“This issue is quite important, perhaps that was the reason for Secretary Keaton's behavior.”
“Nothing justifies such behavior, Eric. Don't normalize that.”
Eric felt more and more confident and was delighted by Mark's kindness and benevolent aura. Such an alpha was strange, especially when it was a dominant alpha.
“You’re right.” Eric nodded, suppressing a slight smile. “Before starting the session, I want to ask your opinion on everything. From the location to the costume you will wear. The important thing is that you feel comfortable. Anything you don't like, you can tell me right away and we'll quickly change it.”
“I am not a picky person. I really adapt to anything. I've already told you that I have faith that you will do an excellent job.”
Whenever Mark complimented him, Eric blushed slightly. Fortunately to his relief, his glasses helped a bit in covering the slight blush on his face.
“Still, it doesn't hurt to consult you. In any case, it is my obligation to inform you how the session will take place.”
Mark nodded and smiled. “Good, then inform me.”
When their gazes met, Eric quickly turned around and started walking towards the small room where the photoshoot would take place. Mark's dark blue eyes and above all, that expression so sweet and kind made his heart beat desperately.
“Although I just had the pleasure of meeting you today, I have taken the courage to imagine your personality through your work. I keep in mind that despite being a high-ranking alpha, that detail is the last thing you want to highlight. That’s why I have decided to take simple but representative photographs.”
As Eric explained, Mark looked at everything he had prepared. There was nothing but a simple armchair next to large picture windows that exposed much of the city. Since they were on the second floor, people could even be seen walking on the sidewalk. It was a fairly simple view, but he could understand why Eric made that decision.
“«There is no instinct greater than rationality»,” Eric quoted. “It’s quite a simple but emotional phrase. There is no doubt that the Pulitzer has more than deserved.”
“You read my work.” Praised Mark.
“It was honestly a reading I did last night.”
Mark shook his head. “I recognize where that phrase comes from. «We are living beings with instinct, but also rational humans. There is no instinct greater than rationality». That was part of one of my first jobs, when I was just making my way into the world of journalism. It was before I worked for The New York Times and it was pretty tough, especially for the content. Not many liked the idea of me criticizing alpha superiority. At this point, no one remembers my first works and few people have even read it. If you ask about me, they will probably only remember what I wrote for the newspaper… Even if it was a reading you did last night, thank you. Thanks especially for your interest. You really captured my way of thinking, I like your idea of finding the exceptional in simplicity.”
Eric felt his cheeks burn again. Mark had the knack of sounding so sweet and kind with such simple words that he felt like he would die if he praised him again. He looked at him briefly and with a shy smile thanked him:
“When a reading is enjoyed, there is zero effort. So don't thank me.” And then he turned around again. Mark laughed briefly.
“Do you tend to blush easily?” Mark commented.
This comment took Eric by surprise. He felt quite embarrassed when it was discovered, and more concerned with hiding his face that was now burning almost like the filament of an incandescent light bulb, he ended up tripping over one of the lighting cables falling to the ground.
“Oh my God! Eric!” Mark said, totally alarmed.
Eric was feeling pathetic and now his embarrassment was more for making a fool of himself in front of a man like Mark. He wanted to cry, but at the same time he was so used to being insignificant that he no longer felt it necessary to make it important. He just smiled bitterly. He didn't want to look at Mark, he didn't want him to see him being so pathetic. But Mark, good as he was, went straight to him and helped him up.
“You're okay? I'm sorry for my comment, it was without bad intentions.”
Eric smiled a little bitterly. Even in these moments, where it was evident that the fault was only his, for his pathetic clumsiness, still, Mark took all the blame. How many times would he have to be born again to have such a man? He was momentarily jealous of the woman he married.
“I'm fine, it’s okay. It was just my clumsiness.” Eric's voice sounded unfriendly, but it was just a way to rescue a bit of his pride.
Mark sighed in concern. “You don't sound good. But if you say you are, I believe you. I just want you to keep in mind that anyone would have had a clumsy moment. Even me, or the president. Don’t be so mortified with that, the important thing is that you are already standing... I’m sorry that it’s not the same for your glasses.”
Eric's lips trembled along with his heart at his words. “God. Why are you such a good person? My conscience hurts,” he said laughing a little nervously and picked up his glasses from the ground, one of the lenses was severely cracked. “Don't worry about the glasses. I always bring my contact lenses… actually those are supposed to be the ones I have to wear, but I've gotten so used to wearing glasses that it feels uncomfortable to wear them.”
“I'm happy, because if not my conscience would also hurt.”
They both laughed. Suddenly all the negative thoughts Eric had towards himself were fading.
“While I'm going to get my contact lenses, how about you go to the costume fitting? We receive your measurements but it’s better that you try it to see if there is no problem. If all is well, then we start.”
“But… Can you go alone? I wouldn't want you to trip over again. If you want, I’ll go with you.”
Eric smiled at her offer, but shook his head. “I'll be fine. Fortunately I'm not that blind, if I pay attention to where I put my feet, I'll be fine. Also, the wardrobe staff is dying to meet you.”
Being a photographer in a photoshoot was Eric's least favorite thing. He had always preferred to photograph nature, urban life or things that happened at the moment. However, being behind the camera photographing Mark gave him unimaginable satisfaction.
Looking at the result of his work caused him joy. Even if he was a lousy photographer who barely knew how to use a camera, the photos would have come out just as perfect. And it’s that it didn’t matter what kind of photo it was, if Mark was in it, then the photo is magnificent.
“Be honest, Eric. Tell me I'm not photogenic. I'm ready for the ugly truth.”
Mark came up behind him after he had changed again. Eric was sitting at a table with his laptop reviewing the photos and seeing him so close, more than feeling nervous, he felt happy.
“What are you saying? Of course it’s not like that. In fact, I am in a big dilemma. I don't know which photographs to choose from among all of them to send to the editor-in-chief.”
Mark looked at the pictures on the screen and made a shocked expression.
“I guess you retouched the photos, because there is no way it is me.”
“Don’t be so modest. All photos are unretouched. In fact, there isn't much to retouch, just lighting details.”
"So you really did magic,” Mark Joked.
Eric rolled his eyes as he laughed. “It seems as if we are competing for who praises the other the most.”
“Perhaps, but my words are sincere.”
As always, every time Mark smiled, Eric felt a great warmth in his chest.
“I think this would be perfect for the cover,” Eric said pointing to a particular photo on the screen, changing the subject as he noticed his heart began to beat rapidly. “The picture windows make what is happening outside more visible than what is happening inside. I chose this location because the surrounding colors are similar and bright. Obviously it sticks out a lot to be the background of a photo, but I think that makes you stand out more. The wardrobe staff suggested that you wear an elegant suit in a striking color, but I thought it would be a very presumptuous image for you. That’s why I suggested simple clothes, in which you fit in with what happens outside but at the same time stand out from being on the other side of the windows, receiving the brightness of the city. It is as if your glowing aura is physical.”
Eric spoke totally enthusiastic and immersed in his work. When he finished speaking and not hearing a prompt word from Mark, he looked at him only to find that he was staring at him.
“Uh… Is something wrong? I… I'm sorry, sometimes I talk too much when it comes to my work.”
“Don’t apologize. It's just that hearing you speak so passionately about your work makes me think you're amazing, and you are.”
Mark smiled again. A beautiful and warm smile. Her sincere words, with no hidden intentions, caused Eric's heart to beat rapidly again. He asked himself if there was such a thing as love at first sight. Although his biggest question was whether he deserved to fall in love with someone like him. After giving Chris a fake love for almost six years, he never imagined that he could have feelings for someone. He expected his karma, not the opposite.
Suddenly Mark made a comment that brought him back to reality in the most fateful way possible:
“Oh, I thought you were a beta.”
“Pardon?”
“Your pheromones, I can feel them. They're pretty dim so maybe that's why I figured it out until now. Don't worry, I'm not like those predatory alphas. You can be calm.”
It was evident to Eric that Mark's words were spoken without a hint of malice. Mark didn't know he was keeping the fact that he was an omega a secret to begin with, and he knew that he would never be in danger with him.
His concern, what really made him feel quite terrified, is that just as Mark was able to figure out his secret, there are probably alphas who will realize that too. And contrary to how safe he might feel with Mark, he may not be safe with them.
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