"That—" I was about to answer Tanya when the shrill ringtone of my cellphone cut me off.

We both jumped slightly. I glanced at the screen; unknown number. With a muttered apology, I stepped onto the balcony to take the call.

"Hello?"

"Tony? Are you okay?"

Robbie, just my luck. Tanya had literally just asked about my bonded Alpha, and here he was, crawling out of the woodwork like some cosmic joke.

"Are you stalking me? How the hell do you have my number?" I snapped, the irritation bubbling to the surface.

"From your resume," Robbie replied, casually.

Shit. I always forget I'm technically under his payroll. Of course, he has access to my records. It was infuriating.

"What do you want?" I asked, already exhausted by the conversation.

"I heard you called security. Are you alright?" he asked, voice edged with concern.

Concern for me or for his damn resort’s image?

"A colleague was assaulted by a guest, so I called security,” I said flatly. “Don’t worry. If there’s any issue with the resort’s reputation, you can pin it on me."

A long silence fell. Long enough that I checked the screen to make sure he hadn’t hung up. After nearly five minutes, he finally spoke, quietly.

"The resort's reputation doesn't matter to me as long as you're okay."

I blinked, stunned into silence. I wasn’t sure how to respond to that; this kind of softness from him was... uncharted. I brushed it off.

"You don’t need to worry about me. I can handle myself," I said curtly.

Another long silence fell. Why does he keep going quiet like this? It made my stomach twist, like I was bracing for something bad. And then, almost too soft to hear—

"I'm outside your house."

My phone nearly slipped from my hand.

Outside my house?! What the actual hell is he doing here, now of all times?

"I have a guest here," I blurted, panic setting in.

"Who?" Robbie asked, his voice sharp with surprise.

"I'm not obligated to tell you."

"If you don’t, I’ll ring the bell," he warned bluntly. There was something in his voice: possessiveness? Or maybe a threat? I couldn’t make it out clearly. I was too stunned by his audacity.

"I’ll call the cops," I threatened, though I already knew it would be useless. In this world, Alphas rule, and money does all the talking.

"Go ahead. If they come, I’ll gladly tell them you’re my Omega."

Damn him for knowing exactly where to strike.

I’ve worked hard to keep my sub-gender hidden at work. If word got out I’m an Omega, bonded to him of all people, I’d be media fodder in hours. And Twen… He’d get dragged into this mess, too.

"...Tanya," I said bitterly.

"Oh." Robbie sounded thrown. "I thought—"

"I don’t care what you thought!" I cut him off, voice rising. "I’m so sick of your blackmail and threats! You say you care about me; is this what caring looks like to you? Cornering me like this? Forcing your way into my life?"

I hung up before I could say something I'd regret, chest heaving.

Get a grip, Tony.

I took a deep breath and walked back into the living room. Tanya was still sipping her coffee, calm but observant. I glanced at the door, nerves prickling. Robbie was outside. What if he forced his way in? Tanya might find out everything, even if she’s discreet; this could be a disaster.

"You okay?" Tanya asked gently. "You look... nervous."

"I—I’m fine. Have you calmed down?"

"This?" she shrugged, with a hollow smile. "I’ve had worse."

There was something in her tone that unsettled me, but she pivoted before I could ask.

"Sorry. I shouldn’t have asked about your Alpha. If he cared, he’d be here."

I smiled faintly. Even after nearly being assaulted, she was worrying about my feelings. Nature may have made Omegas physically weaker, but it gave us hearts twice as strong.

"What he did isn’t exactly rare, and it’s been eight years, Tanya. Don’t worry about upsetting me."

Then curiosity got the better of me. “By the way, how do you manage? You’re not bonded, so your scent must be hard to mask.”

Tanya let out a tired sigh. “Heat pills—every single day,” she said bitterly. “Unlike yours—what, 250 mg even during heat? I take 350 on regular days and 750 when I’m in heat.”

My jaw dropped. 750 mg?!

That’s… dangerous. Two pills of that could be close to an overdose. Why does she need such a high dose? Are her pheromones really that strong?

Normally, only sexually active unbonded Omegas need suppressants that strong. But Tanya’s never mentioned a partner, she still lives with her parents, and with our schedules, it’s hard to imagine she’s hooking up regularly.

I wanted to ask, but stopped myself. This was breaking into far too personal grounds.

"I wouldn’t recommend that kind of dosage," I said quietly.

“I know. But you saw what happens when I let my guard down,” she laughed, the sound brittle. “Honestly, I’m just amazed I never guessed you were an Omega, even Twen calls you ‘Mommy.’”

I chuckled. “Maybe it’s because you never saw anyone giving me that look. Or maybe it just never crossed your mind.”

“Anyway,” I added, tone sobering, “do me a favor and don’t tell anyone about my sub-gender. You know how people treat Omegas. It’s bad enough dealing with the school comments about my son.”

Truth be told, I’ve developed thick skin. The issue isn't me; it’s the workplace. Too many people still can’t stomach taking orders from an Omega, especially a male one. I’m in a leadership position now. If this gets out, it could ruin everything. One anonymous complaint, and I’m out the door before I even land another job.

“I won’t say a word,” Tanya said firmly. Then she glanced at the time. “I should get going. It’s already late. Um… can I borrow a few heat suppressants?”

“I can drop you off,” I offered, frowning.

“It’s okay. I live with my parents, and it’s not far. Plus, there are Omega cab drivers now, it’s safer.”

“If you’re sure…” I hesitated, but eventually nodded. I went to the bedroom, grabbed three pills, and handed them to her as I walked her to the door.

Thank god, Robbie was gone.

Tanya gave a small wave. “I’ll text you once I’m home.”

“Please do,” I said, watching her until she disappeared from view.

I stepped back inside, was about to close the door when a hand stopped it.

It was Robbie.

Before I could react, he stepped inside, grabbed my arm, and shut the door behind us.