Page 24 of Galaxy Between Us

His name is barely a whisper on my tongue as I stare with captivation.

Mr. Minsley’s mouth drops open.

“How dare you address Alpha Beckett by his first name! Are you out of your mind, Omega?!”

Both Knox and I barely register Mr. Minsley sputtering about. We only seem to have eyes for one another.

“Arius.”

Hearing him say my name gives me goosebumps everywhere. It’s been too long. I smile slowly as memories of simpler times come rushing back. Mr. Minsley doesn’t recognize this trance I’ve slipped into while he continues speaking frantically.

“This little shit has stepped out of line too many times to count, Mr. Beckett! I want him fired at once!”

Knox doesn’t even spare him a glance. His attention is only on me. Where it belongs.

“Come into my office,” he says, gesturing to a wooden door with his name on it. Impressed, I step inside but before Mr. Minsley can follow, Knox stops him. “You won’t be needed for this private discussion, Minsley.”

I stifle my laugh at the expression on his face. He won’t be getting his sick little thrill of watching me get fired after all.

“But, but I– “

“Please, see yourself out.”

With that, the door is shut and Knox faces me.

For a moment, the two of us take in the sight of one another. Fuck, he got tall. I have to bend my neck back to see his face. He’s wearing a fancy suit, littered with golden pins and badges. His dark hair is a bit longer than it used to be and styled to perfection. Exuding wealth and power, a sharp jawline replaces the pinchable cheeks he had before. But his scent is what changed the most.

Has he always smelled so damn good? Hickory and summer bonfires. Pecans and rich bourbon. I’d be able to tell this is his office based on that delicious smell alone. It’s so uniquely him. I can’t stop taking deep manual breaths of it that make me feel at ease.

He stuffs his hands in his pockets. I’m not sure what he sees when he assesses me, which makes me insecure. His poker face has only gotten stronger over time. He used to be so open but has since developed the sternness of a well-composed Alpha. It’s…quite attractive.

“What are you doing here?” He moves forward and leans casually against the edge of a white leather sofa. So deliberate and confident in his motions.

“I could ask you the same.” I smile and earn one back from him. Look at us. Clad in uniform at Comet XI. Exactly where we dreamed we’d be when we were younger. How full circle is that?

He looks at me as if he is seeing me for the first time. I shudder under his assessing gaze, hoping that I smell like a sweet, submissive Omega instead of a sweaty, anxiety-ridden delinquent.

“When did you get so grown up?” Knox crosses his strong arms. “You’re all…pretty now.”

I blush deeply. Same old candid Knox.

“I mean, you were pretty then, too!” he adds quickly. “But now you’re…wow.”

His penetrating stare is so strong I can’t help but tilt my head submissively, baring my neck and peering up at him beneath my lashes. Knox has never commented on my looks before.

“Thanks… I’m not the only one of us who’s done some growing up. I mean, look at you. Sophisticated top floor executive? You never fail to exceed expectations, Knox Beckett. I guess I should’ve known you were around here somewhere.”

He drops his head shyly at my praise, a spike in his scent filling the room.

“Please, any Alpha with an intimidating enough face can weasel their way into a corporate office.”

“Still downplaying your accomplishments, I see,” I shake my head at him with a sigh.

“Enough about me, looks like you made it, too. You’re on Minsley’s team?”

He nods to my lab coat and badge.

“Mr. Minsley’s cleaning team,” I emphasize. Reality sets in and my expression falls. “But not anymore I assume.”