Page 35 of Perfectly Yours
Like the shutter of a camera that seems to always be there when I return to my apartment.
Or Nathan Fox harassing me again Saturday night, telling me that Macon and Savin will drop me like a hot potato when they’re done with me.
Macon said this would only work if I tell him what I need, what’s working, and what isn’t.
Which means they have to know.
Everything.
Somehow I convince myself that I don’t have to say anything until Thursday.
It’s a terrible plan.
Chapter twenty-five
SAVIN
The day passes by in sweet kisses, giggles, and impromptu naps, Ellie continually telling me that she has to focus before cuddling up against my side on the couch again. Mondays are usually my day off but before when I’d be at the house alone, there’s now someone here to spend time with. I know it won’t always be like this but the added presence of this gorgeous Beta has definitely made this day more exciting.
Just after 5 pm, I shoved myself into a pair of dress pants and a sweater for this evening’s event, excited to meet some of the stars in Macon’s new film. However, I’d rather spend the rest of the day here with Ellie and Macon.
Unfortunately, this event is more than just a meet and greet. It’s a chance to put out our narrative. I mentioned to Macon that instead of printing a response, we should show it. Show that I’m not this villainous Omega keeping my mother-in-law from her son. I find it funny that Aalya hasn’t tried to contact us but that’s probably for show as she waits for us to start the conversation.
Ellie is once again dozing off in my lap and I’m starting to worry. She mentioned that she hasn’t slept well the past few nights and I want to be selfish, thinking that it’s because she isn’t sleeping next to us. That isn’t it, though. There’s something else. Something that’s… off. My phone buzzes at my side and I open a text message, frowning when it ruins my relaxed mood.
Dude, what the fuck are you doing fighting the Astor witch?
I haven’t heard that name for Aalya in a while but it isn’t far off. Ellie shifts in my lap, placing a hand on my chest to draw my attention to her. Half-lidded hazel eyes stare up at me as she silently asks me for the reason for the change in my demeanor. Sometimes I forget how sensitive an Omega’s scent is, the way it fluctuates with every emotion I have. “It’s nothing.”
She pats my chest again as she sits up. “Don’t believe you,” Ellie mumbles and then groans, staring at the papers scattered across the floor. She’s been working through the contract most of the day, texting our lawyer with every question that comes up. I have no idea how far she has gotten, too distracted by her presence in my arms.
I let out a deep breath, wondering where to start. Showing Ellie the text doesn’t explain anything so I either have to tell her it’s nothing and not to worry or give her a different view of just how unglamorous our lives truly are. There’s no good way to begin this story so I decide on a cliff notes version of how Macon and I met and then how Aalya and I crossed paths. I speed through the happy times, staying focused on why Aalya is a thorn in my side.
By the time I finish, I’m pent up on unspent emotions from the last time I saw Aalya and that stupid article where she tried to turn the public against us. That’s not even why I’m angry. It’s that she keeps trying to use my helplessness against Macon. At one point, I was almost ready to tell Macon to leave me behind but for what? We would both be miserable and Macon has never expressed his desire for more.
“Hold on, explain that again,” Ellie demands as she crawls off my lap and sits beside me. Her arms are folded across her chest, eyes glaring at me as she waits for me to explain. I hadn’t planned on spilling the beans about Macon’s mother. Ellie tilts her head to the side, her earrings moving with her as her forehead creases with concern. “Macon knows how you feel about his mother, right?” Her hands fall to her lap and I’m sure she doesn’t mean for me to see the way she caresses her lower belly with a care that belies Ellie’s rough personality.
“Yeah, he was the one who took her access to the house away. She made it this big thing, wrote up an article, and now we have to respond so the world doesn’t think I’m this piece of shit stealing away her son. We’re going to make a statement tonight that will “accidentally” get recorded by whoever is there.” I hate having to play Aayla’s game and I knew it was wishful thinking she was out of our lives.
Ellie looks at me in disgust—not at me, more at the situation—but I can see that she doesn’t like Aalya anymore than I do. She runs her tongue along her bottom lip, almost contemplating a plan. “You mentioned that she doesn’t think you’re enough but what if you play into the fact that you’re trying your best?”
“What do you mean?”
“Savin, I think it’s noble to let everyone know the reality of your health but you shouldn’t have to. Instead, use the fact that you’re hiring a PA and trying to manage your time better even if it’s not entirely true. Show the steps you’ve taken to be more present to overshadow everything else, to show everyone that she’s wrong.” Ellie wiggles in place, rubbing her belly again. I can’t tell if she’s uncomfortable or if the ice cream we ate this morning isn’t agreeing with her.
I realize that we haven’t eaten lunch and derail the conversation. “You didn’t eat lunch, Ellie.”
She shrugs and stands to her feet. “Not hungry. Shit, give me a minute.” She disappears into the hallway bathroom in a rush and I stare, confused. There’s too many thoughts going through my head but I try to focus on her suggestion.
Pretending that I’m doing my best. Unfortunately, it won’t work because Macon leaves events early in order to take care of me. Too much stress and my body fails. Too much excitement and my body gives me the middle finger. My body’s temperature fluctuates dangerously during my heats. My biology is working against me and I’ve already accepted that the world is going to find out. Aalya is going to look like the evil woman that she is and maybe the entertainment industry will give me some grace when it comes to my work.
Ellie returns, face a little flushed, her scent sweet and heavy in the air. “Sorry. I don’t know what hit me. Maybe too much ice cream.” Her words are hurried as she grabs the papers and moves to the kitchen, resuming her review of the contract. I’m about to interrupt her when she pulls out her phone, burying her head into the document again.
What the fuck? Is she ashamed? I resituate onto my knees, leaning over the back of the couch as I watch her, Ellie very obviously trying to avoid any conversation about what just happened. My heart constricts, something akin to pain growing in my chest. It’s panic, but it’s not mine. Ellie, what’s going on? I mutter to myself. It hurts to see her this flustered as she runs a hand through her curls, repeatedly licking her lips.
“Ellie-”
“I need to finish this, Savin. Just a few minutes.” Ellie is hiding something.