followed him to his office. We sat down and stared at Dr. Steve.My chest was heavy and my hands sweaty. I exhaled to ease the discomfort in my gut.“I have a few questions.” Dr. Steve said, and we nodded. “When was the first time you noticed your ward’s condition?”I stared at Ben, and he nodded in understanding.“When he was three. Nikolaus has always responded to the colour red as a baby, so I thought he liked the colour and yesterday, I confirmed he sees everything as red, with few exceptions.” I narrated, and Dr. Steve nodded.“What exceptions?” Dr. Steve asked.“Himself, me and objects that are actually the colour red.”Dr. Steve stared intensely at the both of us and exh
102LeslieKeystone Kindergarten was a beautiful building with welcoming graffiti and bright scenery. It was the beginning of a session. The school was full of parents, kids, and teachers.Azrael and I held Niko as we stared at the building before we saw a familiar toddler run towards us.“Remy!” Lennon screamed, and Niko broke loose from our hold.They hugged each other, laughing and giggling, then held hands. Lennon was a beautiful boy with a messy mop of brown hair, green eyes, and the brightest smile on his lovely face.“Leslie! Bethan!” Ben jogged towards us and stopped.“He’s so fast.” Ben said and hugged me. “It’s been a while.”Azrael frowned, and I wrapped Azrael’s arm around my shoulder. “You should keep a closer eye on him.”“Or a leash.” Azrael added, and we laughed.Ben checked his wristwatch and stared in shock. “I need to head for the office soon. I have a meeting in less than two hours.” Ben said.“It’s your second son’s first day of school. Be supportive.” I said and