That evening Mr Down called he asked how the first day went.

Well, to be totally honest it was one disaster upon the next but it seems Mr Pearce has asked me to stay. Tatum said softly.

What? He actually asked you to stay? Jonathan was very surprised.

Yes, sir, we clashed a few times and after a few misunderstandings and tears, he outright asked if I'll stay.

Oh-okay well, that is something I definitely didn't expect. Well, congratulations are in order then. Jonathan replied even more confused than surprised.

Thank you, sir, although I'm not sure I deserve to be congratulated after all we already sort of fought twice.

Even better, he is coming out of his shell; I'll transfer your bonus for not getting fired on your first day right now. Jonathan seemed happy.

Er...O-okay

Don't sound so despondent Tatum; you have gotten further in 24 hours than anyone in 10 years.

Hmm.. mm If you say so, but sir? Tatum sounded unsure if he should ask this question.

Yes, Tatum?

Do I really need to be a woman; can't I just tell him I'm a guy?

NO! Under no circumstances can you reveal you are a guy and more importantly keep being an Omega secret. Jonathan said firmly.

But, why do you want me to pretend to be female, he won't know I'm an Omega my pheromones are too weak to detect.

He hates Omegas, Tatum doesn't matter their 1st gender I know male omegas are rare especially recessive ones like you

But, Andrew needs to think of you as a normal woman or a man without being told, I want him to use his damn instincts.

They all but died 10 years ago, he can't stand people no matter their gender, you are a breakthrough, please play along.

If you say so, sir I just think letting him know I'm actually a guy will save some grief later on. Tatum still sounded upset.

I think he needs to get to know you as a person and not as a man or woman, so just forget you’re either. Ha ha Jonathan liked his own joke.

Be Androgynous like you are sexless, I'm sure Andrew will open up to you more, just go with his flow.

Sir, what happens if he tries anything, I know you said he is scared of intimacy and in general just scared of people. But, what happens if he gets past that? Should I tell him then that I'm not a woman, I mean he isn't gay.

Ha ha, I'm not sure what Andrew is he has never once had a relationship, just flings with floozies each female I think. But he is not a homophobe, and we have had some gay friends in the past and he has even gone on a blind date with a guy. I get what you’re saying, but Andrew Pearce is a strange horse, if he likes something doesn't matter what it is...

He will have it... So just stay clear-headed. Assumption is the mother of all fuck-ups so let him assume what he wants. Jonathan sounded very sure of himself.

Alright, sir, I still think this is a bit crazy but fine, my pheromones are too weak to smell even you couldn't.

Just be your sweet self-Tatum, I'm not asking you to seduce my bestie, just be his friend... But don't count love out. Jonathan threw out.

Wha-

Anyway, Tatum have a good evening, I'll call you in a week to see how you're doing. Goodbye. *click*

What a weird bloke! And now I have to live out his ploy.

Okay, time for bed... In the morning I have to put on a show... It's all to help Mr Pearce.

Tatum dreamt of Andrew Pearce all night.

The next morning...

So what am I going to wear today, I have to look in between a dude and a chick, this is painful but...

Mr Down could hardly detect Tatum’s pheromones scent and it had done nothing to him, it had smelled like the faintest of air fresheners but he was just a normal Alpha he had said that Mr Pearce on the other hand was a highly dominant alpha and since his ordeal is even more sensitive to all pheromones.

Mr Pearce had also insisted that the gardening and cleaning crews all be made up of betas everyone that came to the estate to deliver groceries and such also had to be betas, so Tatum had to pretend to be a beta female. Well, that wouldn’t be too hard, after all even recessive omegas were more beautiful than the average beta female be they a man or woman.

Most omegas become world-famous models the moment they step onto the scene. Tatum, however, had always been the shy type and even though he was a recessive omega he could be called extraordinarily beautiful for a man and was often mistaken for a young woman.

Growing up with three older sisters he was always used as the guinea pig for clothing and make-up because of his lithe figure and gorgeous features, so he knew how to dress up and do his own makeup for any occasion. He had even modelled for a couple of fashion magazines in the past at the behest of his sisters. But had never wanted to become a model.

Although he was very shy he still had to do what Mr Down had asked, as it was part of the job he vaguely understood that pretending to be a woman was part of the secret therapy that Mr Down and the Psychologist had come up with to bring Mr Pearce back into the fold, so he would have to carry it through.

Apparently, I'm an integral part of this plot...

Okay, well not too feminine so as not to completely deceive Mr Pearce, light make-up and androgynous clothing.

I have to wear something complimentary but do I even have something, I need to go shopping.

Hmmm?

Tatum dressed in tight-fitting slim black jeans and a slim-fit polo neck-styled shirt that accentuated his lithe figure.

Though the shirt fit a little loosely, Tatum had a very tapered waist, he wore black boots and a white jacket.

He applied the minimum of makeup just a bit of nude matt and light brown to bring out his natural eye colour.

No base or blush was needed as Tatum had the perfect skin tone without blemishes, his sisters were jealous.

Looking in the mirror he could see for himself why so many people mistook him for a girl, he liked his hair long too.

And was unlikely to cut it, he put on small looped earrings his sister gave him years ago and a pendant his mom gave him.

He left his hair hanging loose, taking a deep breath he stepped out of the second-story bedroom and went downstairs.

I'm ready for this day, and I'm starving, time to make good on the promise of Omelettes for breakfast.

Today was cheese & bacon omelettes, one of his specialities and a favourite among his siblings.

Tatum was finishing up the last omelette on the stove, he felt warmth on his back, and it hadn't been there a moment before.

He spun around to find Andrew Pearce centimetres from him; he let out a soft gasp as he looked up into Andrew's eyes.

He had grabbed onto Tatum's waist with both hands on instinct, preventing Tatum from retreating as well as burning.

...

Looking up into his face Tatum saw that he was clenching his jaw and restraining himself forcefully from who knows what.

Andrew hadn't meant to stand so close to her, he had followed the smell of frying bacon and melting cheese.

To find this alluring creature making omelettes and looking gorgeous all dressed in black and white.

Nothing she wore was particularly feminine in nature, even the shirt she was wearing could be mistaken for a man's.

If it wasn't for the form-fitting waist and the cut. She looked like an average teenage male with a slim body. If you looked quickly until you saw her face and the movements and the sway of her butt.

She has a faint touch of makeup on her eyes I think, but her skin is clear, she looks like a model from a magazine.

Just more innocent, especially when she suddenly turned around and I saw panic in her eyes finding me a breath away.

She tried to bolt almost immediately, if I hadn't grabbed her she would have run away, she looked like a scared kitten.

He was biting down hard on his teeth; it wouldn't have been a surprise if he actually cracked a tooth.

His hands were electrified where he touched her and the smell of Gardenias was permeating his nostrils.

He was ticked off at himself for behaving so impulsively, but it was almost like he had moved without thinking.

He leaned into her neck, and her eyes went wide with panic.

How did I even think she was here to seduce me, she panics at the slightest touch from me.

He whispered into her ear before taking a step back.

Hmmm, that smells divine...

Then only did he realise he had filled the entire kitchen with his scent, quickly looking down at her he saw...

Her cheeks are slightly flushed but is it from the fright I gave her or embarrassment, I assume it's one or the other.

Not the flush of sexual arousal that my pheromones would usually evoke in an Omega, she must be a Beta after all.

He felt like teasing Tatum just a bit so he licked his lips and started to lean closer again, Tatum started to fidget.

Ha ha! I won't bite... Unless you want me to?

Tatum had mustered the resolve to push through the haze of Andrew's pheromones and touch to keep his head straight.

As Andrew leaned into Tatum's vicinity again, he softly pushed against Andrew's chest, and Andrew stopped immediately.

Tatum regained his composure or at least a semblance of it.

Such a soft touch made me stop. How does this woman's touch calm and arouse me all in one go? Andrew thought seriously.

Looking up into Andrew's eyes, he could see the interest behind the forming scowl.

“Is he testing me to see if I'm an Omega? I get it, what you don't know is because I'm a recessive I have more control. My reactions are controlled better than any normal Omega or Dominant Omega, those would be begging for sex right now. The shear amount of pheromones you just released was crazy; you really are a Dominant Alpha, Andrew Pearce.” These thoughts were zooming through Tatum’s head.

“In your eyes, I must have passed for a Beta... Good”

Giving Andrew a soft smile he turned back to the stove and made up a plate for each of them as if dismissing him.

This rankled Andrew.

How could she dismiss me like that, she really must be a Beta, no reaction to my scent.

You may take a seat Mr P- Andrew, omelettes and coffee will be served for breakfast.

Tatum spoke softly with a purr in her husky voice. It threw Andrew for a loop.

He stood a full 10 seconds staring at her rubbing the back of his neck, out of confusion at being dismissed so easily.

He then plopped onto a chair and waited patiently to be served yummy omelettes.

This is very unlike me!!

Andrew ate with gusto, the food was amazing and he kept stealing glances at Tatum.

U-um Tatum?

Yes sir? I mean... Andrew?

What are you doing today? I know you cleaned yesterday, so I just want to know what your plan for today is I mean.

U-um I was going to go to the Fresh Food market, to buy some ingredients for dinner.

*looking down at his plate* A-aah? C-could I maybe...

Tatum reached out to touch Andrew's hand but before he touched it he stopped in mid-air, and then pulled back.

“Did she try to touch me again? Did I completely destroy this girl's confidence with my stupidity?”

A-Andrew? Would you like to come with me to the market? I know you hate leaving the house and-

YES! Sorry yes, I want to go with you, I think I can if you are with me *he mumbled the last part, feeling self-conscious*.

Oh! Really? Okay then, what would you like for dinner?

I used to have a cooking hobby, so I'd like to cook dinner for you... Andrew said while looking at his plate.

Oh! O-okay... U-um what will you be cooking?

Do you like Lasagne?

I L-O-V-E Lasagne!

Well then I'll cook us up some Lasagne, I'll meet you at the front door in 30 minutes, and then we can leave.

I hope I can make it to the market without a panic attack... I really do want to cook her dinner.