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Masking - Chapter 1

https://archiveofourown.org/works/27939147/chapters/68422182 The door shuts behind you. You work on adjusting your gait as your approach The Boss. It’s not often that you get to work on a mission together.

Your target is the British Diplomat, Kei Soejima. He’s an odd character, a British man with blond hair and piercing brown eyes who somehow has a Japanese name. He runs in some rather broad circles for a diplomat, and your employer, Edmund and Company, suspects that he is actually an MI6 asset. He is suspected to be an Alpha given the company he keeps. Diplomats are a convenient cover for an agent, one role that you have yet to play since EAC works on a global scale and doesn’t limit its operations to one governmental relationship.

You were chosen for this mission because of your presentation as an Omega. You’ve always been able to perform your missions flawlessly, but you’ve never been sent out during one of your heats. You’ve held a torch for the Boss for years, harboring a small crush, but never acted on it because you valued your professionalism above all else. Very few Omegas have been as successful as you have been in espionage. It’s always been betas, deltas, or gammas in the organization. Having someone with potent natural hormones is a liability, but your dedication to the cause - your thirst for justice in the world - has helped you keep your hindbrain under lock and key. And of course, suppressants help.

Your switch, the perfume you sprayed on your mating gland at the nape of your neck, contains a suppressant that is more for your benefit than the mission’s- but you’re not keen on falling victim to the Boss’s Alpha scent. It’s strange. His scent is interesting, but doesn’t seem to change. But that’s why you found comfort in the Boss when he first met you. You push those thoughts from your mind. You are here as Nagisa Misaki. To attend a party at a members-only restaurant at the base of the Raven Resort in Tokyo.

The Boss greets you warmly, “You’re right on time, Nagisa! Are you ready?” Your smile comes automatically. He offers you his arm, you feel your pulse quickening. You’re finally getting to be near the Boss again. He sweeps you into a quick hug. His scent is exactly as you remember it from when you first became an EAC agent years ago. The party you are infiltrating is couples-only. You walk in as a team, heels clacking on the travertine floors leading to the restaurant proper. It feels good, but not quite right. As if sensing your hesitation, the Boss says, “Let’s make tonight a good one.” You push that thought from your hindbrain back down as you cross the threshold.

The doors lead into a carpeted, tiered space facing a stage with vintage footlights ringing the apron’s downstage edge. There’s a band onstage, playing classic ballroom music. The tables scattered throughout remind you of stars, with their small votive candles flickering on the rich burgundy tablecloths. You and the Boss turn to each other and nod, deciding to split up and mingle amongst the other couples present at tonight’s masquerade ball. His hand raises up to graze against your earrings - a gift from him, but also a tool in your arsenal. He activates the switch on them, allowing your conversations to be recorded from this point on. The warmth from his fingertips lingers on your ear. You remember when he saved you from certain harm while studying abroad in America. You had only just started presenting at that time. His quick thinking saved you. By chance, you met again when you applied to work for EAC. His calm demeanor has spurred you on to greatness within the organization through several assignments. But tonight is your most complex mission yet.

The suppressants in your perfume are not like any normal masking agent. You’ve always taken advantage of the scent you produce as an unmated Omega. Many of your targets in the past have been Alphas tripping over themselves to rut with you. This suppressant is just to help take the edge off - you know it’s almost a suicidal mission to walk into a club that is potentially full of Alphas in this state, but there was little you could do. It’s time to see if your mental control over your instincts is as complete as you thought it was.

While the Boss goes to get some drinks from the bar, you work on gliding through the crowds of people, scanning the tables for your target. You spy the party’s host, Kazuomi Shido -- even in a mask, he simply cannot hide -- surrounded by curious women trying to peek at his face. It’s clear from his scent that he is an Alpha; he smells of too many womens’ perfumes though. You search your memory: he’s a close friend of Kei’s according to the dossier. They went to school together. He’s called the “Resort King” on account of his preferred line of work. He exudes the seductive confidence of a strong Alpha. You spy his head turning just so - did he catch your scent? No, it’s his friend, another Alpha.

This one smells like a cool, brisk breeze. You overhear him grumbling, “I have no interest in cheap flirts,” while trying to fight off some of the women hanging around Kazuomi. You recognize him as Yuzuru Shiba, the CEO of the tech corporation bearing his name. He’s also been a long time friend of Kei Soejima. And, another Alpha. You silently thank your lucky stars that you applied the suppressant. His severe black turtleneck sends a vibe that he’s a heartless, unforgiving man. Being mated to someone like that would be a fate worse than death.

Suddenly there is a sweet smell, like incense filling the air. The smell is incredible. There are notes of sandalwood, frankincense, and myrrh. The smell evokes warm, spicy notes intermingling with the floral and earthy notes to overpower you. It’s definitely another Alpha. It takes every fiber of your being to resist salivating. You turn your head, and discover the source of the smell. It’s emanating from a familiar blond, refined man. The one from your dossier. He turns to the unmasked lady by his side, extending a hand.

“Let’s get together later for a chat over tea.” Soejima’s British accent combined with the smell sets your heart fluttering. But Alpha’s attention is on her. You resolve to get closer to listen in. The woman snorts derisively, “Really, you’re not going to “forget” you said that when the party’s over?” Soejima replies, ever the charmer, “I don’t make empty promises, you took off your mask for me. I can’t wait to see you again.” You notice his hand never quite touches her, though he could make contact any time he wanted to. He’s acting the perfect gentleman. You make the mental note that his demeanor and accent track with his privileged upbringing. While everyone here tonight is wearing a mask and committed to hiding behind them, he feels different somehow. Like the seedy nightclub vibe of the rest of the restaurant simply doesn’t hit him, as if he is in his own bubble of rarified air. You imagine he has sophisticated tastes, and wouldn’t be tempted by the normal feminine wiles. You wonder, as you take in his scent, what will he fall for?

Need to check in with the Boss. Your head turns to look for him until you get the distinct sense that you are being watched instead. You turn back to find Kei Soejima’s smiling eyes gazing at you. Your hindbrain floods you with pleasure, at Alpha finally noticing you. Your Alpha. You shake your head, you know better; though part of you desperately wants to get the wrong idea about this. Just as you think of how to respond, the lights immediately dim.

A voice rings out from the sound system, “It’s time for what you’ve all been waiting for, your date with destiny, our one-night-only swap!” You see a lot of perked-up head turning at this development as the band plays a slow song. People are finding new partners. Typical rich people crap. You finally locate the Boss, but he's already deep in conversation with that woman Soejima unmasked earlier. He's facing you, and his eyes briefly meet yours, as if to say, "It's showtime. Have fun." He must have planned for this.

Again you feel the intensity of being watched. You look around, but no one seems to be approaching you. Were your instincts wrong? No. Kei Soejima is staring at you. His brown eyes piercing into your soul. As he moves toward you, you're reminded immediately of a predator stalking its prey. Your Omega hindbrain urges you to preen and attract this Alpha. He could help you through this heat. Every step is methodical, as if he's testing your reaction with each step. When he's finally in front of you, you let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding.

Soejima smiles-- a mysteriously gentle smirk. The kind of expression of restrained amusement you'd imagine a prince bestows upon a subject. You don't often get to see foreigners with perfect glassy skin. The dossier wasn't kidding about him being called Prince Charming. You're not used to feeling this vulnerable, this first mission where you're in heat. Not only that, but his scent is invading every sense. You look away, trying to regain your composure. Nagisa Misaki isn't in her heat. You are.

Cool fingers wrap around your hand, and your warmth sinks into his icy grip. He brings your hand up to face level, politely asking, "May I have this dance?"

With a racing pulse, you focus everything on maintaining your cover. Nagisa would be pleased to catch the eye of a gentleman. You’re thankful to hear your voice respond, "Sure, it would be my pleasure."

He starts moving, his arm effortlessly drawing around your waist. Your etiquette and dancing training kick in, your hand going to his shoulder. Ever so thankful that your muscle memory never lets you down. The music shifts into a livelier waltz and Soejima leads you across the floor. Normally, you'd flush with pride at making contact so quickly, but his scent hijacks your thought train. You never once used your body when setting honey traps, just your formidable assets as an unmated Omega. But you feel your resolve crack, just a little.

His voice is low, and sensual. “It’s an honor to dance with someone as lovely as you." Your eyes flit to his, and you see they have appreciably darkened as he has spent time in your presence. It seems that he is also affected by you. This little fact gives your rational mind a leg up on maintaining your alias.

You laugh gently, “Very funny, you’re obviously handsome enough to have any woman here." And yet, alpha has us in his arms. As if in response to that thought, he draws you closer and his hand creeps to the skin bared by your backless dress. Oh, how it burns at his icy touch. You shiver. He’s a well trained dancer, leading you perfectly. His smell is just so different from the rest of the party.

Some part of you wants this Alpha. Badly. The scent is exotic, and your mind wanders, trying to place it. The Boss's scent is the predictable musk you've come to expect from an Alpha, and is remarkably consistent, like he has a tight lid on his instincts. But Soejima, oh, distinctive doesn't begin to describe the smell. It reminds you of a church when they burn incense. Clean, reverent, and urging the willing to supplication. You notice an uncomfortable dampness in your panties. Might be more willing than you thought.

“Is he your date for the night?” His voice is tinged with jealousy, as he draws his face close to yours, close enough for his hair to brush your cheek. He must be talking about the Boss. Your Omega wants to say no, he's not - because I am yours.

Instead, you reply with a simple, “Yes.” Your eyes wander to find the Boss. You see the Boss dancing flirtatiously with the woman from before. You feel small pangs of jealousy and betrayal. Boss was never your Alpha, but your rational mind can't help the feelings. Your Omega is working against your resolve, urging you to secure the Alpha holding you.

“Haha, you look like you miss him.” Soejima's hands pull you closer. Your heart beats faster. No way he read you like that. Absolutely no way, you'd only just met. Can he actually feel how your heart is hammering away in your chest? You look back in his eyes, he's much too close for comfort. You manage to string together a response. But just barely. “Really, how about you? You don’t miss your date?”

His eyes crinkle in delight. “On the contrary, she and I only just met. But you on the other hand…" He dips you, so you catch an eyeful of the Boss's heated dancing with Soejima's date. His strong arms return you to a much closer position. He murmurs, "it seems you’ve known that man for quite a while.” Your Omega picks up on the jealous pangs in the scent.

Don't displease Alpha. Submit.

Your Omega has never been so forceful before. Your brain scrambles to remember your script.

“Yes, we’re old friends, I told him I was interested in getting more involved with...charity work and he brought me to this party. He said it would be a good way to make connections.” Thankful for your training in acting, you rely on your rehearsed response while fighting for control.

Soejima brings his mouth to your ear, and you shiver. “A friend, huh…”

A stark contrast to his icy touch. His breath is warm. Too warm.

You pull away, your speech threatening to stammer. “But I didn’t have a clue what kind of party this was going to be. I’ve got to admit I’m kind of surprised. Especially with all the partner swapping stuff.” You swallow, hoping to abate that awful dry feeling. His lips look so inviting.

“You came to the party with a special friend and now you’re dancing with another man," he replies. With a laugh, he continues,"Guess that makes me a homewrecker.”

You snort. “A homewrecker, huh? Haha, that’s a laugh."

“How does it feel, knowing your ‘friend’ can see you in the arms of another man?” You notice he barely repressed a sneer when referring to your former date. Your focus drifts to the Boss. he’s still dancing with the other lady. You don’t feel good.

Suddenly, you're turned around by Soejima and he whispers to you, “Why don’t we make him a little jealous? Men always want what they can’t have.” He gently nibbles your ear to punctuate his statement. Barely noticeable to others, but it sends shivers of pleasure down your spine.

Your eyes look over his shoulder making eye contact with the Boss. It feels like you're dancing with Boss’s eyes and Soejima’s voice. His eyes normally have no emotion, but you swear you saw a tiny flicker of jealousy. He's always been insanely observant.

While you are pleased to elicit even a tiny reaction out of the Boss, you feel a little guilty about your earrings. Recording such a personal conversation feels embarrassing. You remind yourself that it's just the societal pressures of living in Japan that are making you feel this way. Soejima is from a western country, their women and men are far more forward in conversations like this.

Soejima's low voice rumbles through your ear, “But your friend, he underestimates you..” Caught you off guard. “Oh?” “He’s a little too certain you’ll never have eyes for another man, yet you’re an unmated Omega.” You didn't say anything about your status.

We can't hide from Alpha.

He wraps an arm around your neck, taking the lead. Your Omega succeeds in hijacking control, and you nuzzle into his neck. His scent is intoxicating. You can feel his throaty laughter.

“Oh you would do that”, he says, his voice husky.

“What?"

“Out of sight out of mind, right? You show him who’s boss.” He brings his lips to your exposed left ear, the one without a microphone. You damn your Omega for hiding your equipment in his shoulder.

“Sometimes flings that were supposed to be temporary can turn into something real. You seem like a girl who falls hard when she falls for a guy. Once another man dominates you, you’re hooked for good, huh?" His seductive whisper, sweet as honey, holds dark promises.

You balk at the idea of being dominated. You have always been the one in control.

But this is your Alpha.

No he's not. He's not your Alpha, you insist.

But he could be. Alpha is very interested in us.

“You said he’s a friend, if he’s still just a friend, perhaps that means there’s an opportunity for me to sink my hooks in you...or perhaps you would prefer my teeth?" His silky voice is mischievous, and he says the next part so softly into your ear, to keep anyone else from hearing. His voice sends electricity through your veins.

Alpha is offering his bite.

Stop it, stop it, stop it, you scream internally. This is an intelligence target. This is not courtship of any kind. You pull back to gauge his reaction. His earlier words echo in your mind. "Men always want what they can't have."

Do they? Do they always?

“There might be...a possibility.” The words tumble out faster than you expect. “You’re right, feelings can change, especially when someone particularly alluring is involved.” Your hindbrain had taken over. Were the suppressants wearing off?

His sigh of relief tickles your ear, “I’m happy to hear that." Your Omega nature purrs with pleasure internally. Your mind thinks about your loyalty to the Boss, and struggles, a little. You held a candle to him for so long.

Soejima's masked face fills your vision. Black and gold satin framing his perfect glassy brown eyes, reflecting only you. His pupils are dilated.

His voice is practically a growl, “It’s official. Now I really want to lay claim to you.” That gets your attention. Then he brushes by your lips in a most natural feeling kiss. It's a brief, perfect moment that leaves you breathless.

The music starts winding down, and he pulls away. Your skin burns with a heat that suddenly has nowhere else to go. The cool air of the lounge causes you to shiver. Soejima's eyes still glitter when looking at you.

“You said you were interested in charity. If you’d like we can continue this here.”

His arm only releases you to fish out a business card from his inside pocket of his jacket. He removes his mask. You’ve seen his face before, but up close it’s stunning. Anyone could get lost in those warm brown eyes.

He grins, “I probably shouldn’t be revealing myself at a masquerade party. This is against the rules. Keep it our little secret, pet." He winks, and presses an index finger to his lips. He looks...deliciously naughty in the moment. You're thankful your lacy mask covers the burn you feel in your cheeks.

The overhead lights get brighter, signalling the end of the night. His face goes back to a neutral dispassionate expression, like an image of Prince Charming. This is the face from the dossier. You find yourself struggling to reconcile the two natures he presented to you.

He takes your hand and brings it to his lips to give your knuckles a polite kiss. Eyes meeting yours through his long blond eyelashes as he says, “I'll see you later, and remember… the path to paradise begins in hell.” Something sensual and devilish flickers across his eyes. He takes his leave and his footsteps fade from your detection.

Your brain swims in confusion. What are paradise and hell supposed to mean? What just happened? You can still hear him whispering about making you his. Sinking in his hooks. Giving you his teeth. His Bite. The memory of his exquisite scent overwhelms you. This is the first time a target made a hell of an impression, as if he never left. You shake your head to chase the shadow from your mind. Gotta go back to the Boss. You stop dead in your tracks. You realize you didn’t think about the Boss at all since Seojima kissed you, until that formidable Alpha left.

You take a deep centering breath, and exhale with a big shudder. No sign of him anywhere. His previously comforting scent is long gone. Well, he must have seen you with Soejima, and left. Pangs of loneliness shoot through your consciousness. No no, it makes sense, you're rationalizing desperately. You completed the mission for the night, you can leave.

As if he was still there whispering to you, Soejima's words echo in your mind: He underestimates you.

#masquerade kiss #fanfic #soejima #kei soejima #2nd person #also on ao3 #voltage otome