Page 23 of Coveted

Alana’s steps faltered, breath catching in her chest.

“He’s already here?”

She’d been under the impression that Vax would arrive after she did. For some reason she’d thought she’d have a day or two to prepare for their meeting, and suddenly she only had minutes.

“Yeah, he apparently cleared his schedule as soon as he was informed of the match. He’d been slotted to land later today, but they made good time through Clearance since he’s a Chancellor.”

Suri had led her to a lift, stepping inside and waiting as Alana pulled her luggage across the threshold before pushing the button for a lower floor. Alana didn’t pay attention to which level, still caught up in her panic over having no time to prepare.

“Does he know I’m here?”

Thin brows arched over orange eyes, Suri’s expression turning concerned.

“Not yet, though he knows you were expected soon. Is everything okay?”

Alana felt vain having to articulate her worry, but she wasn’t prepared to face her future mate with half-brushed hair and no make-up. He was an alpha, a Chancellor of a wealthy planet, and he’d have expectations. She may have wanted to make a fresh start, but some things were ingrained too deep to drop in a matter of days.

“I just—I’d like a little time to freshen up. If that’s okay?”

Suri’s bright smile returned as the doors slid back and revealed a short hallway leading to an open area just beyond.

“Of course! I’m sorry I didn’t warn you sooner that you would be meeting him today. I should have thought of that.”

Muscles in her chest loosened, allowing Alana to suck in a full breath as they walked into what looked like a combination between a dining hall and a relaxation area. She was tempted to look around, but she was already mentally going through the clothing she’d brought, debating over changing again. The dress she wore was nice, but it was casual. Not something she should meet a Chancellor in.

“It’s alright. I promise not to take too long.”

Suri waved her hand, dismissing the concern.

“Let him wait. An omega needs armor to meet her alpha for the first time.”

She shared a grin as she stopped in front of a door with a one on it. Suri typed a code on a pad in the wall, the door sliding back with a quiet whir.

“This will be your room until you’re ready to leave with Vax. I know it’s probably not what you’re used to, but I promise it’s clean and safe.”

Alana stepped into the room, looking around the small space. It was simple and just as impersonal as the room on the ship, but the dim lighting and warm tones made it feel cozy.

“It’s fine. I’m not demanding.”

Alana almost snorted at the thought of her issuing orders or throwing a fit over something. Her father would have locked her in her rooms for a month and had her in extra etiquette lessons if she did something like that.

Putting her luggage on the bed, Alana spared a moment of embarrassment at the state of the clothing she’d shoved inside, but she didn’t have the time to worry about it. She pulled it all out in heap, straightening it the best she could as she sat the armful on the comforter and dug back into the bag for her toiletries.

“There’s a tablet on the bedside table where you can enter a code for the door so you can get back in when you return. I’ll wait out here while you get ready.”

Spotting the open door to the lavatory, Alana nodded.

“Perfect. I’ll be quick.”

Suri may have been understanding about Alana wanting to prepare for their meeting, but that didn’t mean Alana planned to keep Vax waiting long.

The other woman raised her hand in a wave before backing out, the door sliding shut behind her as Alana made her way to the beckoning mirror. Spreading her things on the countertop, Alana was glad makeup was something that had been considered appropriate for her to study. While she usually had someone else to do it for her, she was perfectly capable of applying her cosmetics on her own.

She made short work of it, swiping on a bit of blush after applying eyeliner and mascara. A touch of nude lipstick, and she thought she’d found the perfect balance between casual and what she’d use for a special event.

What she was going to wear was another issue entirely. She’d left all her ridiculous, uncomfortable dresses behind, only bringing her favorites, but that meant she would be under-dressed if the alpha was in his robes or something equally formal.

Sighing, she looked down at the bright green dress she wore. She loved it because it brought out the color in her eyes, and she had to hope it would be good enough.

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