(BL)Alpha Made-Chapter 310: Out of his depth

Andrew felt like his head was reeling. Andrew was so out of his depth that he didn’t even know where to start. He’d taken the phone from Amir’s grandmother and had gotten to work matching the numbers on the phone with the uncut stone that was before him. Over time he had begun to see that there were several different styles, different types.

But Andrew didn’t know what that meant, or how they would match Maxwell. Andrew had thought it was just as simple as getting a diamond ring, but this process was telling him that he was so damn wrong.

At one point, each stone began to look the same to him, and both Amir and his grandmother could tell that he was reaching his limit. They took pity on him and Amir’s grandmother closed the book that Andrew was looking at.

Andrew glanced up, his eyes wide as Amir took the phone from his hands.

"I thought that even though you said you had no experience that you would have something, but it appears I was wrong. Well, no matter, I’m glad I made that appointment then." Amir’s grandmother said with a sigh. "Amir, help me pack this up and call your grandfather. He’ll send someone to come pick this up." He said and Amir did as he was ordered.

Andrew got up and got everyone another round of drinks while they waited. He had wanted to buy their initial drinks but he had gotten here late so this was the best he could do for now.

It was only a few minutes later that a few men showed up to take away the binders full of previous gems. Then, Amir and his grandmother got their coats on and Andrew offered to drive everyone to their destination.

They accepted graciously, and Andrew got to regale them with stories about how Andrew used to act as Maxwell’s driver. Amir seemed surprised by the stories as he sat in the back seat, leaning back with a hand on his stomach. He was laughing along with a few of the stories that Andrew told, while Amir’s grandmother sat in the front seat, nodding along and giving Andrew directions.

Andrew wasn’t surprised that they were going into downtown proper, but he was surprised when he was ordered to park nearby where the A & D Firm was actually located. Andrew decided it was probably smart to just park there, and messaged Kim after he had parked if that was okay.

He got a quick reply back. He had to pay the tax of going up to say hello, but that was it. Andrew thought that was a pretty light tax, agreed, and turned the car off.

Andrew and Amir held onto Amir’s grandmother on each side, escorting him personally and he was all chuckles. He complained that they worried too much about him, but Andrew and Amir could both tell that he was pleased that he was being treated this way. Amir had taken his comfort drink with him, keeping one hand warm in the cold winter weather as they made their way towards a destination that Andrew had no clue about.

That was until they rounded the corner and a big, bold jewelry store came into view. The storefront was pretty, sparkly, and something that Andrew had never imagined he would take a step in. That had to do with the fact that the storefront was known for being expensive, egregiously so.

Andrew hadn’t considered that he could go in there, even now knowing he had a lot of money. Amir’s grandmother gave him a look, patting his hand as they came to a stop, waiting to cross the street.

"We’re on time for the scheduled meeting. I was going to suggest this as a fun little outing, getting to see some of the pieces we’ve made displayed in an actual store, but given your lack of knowledge, this is going to be more educational. You’re going to have to do research on your own. Research that our dear Max isn’t able to trace. If I know his father and he’s anywhere similar, he has a nose for this kind of thing." Amir’s grandmother warned, but Andrew already knew that.

Andrew let out a deep sigh.

"I’m aware, which is why I haven’t really been able to go any groundwork investigation. Plus, I’m sure he has people tailing me. For my own protection, of course. Who knows when I could have an adverse reaction to pheromones?" Andrew said carefully and both Amir and his grandmother looked at him, realising that it had been a rather short time since he had manifested.

"Oh no. Are you alright?" Amir asked, panic filling him and Andrew smiled, motioning for them to cross when it was their time.

"I’m fine right now. I just wish I could speak to the people who are trailing me to ask them to keep quiet about certain things." Andrew said a little forlornly. "If I could, then maybe this could be a surprise. I just don’t want to cause Max any worry. There is no place on this planet where I would ever run around on him. No flipping way. But, that doesn’t mean he couldn’t get anxious about it. I just also want..."

"Your privacy. Completely understandable, Andy. Truly. I’ll reach out to Tom and see what I can do. Since they are probably hired through the Beckett family there is a chance that he could have some influence. Especially when they are being roped into engagement ring things." Amir smiled as they touched down on the side of the road where the store was. "Most people are willing to help out with that kind of thing." Andrew felt warm hearing that, before they moved towards the store.

Andrew began to pick up on a voice. He wasn’t quite sure if he was hearing correctly, but when he turned he found out that he was right. It was Maria and Zack, with an older child in tow. They looked...gosh, if it was who he thought it was, Andrew hadn’t seen her since she was a baby.

She was growing into her features, still holding her parents hands, but Andrew and anyone else watching them could tell that was only for a bit longer. She was dressed cutely, all tucked away, and Maria bless her, was wearing a similar outfit but in a different shade. Zack didn’t match, but he didn’t look out of place either.

Maria was waving wildly, a huge grin on her face and Zack was smiling as well.

"Andy! Andy over here!" She was screaming, joy in her tone and Andrew could feel Amir look at him questioningly as Andrew’s expression relaxed.

"Maria." Andrew said softly before he chuckled. "It looks like my excuse just walked up." He told Amir and his grandmother as Maria got closer. She let go of her daughter’s hand, reaching for Andrew and giving him a big hug.

"It feels like I keep running into you! This is so nice after not being able to see you for so long!" Maria said, pulling back with a grin. She turned her attention to the two men beside him with an even warmer smile. "And who are these lovely people, Andy? Are you keeping more secrets from me?" She asked, trying to look serious but her expression melted into a smile. Maria, not waiting for an answer, shoved a gloved hand towards them. "Hello. I’m Maria Johnson. I’m friends with Andy from university. Andy helped me and my mate get together, and took care of me." Maria told them warmly and Amir softened.

"Ah. So you knew Andy and Michael?" He asked and Maria made a face.

"Not so much Michael, no. He was...hmm, not as approachable as Andy? It’s hard to explain. Andrew always had supplies, you see, and that was how I got to know him. He also stuck out like a sore thumb with his height, and was such a sweetie that lots of the omegas gravitated towards him." Zack, who still had his daughter’s hand in his own, chuckled.

"He made many alphas jealous, including myself. It was only once I actually spoke to Andy that I understood he wasn’t that kind of a man. He was just offering them a safe place without judgement." Andrew appreciated the vote of confidence as a light went off behind Amir’s eyes.

"Ah. That explains Will’s comments then about what you were like in university." Amir said and Andrew nodded.

"Yeah. A little." Andrew admitted before he cleared his throat. "Amir, Amir’s grandmother, this is Maria and her mate, Zack Johnson. If I am correct, the beautiful little girl is named Kailey, and I met her when she was just a little baby." Andrew said warmly, noticing how Kailey was staring at him. Maria’s face melted into maternal pride as she reached over, brushing some hair out of Kailey’s face.

"That’s right. This big man is Dr. Andrew Knox. He made sure that Mommy didn’t lose you when you were in my tummy. Him and his Mom made me all kinds of soup, took care of me when I was ill when your Daddy couldn’t be by my side." Zack looked a little ill at the description before he cleared his throat.

"He’s the reason your Mom and I are together." Zack clarified, smiling down at his daughter and Kailey stared at Andrew harder. She just nodded, not saying anything and Andrew grinned.

"Maria, Zack and Kailey, this is Amir Beckett, Maxwell’s brother-in-law. His Grandmother has graciously offered to help me today and Amir was delighted to come as well." Amir was all smiles. His grandmother was a little stiffer, but still kind. Maria sensed something immediately. She glanced at where they were, took in the giant store next to them and then gasped.

"Oh Andy! Is it time?" She asked, her eyes beginning to water. Andrew felt his face warm as Zack took a few seconds after her. When he did, his jaw hung for only a second before a bright grin touched his lips.

"I’m going to have to bring a bottle of champagne to my next meeting with Mr. Beckett, aren’t I?" Zack joked and Andrew let out a nervous laugh.

"W-Well, not yet. I’m terribly out of my depth here, so selecting a ring so soon is a little..." Maria reached up, grabbing his shoulder.

"If you need help, I’m willing. I can even get Max’s ring size!" Maria offered and Andrew laughed.

"While I appreciate that, Max isn’t so dumb that he wouldn’t let me get that from him. I’m just...I am on a deadline, I just don’t know what it is yet." Andrew muttered and everyone turned to look at him. Amir’s eyes were wide, a happy smile touching his lips.

"You are? Did he say that?" Amir asked and Andrew realised that this was going to turn into a bigger deal then he thought. freewebnøvel.coɱ

"He...already has a ring." Andrew told them and that set everyone off. Andrew had a feeling they were going to be late to this meeting.