Jax

The city passes in a blur as we make our way towards the large complex of Harlin Enterprise. It feels like a lifetime, but it's less than a few minutes before we drive into the underground car park. I squint as everything dims, and the vehicle's tyres seem to squeak as they extend down and connect with the tarmac. To me, hovercars were strange; I still could not believe they existed. Finally, the driver drives down and stops directly in front of a single elevator with two guards. Was this a private entrance just for Knox? A guard opens my door, and I thank him as I step out onto the tarmac with a yawn. 

I would have never received this type of security in my old life. Of course, I was valuable to them, and they loved me dearly; however, they knew my skills and that I could care for myself despite my Omega body. Still, it was nice not to feel anxious all of the time.

"This way, Sir."

However, I could not get used to being called Sir; did I look old enough to be a Sir? I smile at the dark-skinned guard,

"Please just call me Jax."

He raises a brow questioningly for a moment, then nods, 

"Yes, Jax."

He smiles and presses his thumb to a pad at the side, causing the elevator to hum as it travels to the basement level. The door opens smoothly, and then I'm ushered inside, a set of guards positioned on either side of me as the doors slam shut. 

The elevator creaks as it climbs upward, causing my heart to lurch. The pressure builds the closer I get to Know; my body practically screams with anticipation. Electricity thrums across my skin which causes me to shudder as the elevator stops. Pheremones swept from me in a rush, causing the guards to stiffen and cough; my body was reacting to him, and I couldn't stop. Finally, the elevator doors open, and the guards step out, covering their mouths and noses. 

"I am so sorry."

The dark-skinned guard holds up his hand,

"There is no need to apologise, Jax; this is natural."

Despite their reassurance, I still feel embarrassed; I should be able to control myself better. A door opens, and from within, Knox steps out; my heart beats faster at seeing him. He turns to me immediately and smiles, his eyes scanning me possessively as he inhales the air. Was this the effect of the bond? Was it clicking into place for him yet?

There was so much that I wanted to know, but I was scared that he wasn't feeling the same way. So instead of asking, I bury it deep within and smile. 

Of course, I had seen Knox this morning before he left; seeing him in his suit makes my stomach knot. The material clings to him in all the right places, allowing his muscles to show through the material without looking tight. He was gorgeous, almost as if he'd come out of a painting. I want to touch him all over. 

My cheeks flush as our eyes catch. Could Knox read my mind? I cough away my nerves and smile back at him. I could not allow myself to look like a fool, not again. I walk past my guards just as Knox steps toward me; the air seems to tingle around us. 

"How have you been?"

"Well, I would have liked to have breakfast with you this morning - next time, wake me up!"

His eyes sparkle as he laughs and leads me down a hallway. As he glances back, I notice his canines and swallow; I bet they would feel good against my neck. Finally, Knox pushes open a large door, and I realise it's to the office we were in last time. I inhale as we enter, my body shivering as his pheromones seep within me.  

"I didn't want to disturb you, but I will wake you for breakfast. You have my word."

I smile,

"Good."

"You're already starting to sound like my wife."

"Well, someone has to put you in your place."

He closes the door as I enter, and I glance around the room, eagerly taking in everything. I wonder if there was anything sentimental within this room? I walk to his desk and settle in one of the opposite seats. A pot of tea and a selection of cakes sit on the desk's surface—my stomach grumbles at seeing them. 

"Help yourself."

I nod and pour myself a cup of tea and a few cakes, smiling at the sweetness as I take a bite from the strawberry cream cake. Then, I groan and open my eyes as Knox settles into his desk chair with a smile.

"This is incredible."

"I will remember that from now on."

I smile and sip from my cup, washing down the sweet cake with the warm, cosy liquid. 

"So today, you need to tell me what you heard, and after that, we can get you signed up for the drug trial. Is that ok?"

I nod,

"It's what I'm here for!"

I admire Knox's long fingers as he types something into his computer before leaning back into his chair. He crosses his legs and clasps his hands together, staring at me in a business-like manner that has me trembling. I clear my throat and begin telling Knox every tiny detail. He nods as I speak, but his expression doesn't change as he listens. Finally, as I finish, he leans forward and clicks on his computer again. Had he recorded me?

"So from the information you have given me, Two male Alphas were speaking about a potential world-destroying virus whilst fucking in the alleyway?"

I nod,

"Are you sure they weren't drunk? It could have been their fetish."

I shake my head,

"I've been trained to detect and gather information in a specific way that allows me to know whether it is true or false. I can tell you that from the tones of their voices and the way they were speaking, the information is correct and not a fetish or joke."

"I would not know that, would I."

I scowl at him as warmth spreads across my face. 

"I know I haven't told you much, but it's for the best."

He nods and looks to the side. Was he upset?

"I can't force you to tell me anything - I just wish you would trust me."

He sighs and uncrosses his legs. Was he that upset? He begins to type again, and I stare down at my hands. Had I already messed things up between us?

"I will pass this information to the local authorities; we'll probably have to aid them in the investigation."

I nod,

"Until they contact me, we can get you started on the drug trial. Is that ok?"

I nod and grasp the document file he hands to me.

"So, as I mentioned before, I'm looking into creating an affordable but highly effective drug for Alphas and Omegas to suppress Heats and ruts whilst also working as a contraceptive. A successful contraceptive has never been in the market before, so this is completely new - of course, it's all legal for trial, but as of yet, the effects on humans are unknown."

I read over the contact and nod,

"Why can't people just use condoms?"

The tension from earlier falls away as Knox laughs,

"As you may or may not know, Condoms are highly successful; however, if they were to be out of date or damaged, the chance of pregnancy, especially in Heat or Rut, is 99%. Also, an Alpha is still able to Knot with a condom on, and studies show that the material of the condom breaks from the Knot's pressure, resulting in pregnancy."

"And the drug will decrease that percentage?"

"Yes, we are hoping by 90%."

I'm not sure about the trial; however, this was the only way I could stay next to Knox. I take a pen and quickly sign the dotted line at the bottom of the contract. I hand the documents back to Knox, shuddering as his fingers brush mine. 

"Of course, when your heat eventually comes - the drug should suppress it slightly, and you should be protected. However, the only way to trial the drug's effectiveness would be for unprotected sex or whilst using a tampered condom."

I stare at him,

"And you failed to mention this before I signed!"

"Sorry - we have a list of Alpha candidates you can look through that have also consented to the trial."

I hold up my hand, stopping him mid-sentence. If I was going to do this, then so was he. Why should I have to do this with a random man? I didn't want anyone but him. Swallowing, I look directly into Knox's eyes and smile; I need to act confident.

"If I'm going to do this, then so are you - I won't have unprotected sex with anyone but you!"