The statement caught her by surprise, leaving her momentarily blank. Wait, are we dating? Since when? was the first thought that crossed her mind.
"Bastian, I'm sorry. I got distracted because I ran into a former colleague."
Bastian appeared quite uncomfortable. He disliked that Valentina didn't greet him first and instead became distracted talking with another man. In his eyes, the man lacked the beauty and attractiveness he believed himself to possess; he was overly friendly for Bastian's personal taste, yet at the same time simply… ordinary. Although he wasn't jealous, he felt irritated by not being the center of her attention. However, this time he decided to let it go. He would discuss with her later about things that bothered him. After all, he was convinced that she liked him. Although she hadn't fully succumbed to his desires yet, Bastian was confident that, with time, she'd fall for his charms.
To Valentina's surprise and discomfort, Bastian introduced her to the group, and immediately all eyes fell upon her. At that moment, anxious thoughts invaded her mind as she became the center of attention. Yet to the others, Valentina was different from the other men and women Bastian had previously brought. Although she perceived herself as a frightened rabbit, others saw her as someone confident, cold, serious, with a severe yet dark gaze. Sometimes, that apparent darkness sparked even more curiosity among those around her, making them wonder what was really going on in her mind. And though her expressions often revealed her feelings and moods, Valentina knew her face was also her greatest protection: a barrier that kept her most complex thoughts hidden.
Minutes passed, and contrary to Valentina's exaggerated panic, everyone treated her kindly. Even when Bastian mentioned that she was a beta, none of those present made inappropriate comments. Apparently, Bastian had already informed them beforehand. The night wasn't so bad and proceeded in relative harmony until someone in the group made a rather sharp remark:
"Valentina, why don't you want Bastian to stay with you? You don't think he's a murderer, do you?" came the comment, followed by laughter. "HAHAHAHA!" Everyone started laughing. "Or maybe you're afraid he'll take advantage of you, right?"
The tactless comment irritated Valentina. It made her uncomfortable that people who seemed pleasant could say something so inappropriate.
"Not everyone opens up as quickly as you," Lucas intervened dryly.
Lucas had arrived with Andrea, although Valentina wasn't aware of this. In a way, her best friend's quick response made her somewhat uneasy; it didn't seem fair for him to speak on her behalf. Although she knew he did it out of concern, she felt capable of defending herself. With a fixed look towards Lucas, a gesture exchange only they understood, she let him know that his intervention wasn't necessary. Lucas, understanding the message, silently mouthed an apology.
Valentina took advantage of the group's discomfort to pull Bastian aside. She wanted to ask him why he hadn't told her anything about the lawyer, if she had done something wrong, and above all, clarify if they were really dating as he had implied.
"It slipped my mind, sorry, but why are you making such drama?" Bastian replied, seemingly unconcerned. "He said he'd see you on Wednesday."
She noticed that despite everything, Bastian didn't clarify whether they were actually dating. Valentina's expression twisted with discomfort. She could feel the wind blowing, hear the laughter, singing, and the sound of water as people dipped their feet in a nearby fountain. Her mind and heart were in constant connection: what she felt in her chest inevitably showed on her face. At that moment, her expression clearly showed annoyance. She wanted to tell Bastian it wasn't fair to call her dramatic, but something stopped her… a kiss.
"I'm sorry, darling. It really slipped my mind. Will you forgive me?"
That apology and kiss were enough to make Valentina doubt her own thoughts. Maybe I'm exaggerating, she told herself. After all, he was human, just like her, and capable of forgetting things. Additionally, Bastian had mentioned being a bit sad about not staying with her, and that's why it had slipped his mind. People at the bar watched them as they kissed. Relationships involving people of different castes always drew attention, but it usually ended there. Everyday gossip considered it temporary amusement on one side while the other enjoyed fleeting luck.
By early morning, with everyone quite intoxicated, they decided to take the train back home. Bastian explained to Valentina that he'd leave with his friends and see her on Wednesday. She insisted they should leave together, but he firmly refused, claiming they had already agreed to meet the day after tomorrow to talk with the lawyer at her home. Valentina reluctantly accepted, knowing she had no choice. And thus, with the warmth still slowly fading, her last Monday of freedom came to an end.
**
The streets of Uster on a weekday resembled the Old West. Nobody around, nobody anywhere. Children left school only at 3 PM, and most people worked until 5 or, in some cases, 6 PM. Most of Lucas's customers arrived at lunchtime or during weekends since everyone was busy during weekdays. Although occasionally some foreigners passing through would request appointments, it was uncommon to see Swiss customers on those days.
Due to the low flow of customers, Lucas invited Andrea to keep him company at his shop. After all, the store was about the size of a 60 m² apartment, and had a small office where he also coordinated with clients. Andrea was precisely in that office, writing.
Andrea was a book reviewer but also a romance novelist. He was quite well-known in his country, though less so abroad, as his publications were exclusively in Italian.
"Do you want me to cook something today? I can make ravioli and a salad," Andrea said.
It was already Wednesday, and these past few days they'd shared had been very special for Lucas. He felt pampered by Andrea. In his mind, questions Andrea had initially asked about himself and what he sought resonated more deeply. He now felt he understood him a bit better. Furthermore, he was growing increasingly curious to know Andrea more profoundly. They understood each other perfectly in bed, in the kitchen too, and he even liked how Andrea helped with household chores. However, something slightly bothered him: Andrea tended to expose his pheromones significantly and sometimes marked his gland. Lucas attributed it to Andrea's character, thinking perhaps it was typical of him, given that they'd known each other for barely a month.
Hours passed, and no other customers came, except a couple who bought some lights. Their previous lights had faults, and they didn't want to risk the road since they were just passing through the country.
When Lucas was about to close, the last thing he wanted occurred: he saw that man again.
"Hey, beta. We've been looking for spare parts all over Zurich, and maybe you have them," said Raffael.
"Forgive him. Forgive us for coming so late. We didn't mean to bother you, but I'm desperate for some chains," added his companion.
As Lucas watched Raffael, he wondered why he wasn't accompanied by the same person as last time. Did he have multiple lovers? The intensity in Raffael's voice, mixed with his commanding tone, aroused Andrea's curiosity, who stepped out of the office to see who was speaking to Lucas like that. Approaching, Andrea caught a scent of sandalwood; it was Raffael's pheromones, emitting a subtle yet clear sign of power. Instinctively, Andrea covered his mouth, uncomfortable with the smell, and Lucas rushed to see what was happening. Then Raffael spoke again, making everyone uncomfortable:
"Are you an omega? Do you like my pheromones? I'm sure I'd be a better lover than that beta."