003

This partnership could work? I spoke too soon because the days after Azrael went back to being a jerk.

“I don’t mind you making a mess, Azrael, but you should learn to trash used condoms properly and I would appreciate it if you disposed of your alcohol bottles… It’s disgusting!” I shouted as Azrael laid on the couch, rubbing his stomach as he read through what he had handwritten.

“You can always quit.” Azrael said, as he dropped the manuscript and took off his glasses.

Azrael had a bad habit of smoking after writing a good manuscript, but I couldn’t give him that luxury anymore… I was through with being overly friendly.

I grabbed the cigarette butt from his lips and extinguished it before I grabbed the lighter and the box and threw it at a trashcan.

“Smoking isn’t good for your health. I get that science has improved and there’s a cure for cancer, but think about the people who go through a series of pains and drugs for treatment. Please make this easy.” I sighed as I stared at Azrael, who had another cigarette in his mouth and his legs crossed.

I had to be patient; I had to be calm because all this was amusing to Azrael; if not, he wouldn’t be doing this to get a reaction out of me.

The doorbell rang, and I was grateful to whoever was at the door for giving me a solid reason to break the conversation that would lead to a fight and probably a reason for Azrael to drop me.

I opened the door and stared at the female, who stood at the door with a box in her hand. She was beautiful with medium-length blonde hair, and she covered her eyes with a pair of sunshades. She dressed like a model with a fur coat and high black boots, piercings on her ears, nose, and lip with a candy stick in her mouth.

“Can I help you?” I asked as she shoved the box in my hand and walked in.

“Mitsu.” The blonde said as I closed the door.

Azrael must have a thing for blonde, skinny girls that seemed to be extravagant, but I wasn’t one to judge or question beyond boundaries.

“Hara, I told you not to come here.” Azrael said with an annoyed frown as this girl, Hara, straddled Azrael’s thighs as I stared at her confidence before I removed my eyes.

“I missed you. Plus, sis Daphne has been whining to me about how you treated her in front of an omega; turns out you have a new lover. Say, say… Do you like him?” She asked as she took off the shades to reveal eyes of two different colours, brown and green.

“Please don’t read whatever you want about me and Azrael! Also, I’m a married man!” I informed her as she laid her head on Azrael’s chest who didn’t have any interest in anything happening.

“Infidelity still happens even when married, plus there’s no way someone sleeping with Mitsu would call him Azrael. I’m sure you’ve imagined sleeping with Mitsu.” She said as she climbed off Azrael and sat by his side before my eyes went to Azrael, who smirked at her insinuation.

“I’m leaving.” I said as I ran and picked my bag before I ran out of the house disproving nothing she said.

Azrael was handsome, but my relationship with him was strictly business, plus I loved my husband more than anything. It was irritating, but nothing pissed me more than people claiming my feelings for my husband to be shallow or I was desperate to be Azrael’s editor because I wanted to sleep with him.

I believe people should sleep with the one they love because sex was too intimate for me to treat so casually like Azrael and I refuse to be placed in the loose categories people claim omegas to be.

I stared at my plate as I chewed deep in thought before I felt someone’s arm on my shoulders and I leaned back and smiled when I saw Ben with a concerned look.

“What’s wrong, babe?” Ben asked as I dropped my spoon.

“It’s nothing that important.” I replied as I gathered the plates together.

“You zoned out throughout the conversation; you do that when you’re troubled.” Ben said as I sighed and placed my hand on my head.

“I feel insecure about my job. I feel like I’m not trying my best because since I started working closely with my author two weeks ago, he hasn’t written anything. He feels more unmotivated, and he’s giving me a tough time. I’m scared that the problem is from me.” I explained as Ben knelt at my feet and held my hands before he kissed them.

“If there’s one thing I love about you, Leslie, is your tenaciousness. Many people expect nothing from us, especially you, but you keep on proving them wrong with a humble smile on your face. They had so many editors in that company, but they chose you because you have what it takes. You are young and determined. Also, if you can’t do it… it’s never wrong to quit. Maybe not the job, but the role.” Ben advised, and I smiled at him.

“Bennett Campbell, why do you keep making me fall in love with you over and over again?” I asked as Ben flashed his teeth before he brought his lips to mine.

“Because you are mine.” Ben said as I chuckled before he lifted me off the chair and I wrapped my arms around his neck.

“It’s been a while since we last had fun. I’m craving white buns.” Ben said as I laughed as he carried me to our room.

“You still have to wash the dishes.”

“I’ll take care of that after you.” Ben said, and I moaned when he nibbled on my neck.

The elevator door opened, and I was surprised when I saw Director Pemba looking jovial as always this morning. 

“If it isn’t our little Leslie?” Uncle Bob said as I smiled.

“Good morning, sir.” I greeted as I turned to his secretary who had a straight face and waved at him.

“How is Reina’s team treating you? They’re not the nicest lot in the building.” Bob said as he placed his hands in his pockets.

“We’re getting along very much, especially with Ash.”

“Ash? That’s nice to hear. How about with your author? Our star writer?” Bob asked as my smile fell and I tightened my hold on my bag.

“Sir, I wanted to…”

“You want to quit?” Bob asked as I stared at him in surprise before I shook my head.

“Mr. Bethan gives me a tough time, but I’m sure he’ll come around. I wanted to ask this question that has been bothering me.”

“Okay.”

“Why me? I’m sure the management knows that Azrael dislikes omegas, plus the fact he hasn’t completed the series of his last work and getting him with someone who has dealt with authors with such a personality is possible since we have qualified people. So why me? Why was I; a beginner in a professional organization chosen for such an immense honour? I know I should be thankful, but I feel that if I don’t get the answer, I’ll never look beyond my nose.”

Uncle Bob was quiet before he hummed in thought and tapped his foot. He looked at Sawyer, his secretary, who nodded and left the both of us alone without interference.

“To be honest, I asked myself the same thing about you when I saw your profile. There was nothing special about you I haven’t seen in someone except that you were an omega that married a beta, and that’s unbelievable these days.” Uncle Bob said, and I felt slightly offended at what he said.

“However, Azrael didn’t think so when we brought potential candidates. He basically said he wanted someone who had nothing to do with the company as his editor and your profile was the only one. He commented a positive statement.”

“Are you saying that…”

“We didn’t choose you Leslie, Azrael did. I’ve known that kiddo ever since he was young, can’t say much about his childhood or his family, but he didn’t have the best childhood, so his behaviour is quite acceptable. I don’t know what he saw in you, especially since he doesn’t mix with your gender, but what I’m sure of is, Azrael didn’t want an editor.”

I watched as Bob smiled and pulled out one of his hands before he patted my shoulders.

“I’ve said too much, but I have a lot of expectations from you, Leslie. I’ve come to like you ever since I met you.” Bob said before he walked away and I watched him leave.

Azrael didn’t want an editor, yet he chose me. So why? Why did he choose me?

I pondered as I walked to my table before I sat down and my eyes fell on the children’s storybook. ‘All Alien needs is a friend.’

I picked up the book and slowly flipped through, smiling at the childhood memories that were attached to this book. I stared at the title and I quickly raised my head.

All Azrael needs is a friend.