Love in Lace

The next few days were a fog, going by entirely too quickly and too slow at the same time. Charlie had no clue if she actually processed what was happening, but at least she had her packmates to lean on.

Margie came over, helping talk her down from the freaking edge.
They spent the day cuddling on the couch, watching old movies, and eating too much ice cream. Then, after Charlie wasn’t a step away from a panic attack, they made a game plan for this new…addition.
No matter the circumstances, Charlie couldn’t bring herself to take her anger and anxiety out on an omega. That wasn’t fair, it’s not like they could choose either. They were both stuck in an unfortunate position, so all Charlie could do was try to think of ways to make this person feel safe and comfortable in her home. Well, now their home. That they’ll share. In her tiny apartment with only one bedroom. Great. No, that’s totally fine. Don’t freak out, it’s fine.

Charlie’s hand shook as she called Simon, explaining the situation with a terrified edge. Simon, stoic and calm, did not hesitate to come over, bringing some of his employees to help her collect all of the papers and photos and documents she had strewn around her kitchen counter, her coffee table, her bed sheets, everywhere. There were piles of the stuff, all evidence of her work, now useless to use it for its purpose. He assured her that he would continue to work on the case, but they might have to put a hold on its execution until she can come back. He put a heavy hand on her shoulder, and to Charlie, it was like a weighted blanket. “Do not worry, Charlotte. It is only a setback.” He said before the boxes full of her work were whisked away.

Lyndon took her to the omegan supply store, guiding her through so many different blankets, pillows, and omega things she has no clue about. Charlie followed after Lyndon as his big calloused hand ran over each soft surface, grabbing each one that he seemed to linger on. In the end, her cart piled so high with toiletries, clothes, and bedding that she couldn’t see over the top. If only one good thing came out of this, it would be the big fat check that SGPS promised.

Charlie took the next day to cleanse her house of all the dirty clothes on her floor, the dishes in the sink, and that horrid bleach smell that rat man left behind. She was happy to have her other packmates come over, a party of karaoke, dancing, cheesy pizza, and drinks as they set up the place for an omega. A new bed was shoved into a now very cramped corner of her bedroom, and they put the new bedding and some stuffed animals on her four poster bed, draping curtains for some form of privacy for her…new…roommate.

Half of her makeup and things were shoved into half of the drawers and closet, nearly overflowing. The new things she picked up were all arranged neatly, and Charlie was thankful that her pack had at least one person who was so meticulous. Probably because they had practice from drag nights at the Pink Pony Club.

By the time the night waned, everyone was in good spirits, stumbling back to their apartments with loud booming laughs and shrill giggles. The scents of her family lingered after they left, all jumbling together in her mind. The scent of home, of safety and comfort washed away some of her fears, and by the time the weekend arrived, Charlie could pretend she was ready for anything this omega and the agency threw at her.

Oh god, she couldn’t have been more wrong.
_________________________________

In a black unmarked van, Derek Foley rides in the backseat with the omega, regarding them carefully. The car creeps along slowly in the Chicago traffic, beeps and construction just outside the blacked out windows.

“Alright my dear, are you ready to meet the alpha? This will be an important development for you and SGPS.”

The omega nodded, a bright perfect smile on their face.

“Of course, Mr. Foley. I won’t let the agency down.”

“Good, we know you won’t.”
_____________________________________

Charlie moves around her apartment with a nervous energy, setting out anxiety cookies she made at 2 in the morning in a small metal tin. She sings the same little loop of Growing Sideways absently, checking the cuckoo clock on the wall every so often, the tail of a black cat swinging back and forth. Of course SGPS hadn’t bothered to tell her exactly when the omega would get here, so she’s been up and ready for six hours. Charlie’s poor downstairs neighbors must be furious with her nervous pacing, but she can’t bring herself to care.

She’s made sure to be as presentable as possible, wanting to at least make a good impression with the poor omega, who was most likely scared out of their mind. By some miracle her curls cooperated, and she put on some light makeup, just a bit of mascara, blush, and concealer to hide the circles under her eyes. Charlie decided to be comfy, hoping she was unassuming and unthreatening in green tweed overalls, little purple flowers swirling in patterns at the ends of her pants.

Charlie groans, rubbing her temples to ward off a headache. It’s too early, she needs a nap, and there’s no way she can do this today. But sadly, SGPS doesn’t care about what she can handle, because her head snaps up at a sharp rapping at her door.
She swallows down her nerves, moving towards her door. The knocking grows louder and more insistent. Charlie hesitates, her hand hovering for a second over the doorknob before she steels herself, opening the door quickly.

Her brain short circuits.

Standing there, is the most beautiful girl she’s ever seen. Long blonde hair, pinned back in waves. Soft curves, pink cheeks, and a pretty dark green dress on, which Charlie distantly thinks is much too short for the weather.

The next thing she notices is the shocked revulsion on the girl’s face, her previous smile quickly vanishing.

“I’m sorry, who are you? This is supposed to be my mate’s apartment.” Not sounding sorry at all, the omega glares daggers into Charlie.

Charlie blinks in bewilderment, glancing between her and that slime ball Foley.

“Um…this is my apartment. I’m Charlie Tifton, I’m pretty sure that’s me.”

The omega’s eyes narrow, scrutinizing.

“You can’t be an alpha, you’re a girl, silly. Now where’s my alpha?” She giggles lightly, but her eyes are ice cold.

Foley seems to think this is the time to step in, a clipboard resting on his arm as he taps a pen against it haughtily.

“Ms. Tifton is correct. She is your alpha. This is Lacey.”

The omega- Lacey, rounds on him, her face growing bright red with anger.

“But- that’s not fair! I can’t- you never said anything about my alpha being…this!”

Lacey gestures at Charlie, and she bristles. What was wrong with her, huh?
Foley sighs, shaking his head.

“Dear Lacey, this is your alpha. It’s important that you make a good impression here.” He chastises lightly, but he looks Charlie up and down with an identical expression of disgust.

“But- this isn’t an alpha! This is so insulting! I am worth more than some runt of a woman!” Lacey protests, her pretty pink lips twisted angrily.

Charlie glares, crossing her arms tightly. This definitely wasn’t what she expected. She pictured a poor young omega like so many others she’d encountered. But this? This angry omega who is older than any other omega that’s come out of the facility? One roughly around her age that seems so freely opinionated? The blatant disregard and disgust at just the idea of being with her? Charlie didn’t know whether to be insulted or relieved.

“Well, if Lacey doesn’t want to, then I’d say we’re done here.” She shrugs, giving a measured smile as she goes to close the door.

“Ah ah- not so fast, Ms. Tifton.” That damn rat holds the door open with his shoe, shaking his head with a placating grin. “You wouldn’t want to let go of this omega, she’s one of the finest the facility has produced.”

Charlie narrows her eyes. Produced? Like glass or phones or coffee.
But Lacey nods emphatically, grabbing Foley’s shoulder.

“Which is why I shouldn’t be sent to this…one. Shouldn’t the best the facility has to offer go to the best alpha?”

Charlie is about to scream or laugh at the absurdity. What the hell was up with this girl?

Foley takes Lacey’s hand gently, that same annoying smile on his face. But, his beady eyes seem to narrow. His hand tightens around hers.

“Lacey, trust me, this is the best placement for you. Don’t question SGPS, we know best.”

Charlie’s eyes widen in shock and dismay as Lacey’s attitude turns 180 degrees, and she bares her neck in submission, nodding with a smile.

“Of course you know best! You’re right, I can…reform this alpha. That’s why you placed me here! I’ll have my work cut out for me, but I’ll make it happen.”

Charlie’s skin crawls, her claws slowly dig into her arm. Reform? What was so wrong with her? Then she huffs, beckoning them into her apartment. What did she care? She’s not an insecure little girl anymore, she can take a few weird insults.

“Welcome in, make yourself at home.” She mutters sarcastically.”

Lacey steps in, her face screwed up like she ate a lemon whole. Her eyes roam around the small entryway, stepping into the living room.

Charlie watches with an annoyed expression as Lacey inspects everything. This was her place. This was the home that she made and was damn proud of. Sure, it was small, but it was cozy. All earthy browns and greens and purples are incorporated in her couch, the fluffy armchair, and the throw blanket. A spider plant hangs from the ceiling and a small vase of purple flowers sits on the coffee table. Pictures of her family adorn the top of the fireplace, all framed and decorated with flowers that she’d painted. A guitar was tucked into the corner, and a bay window lets a bit of the morning light shine through. Charlie loves her home, and this random girl deciding that she’s too good to be here is starting to piss Charlie off.

Lacey’s finger runs over the mantle, a sneer on her lips.
“Well, at least it’s clean.”

Charlie’s jaw clenches. Are you kidding me? She thinks incredulously.
But, she bites her tongue and nods.
Lacey continues her inspection, and Foley walks through the apartment like he owns it. He scribbles on his paper, further putting Charlie on edge.

Foley straightens up, and he makes his way back to the door.

“Well, that should be all. You two enjoy and we’ll be in contact for another check in soon.”

Lacey’s eyes widen, and she nearly tries to follow after him, before she holds herself back. She smiles a bit too much, like the corners of her lips are stitched to her cheeks.

“I’ll look forward to it, Mr. Foley! Thank you!”

Charlie roll her eyes, locking the door behind him. Thank god that rat is gone. At least there’s one less asshole in her sanctuary. When Charlie turns around, Lacey is glaring at her, all traces of fake politeness gone.

“If you’re going to be my alpha, there’s a lot we’ve got to change.”

Charlie scoffs, laughing at her audacity.

“I’m not your alpha, so you don’t have to worry your pretty little head about it.”