001

Leslie

I fell on the bed before I hugged the pillow and buried my face in it. My first day of work and the report were bad before we could build any relationship. Goodbye to all my illusions of how my perfect author was in my head.

I laid on my back as I thought about what Reina had said earlier today.

“The management knows Azrael’s hatred towards omegas, especially since pairing within same-sex has gained recognition even among betas. Azrael can be a bit conservative, so try not to take anything he says to heart.” Reina said with a foxy smile.

“Wouldn’t the right thing be to pair with an easier person?” I asked.

“Yes, but if Bob and the board decided it was you, you must have what they need. After all, Bob’s intuition is never wrong, plus I find this an interesting source of entertainment. Maybe Azrael will make a bestseller from a bittersweet enmity that will blossom to pure friendship.”

“Bob is in the management?” I asked, and Reina nodded.

“He always lies about his position to put new employees at ease, but he is the director and I’m the editor-in-chief.” Reina exposed, and I shouted in surprise.

I sighed as I sat up before I changed my clothes to prepare dinner since Ben wasn’t yet home.

“Babe, I’m home.” Ben announced from the door before I left the dining where I was setting the table.

“Welcome-” I gasped when Ben suddenly lifted me and I laughed before we gave each other gentle kisses, then dropped me slowly to the ground.

“What’s the excitement all about this evening?” I asked as I leaned against Ben’s arm before he hugged me.

“I got a job!” Ben shouted as I jumped with joy.

“Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. Where?”

“I’ll show you later.”

“When do you start?”

“Monday.”

I clapped happily before he raised a box that certainly contained cake inside.

“I also brought us dessert. I was going to pick up wine, but then I remembered you had work today. That reminds me, how was your first day?” Ben asked, and the excitement waned.

“It was terrible in a good way.” I explained as I ruffled my back hair.

“What happened?” Ben asked as I collected the cake and dropped it on the table.

“Well, for starters, I got assigned to my very first author.” I narrated.

“I thought you don’t get an author until after four months of training?” Ben asked, and I breathed out.

“Well, it seemed the reason I got the job was to serve as a permanent replacement for another editor.”

“Then what seems to be the problem?”

“My author hates many things, including gays, lesbians, all omegas, mostly males, and anything out of the ordinary. I’m three of a kind.” I said with a breath of frustration as Ben placed his arms on my shoulders.

“Breathe honey.” Ben instructed, and I did so, then nodded.

“Listen, I know you and I know that the people in charge wouldn’t have made you his editor if they didn’t think you were capable. Maybe you could be the first to show him that we’re not all spawns of Satan, like eighty percent of his sexuality.” Ben said as I glared at him. “You know what I mean.”

“You’re right, I shouldn’t give up.” I said as I clenched my fist.

“No. Giving up is good once in a while and if nothing is done, you can always quit.”

“Ben! You are supposed to be supportive.” I demanded as I placed my hands on my hip before he kissed my lips.

“No greater motivation than contempt from others.” Ben said as I chuckled before I raised a brow.

“You are the absolute best.” It was more sarcastic than I intended before Ben placed a hand on his chest.

“Ouch.” He replied with a teasing look.

Dinner was always full of conversations that lead from one topic to another. It was lovely to admit that Ben was my entire world. He made me happy, and he was my best friend after we met seven years ago. We’ve been married for five years and I’m glad we’ve proved to the world that love between a beta and an omega is possible.

As I laid in bed, my head played the entire event in a silent, quick motion, but the part I always ended was the image of Azrael.

He was very handsome alright, the Asian gene showing only in his eyes. Japanese American with long honey brown hair and slanted eyes that reflected a bright green shade with a few facial hairs. Azrael wasn’t white, he was brown and very tall, and my height was considered among the tall range. Then there was his body, a swimmer’s build with hands that were far too rough to belong to a writer.

It made me wonder what he did outside of his successful writing career. Now that I was his editor, I felt like I could finally get a peek at his thoughts.

“You can do this Leslie. Just like we practiced.” I said before I heaved and pushed the doorbell.

I took a step back as I waited patiently for Azrael to open the door. I tapped my left foot and waited before I decided to press the doorbell.

Still no response?

“I wonder if it’s okay to do what Reina did.” I said as I pressed the doorbell multiple times.

It didn’t take long before the door opened and Azrael stood with an irritated face before he stood upright and grabbed me by the collar.

“It’s eleven-thirty in the morning. No unemployed NEET wakes up or visits anyone’s house by this time!” Azrael shouted as I shielded my face from the intensity of his voice.

“Well, you wouldn’t be in pain if you answered the doorbell earlier.” I pointed out as he released my collar with a hard shove.

“Thanks for reminding me about that; you stupid omega.” Azrael said before he banged the door shut.

“Hey!!” I shouted as I banged on the door of Azrael’s apartment. “It wouldn’t kill you to be nice!”

I pressed the doorbell multiple times until I stopped hearing it and I knew he had cut out the power from the bell. I sighed as I laid my head on the door.

“I didn’t think he’d be this difficult.” I sighed as I took out the spare that Reina handed to me this morning.

I honestly hated barging into someone’s house, especially if I didn’t have their trust. It was tempting, but I didn’t want to force my way into Azrael’s professional life; I wanted to earn his respect.

I placed back the key in my bag as I picked up my phone and ordered breakfast from a place. I knew that handled delivery before I faced the door.

I smiled before I quickly scrolled to Azrael’s phone number. It rang once, and he quickly picked up, to my relief.

“Hello?” Azrael’s voice was deeper than usual when he was sleepy.

“It’s Leslie.” I informed him.

“I told you to go home.”

“Six months.” I said on the phone.

“What?” Azrael asked.

“Six months, that’s all I ask for. I know omegas are the least of your favourite and my presence is a nuisance to you, but all I ask is for six months to be your editor. The thing is, ever since I picked up your book, I’ve always dreamt of meeting you, and the fact that I was given the chance to be your editor is more expensive than anything any person can give me. I’ll leave you Azrael alone, but not without trying; if we still can’t get along, then I’ll personally request them to give you an editor of your taste.” I explained as I heard ruffling from the bed.

“I’ll be back tomorrow, earlier than today, and I’ll use the key. Please respond to my request; it's very lonely at this side of the door.” I said with a small smile. “Also, I ordered your breakfast and it’ll be here in seven minutes. Be sure to eat, and I promise an omega won’t cook or deliver it.”

I left the building with a strong sense of hope that Azrael wouldn’t reject my request. Reina mentioned Azrael had a deep sense of loyalty to his readers, especially since his personality was too vulgar for public view.