Work Text:
Much like most mornings, Caitlyn woke to the sound of her alarm. In the semi-awareness of still being half-asleep however, it took her a few seconds to realise that it felt different than usual. For one, her alarm was a lot quieter. She usually placed her phone on the nightstand directly next to her head, so that there was no chance she would oversleep. This time? She could hardly even place the direction it was coming from.
The next thing she became aware of was that she was naked. Which was odd. She never went to bed undressed and even if say this time, such a thing had taken her fancy, it was mid-October in the centre of London. Hardly strip down weather. All of which brought her to her next realisation. There was someone, a very warm someone judging by the way her muscles twitched to cuddle closer as she turned her head to look, in the bed next to her.
A shock of pink hair greeted her vision first, so bright it hurt her eyes to look at it at first. It was styled as an undercut, shaved at the side and grown just long enough at the back to fall past their shoulders, which were also bare. Well-muscled arms curled around one of her pillows, cushioning the side of their head. And saturating everything, so strong she could hardly believe how she could've missed it before, was the musky scent of Alpha.
"'t'off."
Caitlyn had been so distracted by this vision in pink that to her memory, might as well have fallen out of the sky and into her bed, shook her head, hardly registering that any words had been spoken at all.
"What?"
The Alpha raised their head only enough so that they could be heard, and didn't turn around.
"Turn it off."
Caitlyn paused, rolling the words around in her head until they finally made sense to her.
"Oh. Right."
She half rolled, half stumbled out of bed, rooting around amongst the pile of tossed off clothes to find the offending alarm and switch it off. She straightened up, afraid almost to turn back around, as if seeing the situation laid out in front of her would somehow make it more real. So instead she went down the hall to the bathroom. She had a splitting headache anyway, and some painkillers were sorely needed. She took the pills with several gulping mouthfuls of tap water, then washed her face, rubbing hard at her eyes, willing wakefulness into them. The scent of Alpha seemed just as prominent now than when she had been at its source, and she realised belatedly that the scent was all over her.
Well. That explained the nakedness.
She hadn't checked the time when she had turned off the alarm, but regardless, there was no way she could go into the office smelling like this. She hopped into the shower, turning the water to tepid, hoping the cold edge would help wake her up. She might not have time for coffee after all. After making sure she had scrubbed herself enough to be rid of any lingering scents of late-night hook ups, she toweled off and blow-dried her hair, brushing her teeth with the other hand as she did so.
When she returned to the bedroom, her one night stand was still sprawled across the other half of the bed, their head half buried under the pillow in an attempt to block out the few rays of sunlight that had made their way through the drawn curtains. Caitlyn dithered slightly, unsure of what to do. She felt it would be almost an insult to insist her house-guest wake up and leave, and indeed, she did not have the time to wait until they did so. But to leave a practical stranger alone in her home?
She thought it over as she got dressed in the semi-darkness, grateful that pre-night-out Caitlyn had had the good sense to leave everything set out on the back of her desk chair. And ultimately there was only one sensible conclusion she could come to. If she had trusted them enough to allow them into her bed, then it surely followed that she must trust them enough in her house. Decided, she cleared her throat.
"I have to go to work now. But feel free to help yourself to breakfast, or..." She checked the time. "Lunch. Whatever. Just, when you leave, if you could make sure to lock the door and put the key through the letterbox. I have a spare so don't worry about locking me out."
A short grunt was all the affirmation Caitlyn received, and so as she was leaving, she hastily scrawled a repetition of these instructions on a post-it note and stuck it on the door, thinking it more than likely that the Alpha had not listened to a word she had said.
She hadn't been needed in the office today until one, but having overslept her alarm, she was already running late. Usually she would walk, as the office was not fifteen minutes from her townhouse, but today her dislike of His Majesty's London underground would have to be overruled. She was on and off in two stops and made it just a minute past the hour. And rest assured, this would be the last time she convinced herself a 1pm start was justification enough to get black out drunk and hook up with a sexy, pink-haired Alpha the night before.
It was a slow work day, nothing important, a team meeting at two and then desk-duty till five, but Caitlyn just couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. At first, it was nothing more than a gnawing sensation at the back of her brain, the sort of thing that made you worry if you'd remembered to turn off the oven or lock the back door. But as time crawled by, and the bright light of her computer screen began to feel as if it were burning a hole in the back of her eyeballs, frustration overtook her.
As often was the case when an unsettling feeling with seemingly no explanation overtook oneself, wild theories began forming in her head. Had she been so drunk last night, she had accidentally ordered a bottle of absinthe, which she was still feeling the after affects of today? Had she somehow mixed up the painkillers she had taken that morning with some different medication entirely? Had the sex been so crazy, it'd knocked something loose in her brain? This last one perhaps had the most validity, as there was a notable sore spot on the back of her neck that she had been rubbing absentmindedly through her dress shirt.
Perhaps it was merely anxiety. As a rule, Caitlyn did not do one night stands, or indeed any sort of hookup or drunk night out at all. Growing up in a strict household, such things had been forbidden to her as a teenager, and thus had heavily influenced her behaviour as an adult. It'd been an act of momentary madness for sure, but if she were honest with herself, she knew why she had done it. Her heat was coming up in a few weeks, and the hormone rush always caused random spikes of horniness that felt utterly outside of her control. And last night she just... well. She had gotten fed up of cooping herself up in bed and just riding it out. And with no girlfriend on the scene, it'd seemed the best option to just get drunk and see where the night took her. But with how she was feeling now, she was starting to wonder if last night had just been one big mistake.
She tried to focus on work, pulling up a spreadsheet with the pretence of busyness, but her mind was elsewhere. It was accidental if anything, that she found her thoughts settling on the Alpha she had gone to bed with. She had been thinking about how much she would love to just get home, strip off and sink into her mattress when, unbidden, she recalled the warmth she had woken up to. It was a comfort easy to forget when you had been single for as long as she had, but she had missed it. The warmth of a partner.
She found herself imagining what might've happened had she not had to go into work today. How she would've woken to heat at her back, to a strong and hard body, to blurred and undefined memories of the night before. How perhaps, lulled into a sense of comfort and security, she would've given in to temptation and curled herself against the chest of her bed-mate. That maybe, still in sleep, the Alpha would've tugged her closer, held her like she belonged with them and them with her.
And though she felt utterly foolish for even allowing herself to imagine such things, somehow it seemed to help, if only as a distraction. The Alpha would be out of her house by the time she got back anyway, so what was the harm in indulging in a little fantasy?
And thus she struggled on till five, trawling through her emails to find as many things as she could to keep herself as busy as possible. But developing initially from just an off feeling, there had been an itchy, hot discomfort running under her skin all afternoon, and although she had mostly managed to ignore it, now that she no longer had work distracting her, it was quite simply unignorable. She did not drink often, so was this just another symptom of a hangover? Or was she sickening for something? If it was either of those, she'd much prefer it be the first. She couldn't afford to be off sick this week.
Unable to shake the off feeling, she switched off her work computer and made for the office toilets. At the very least she could take a minute to gather her thoughts together before making the journey home. Resting her bag on the edge of the sink, she rolled up her sleeves and ran the cold tap, cupping her hands under the faucet until she had a handful and then rubbing it brusquely onto her face. She repeated the action a few times but to no avail, her face was still flushed and pink all the way down to her neck.
Feeling self-conscious and filled with frustration, she turned and entered the second cubicle on her left, locking the door behind her and sitting on the closed toilet lid. Peeling off her coat, she hung it on the back of the door and lent forward, head in her hands, fingers curled tightly into the roots of her hair. She felt like she was going crazy. She couldn't understand, couldn't fathom what was happening to her. Her whole body felt warm, too warm, but not like a fever. It was as if... her very blood were flowing with liquid heat, with the epicenter pooling in her chest. Her heart was racing a mile a minute and- fuck- her skin was so itchy.
She brought her hand up to rub at the sore spot on the back of her neck that had been bothering her all day, pushing her fingers all the way down under the fold of her shirt collar. But no sooner had her fingers made contact with the skin, she froze. She stood back up immediately, hand fumbling for the door latch, and hastened toward the mirror, pulling the collar back and to the side and turning her head to get a proper look.
"Oh I am going to murder that cotton-candied haired knot-head."
A vague memory of last night's happenings suddenly resurfaced in her mind, and she scrambled for her phone, scrolling through the contacts until she found one labelled only with the pink-haired glam-rocker emoji next to the one of a muscular, bulging arm. Shaking her head in disbelief, she called the number, drumming her fingers against the sink-top until, eventually, it was answered.
"Uhn, what?"
"Are you still at my place?"
There was a small silence, that Caitlyn impatiently sat through, and then a response.
"Yes." A short pause, and then a slightly hesitant; "Why?"
Caitlyn let out a short, heavy exhale through her nose.
"You just make sure you stay there."
She hung up, tossing her phone back into her bag and running back to the cubicle to grab her coat before storming outside. She chose to walk this time, needing the fresh air and exercise to cool off. Or perhaps she knew that being trapped in an underground metal tube with dozens of people was the last thing she needed right now. Either way, walking was the plan. Once home, she barely had the presence of mind to slam the front door shut behind her, taking the stairs two at a time up to her bedroom where, upon seeing the door ajar, strode inside to find the Alpha sitting up on the edge of her bed, rubbing sleepily at her eyes.
"What the fuck is this?"
The Alpha blinked at her, unphased by her tone, and tilted her head to the side, looking at the part of her neck that Caitlyn had exposed by pulling back her shirt collar.
"A bite?"
Dropping her hand, Caitlyn threw both of them up in irritation.
"I know it's a bite, but look where it is."
The Alpha shook her head in bemusement, and Caitlyn scowled, pointing an accusing finger directly at her chest.
"Are you fucking stupid? You gave me a mating bite!"
The Alpha smirked, shaking her head and lifting a hand to rub at her own neck.
"You're being ridiculous. I would never-"
She pulled her hand away, looking at it like it had just grown an extra finger, and Caitlyn realised a second late that she was also sporting a near identically placed bite, though this one was slightly further down, at the juncture between her neck and her shoulder.
"I... bit you?"
The Alpha ran her tongue along the top row of her teeth before sucking her bottom lip into her mouth.
"Seems like it cupcake."
Caitlyn frowned.
"Don't call me that."
With nothing but another smirk sent her way to placate her, Caitlyn began pacing a hole in her plush grey carpet, running her hand exasperatedly through her long black hair.
"This is bad."
The Alpha lent back against the mattress, supporting her weight on both hands.
"So what? We were drunk, we hooked up, we got a little too into it and gave each other a few bites. What's the big deal?"
"The big deal? The big deal is that I have a very important dinner with my parents this weekend and if I show up with a mating bite and no mate, I am going to be fucking crucified."
She stopped pacing then, as if becoming aware of herself, and shot a sheepish glance the way of her pink-haired house guest.
"I... I know it's old fashioned. That most people don't consider bites to be like, a pre-engagement anymore. A- and I can see it's not a big deal to you but... it's a big deal to me. My parents, they care about that stuff, and, and if they knew I was-"
"I'll come."
Caitlyn swallowed softly, her following words dying in her throat.
"What?"
The Alpha braced her hands against her knees and stood up, crossing the space between them in two strides, ending up just a foot away from Caitlyn.
"I'll come to your dinner."
"But I... we don't, um." Caitlyn tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear and looked away, suddenly self-conscious. "I don't even know your name."
The Alpha's gaze softened and she reached for Caitlyn's hand, holding it firmly in her own, fingers hooking underneath in a secure grip.
"Violet. But you, can call me Vi."
After a moment's consideration, Caitlyn nodded.
"Alright."
The corner of Vi's mouth twitched upwards into a sly smile.
"Can I call you Cait?"
Caitlyn frowned and with a gentle tug, pulled her hand away.
"Don't push your luck."
The Alpha conceded with a nod and moved to sit back on the bed and, after patting the space beside her, Caitlyn joined her. They sat in silence for a moment before something seemed to click in Caitlyn's brain and she looked at Vi with curious eyes.
"You're American."
Vi raised her eyebrows very slightly.
"News to you?"
Caitlyn's gaze shifted back down to the hands in her lap.
"No I... I suppose not. I must've forgotten."
Vi smiled.
"I hope that's not also a problem for your parents, because my British accent is not all that." She paused, gaze cautious. "But I can try my best?"
Caitlyn shook her head.
"No, it's not a problem. Or, at least, it shouldn't be. In any case, I would never expect you to put on an accent for me."
Vi nodded, all seriousness despite her body language of typical Alpha aloofness, and Caitlyn found herself drawn in, studying her face for a good few seconds and lifting a hand briefly as if to touch, before retracting it once more.
"You have a face tattoo."
Vi shrugged, offering her an apologetic grin.
"Yeah. Sorry."
Caitlyn spent a moment digesting this reality before acquiescing to it's existence.
"Well. So long as you don't mind a snide comment or two about it."
Vi looked singularly unconcerned.
"I've heard plenty. People don't seem to care for face tattoos."
"I like it."
She had said it almost without thinking, the smile this elicited sending a dark flush immediately rushing to her face, as she stammered to clarify.
"I mean, I think it suits you."
Vi tilted her head to the side, examining her quietly for a moment, and Caitlyn felt herself overcome with a sense of self-consciousness she hadn't felt since she was a teenager. Because Vi, to put it plainly, was not exactly her normal type. Buff, tatted and American of all things, whereas all the women she had dated up until now had been, how should she say. Of a certain social calibre, with accents and appearances to match.
"I love the English. So polite."
Caitlyn swallowed softly and realised, after another few seconds of silence, that she could not think of a single word to say. With the Alpha sitting so close to her, the heat in her blood had all but been quelled to a dull, pulsing warmth, and every thought and feeling passing through her was now calmed. She had been angry. Why had she ever been angry? She couldn't even begin to imagine-
"I can use your shower?"
Caitlyn blinked, the haze of her musings lifting.
"Um... yes. Of course."
Vi smiled and stood up, making for the bedroom door and on her way, lifting her tank top up and off and tossing it to the side as she called over her shoulder, giving Caitlyn a full, unobstructed view of her muscular, tattooed back.
"Then we'll talk weekends."
And Caitlyn was left, slack-jawed on the edge of her bed, only able to mutter back to herself.
"Yes. Weekends."
***
Sitting side-by-side on her bed, the two of them had organised a date the following morning, at a coffee-shop midway between their townhouses, in order to get their stories straight for the dinner that Saturday. Caitlyn had gotten there first, and had ordered a flat-white to nurse at a seat by the window while she waited. Vi had arrived only slightly late, and the moment she picked up her gaze, an easy smile made its way onto her face. Caitlyn raised a solitary eyebrow, as she slipped into the seat across from her.
"You're not going to order?"
Vi shook her head.
"Nah, I brought my own. Caffeine makes me jittery."
She nodded, not sure how else to answer. So instead she allowed herself a moment to look her companion over. She had left the house that morning sporting simple, smart trousers and a navy turtleneck to cover up any trace of the bite on her neck. And she noticed that Vi had made no attempt to do the same, dressed in a red hoodie jacket and black sweats, her own bite left entirely visible for anyone to see. But she told herself it didn't matter. Come Sunday morning they would never have to see each other again.
"How's yours?" Vi asked her, as she pulled a sports drink bottle out of her bag and let it drop to the floor between their feet.
"Fine, thank you."
Caitlyn sat quiet for a moment, watching Vi lift the bottle to her mouth, and her throat bob with the movement of drinking. Vi had left her apartment in short order after making their plans, and so she had admittedly not had much time to study her. Her hair, that she had initially thought to be a bright, bubble-gum pink, was actually more of a deep red, like crushed velvet. In fact, in the soft light of the café, it could perhaps even be imagined to be natural, a fiery ginger perhaps. Her eyes offset the colour nicely too, a blue so pale it would perhaps be more accurately described as grey. And she was very handsome. That had never been in any doubt.
"So. What do you do for work?" she started, deciding it as good a place as any to do so.
"I'm a personal trainer."
Caitlyn nodded.
"Suppose I shouldn't be surprised."
Vi smiled at her, and although it was rather self-satisfied, there was no arrogance whatsoever. In fact, there seemed a humbleness to Vi that she hadn't expected from her. Alphas like her, attractive ones that was, usually had enough arrogance for a village.
"And you?"
Caitlyn's gaze flicked back up to Vi's and she realised she had been looking at her lips. Clearing her throat, she took another sip of her coffee.
"I'm a financial analyst."
Vi nodded slowly.
"And is that what you want to do?"
Caitlyn frowned.
"What do you mean?"
Vi paused for a brief moment before clarifying.
"I mean, is that the job you would do if you could choose anything?"
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, sitting back in her chair and crossing her arms.
"Well what would you do?"
Vi answered without missing a beat.
"I'd love to dance."
"As in choreography?"
Vi shook her head.
"No. Not for others. For me."
And for once, Caitlyn had no retort for this. Something about Vi rubbed her the wrong way, there was no doubt about that. But there was something about her also that was undeniably intriguing. The way she held herself, the cadence of her voice maybe. Or moreso, just the way she spoke. Charming of course, but careful. Choosing each word like hors d'oeuvres at a dinner party, sampling her answers to find the perfect response.
"So?"
She realised again that she had been staring, not at her lips this time thankfully, but at the neat angular lines of her eyebrows, and at the roman numeral number six inked onto the skin just below her left eye. And it was only then that she realised what it meant. VI, Vi. Duh. Resisting the urge to smack her forehead with the base of her palm, she pulled her gaze away from it, running her finger around the ring of her mug.
"I guess I'd... want to do something that makes a difference. Changes something in the world."
Vi nodded, steepling her fingers together on the table in front of her.
"A noble pursuit."
Caitlyn was struck into a thoughtful silence by this. The last direction she had expected this conversation to go in was deep questions about the future. Truthfully she didn't like to think about such things. She never liked to dwell on things outside of her immediate control, and the future was decidedly just such a thing. So she shook her head sharply, as if to dislodge such musings entirely from her brain, and leant forward in her chair.
"Enough hypotheticals. We need to get to know each other. Well enough that we can pass as mates."
Vi smiled, having leant back as Caitlyn had leaned forward, as if to maintain some sort of invisible equilibrium between them, and gestured her hand out in front of her, an invitation.
"Fire away."
***
"You think I have time to cook?"
Vi tilted her head back to look at her properly, what with Caitlyn being that bit taller, an amused look of examination on her face. They had spoken for about an hour or two in the café yesterday, and when Caitlyn had offhandedly mentioned about needing to go out for the food tomorrow, Vi had invited herself, under the excuse of getting to know her better. And Caitlyn, raised the way she had been, had found no polite way to refuse. And so that was how she found herself trawling the aisles of Marks and Spencer, having her comments appraised by an Alpha too relaxed and charming to surely be anything but trouble.
"Would you like to have time?"
Caitlyn leant forward against the handlebar of the shopping trolley, pursing her lips together in consideration as they walked slowly down the aisle.
"I suppose... yes. I haven't given much thought to it."
Vi nodded, her expression earnest.
"I get it. London life is busy. I'm lucky in that respect, that I can choose my hours."
Caitlyn raised an eyebrow, the corner of her mouth cocking upwards into a smirk.
"Oh I'm sure you just have to cook, all your high protein, kale, keto whatever."
Vi smiled back but as always, she maintained a seriousness to her eyes that let Caitlyn know that her attempts at teasing were never quite as successful as she might've hoped them to be.
"I cook because I enjoy it."
A short silence followed this. As much as she had been having fun with this back and forth that they had naturally fallen into since first talking in her bedroom, sometimes Vi would say something that she simply did not have an answer to.
"No dietary requirements for you then?"
Vi lifted both her hands a short distance in front of her, palms facing outward.
"I'm easy."
Caitlyn made to fashion a retort, but her brain redefining this admission in her head caused her to stumble, cheeks turning red. She coughed and turned away from Vi, trying to seem busy looking over the range of Dine In meal deals.
"Beef bourguignon do you then?"
Vi seemed to pick up on her embarrassment, as she merely nodded, concern wrought all across those pretty, perfect features.
"Are you alright?"
Caitlyn nodded, a little too quickly.
"Yes, fine."
She picked up two packets of the bourguignon and some greens to go as a side. The desserts were a little ways down the aisle in their own section, and Caitlyn hastened towards them, feeling foolish. How could she have allowed herself to be caught like that, turning pink over the barest of innuendo, like a teenager who hadn't yet had their first heat? It was ridiculous, truly, perplexingly ridiculous.
It happened faster than Caitlyn could really process it. One moment she had been turning to cross to the other side of the aisle, the next she was pressed up as close to Vi's chest as she possibly could've been, the Alpha's arm moving to wrap tightly, protectively, around her waist. She heard Vi let out a soft grunt of pain as a nearby shopping trolley ran into the back of her legs, followed hastily by a profusely apologising mother and her toddler, which Vi was then insisting to that it was perfectly alright and yes of course, no harm done.
But every word seemed to turn to buzzing in Caitlyn's ears, her vision hazy and blown, like a fish-eye lens. She felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle with vigilance, every sense on high alert, her whole body demanding her attention for the pressing moment at hand. The moment being of course that she was being held tight in the arms of a strong, sexy Alpha, and could there be anything more important?
Vi seemed to notice something was up, perhaps by how tense she had suddenly become, or maybe that she hadn't dared breathe for the last twenty seconds for fear of what inhaling Vi's scent might do to her. She had gripped her other hand around the handle of the trolley, creating a physical barrier between Caitlyn and the apparent danger, but this had had the unintended side affect of boxing her in against the aisle. And awareness of this came to Vi delayed, dropping her arm from her waist first of all.
"Sorry, I-"
Caitlyn swallowed thickly.
"Yes, I..."
The pause seemed to stretch on forever, and eventually it was Vi that took a step back, releasing her grip on the trolley with a flex of her hand. Caitlyn felt rooted to the spot, a deep flush of heat rushing through her body from head to toe at just how close the Alpha had been. For in that moment, she might as well have called it impossible not to start thinking certain thoughts about her, think about her wrapping her up in her strong arms, to lay her head against her hard chest and listen to the twin thrums of their heartbeats. To not imagine how her lips might feel against her jaw, her throat, her...
Her eyes flicked upwards, having been settled on the part of Vi's chest where the collarbone met the shoulder, and she saw then that Vi seemed in a similar state of distraction. Her eyes were hard-set, the pupils half dilated, and her mouth was open slightly in an odd sort of way, as if she too were intentionally trying not to breathe through her nose. She had been looking away, but at the probing of Caitlyn's gaze upon her, she picked it up. And for a second or two they just looked at each other, wordless understanding passing between them that they had both felt what the other had. And at last Vi spoke, taking another step back and breaking the tension.
"How about I go and pick out a bottle of wine? Meet you at the checkouts?"
Caitlyn nodded quickly, grateful for the escape, and Vi inclined her head forward before turning and heading towards the back of the shop, in what was perhaps a faster step than normal. And all Caitlyn could do was grip the handle bar of the shopping trolley until her knuckles turned white and just think to herself; what the fuck was that?
***
They parted ways after the food shop, that Vi had insisted on paying for and Caitlyn had not protested as she would've usually. In truth, her mind was on other things. Principle among them was apprehension for the dinner ahead, how her parents would react to her introducing such an Alpha as her mate, the questions they would have, if they would be able to keep up the pretence. But of course, she would be lying to herself if she said that the incident in the supermarket wasn't also weighing heavily upon her.
She knew, of course, that mating bites could make you act differently. Could change your hormonal cycles and levels, could make you quick to anger, quick to cry, make you abnormally possessive over family, friends and mate alike. But she had always assumed that there would need to be some sense of prior connection with the biter, that a hook-up bite couldn't ever really mean that much. In fact, she knew that there were people out there who collected bites recreationally, liking the heightened intensity that it brought. All this to say, the way she had reacted when she had been so close to Vi for those few moments, well. It had surprised her to say the least.
She had taken a cold shower as soon as she had gotten home, curling up in the basin, knees to her chin as she let the water fall around her. The last thing she wanted to do was make Vi feel uncomfortable, especially as she had been so generous in even agreeing to come to this dinner to begin with. And of course it was just the bites that was making her feel this way. The curse of Omega biology. But what else could she do but ignore it?
She checked her phone once out of the shower, looking to see if Vi had mentioned anything about it in a text. But all that she had asked was confirmation of the time of the dinner. She answered and after a minute or two, Vi sent a thumbs up. She stared at that thumbs for a long time, waiting to see those three bouncing dots that indicated that Vi was typing. But they never came, and soon enough she tossed her phone onto her bed, feeling foolish about expecting it at all. Her hand moved unthinkingly to her neck, finding the bite mark there and tracing along each slight indent with the pad of her finger.
She sighed, dropping her hand and falling back against her mattress, grabbing a pillow to smash against her face as she groaned into it. It was just one bite for Christ's sake, why was it making her act like a schoolgirl having her first crush? She tossed the pillow away, replacing it with the base of her hands, kneading them firmly against her eyes.
Utterly ridiculous.
***
Vi arrived early, bottle of wine in hand. She placed it down on the sideboard in the kitchen and then helped Caitlyn set the table, neatly arranging every knife, fork, plate and glass so that they stood in meticulous uniformity.
She had come dressed in a very smart charcoal grey suit, complete with pocket square, shiny black shoes and white dress shirt. She had left it unbuttoned at the top with no tie, as it was still only a casual dinner with family, but Caitlyn was impressed by her nonetheless. If she were truthful with herself, she had half expected Vi might turn up in a similar outfit to that from the café. She did not, after all, give the impression of someone particularly concerned with how their clothing was perceived by others.
"You look nice."
Vi grinned at her, showing teeth.
"As do you."
Caitlyn herself had chosen a smart dress in deep purple, a pair of sheer black tights and matching shoes, with only a short heel. She liked to wear them higher when she could, but tonight was about making sensible choices. Giving into her desires was what had landed her in this mess to begin with.
"They'll be here by half-past, mother detests being late to anything."
She had started fidgeting now, a nervous tell for her. Pacing about the room, moving things an inch to the left, a centimeter up, fussing with her hair, her clothes, anything that might- when suddenly, she felt Vi rest her hands against her upper arms, rubbing them softly for a moment before moving up to her shoulders.
"Hey, Cait. Look at me."
It took her a second to find Vi's eyes, but when she did, she wondered why she had been avoiding them. Vi's gaze was firm and steadying, like an anchor in a storm, and she found herself matching her breathing almost without thinking, calm washing through her.
"It'll be okay."
She kept up the eye contact longer than perhaps was necessary. Vi's eyes were captivating to look at, that rare, pale grey, and somehow both sharp and soft at once. And all at once, the desire to kiss Vi again surged up into the centre of her chest and it took everything in her to disengage and pull away. She cleared her throat, dislodging Vi's hands from her shoulders with an irritable shake.
"I told you not to call me that."
Vi backed off, chastened.
"Sorry."
And damned if Caitlyn could stay mad at that face for long.
"You're forgiven," she said, a small smile playing around the corners of her mouth.
They spent the next few minutes leant up against Caitlyn's kitchen countertops, quizzing each other on the details of their lives and supposed relationship, while Caitlyn kept an eye on the oven and its contents. And of course, just as she had said it would, the doorbell went at seven-thirty on the dot. Hurrying to the door, Vi managed to catch her hand one last time and give it a firm squeeze.
Her parents were dressed impeccably of course, as if they had just come from an actual high-end restaurant. In fact, Caitlyn could not recall a time she had ever seen her mother dressed casually, even when at home. Her father was slightly more dressed down, in his regular suit and tie with tan, Burberry coat, and greeted her with a warm smile.
"Caitlyn. How wonderful to see you."
Caitlyn inclined her head forwards, stepping back to allow them into the hall and hang up their coats, at which point she wrapped her arm around Vi's, taking comfort in the stability of her muscular frame.
"Father, mother. This is my-" she glanced at Vi, who tilted her head forward encouragingly. "Partner. Violet."
Vi extended her free hand out.
"An absolute pleasure to meet you both."
Her father shook it readily but her mother insisted upon examining Vi head to toe before deigning to reach out her own and exchange the briefest moment of physical contact possible. Her eyes lingered longer than it would've been possible for anyone to overlook, on the tattoo under Vi's left eye, and then at the slit in her eyebrow, and then of course, at her dyed red-pink hair. And she made a small noise in the back of her throat, that it would've been generous to attribute to anything other than disapproval.
Caitlyn excused herself into the kitchen to bring the food out, while Vi made idle chitchat with her parents and poured them drinks, a task Caitlyn did not envy her. She had always found it difficult engaging in casual conversation with her parents. Perhaps because such a thing had always been heavily discouraged growing up. Parents were to be loved and respected as your guardians, not your friends. Thankfully, Vi took the seat next to her, so that she was separated at least by a table from her mother.
They ate fairly quietly for the first minute or so, just settling into the meal and getting comfortable talking with one another, Vi making sure to remark well upon the taste. But Caitlyn knew that all of this was just set up for the inevitable dressing down she always received when having a dinner with her parents. Nothing she ever did was good enough it seemed. And of course, it was her mother who started it off.
"So. Why isn't it until now that I have heard about this mate of yours Caitlyn?"
Caitlyn pressed her tongue against her bottom lip, trying to wet it, but already her mouth felt dry and husky. Realising that all eyes were on her now, she stumbled for a quick answer.
"Well it's a... relatively new thing."
She shot a quick glance at Vi, eyes wide with a plea for help, and hoping that her mother would make the assumption that the reason she hadn't told her sooner was purely down to Vi's... unorthodox appearance. Her mother had made no secret of expressing her displeasure with past partners of hers after all.
"I see."
She could already tell that this answer would not be good enough for her, and so she spoke again, trying to cut off any further probes that would inevitably expose their relationship for the sham that it was.
"I did not wish to get your hopes up unnecessarily, should things have not become serious."
Caitlyn lifted her glass to her face immediately, hoping to obscure her vision of her mother's displeasure for at least her initial response to this.
"Well in that case. Have the two of you thought about pups yet?"
Caitlyn sputtered into her wine glass, hastily putting it down before she could spill any.
"Mother I-"
Her mother held up her hand, cutting her off.
"You are not getting any younger Caitlyn."
Caitlyn shrank in her seat, mortified at such a topic being brought up at all, and she shot Vi an apologetic glance as she lapsed into silence under the disapproving ire of her mother's gaze. Vi, for her part, merely looked at her mother for a moment, before reaching a hand across the table, enclosing Caitlyn's within it and squeezing firmly. She seemed perfectly at ease still, but Caitlyn could feel the tension in her arm by the way she was gripping her hand.
"I appreciate your concern, but we are in no rush. I was raised to understand that a strong family unit is always best built upon strong foundations. And I have not know your daughter as long as I would yet like, to consider such an important step forward."
Her mother's eyes narrowed.
"You seem to have known her quite long enough to me."
The lingering of her mother's sharp gaze upon the bite on Vi's neck was not lost to anyone, and Caitlyn squirmed uncomfortably. But Vi seemed unphased, merely smiling and offering up her own extended gaze to her pretend mate, which seemed instantly so full of love and devotion, that for a moment Caitlyn felt unsure of the pretence. But then that familiar guarded look, that typical Alpha aloofness, overtook her eyes once more, and reality set back in.
"Perhaps part of me regrets our hastiness to be sure. But I can assure you, it was not a decision we made lightly."
The back of Caitlyn's neck burned with the lie. She felt sure her mother would be able to see through it, see through Vi's charms and bravado and recognise this charade for what it truly was. But to her surprise, her mother, after a few seconds examination, gave Vi a slight nod, as if she had passed some unspoken test. She exhaled, trying not to display her relief too openly, and Vi's grip relaxed in turn. Her hand remained on top of her own however, and an entirely new sort of heat crept up the back of her neck, sparked by such prolonged skin on skin contact. Vi was certainly very good at pretending.
She did eventually let her hand go, if only to allow her to continue eating unimpeded, but no sooner had she done so did she feel Vi nudge her knee up against the side of her leg. Completely unnoticeable to her parents across from them, but it were as if she were letting her know that, no matter what her mother might say or do next, she was here to support her. Her cheeks pinked at the gesture and she had to resist the urge to shift her leg away. It wasn't as if she really wanted to, she liked being close to Vi. But she had never had the best poker face.
"How're things with the firm?"
It was her father who had asked the question, but Caitlyn felt the probing barbs of her mother's gaze sticking into her from across the table.
"Things are going well father, thank you for asking. We've been on pace the last three quarters."
He smiled encouragingly, a sentiment decidedly not shared by his wife. She took a sip from her wine glass, her eyes, so similar a blue to her own, piercing over the rim, and Caitlyn took a sharp breath in as she felt Vi's hand move to her knee and give it a firm squeeze, bracing her for her appraisal.
"And have you been in line for any advancements?"
Caitlyn swallowed thickly. She'd been wondering how long it would take for this to come up. She felt Vi's thumb draw careful lines up and down her knee. Calm Caitlyn. Stay calm. You're an adult now. She can't get to you anymore.
"I'm still one of the youngest there, I should think they won't consider me for another few years at least."
Her mother delayed her response, the way Caitlyn believed she did in order to make her have to sit with the answer she had chosen to give, cutting her next bite of food neatly and taking her time chewing and swallowing.
"But you're pushing every opportunity you have for it, yes?"
Caitlyn kept her gaze fixed on the table, pushing her food round the plate with her fork.
"Yes mother, of course."
Thankfully her mother seemed to take this as an indication to switch her focus onto Vi, which the Alpha took entirely in her stride, finally dropping her hand from her leg. Perhaps as an Alpha, she was used to having such conversational sparring matches with others as headstrong as her mother was. Or maybe she was just good at hiding her nerves. Either way, Vi answered every question put her way with grace, able to steer probing lines back onto her parents, have them talk about their jobs, travel, their home abroad.
And she found, despite herself, that she loved listening to Vi talk. Of course, she had been listening to Vi talk about herself for most of the past two days. But it was only now, unconsumed by the anxiety of the approaching dinner, of worrying that her parents wouldn't believe the story they had concocted and she would be forced to admit that Vi was in fact nothing more than a casual hook-up, of finally being able to look past her irritation with Vi's classic Alpha aloofness, that she could really appreciate it.
Vi spoke animatedly, using her hands and face and tone of voice to their full range of expression. Her anecdotes were light and full of humour, and she spoke of home, of her sister and her step-dad and brothers, with a fondness not then spoiled by dwelling too long on her having left them all behind. And through it all showed a real kindness of spirit, a natural disposition of amiability. For although she certainly cut a figure of intimidation, with her broad shoulders, red hair and face tattoo, she really was anything but. So much so that not even her mother could seem to stay disapproving. She even managed a smile as they were leaving, as Vi reached out to shake her hand once again. And then it was two brief hugs and a kiss on the cheek from her father, and at last the door swung shut behind them.
She stayed in the hallway for a while after, just staring at the scuffed white paintwork of the skirting boards. Her head felt muggy, with sheer relief that it was all over yes, partly, but also. Something felt different. As if the very air around her had shifted somehow, en-lightened with the energy of a change she couldn't put a name to. And Caitlyn had never much liked the feeling of not understanding what was going on.
Vi was in the kitchen when she returned, shirt sleeves unbuttoned and rolled up past her elbows as she ran the hot tap in order to start washing up the dishes. Caitlyn approached her, placing a gentle hand on her wrist, protesting, but Vi just smiled at her, insisting.
"You can help me dry."
She acquiesced quickly, unable to refuse her for long. Her tone was just so genuine, so charismatic, that Caitlyn could imagine that Vi could've told her to walk off a cliff and she would've done it, with hardly a second's hesitation. Dish drying, usually a chore she detested, was a welcome repetition tonight. It was therapeutic almost, working in tandem with Vi, passing each plate and piece of cutlery from hand to hand, then into a neat pile on the side board, ready to be tidied away after. And in doing so, she let a full-bodied sigh escape her, the pure alleviation at the dinner being over finally hitting her in it's entirety.
"Okay?"
It was said in an offhand sort of manner, but when she looked at her, Caitlyn could see very real concern behind Vi's eyes.
"Yes. Just, happy it's over."
Vi's hand lingered against her own for a moment, fingers brushing against her skin, an offer of sympathy, before handing her the last plate to dry.
"You did well."
Caitlyn tilted her neck back, rolling it into her hand, an uncomfortable squirm running up her spine. Talking about her parents never made her feel good, and this had only been amplified by how much her mother had embarrassed her in front of Vi.
"They'll be back off to Singapore come November, and that gives me six months to fabricate some reason for us breaking it off."
Vi nodded, but she didn't say anything, and they finished the rest of the washing up in silence. She accompanied Vi into the hallway and watched her as she re-buttoned her shirt sleeves and took her jacket down from the coat pegs, tugging it on as she opened the door and stepped out into the street. Caitlyn herself lent against the open door frame, a sad smile plaguing her expression. As much as she would hate to admit it out loud to her, Vi's company tonight had made the absolute world of difference, and if she were honest with herself, she didn't really want her to leave.
Vi too had paused on the step, hands shoved into her trouser pockets, an uncharacteristic awkwardness about her.
"I enjoyed tonight."
Caitlyn nodded.
"Me too."
Vi tilted her head back, studying the dark night sky for moment.
"I don't like your mother much."
Despite this being a, if not indeed the, reasonable conclusion to come to after an evening spent in close proximity to her mother, Caitlyn found herself rushing to defend against it. If not because she actually believed it, then because she was just so used to doing so.
"She has... high standards."
Vi did not nod or shake her head, merely fixed her gaze upon her with quite the look of examination. It was much the same way she had looked at her that first afternoon together, sitting side by side on her bed. And just like then, that same childish self-consciousness overtook Caitlyn, eyes dropping to her shoes.
"She puts too much pressure on you."
Caitlyn could not disagree.
"I suppose she does. But she's always been like that."
She caught Vi fiddling with her watch, her hands jumpy and agitated, like they needed to be occupied with doing something or else they might simply detach themselves from her arms entirely and run away.
"I'll admit, I had to keep myself from giving her a piece of my mind."
A spark of something she couldn't quite determine ignited in Caitlyn's chest at this admission. She thought about how it would've made her feel, watching Vi stand up for properly against her mother. Then again, knowing her mother as she did, maybe it was for the best that it hadn't become a reality.
"No matter. It is done now, you have no more need to pretend."
Vi's fingers stilled, and it was only then that Caitlyn realised she had responded without having taken her eyes off of them. She lifted them and caught Vi's gaze, her sharp eyebrows pushed slightly inwards and up at the crease in the middle of her forehead.
"I did have fun with it though."
Vi's tone surprised her. Eager, almost anxious. As if realising she had perhaps spoke too much on the topic of her mother, and was trying to rectify.
"What?"
Vi smiled.
"Playing house. It's been a long time since I've met a girl's parents."
Caitlyn felt her tongue ready for a retort, but found then that she had no words to follow. What did one say after all, to an Alpha she had just proclaimed to her own parents to be mated to, and yet now it seemed she had no intention of ever seeing again? Vi didn't say anything, just maintained steady eye-contact, waiting. And Caitlyn buckled.
"I... uh. It's- it's late. I shouldn't keep you."
She tilted her head forwards, avoiding eye contact once more.
"Goodnight Violet."
And she turned, stepping into the door-frame, about to leave the most interesting person she had met in years behind her, for all she knew, forever.
"Wait."
A hand on her wrist. Skin as warm as any Alpha's was and yet. It did not feel foreign, as such a touch should from a practical stranger. It almost felt in that moment as if she had known Vi all her life, and that she cared for her as if that were truly the case. And who could turn their back on someone like that? And so she gave in to the gentle tug on her wrist.
"What?"
Vi stood for a moment on her front step, looking like she had not expected Caitlyn to turn at all. Her mouth was open slightly, as if about to speak, but no words came out, and they stood like that for a few seconds more before she cleared her throat, letting go of Caitlyn's wrist and allowing it to fall back to her side.
"What you said, about bites not being a big deal to me. It's not true."
Confusion stuttered her heart in her chest and she frowned, eyes wide, shaking her head.
"What are you saying?"
There was a dull thud as Vi braced her hand against the door-frame, and lifted the other to frame Caitlyn's chin, pressing her thumb against her bottom lip.
"Violet-"
"Please."
Her voice had dropped to a low murmur, requiring her to lean within inches of Caitlyn's ear so that she could be sure that she heard every word.
"Tell me if you don't want to, because I really want to."
There was no more than a second's pause between Vi's final word being spoken and Caitlyn relenting entirely to the magnetic pull in her chest and allowing Vi to kiss her. Vi surged forward like a desert wanderer to an oasis, pressing her against the wall of the entrance-way. The kiss was deep, a slow exploration of her mouth with her own, and Caitlyn found her hands making their way to Vi's neck and the small of her back, if only to anchor herself closer to her.
Caitlyn couldn't remember much about the night her and Vi had hooked up. She had always been a lightweight, drunk from a drop it seemed. But one thing she couldn't forget was the taste and feel of Vi's lips, as intoxicating as any drink, and entirely lacking of its characteristic bitterness. For kissing Vi was sweet, soft, and damn was it addicting. Like a drug designed specially for her. And although she easily had three inches on Vi, the Alpha made her feel small in her arms, welcoming her into the softness of her embrace and her mouth as if it were the most natural thing in all the world.
By some miracle they separated, gasping for breath, and Caitlyn fell against Vi's chest, feeling lightheaded. And Vi was there, steadying her, supporting her, just as she had done so that entire evening. Even though she had had no obligation to. Even though she could've left the morning of the hook-up before Caitlyn had even awoken. Even though she owed nothing to her, and Caitlyn nothing in return. She had stayed.
She met Vi's eyes with turmoil in her own, an unrest that had been awoken the moment Vi had connected their lips once more, fitting them together like two errant puzzle pieces finally finding their place in the whole.
"I- I thought it was just- just..."
Vi tilted her head, breaths hitting the side of Caitlyn's neck just above her pulse-point.
"Me too."
Somehow, Caitlyn's much faltering residual sense of self-decency found presence enough in her mind to place a hand against Vi's muscular chest and push her back, if only far enough to pick up eye contact with her once more.
"Couldn't it just be the bites?"
Vi stared deep into her eyes, making it so that there was no doubt in Caitlyn's mind that she was serious about this.
"Maybe it is."
Caitlyn found herself unable to look away, unable even to blink, transfixed by the Alpha's steely, grey-blue gaze. Her pulse had migrated to her temple, every pound of her heart sending a soft thud through the base of her skull. Vi must've noticed, had to have done, as the bite she had given her on that fateful night together was burning white hot and begging to be touched, kissed, gnawed at and clawed at, made deep and permanent. But Vi said nothing, just lent in once more, so close now the tips of their noses were touching.
"But I don't want to stop this."
The next kiss was searing, as if there had been an invisible barrier stationed between them, and Vi had just leaped straight over it. She nudged Caitlyn further into the house, lips still locked, and reached a hand back to close the front door, sealing their fate. Because Caitlyn knew in that very moment that there was no way in hell she would refuse Vi anything.
They exchanged kisses like they would die without them, hardly daring to separate for more than a second to catch their breath. Vi's hands, that had felt safe and comforting before, now felt dangerous, roaming her body like wolves on the prowl, testing for an opening. But her own hands were far from coy, slipping under the shoulders of Vi's suit jacket and sending it tumbling to the floor. Vi stepped over it, pushing them a little further into the hall. Caitlyn could feel the hard muscles of Vi's chest even through her shirt and she wanted more, God did she want more. She wanted to see every part of that sculpted body free from its coverings, and with eyes not clouded by drink and the thrill of risky decision making.
Her hand moved downwards, tracing the line of her lower abdomen until she reached her crotch. Vi was already hard under her trousers, groaning into Caitlyn's mouth as her palm cupped her from the outside. Impatient hands fumbled for her belt buckle, clearing the way for Caitlyn to push her hands directly into her boxer shorts.
Caitlyn did not have much experience with Alphas. With so many within her social strata using their position in society to lord their arrogance and entitlement over anyone unfortunate enough to be in close proximity, she had naturally gravitated towards Beta women when dating. That and female Alphas were few and far between to begin with. Of course, it had not been ideal, her mother especially anxious that she find someone capable of providing her with a family. But it had felt safe, secure, and most importantly, socially acceptable.
All that to say, when it came to what lay beneath the trousers of Alphas, Caitlyn had not known quite what to expect. She must've, of course, have already seen it before, for them to have gotten into this position to begin with. But to be doing this stone-cold sober, drunk only on the carnal need she had for Vi right now, was a different thing entirely. It felt all new, as if this really were the first time she was seeing her like this.
Vi felt good in her hand. Warm and pliable, and stiffening by the moment. She was clearly needy, conveyed to her by the soft, low whimpers she was coaxing out of her, but gentlemanly as ever, she didn't thrust greedily into her hand, waiting instead for Caitlyn to make the first move. Caitlyn drew her out, pushing her trousers and her underwear down just low enough for them to no longer be a restriction.
Vi broke the kiss, tilting her head back with groan and without warning switched their positions, releasing Caitlyn's grip on her, but replacing it with an equally thrilling impatience. Her hand moved to her back, fumbling for the zipper of her dress, and Caitlyn reached behind to guide her. With help it came smoothly, and she stepped out of it, stripping her dark tights along with it as Vi splayed a hand across her stomach, keeping her close. Her fingers found her underwear, shoving them beneath the waistband to push them down and off, and liquid heat pooled at the apex of Caitlyn's legs. Vi's mouth pressed to her ear, breath hot.
"Here, here, please."
She was pushed against the wall once again, and anchoring herself against Vi's shoulders, she hopped up, wrapping her legs around her waist. Vi's grip immediately moved to her ass, supporting her weight effortlessly with one hand as the other wrapped around her hard-on, eager to guide it forwards but waiting to be given full permission.
"Can I?"
Caitlyn kissed her greedily, open-mouthed, from her lips, down to her jaw, giving her answer between nips to the flushed skin.
"Yes, of course yes."
Vi pressed against her, the position making it easy, and in no time at all she was inside her, an intrusion if certainly a welcome one. Caitlyn grunted lowly in the back of her throat, as Vi jogged her hips, securing the position and pushing in deeper. Caitlyn felt hot all over, the little clothing she still had on almost unbearably rough and tight against her skin as Vi began thrusting into her, their lips still locked in a stalemate, neither one accepting defeat to take a breath.
A nip to her bottom lip caused her mouth to open at last, and Vi let her go, both of them having been growing lightheaded from the lack of oxygen. Though not daring to be parted, they pushed their foreheads against one another, heads titled, exhaling hot, heavy breaths into each others necks. And it was that moment of stillness that perhaps gave Vi a second or two to think about what was happening, and awareness seemed to come to her.
"Wait- I..."
Vi stilled inside her, the change of pace jarring, and Caitlyn opened her eyes to admonish her. But her annoyance at the interruption faded in an instant, as she could see there was genuine concern on Vi's face.
"Are you on..."
She frowned, shaking her head slightly to show she didn't understand.
"What?"
Vi bit down on her bottom lip, tugging it into her mouth, and Caitlyn had to stop herself from imitating the motion, eyes transfixed.
"We uh- we used a rubber last time, so..."
Clarity washed over her, and she almost laughed at the consideration Vi was still showing while literally buried six inches deep inside her. Anxious to reassure, she took Vi's hand in her own and pressed two fingers against the spot on her upper arm where, if plied firmly enough, one could feel the small rod of the contraceptive implant she had gotten some two years ago now.
"Don't worry. No accidents."
A flicker of what Caitlyn thought might almost be sadness crossed Vi's eyes, but only for a moment, as it was immediately replaced by the flames of desire and want. She took hold of Caitlyn's chin between her thumb and forefinger, much like she had done by the front door, and leaned in to whisper against her ear, her voice as smooth and sultry as silk.
"That's good because-" She pulled Caitlyn flush to her, eliciting a gasp as she made sure she was seated as deep as possible inside of her. "I didn't really feel like wasting anymore time."
They managed at least to make it to the bedroom for round two, Vi chasing her up the stairs like a wolf on the hunt, until they collapsed onto the bed, all smiles and laughter, every kiss and touch free and easy. And finally she was able to rid Vi of the last of her clothing, tossing her shirt onto her bedroom floor with her bra to follow. Eager to be as equally unclothed, she reached behind her back and unhooked her own, sending it to join the pile so now they were both fully naked.
A second passed between them then, hands pressed in anchoring positions, mouths hovering above one another as they exchanged heated breaths and bright blue eyes picked up silvery-grey. Then Vi's face split into a grin and she leaned forward to peck her on the lips once, then took her face in her hands, tangling her fingers into loose tresses as she kissed and kissed and kissed her.
And although she could not remember much about their first night together, she could imagine it must've been much like this. Her stomach twisted with knots of thrill and excitement as Vi climbed on top of her, slotting herself between her legs as if she had always belonged there, her fingers finding wetness as she explored, opening her up. How her head dropped to rest against the crook of her neck as she entered her once more, her hot, heavy breaths hitting her ear direct with each thrust, a symphony composed of their mixed pleasure.
She would be loathe to admit it out loud, but Caitlyn loved the noises Vi made. Loved that it was she alone causing her to fall apart, and to do so quite so vocally. Most Betas she had been with before had made her do most of the work, and to put it one way, had given little in the way of a reward. But there had not been one moment in their lovemaking where Vi was not making it plainly obvious how much she was enjoying it. And to have seduced such an aloof and confident Alpha to be such a way for her, well. That was quite something indeed.
"Fucking hell Cait..."
Vi's hands were greedy, roaming her neck and shoulders as she looked for an anchor-hold, eventually settling to tangle in her hair, fingers digging in close to the scalp. It was painful in a sense, but the sort of pain you welcomed, pain that made you feel alive, reminded you that you were still tethered to the earth even as your mind floated away. It also, as Caitlyn was quickly learning, served as a warning that Vi was getting close, her grip tightening and loosening as each thrust threatened to be the one to push her over the edge.
"It feels... you feel-"
Vi stuttered, her eyes falling shut as Caitlyn lent forwards, connecting their mouths to collect every sound that Vi made as her second orgasm of the night overtook her, hips flush to her pelvis as she shuddered against it. It'd come as a surprise to Caitlyn, who hadn't expected her to finish so suddenly, but she was nothing if not even more turned on to see how quickly she had worn down the Alpha's stamina.
Visibly Vi sank against her, her muscles loosening with the relief of her release, and her mouth wandered to her neck, kissing and nipping until her teeth met the bite on Caitlyn's neck, and she fitted them neatly into the grooves she had left there on the skin three nights previously. She pulled back before she could bite again though, choosing instead to drag her tongue up the side of her jaw to her ear, tugging the lobe into her mouth to nibble on that instead.
"You drive me wild, you know that?"
Caitlyn grinned at her, tongue pressing against the slight gap between her top two teeth.
"My charms are working then?"
If Vi had noticed her teasing, she didn't pick it up, as her answer came with full sincerity.
"You have no idea."
Caitlyn wrapped her hands around the back of Vi's neck, collecting the sweat gathered on the skin there and teasing it into the mullet like spikes at the base of her hair. Then moving to the smooth expanse of her back, she closed her eyes, so as best to feel the steady undulation of Vi's shoulders under her palms as she fought to get her breath back under control.
"Not tapping out now I hope."
She opened her eyes once more, and caught Vi's gaze just as she looked at her, and she managed a sheepish smile.
"Just- just give me a... minute."
And true to her word no sooner was she hard again, was she climbing on top of her once more, taking her from behind this time so that she might best lay sharp-edged kisses to her neck and shoulders, her hunger evident in her teeth. And it was then, with a mind unclouded and attuned to every suck and every nick against her skin, that Caitlyn fully understood why she had allowed Vi to bite her that first night. For, of course, she had never let anyone bite her before. So she had had no experience of the sheer bliss that sharing such a connection sparked. And bliss it certainly was.
The feeling of that stiffness inside her, the physical manifestation of Vi's wanting her, of clenching around it and hearing Vi groan. The primal rhythm of their thrusts, Vi pushing forwards and her pushing back to meet her so that she hit as deep as possible. It felt so natural, so easy, that Caitlyn almost couldn't imagine the two of them in any other position than here, tied together, suspended in an endless loop of give and take. To feel close to Vi in a way that was so beyond words, that even when she spent inside her for the third time that night, she truly felt the climax as her own, delicious heat curling from the centre of her abdomen to pulse at the juncture of her neck where Vi's bite lay bare.
And ever the gentlewoman, Vi reached around to press her fingers to her clit, rubbing Caitlyn into orgasm even as her own forced her vision to white-out from pleasure. And she kept up their position on shaky arms until she physically couldn't anymore, and the two of them collapsed onto the bed in a cacophony of shivers and sharp, gasping breaths.
It took them a moment to come to. The pressure of Vi's body against the full length of her back, although not total due to her supporting herself somewhat on her forearms, was crushing in the best way. A wall of warmth and safety that Caitlyn couldn't deny loving the sensation of. It'd been a very long time since she had been with someone who could make her feel like the little spoon after all.
"You..." Vi pressed her lips to Caitlyn's bare shoulder, kissing it breathlessly. "You are so beautiful." She moved to her neck, kissing all the way up to her ear, unable to contain the grin spreading across her face. "I can't believe you- you let me bite you."
Caitlyn smiled, turning her head to connect their lips, mumbling against them.
"Says you, smoke-show."
Vi let out a soft groan and pressed her nose to Caitlyn's mating bite, inhaling deeply and mouthing at it as if resisting the urge to bite down again. She'd gotten plenty taste enough after all, though it did not seem to have dampened her appetite but rather, increased it, her tongue tracing the delicate skin of Caitlyn's neck.
"You must know that you are simply irresistible."
Caitlyn sighed happily, sinking her face into the pillow and basking in the pressure of a hot, firm Alpha against her, tracing aching trails across her skin and making her feel like the luckiest woman in all the world.
"Then you must realise that the feeling is quite mutual."
Vi huffed in pleased affirmation, hand moving down to rest at her hip, possessive and protective all at once. Something Caitlyn did not usually seek out in her partners. And maybe it was just the bites. But with Vi it felt good to have an Alpha possessive over her.
"I guess your parents are gonna be seeing a lot more of me."
Caitlyn gave her a wry smile.
"I suppose they are."
Vi captured her mouth into a kiss, the feeling of teeth against her lips betraying her amusement.
"But you'll have to tell them I'm not quite ready for pups."
A flush of embarrassment washed over Caitlyn, and she pressed her face against the well-muscled flesh of Vi's shoulder, hiding from her gaze.
"Stop, don't remind me."
With a grin on her face and ease in her movements, Vi embraced her and turned them round so that now she was lying back to the mattress, with Caitlyn on top of her. She cupped her reddened cheeks in her hands and kissed her forehead, then each eyelid, and finally her lips once more.
"Mmm, I sure love getting some practice in though."
Vi's words brought fresh bashfulness to her face, the likes she hadn't felt in years, and she buried it into the Alpha's neck, pressing their bodies together and clinging to her as if fearing she may disappear altogether if she dared to let go.
"You can stay?"
Vi carded her fingers through Caitlyn's hair, pushing loose, sweat stroked strands behind her ears.
"Of course. Whenever you need me."
Caitlyn's gaze softened, betraying an emotion that was almost sadness, but not quite. It was something more like... vulnerability, an acknowledgement of how much she had laid bear to the promise of Vi's words and actions. She closed her eyes, pressing their foreheads together gently.
"I need you."
"You have me."
She nodded, but it was clear that there was something bothering her still. And Vi was not one to leave the concerns of pretty girls unaddressed.
"What's up?"
Caitlyn chewed on her bottom lip, nervous. It had been something she'd realised a while ago but it had not seemed relevant to mention it, considering that they had been supposed to part ways for good after the family dinner.
"My heat is coming up."
To her credit, Vi hid her surprise well, but Caitlyn saw it nonetheless. And immediately apprehension struck her, and she hastened to backtrack.
"You don't have to... I mean. I would never expect you to, to... uh."
Vi's eyes, that had been so relaxed and unserious, hardened immediately, but not in an unkind way. Moreso it felt as if she were trying to show Caitlyn, in the most certain terms she could convey, that the very idea she might leave her, that she wouldn't help her through her heat after biting and mating her, was sheer blasphemy to her ears. Slotting her hand along the groove between her ear and her neck, Vi stroked her thumb across her cheek, encouraging her to lean into her touch.
"I'm here Cait."
Caitlyn nodded, closing her eyes and surrendering to the warmth of the palm of Vi's hand. How easy it felt now, to allow someone to take care of her. It had been a long time since she had put such trust in another person, raised as she had been by her parents to be prim, proper and self-sufficient. To believe that the only reason one should become mated to an Alpha was if pups were coming soon after. To always put duty before desire. So much so that she had allowed herself a moment of madness, an evening of drunkenness and debauchery. That she had never intended to be more than that.
Her eyes found Vi's once more, so soft and eager, she thought her heart might burst at the thought of the love, that seemed well on its way to blossoming between them.
"Can I ask you something?"
Vi nodded, all sincerity.
"Anything."
"Who bit first? I don't remember."
Visible hesitation crossed Vi's face, almost long enough for Caitlyn to fear for her response. But she spoke with all the care and dexterity she should already have learnt to expect from her, for she had never spoken in any other way.
"You did. I would've never, without permission."
Troubled still then, it brought forth her next question.
"Why did you let me?"
Vi seemed to take a moment to think about this, stretching out her arms and back so that her throat was laid bare, and Caitlyn had to tear her eyes away from the mark her own teeth had made there three nights previously.
"I don't know. It felt right."
An uncharacteristic awkwardness overtook her then, and Caitlyn's eyes sparked with curiosity as to the cause of this change.
"Maybe it will surprise you, but I don't do hook-ups very often. When I spoke with you in that bar however, I felt something... different. As if I had found someone with who I truly connected. I've lived in London for so long now, and yet in all these years I've never met someone who made me feel as if I belong here."
Despite herself, Caitlyn was surprised by this. Vi had just seemed like the sort that woke up often in the beds of strange Omegas. Quite apart from how nonchalantly she taken the discovery that they had given each other mating bites, she was a personal trainer to the rich London suburbs, with more money than sense and more than enough good looks to make the most of it. And hadn't they found each other at a nightclub after all, where night out and one night stand could be practically synonymous.
"You must know, I had no intention of taking things as far as we did. I wanted to see more of you of course, but I was not sure if you would remember me." She paused, and finally her eyes flicked away from hers. "Or even care to."
Caitlyn felt at a loss for words, unable to think of how to respond to such an earnest confession.
"I don't..."
Vi gave her a reassuring smile, but there was definite apprehension behind it.
"Perhaps you don't see it in yourself, but you command yourself so effortlessly. Even when I knew you were so drunk you would not remember a thing that happened between us, you had such confidence, such authority. I was in awe of you. I'm almost ashamed to admit how easily I gave in to you. How quickly I let things get... out of hand."
Caitlyn swallowed thickly.
"Does that mean you... reg-"
Caitlyn's sentence was cut off as Vi took her face in her hands, eyes wide and anxious, as if overwhelmingly fearful that she might be misunderstood.
"No. Never. Not for a second."
Awareness came to her then, and she let go of Caitlyn's face a little awkwardly, though she was quick to take up her hand instead, squeezing it.
"Perhaps I would not... bite you, if given a do-over. But I do not regret doing so."
And it was only then, in light of Vi's staggering earnestness, that Caitlyn allowed herself to fully drop the pretence. To push past her shyness, her giddiness, the distracting afterglow of lovemaking, and really look at her. Looked at the Alpha she had first met not three days ago. And no, she didn't know her, not really. She had not had the time to. But the one thing she knew for sure by now, that she felt more certain of than anything, was that Vi was no liar. A good pretender perhaps, their family dinner had shown that plainly. Although... knowing now how she had felt. Had she really had to reach all that far for that pretence? She smiled again at Vi, and this time the smile reached her eyes.
"I'll tell you my dates."
Vi beamed.
"I will look forward to it."