Milo didn't waste time.
The moment i agreed to take the position, he straightened like a commander suddenly remembering he had an army to command.
Alright, he said, clapping his hands lightly. Let me explain how this place works and what you'll be doing.
I noddded.
The main floor is where most clients gather, he went on. Servers move througfh assiged sections, drinks, food trays, VIP passes, special requests. You'll be working on rotation at first. I don't want you overwhelmed.
He glanced at me carefully.
You don't have experience, but you don't look clumsy. You'll be fine.
I smiled faintly.
Your uniform will be assigned tonight. I'll have something new tailored for you, nothing revealing, don't worry. He rolled his eyes dramatically, this place is a circus sometimes, but my staff dress with dignity.
That made me exhale softly.
You can start tomorrow if that's okay with you, he added. I'll make sure everything's prepared.
Yes, i answered immediately. Tomorrow is perfect.
He beamed.
Good.
Then, quieter, he asked, Is there anything else you need?
Anything at all.
I shook my head.
No. You've done more than enough.
Milo held my gaze for a moment like he wanted to say something else, but instead smiled and stood up.
Come. I'll show you around.
The moment we stepped out of his office, sound washed over me.
Music throbbed under my feet.
Laughter and pheromones hung heavily in the air. Lights slid across bodies like liquid gold.
This is the main floor, Milo said, gesturing toward the large open center where people danced freely. Different scent filters operate here depending on the night. We don't allow unregulated heat or rut behaviors.
We passed velvet couches, shimmering pillars, and a bar that curved like a siver blade.
That way, he pointed, private booths for discreet clientele.
We walked further in.
This floor is more exclusive, he said lowering his voice. High ranking clients, family names, corporate monsters.
I felt eyes on my back.
Whispers followed.
Isn't that the Young family reject...
That son of a mistress.....
The weakling, a sorry excuse for an Alpha....
What's he doing here?
My jaw tightened.
Milo noticed immediately.
He slowed his steps, placing himself slightly in front of me without making it obvious.
I didn't say anything.
I had long learned how to exist in silence.
He showed me the staff entrance, changing rooms, break areas.
These are the servers, he said, pointing discreetly. You'll be doing what they're doing. Orders, table checks, escorting clients, tending to simple requests.
I nodded and took it all in quietly.
Then we went back to his office.
Milo closed the door.
Then turned.
Star?
Yes?
Are you related to the Young family?
I didn't even pause.
Yes.
He inhaled slowly.
I don't mean to offend you, he said carefully. But why would someone from the Young family come to a place like this in search of a job.
I mean the Youngs are crazy rich.
I didn't speak.
He continued, hesitant now.
They called you weak. A recessive Alpha.
His eyes softened. But the day you saved me, there was nothing weak about you.
I let out a slow breath.
They're right, from their perspective, i said quietly. I don't fight it. I let them believe what they want. It's easier than correcting people who never intended to listen anyway.
Milo said nothing.
I don't like attention, i continued. Even when i do nothing, i attract it. So if weakness makes me invisible, then i'd rather be weak.
Silence.
Then i added softly,
I'm not part of the Young family anymore.
Milo blinked.
I'm the son of a mistress. My mother is dead. And the family made sure i understood that i never belonged.
He swallowed.
They threw me out a long time ago. Officially and unofficially.
I met his eyes.
I'm just an Alpha trying to survive. That's all.
For a while he didn't say anything.
Then softly,
I see.
Milo exhaled and look away rubbing his arms.
Well, he said finally, voice lighter on purpose.
Then let me say this.
He looked at me again.
You're not alone here.
I blinked.
You shouldn't say things like you have no one, he added. Because you do now.
What?
I'm your friend, Star.
Something twisted strangely in my chest.
I stared at him.
You're my first friend i admitted quietly.
He laughed lightly.
Then i guess i'm honored.
Then he hesistated.
It's surprising though, an Alpha like you wanting to be friends with someone like me. A common Omega running a club.
I frowned slightly.
Someone like you?
Milo stiffened.
I stepped closer.
I don't care if you're an Alpha Omega, or Beta, i said honestly. I respect Omegas more than most people i've met.
He froze.
You carry the heart of this world, i continued. Nothing functions without you. Heat and rut shape power, lineage, politics, everything circles Omegas.
His eyes started shining.
You all suffer under everyone else's expectations, i said quietly. And yet you're blamed for everything you were born as.
His lips trembled faintly.
I don't see weakness, i finished, I see endurance.
Tears welled quietly in his eyes.
No one has ever said that to me, he whispered.
I smiled gently.
Then let me be the first.
He laughed weakly and wiped his face.
Thank you, for not looking at me like like i'm glass.
I shrugged lightly.
You're not glass. You're steel wrapped in silk.
We both laughed softly.
Remember, i told him. We're friends now. Titles don't exist between friends.
He nodded.
They don't.