Despite the grueling school schedule that everyone was suffering through, as they neared the end of the semester their excitement grew. Not because the semester was ending. Not because they’d have officially survived their first years of college. Not because of Kloh’s birthday. But because of their annual dinner party.
It started as a joke in high school. They all wanted to go to this fancy restaurant that was trending. But for various reasons, one being they were children and wouldn’t be let in, they couldn’t go. Ares’s mother, Angel, couldn’t stand the numerous sulking teens in her house. So she hosted a fancy dinner party for them. She went all out. She hired a chef, waiters, and a professional company to decorate the ballroom for them. They all showed up in the fanciest and poshest outfits they owned. They drank wine, sparkling cider, and talked in posh accents the whole night. It was one of their best memories as a group. So the following year when Ares recommended they do it again, everyone agreed. Even though they were old enough now to go to an actual restaurant, they wouldn’t trade this night for anything.
This year Ares was hosting again. A link had been sent a month ago where they could ‘make reservations’. Everyone found it hilarious but Ares wanted to make it extra and reminded everyone seriously to make a reservation before tables ran out. Despite the jokes and teasing, everyone checked in for the only available time slot for the 4th at 8pm. This year invites were extended to significant others and a small group of close friends.
Reminder: Reservation @Ares’s Ballroom for today at 8pm
Kloh laughed as the reminder popped up on his phone. He still couldn’t believe Ares made them make reservations.
“What are we laughing at?” Dex asked as he walked into the bathroom.
“Ares and his extraness.” Kloh grinned at him and showed him the reminder.
Dex took a second to read it before laughing as well. “Real fancy stuff.”
“Yeah well that’s Ares for you. I don’t know how Manny can handle all that.”
“Manny is probably the most patient person I’ve ever met. They’re good together.”
“They are. I’m glad Ares found someone. Now to marry off the rest so I can live in peace.” Kloh joked with a silly little grin as they made eye contact in the mirror.
Dex rolled his eyes but returned the smile. He turned Kloh around to fix the tie that he’d been fiddling with for the last ten minutes.
“Why wear a tie if you can’t tie it yourself?”
“So I can do this.” Kloh wrapped his arms around Dex’s waist and pulled him in close.
“Perv. Remove your hands at once.” Dex shot him a weak glare as he worked on the tie.
“Can’t. How else can I take advantage of you?” Kloh grinned wider, slipping his hands into the back pockets of Dex’s pants and squeezing.
Dex squeaked in surprise, jumping a little. Kloh chuckled, a sparkle of mischief in his eyes. The glare he got this time was more hostile. His amusement grew and he maintained eye contact as he squeezed again.
“Kloh!” Dex gasped in disbelief.
Kloh winked and Dex slapped his chest with his knotted tie. He struggled against his hold before huffing and glaring at him harder.
“Release me at once.”
“Can’t do that. Gotta pay the kiss tax first.”
Dex scoffed. “Kiss tax? Seriously?”
Kloh nodded solemnly. “One kiss and I’ll let go. Two will get you a reward.”
“And what is the reward?”
“Who knows? Why don’t you give it a shot?” Kloh wiggled his eyebrows at him.
“You’re wrinkling my shirt.” Dex pouted and complained softly.
“All it takes is a kiss.” Kloh leaned forward, puckered his lips and waited.
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“What’s the reward?”
“Kiss number three.”
This one lit a fire down in the pit of Dex’s stomach. The kiss was harsher but not suffocating. Kloh’s tongue had slipped into his mouth and was sucking and licking at everything it came into contact with. It was sloppy. Wet sucking sounds and the lack of air triggered what was now a pavlovian reaction. Dex groaned deeply, his body twitching to life. The tell tale signs of arousal coursing through his veins. And he knew if they didn’t have to be somewhere it would’ve led to some back breaking, knee weakening, mind blowing sex. Hell he wasn’t convinced that that wouldn’t be happening. Not with the way Kloh had backed him up against the sink, gently lifting him up and placing on the counter. It also put Dex at a height where he was looking down at Kloh.
Most alphas would be annoyed by that small disadvantage. But Kloh loved it. He said it made him like he was looking up at his world and being consumed by it. The first time he said that was at a family night. Dex couldn’t stop grinning and kept finding ways to steal kisses from Kloh. Needless to say, any remaining reservation Dex had over being taller than his alpha had vanished instantly. Kloh pulled him closer to the edge. Dex’s legs instinctually came up and hugged his waist. Maybe they could squeeze in one round. He could definitely be convinced.
“You two better not be fucking in there. We need to leave in five minutes or we’ll be late.” Noe yelled as he came up the stairs, shattering the highly sexualized atmosphere that was building.
Dex pulled up and gasped loudly as he took in a deep breath. Kloh’s head fell to his shoulder as his muttered curses. Dex was glad to see he wasn’t the only one affected. Sometimes it felt like he was the only overwhelmed in times like this. Kloh would usually be able to remain calm but seeing the reddening ears of his alpha made him grin dopely. He loved seeing Kloh’s reactions to him.
“Again I repeat we gotta go. I will walk into the room if I need to. But please don’t make me.” Noe called out again as he stopped by the partially open door.
Dex laughed as he saw the shadow of the omega pacing outside the doorway.
“Don’t worry we’re decent. We’ll be right down.”
“Thank god. I really didn’t not want to scare myself before dinner. I’ve been building up my appetite all day.” The omega said to himself and turned to make his way back downstairs.
“Let’s go. You’ll give me the rest of my reward later.”
“Oh? Will I?” Kloh raised a brow.
Dex gave him a cheeky grin and patted this chest. “Yes. You. Will.”
***
Dex knew on some level that Ares was loaded. He’d heard of Ares’s father and the biotech company he owned. Kloh had mentioned a couple of times before how disgustingly rich he was but Dex never really made anything of it. And as they pulled up to the grotesquely large mansion, Dex was stunned. He must’ve made a noise because both Kloh and Noe stopped talking to look over at him.
“It’s freaking crazy right?” Noe giggled at what Dex could only assume was the gobsmacked look on his face.
“Just stick with us and you won’t get lost.” Kloh reassured him.
“Simon gets lost every time he leaves the first floor.” Noe giggled.
Kloh nodded in agreement. “Don’t trust him to get you around. But the rest of the house should be closed off anyway. We usually stick to the ballroom and adjoining rooms. Don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried. A little freaked out but it’s not everyday I’m invited to a palace.” Dex wanted to stick his head out the window and look around eagerly but held himself back.
He cleared his throat and tried to maintain a calm voice. “Will we be getting a tour?”
Kloh grinned at him then nodded toward the valet waiting at the front door. Just inside was a short woman who looked so much like Ares that she could only be his twin sister or his mother. Even mother felt wrong with how youthful she was. Her blonde hair was curled into delicate ringlets and half pulled back into a low pony. She had on a moss green sleeveless gown that flowed with her every movement.
“Angel won’t let you leave without one.” Kloh winked at him as they stopped.
Dex took a deep breath to calm himself and got out. Kloh rounded the car and passed the keys to Hansen, the butler who greeted both Noe and Kloh warmly. The click clack of shoes had them all turning towards the front door. Angel gracefully hurried down the stairs in her stilettos. As soon she reached the bottom she held out her arms with a bright smile and called out to them.
“Oh my babies! It’s been too long. Come give me a hug this instant.”
“Angel, it’s so good to see you.” Noe stepped up first and was pulled into a long crushing hug.
Angel petted his hair and whispered softly to him. Noe hugged her back and smiled along, answering each of her questions. Once satisfied with her greeting, Noe was released and made his way inside. She turned to Kloh. He smiled down at her and took Noe’s place, hugging her.
“Oh Kloh, look how big you’ve gotten. And stronger too. Oh my! How have you been? I heard you have a new beau, is he here with you? And the alpha thing, what’s up with that? Are you eating enough? I can have Hansen send some packed lunches to the dorm.” Angel rambled as she inspected him, patting his arms, turning his face left and right.
“I’m doing well, I promise. I’m eating too much actually. There’s more than enough food at home, especially since I’m feeding someone else.” He held out a hand to Dex, who nervously took it and was pulled forward.
“This is Dex, my boyfriend. Dex, this is Angel, Ares’s mother and the most charming person I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.” Kloh brought Dex closer, sliding his arm around Dex’s waist, resting his hand on his lower back.
“Hello, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Dex gave her his best smile.
Angel paused a second and gave him a look over. He shifted nervously. Her eyes landed on his face and when they made eye contact she flashed that bright smile again. She took a step towards him and hugged him as she did with the other two.
“Oh, aren’t you the prettiest omega? So handsome and tall. Absolutely perfect for Kloh. Exactly what he wished for that one christmas.”
“Angel please. I was very drunk when I said that.” Kloh groaned and covered his face.
Angel laughed, a low sound that didn’t match her delicate nature but was still very fitting.
“You really shouldn’t be telling me you were drunk. What kind of mother would I be to ignore your underage drinking?”.
“I didn’t know someone spiked the eggnog.”
“It was initially boozy because it was for adults. You little hoodlums snuck in to steal some away.”
Angel winked at Dex.
The tension flowed out of him and he gave her a smile back.
“He wished for me?”
“Well.” Angel crossed her arms and tapped her cheek slowly. “If I remember correctly he said, taller than him, prettier than him, and smarter than him. Then started blabbering about gender and whatnot before passing out.”
“Angel. You can’t embarrass me in front of my boyfriend. What if he leaves me?” Kloh pouted even as his eyes fluttered with amusement.
“I think he’ll stick around. Right?” She nudged Dex.
“Only if I get more stories about his embarrassing moments.” Dex smiled at him.
“Dex!”
“Wonderful! I’ll tell you everything I know before I leave. Come with me.” She linked her arm with Dex and the two walked up into the house.
Kloh smiled and followed after them.
As they stepped in, the noises of people laughing, talking and drinking filled the space. Past the entrance, they walked past the spacious sitting room, a bedroom, a bathroom and a living room before getting to the ballroom in the back of the house. Dex let out a surprised gasp as he stepped into the elegantly decorated space. Both Angel and Kloh let out a small laugh. As they approached the doorway, Angel relinquished her hold on Dex to step into the kitchen next door. Kloh quickly took up the space, slipping Dex’s arm into the crook of his. Dex nervously smiled and Kloh patted his arm reassuringly.
Ares had gone all out on the restaurant concept. At the door entrance, Jamie, one of the small crew of workers in the mansion, stood in a well fitted black suit. He smiled shyly as the two stopped in front of him. Kloh gave him a small wave that made him blush. Jamie, like everyone else employed here, was a beta. He was also the youngest of the crew here and hung out with them whenever they were there during his free time.
“Welcome, do you have a reservation?” He asked softly.
Dex smiled and nodded. “Reservation for two, under Kloh.”
He ducked down to tap on the tablet in front of him. Kloh resisted the urge to look over the podium to see what was on the screen. Jamie grabbed what looked to be a booklet from under the podium and gestured for them to follow him.
“Right this way.” He motioned for them to follow him.
He led them further into the low lit space. There were three tables spaced out. Black and dark green tablecloth and setting. Each table had these medium sized centerpieces filled with flowers and lights. The setting felt intimate. There was a stage with a three person band playing slow jazz.
Clearly they were the last to arrive. Everyone else was seated at tables of four. Noe had already found his seat next to Simon, at a table with Olive and Lee. Another table had Wesley, Mars, Manny and Ares. At the last table was Weston and Beau. Everyone was dressed to impress.
“You guys go really hard for this huh?” Beau asked as they reached the table.
Kloh grinned at him and shrugged.
“Ares loves this type of stuff. Who am I to disagree with his joy?”
Dex laughed as Beau rolled his eyes. Kloh naturally pulled Dex’s seat for me. He winked at Dex resulting in another eye roll. He took a seat and was pushed in before Kloh sat down next to him.
“How come you never pull the seat out for me?” Beau poked Weston’s face.
Said man didn’t even look up from his menu as he replied. “Maybe because you’ve never wanted me to do that before.”
Beau sucked his teeth and glanced over at Dex, “Chivalry is dead. You’ve got a gentleman in your hands. Don’t let someone steal him.”
They laughed as Weston glared at Beau. Beau grinned back at him then leaned in to kiss his check. The intensity of the glare lessened but still held true. Dex and Kloh shared a look of amusement.
Dinner was a wondrous affair. A seven course dish, each one fancier than the last. Angel would introduce each meal with a flourish, making everyone excited to dig in. The plates were beautifully decorated and tasted even more amazing than they looked. It was perfect. The room was filled with warmth, laughter and good times.
Clink. Clink. Clink.
The sound of metal on glass caught everyone’s attention. They had just reached the final course when Ares stood up. A glass in one hand, the other placing his fork back onto the table.
“Attention everyone. First of all, I hope everyone had a wonderful day. If not, I hope this evening changes it from a bad one into a great one. I’m so happy that you all could make it tonight. I know we are all very busy. Whether it’s preparing for finals, graduation or just dealing with work. I hope we were all able to drink, laugh and relax tonight while setting aside our troubles even if it’s just for this one night. Thank you all for coming. Let’s have such an amazing night that you all ask me to host again next year.”
Everyone laughed along with Ares. He held his glass up prompting everyone else to join in.
“To all of you. To friendship. To keeping traditions alive. Let’s get wasted! Cheers!”
A incoherent cacophony of cheers filled the room, followed by clinking. Kloh took a deep sip of his wine and let out a sigh. A hand grabbed his. Looking over, he saw Dex watching him with bright eyes. He looked beautiful and finally relaxed. Kloh couldn’t help but to smile. He brought up their clasped hands and pressed a kiss onto Dex’s hand. Dex gave him a smile that warmed his heart.
“That was absolutely beautiful.” A deep voice followed by slow applause cut through the light chatter. “Couldn’t have said it better myself.”
Everyone quieted down and turned towards the sound. A tall man entered from the front. At first glance he was striking. Dark hair, broody eyes and a chiseled jawline that screamed ‘I’m handsome, look at me’. He had on a shiny black three piece that looked more expensive than everyone’s outfits combined. His teeth gleamed when smiled. His footfalls quiet as he glided into the space. He didn’t look old, the only thing alluding to his age being the few gray hairs dusting his temple. He was recognizable to most of the people. Not because they knew him personally. No, they’d all seen the billboards, the commercials, the interviews and more. This was Kristoff Aldov, owner of the biggest biotechnology company in the country.
Or as Ares referred to him as,
“Dad? What are you doing here?
***
Author’s Note
Hey, it’s been awhile. Sorry for going MIA. Didn’t really expect to disappear for so long. I’ve had some health issues but I’m doing much better now. Thank you all for waiting so patiently. I’ll do my very best to finish this story the way I wanted when I first started writing. 😊 Till next time.
let me know of any errors thx
Hopefully this comment will actually post….
Glad you’re feeling better!
I’m so happy we got an update, I love this story. I hope you get well soon, sending you my best wishes!
Thanks for an update! Love the story and coming back whenever I need some good fluff 🙂
Sending you hugs and best wishes!!!
Thanks for the chapter and welcome back