Chapter 52 - Dr. Flame’s Dilemma

“I heard that you were going to be in this movie, so I begged the director that I wanted a chance to act in it no matter what. I really wanted to try working with you. I’m a really big fan, Chase. Really, really!” she chimed enthusiastically, her voice no different from that of an eager fan. She picked up two glasses of champagne from the tray being carried by a waiter who just happened to be passing by and offered one to Chase, as if to ask for a round of cheers.

Chase took the glass from her and chugged it right away, hoping to bring an end to this conversation. However, as soon as Chase began walking, she immediately followed.

“Can we talk about the series for a moment? I’m a huge Dr. Flame fan as much as I am yours. I would like to hear your opinion about Dr. Flame,” Vicky persisted, grabbing onto Chase’s arm. Their distance closed in an instant, and a scent that had gone unnoticed trickled across the tip of Chase’s nose.

It was the scent of an omega.

Chase stopped walking and gazed down at Vicky. Vicky waited for his reaction, her face flushed red and her eyes glimmering.

Chase spoke for the first time, “Are you an omega?”

“Yes,” she replied shyly. Her cheeks seemed to turn a deeper shade of pink, and the scent of her pheromones became even stronger. Vicky was blatantly trying to seduce Chase.

However, that wasn’t the end. Chase could smell another omega from behind him. For the first time since arriving at the party, Chase panicked. Was there supposed to be this many omegas at this party? Keith hadn’t told him anything about this.

‘Ah.’ Then he realized why. Pittman couldn’t smell other pheromones at all. This meant that he would never be seduced by any other omega besides the one who had left the imprint on him.

‘I, on the other hand—’ Chase bit his lip, feeling his back begin to break out in cold sweat.

Vicky closed in and clung to his arm. “Chase—”

“Get away from me!” he yelled abruptly, shaking her off his arm. Everyone’s surprised eyes fell on them at once. However, all Chase could do was glare at Vicky with bloodshot eyes, huffing his breath in agitation. “Get lost! I don’t care if you’re my fan or whatever. You’re disgusting. Omegas make me sick!” 

Vicky’s face turned beet red. People who were exchanging meaningless small talk glanced in their direction. However, Chase simply shot her another glare and left without another word.

‘I’m sick of it,’ Chase thought as he clenched his teeth, leaving behind the endless whispers that seemed to follow him everywhere. ‘I’m sick of it. I’m sick of everything.’

* * *

Even though Chase had found his way outside, he was still feeling lightheaded. Chase belatedly realized that he had made the wrong choice.

He should have just gone home right away.

It was too late to regret. He chose the second-best option instead; he tried to endure his nausea as he frantically searched for a cigarette. The scent of pheromones that lingered at the tip of his nose was overturning his head.

‘Damn it, of course it had to be an omega.’ Chase audibly gritted his teeth, but all he could do was hold his breath and hastily light his cigarette. He was planning to neutralize the effect of the pheromones with nicotine.

“Hahh…” he sighed. He held his breath after inhaling the cigarette smoke quickly and deeply. He then exhaled slowly. He inhaled the smoke, paused, exhaled, and repeated this two or so more times. The scent of the pheromones diminished.

Perhaps it was just because his sense of smell had dulled. Since he had inhaled the smoke way too quickly, a wave of dizziness jumbled up his brain. It was the worst.

“…Oh, for f*ck’s sake!” In the end, Chase cursed and aggressively rubbed his eyes with his wrist. He was so angry, he couldn’t bear it. If someone were to walk by right now, he would be very tempted to beat them to death.

—Rustle!

Just then, a sound separate from the leaves rustling in the wind pierced his ears—a sound made by a person.

There stood the man from Chase’s dream.

Joshua Bailey.

Chase mouthed the name of the man who was staring at him in surprise.

<VOLUME 1 END>