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R A Alyse

Copyright©2024byR.A.Alyse

Allrightsreserved

Nopartofthispublicationmaybereproduced,distributed,ortransmittedinanyformorbyanymeans,includingphotocopying,recording,orotherelectronicormechanical methods,withoutthepriorwrittenpermissionofthepublisher,exceptaspermittedbyU.S.copyrightlaw.Forpermissionrequests,contactR.A.Alyse.

The story,allnames,characters,andincidents portrayedinthis productionare fictitious Noidentificationwithactualpersons (livingor deceased),places,buildings,and productsisintendedorshouldbeinferred

BookCoverbyKhaotenDesigns

EditedbyNormaGambini

Dedication: Blurb

Author'sNote

ContentWarnings

Why-ChooseOmegaverseWorld Prologue

Chapter1

Chapter2

Chapter3

Chapter4

Chapter5

Chapter6

Chapter7

Chapter8

Chapter9

Chapter10

Chapter11

Chapter12

Chapter13

Chapter14

Chapter15

Chapter16

Chapter17

Chapter18

Chapter19

Chapter20

Chapter21

Chapter22

Chapter23

Chapter24

Chapter25

Table of Contents

Chapter26

Chapter27

Chapter28

Chapter29

Chapter30

Chapter31

Chapter32

Chapter33

Chapter34

Chapter35

Chapter36

Chapter37

Chapter38

Chapter39

Chapter40

Epilogue

ComingSoon

AbouttheAuthor

Acknowledgements

AlsobyR.A.Alyse

Toanyonethathaseverbeenmisjudged–Iseeyou<3

Blurb

OMEGAS ARETO BECHERISHED, LOVED, PROTECTED ...notsoldtocovertheirparents’debts. But that’s what happened to me Now,I’minthemiddleofaheatIdidn’twant norwasIreadytohave Thescentofmydeadalphasurroundsmewhilea packthathatesmeoffersassistancethatI’msureisladenwithstrings. Whichleavesmewithonlyoneoption I’vegotta run.

Author's Note

HELLODEARREADERS,

Thankyouforpickingupthisbook.ItisthesecondstoryintheChooseMeomegaverseworldIamcreating.Allthebooks arestandaloneswithintheseries,andwhiletherearecrossovercharactersandanoverarchingbackgroundstory,theycanbe readinanyorder.

IhopeyouenjoyreadingthisasmuchasIenjoyedwritingit Ifyoudid(orevenifyoudidn’t),pleaseconsiderleavingthe bookareview.Itreallydoeshelpoutandhelpsgetthebooktootherreadersthatmayenjoyit!

Loveyouall, R.A.Alyse

Emotionalabusefromparents

SexWork

Onpagedeath/murder

Forcedbondbite

Self-loathing/hate

Redemptionarc

Daddykink

Spanking

AttemptedonpageSA(notbyMMCs)

Content Warnings

Why-Choose Omegaverse World

CHOOSE ME

This is a brief descriptionof myomegaverse, as theyare all a bit different. I tried to make this as concise and easyto understandaspossible,asthebiggerpointswillcomeoutduringthebook(Ithink)

Alphasarethebiggest,strongest,mostdominantofthedesignations.Theyaretypicallyinchargeofhigher-classjobs.Males haveaknotandfemaleshavealockthattheyusetoholdanomegatothemduringintercourse Mostaremembersofapack, althoughtherearesomethatprefer tobewithoutapackoftheirown.Theywill biteandclaimdesignations(otherthantheir own) to tie a packtogether, withone important caveat: omegas must choose them, not the other wayaround Omegas will typically bite first, and they must be agreeable to taking the alpha’s bite or the bond they are trying to form might never complete.

Omegas are the sweetest, most nurturing designation They crave the protection and security that they feel an alpha can provide. Omegas are typicallyshorter thanbetas or alphas. Theylove soft, cuddlythings and buildingnests. Theyare very particular,andwhatisgoodforoneomegamightnotbefortheother Omegascanbeneedyandclingy,buttheyareloyaltoa faulttothosetheyloveorclaimastheirpack.

Typically, there is one omega per pack, as omegas are the rarestofthe designations Theyrelease a “perfume,” a blastof theiruniquescentwhentheyarenearsomeonethattheymaybecompatiblewithorifturnedon.Theycantakeanalpha’sknot, notrainingnecessary.Infact,theycravethatandneeditoften,especiallyduringaheat.

Omegashavesensitivenoses Theywanttobesurroundedbythesmellsthattheylike,typicallythoseoftheirchosenpack Theywilltakeclothing,bedding,anythingtheycanfindthatbelongstotheirpackandusethattobuildtheirnests.

Omegasinthisworldgointoheatquarterly,startingatagetwenty-five Theylastthreetofivedays,dependingontheomega Wheninthethroesofaheat,theybecomealmostlosttoafoggystate.Theydon’tknowwhattimeitis,whatdayitis,orhow muchtimehaspassed,justthattheyneedtheiralphas/packtohelpthemthroughthegrowingurgetoreachclimax.

Bondingtoapackisnormallydoneduringaheat,althoughitisnotnecessaryandsomepackswillbondoutsideofanormal heatcycle.Claimingbitesaretypicallygivenaroundscentglands.Therearesomeonthewrists,neck,andinnerthighs.Biting nearthesemarkshelpsapack’sfragrancesbegintoblend Abitegiventoanalphafromanomega,orviceversa,willnever fade.

At the age of eighteen, a person’s designation will become clear Scents change, growth spurts happen for alphas, and perfuminghappensforomegas.Ifnothingchanges,thepersonwillremainwhateveryonestartsoutas:abeta.Thisisthemost common designation. Betas are average-sized and less dominant, but not nearly as submissive as an omega. They can be trainedtotakeaknotfromanalpha,andmost,ifinapack,wantto.Analpha’sbitewill solidifythemintothepack,withor withoutanomega.Omegascanclaimthemaswell.However,thatbitewillfadeandtheywillneedtobebittenagain.Betasdo nothaveaclaimingbiteoftheirown

Thegoalformostalphasandomegasistomakeapack,preferablyonetheyarescentmatchedto.Matcheslikethatplaya majorroleinmakingpacks,especiallytoomegasthathavesuchsensitivenoses Betas’scentsarelessstrongandusually,they comeintoapackduetoapreexistingrelationshipwitheitheranomegaoranalpha.

Scentmatches usuallydo notoccur before age twenty-five for omegas. Prior to that, theymaylike and enjoya particular person’s smell,buttheywon’tfeel thepull or draw ofamatch Whileitis possiblethatifascentis astrongenoughmatch, alphasoromegasmayreactsooner,thisisveryrare.

All alphas and omegas in this omegaverse will attend an academy or school where they will learn about what their designations mean. Omegas start school at twentyand attend for four years, graduatingthe year prior to their heat starting. Alphaswillattendassoonastheyshowtheirdesignationandgofortwoyears,astheydonothaveheatstopreparefor The

schoolstheyattendareseparate

Regardingomegas, there are local schools ineverytownthat have anomega population. There are also several schools spreadthroughoutthecountrythatparentscanchoosetosendtheiromegatoiftheyhavethefunds

The“best”omegaacademyistheORA,OmegaRisingAcademy.Itisveryexpensive,sotypicallyonlytherichestomegas attend Maleandfemaleomegasattendthesameschool ThegoaloftheORAisthatupongraduation,alltheiromegaswillbe matchedupandbondedtoapack.

Rightbeforegraduation,theORAholdsamixer,wherealphasareinvitedtocomemeettheomegasthatarefinishingschool Theymingle,chat,andtheyareallowedtheopportunitytoscentoneanother.Itisveryexpensivetoattendthesemixers.Dueto that,theORAfeelsconfidentinextendingaguaranteethatalltheirgraduatingomegaswillleaveschoolwitha“goodmatch.” Sofar,theyhaveneverfailedatthisgoal

SomeomegaswillattendtheORAthroughasponsorship.Thismeansthatapackandtheomegahavecometoanagreement ofsorts Theypaytheomega’swaythroughschoolwiththeunderstandingthataftergraduation,heorshewilljointheirpack The omega canalways choose not to, and it’s not a requirement, but there has never beena case where the omega has not chosenthatpackastheirs Anomegathatsecuressponsorshipisviewedasprivilegedbecausetheyalreadyhaveapacklined upforgraduation.

Prologue

IWASN’TSUPPOSEDTObehere.IfmyalphasknewIwaslisteningtotheirconversation,theywouldbefurious.ButIhadto know what was goingon The secrets were killingme I didn’t know whytheydidn’t thinktheycould tell me, but I knew somethingwaschanginganditwasbig.

Creepingcloser to the office, Iheard voices inside. Myname was mentioned and myears perked up. Icould see Charlie sittingonthe couchthroughthe slightlycracked opendoor His arms were wavingemphaticallywhile he talked, butIwas havingtroublemakingoutthewords.

Suddenly, the mostgorgeous girl Ihad ever seencrossed infrontofhim Her brownhair hungdownher backinshining waves. Brunette eyes flashed withire as she snarled backat Charlie. Who was she? I needed to know. I wanted to know. Somethingwastellingmeshewasimportant

“No.Absolutelynot.ThereisnowayIwilleverletthathappen.I’mtheomegahere.ThatmeansIsaywhoisinthepackand whoisn’t.Me.Notyou.Me.Iwillnotallowortolerateabeta!Youaremypack.Thethreeofyou.Notanyoneelse.Noother omegas Nootheralphas Andcertainlynodisgustingbetas”

Myheartplummetedtomyfeet.Shewastalkingaboutme?Andmypack?Imean,Iguessedtheytechnicallyweren’tmine, butIhadalwaysthoughtthattheywouldbe Thatseemedtobetheirintentionthiswholetime Iwaitedforsomeone,anyone,to defendme,butonlysilencegreetedmyears.

Slammingopenthedoor,Iglaredatthethreealphasthathadstolenmyheartandwerenowstompingitintothegroundwith their refusal to speak up for me. “I can’t believe that I ever thought I loved any of you. I thought that what we had was somethingspecial.Thatwasallalie.Youwerejuststringingmealonguntilyoucouldgetyouromega.Well,congratulations, youhaveher I’mout”

Spinningonmyheel,Iranoutofthehouse,notevenstoppingtograbmyclothes.Iwasgoinghome.Fuckthisandfuckthem. Andfuckthatomegatrash

Chapter 1

ICLIMBEDOFFTHEbusatthestopinmyhometown.Itwasstill early,onlyaboutseveno’clock,butalreadythehumidity wasgrowing,makingtheJunemorningquitesticky SweatbeadedonmybrowasIrusheddownthesidewalk

The fifteen-hour bus ride sixteen, actually, withreststops had done nothingto cool myire. Iwas furious withmysocalledpack.Internally,Iscoffedatthat.Theyweren’tmine.Theywerenothingtome.Notanymore.

Yeah right Keep telling yourself that

Myheartfeltshattered.Ihadtriedtotellmyselfnottogetattached,thatitwastoogoodtobetrue,thatthey’dletmedown.I scuffedmyshoeinthedirtasIpassedthebar Forthefirsttime,Iunderstoodwhysomepeopledrankthemselvesintomisery everyday.Ijustwantedthispaintostop.Lovesucked.TheonlysilverliningwasthatIfoundoutnow,asopposedtoonceI’d becomeapartofthepack

I had stuffed my useless cell phone in my back pocket. Useless because the only people that had the number were now blocked.Afterreceivingcountlesstexts thatIhadimmediatelydeleted andoverthirtyphonecallsbetweenthethreealphas, I’dhadenough Therewasnothingtheycouldsaytofixwhattheyhaddone Iendedupturningmyphoneoffentirelyoncethey startedusingspoofednumberstogetthrough.

Myparents’small home appeared inthe distance, and Ipicked up mypace Iwas excited to see themagain Ithad been monthssinceIwashome.IprobablyshouldhavetoldthemIwascomingback,butc'est la vie. Hopefully,withRileyoffatthat fancyschoolofhers,mysuddenreturnwouldn’tbetoomuchofahardship.

Iopenedthericketygate,therustyhingessquealinginprotest.IwasgoingtofixthatwhileIwashere.Rightnow,itserved usnopurpose,hangingonbyathreadthewayitwas.Thecrackedstonepaththatledtothefrontdoorwasgettingovergrown again HadnoonetakencareoftheyardworkwhileIwasgone?

IreachedthefrontdoorandraisedmyhandtoknockbeforerememberingIwashomeandcouldjustwalkin.Takingadeep breath,Ipusheditopen Inside,Isquintedasmyeyesadjustedtothelightdifferencefromoutsidetohere Ishutthedoorand movedfartherintothehouse.Wherewaseveryone?Itwaseerilysilent.Dadshouldbedownheregettingreadyforwork.Dell too.

“Hello?”Icalledout.“Anyonehome?”

Iheardanoiseupstairs,andImademywayovertothestairs.Itwaspitchblackupthere.Becauseoftheearlyhour,Ididn’t wanttoturnanylightson,soImademywayupcarefully Atthetopofthestairs,Iheardthenoiseagain,alowwhispering It wascomingfrommyparents’bedroom,andImovedinthatdirection.

IpassedRiley’sroom,seeingthedoorshut Thatwasodd Itshouldn’tbeclosedwithhernothome Ithelpedwiththeair flowupstairs.AsIwalkedby,Iturnedthehandleandpusheditopenwithoutlookingin.Icreptuptomyparents’slightlyopen door;Ifeltlikeaneavesdropper.

“Whatarewegoingtodo,Franklin?”Iheardmymother’ssoftvoiceask “Idon’tknow,darling.Ijustdon’tknow.”

“Whywon’ttheytellusanything?She’shurtingandtheyarekeepingthingsfromus Wehavearighttoknow!” “Wedo.I’msosorry.Ifeeluseless.Damnthatschool!” School?WeretheytalkingaboutRiley?Iknockedonceandpushedthedooropenwithoutwaitingforthemtotellmetocome in.Mymother’sfacewasfullofshockwhenshesaw me.Mydad’slessso,butitwasobvioushehadn’texpectedtoseeme there.

“Drew?You’reback?”heasked “Yeah,fornow.Whatareyouguystalkingabout?Whatschool?”

Mymotherandfathersharedalook “ThedamnORA TheysentRileyhome,andtheyrefusetotelluswhy She’sbeenholed up inher roomfor a monthnow. We canbarelyget her to eat or drink. She won’t talkto anyone. It’s like she’s a shell of

herself. Theydid somethingto her. I just know it.” Mymother’s voice broke, and she curled into mydad’s chest, sobbing quietly.

“She’shome?Rightnow?”

“Yes,son.Inherroom.Why?”

Withoutaword,Iturnedandrushedbacktoherdoor Atthethreshold,IpeeredinandfoundDellsittingonafoldingchair besideher bed.His headwas inhis hands,andhelookedcompletelydrained.Darkcircles rimmedhis eyes,andtheyhada blurry, unfocused lookto them Icleared mythroat, and he looked up The sadness and lookofabsolute torture onhis face almostguttedme.

“What’sthematter,Dell?”Iasked,steppingintotheroom.

Myyounger brother opened and shuthis mouthseveral times, butnothingcame out He seemed trulyata loss for words, whichwassounlikehim.Hewasnormallysowell-spokenandsureofhimself.Dellnoddedtowardthebed,andforthefirst time,Inoticedthebundleonthemattress

“Riley?”Iasked,stunned.

Thecoversbarelymovedwithmywords IwalkedaroundthebedtothesamesideasDellandmyfacefell Whatthefuck hadhappenedtomysister?

Shehadhercoversandbeddingbuncheduparoundherinasemblanceofanest.TheonlypartsofherthatIcouldseewere hereyesandnose Riley’sfaceappeareddrawn,unlikehernormalsmilingexpression Tearssoakedherpillowcase,stainingit underher.Iheardasniffle,andIfelltomykneesbesidethebed.

“WhodoIhavetokill?”Iwhisperedtoher

Her gazeliftedtomine.Theoverwhelmingheartbreakinthemmademesuckinabreath.Irecognizedthatlookbecauseit wastheoneIsawinthemirrornow.Completeandutterheartbreak.

Quietly,soonlysheheard,Iwhispered,“Itwillgetbetter,Riles.Ipromise.”

Astraytear dripped offher lashand onto her pillow. Ireached over and brushed a loose curl offher forehead. Mypoor, sweetsister Heromegaheartdidn’tdeservethis Whoeverhadbrokenitwasgoingtopay justassoonasIfoundoutwho theywere.

Risingtomyfeet,Ileftherroom,carefullyshuttingherdoorbehindme Irusheddownthestairsandtothelandlineinthe kitchen.Dialinginformation,IaskedtobeconnectedtotheORA.Iwouldgetanswers.Today.

ThephonerangtwiceandthenIheard,“ORA,Carynspeaking.”

“Hello, Caryn. My name is Drew. I was calling to find out if you could give me any information about my sister who attendedthererecently.”

“Well,dependingonwhatyouareasking,Iwilltry”

“Wonderful.Her name is RileyDrumananduntil lastmonth,she was a studentthere.Iwouldlike toknow whyshe came homeandwhoshewasclosewithwhilethere,please”Iheardthekeystypinginthebackgroundasshepresumablylookedup mysister’sfile.

“Oh,I’msorry.Wehavenorecordofthatnameinoursystem,itseems.”Hervoiceheldavicioussortofglee.

“Excuseme?”Iremainedcalm,hidingmygrowinganger

“Yes,likeIsaid,shewasnotandisnotastudenthere.Maybeyouhavetheschoolwrong.Youshouldtrytheomegaschool inyourdistrict”

“Mysisterattendedyourschool.Shecamehomeonemonthago.Whythe fuck areyousayingyoudon’thaveherinfo?”

“Now, sir There is no call for thatlanguage Like Isaid, no one bythe name RileyDrumanattended here Iftheyhad, I wouldhavetheirfile.Goodday.”

Therewasaloudclick.Ipulledthephonebackfrommyear.Thatbitchhunguponme.Noonehunguponme.Ever.This was unacceptable Clearly, myskills were fading, havingbeenawayfor so long Thatschool was goingto be sorryonce I figuredoutwhatwasgoingonthere.Theywouldn’tgetawaywithtreatingmyfamilylikethis.

Chapter 2

HILARY

ICOULDN’TBELIEVETHEnerveofPackTrinity.Tellingme togetout.Me!Didn’ttheyknowhowluckytheywere?Iwould accepttheirpremadepack;Ijustdidn’twantanyextras Huffing,Iwalkedbackupthepathwaytomyhouse Ihaughtilytossed mybrownhairovermyshoulderasIwalkedinside.

Silencegreetedme.Wherewaseveryone?Iwandereddownthehallways,myheelsclickingonthefloor.Myfather’soffice door was standing ajar, and I saw him and my mother in there They were talking with someone I’d never seen before Whoeveritwascouldwait.Mynewswasmoreimportant.Islammedopenthedoor,hidingmywinceasithittheshelveson thewall

“Mom, Dad, stranger,” Iaddressed the room. “Ijust thought youwould like to know that PackTrinityand Iparted ways tonight Wearethrough”

Iwatchedmyparents,buttheir reactions were notwhatIhadexpected.Myfather droppedthe glass he hadbeenholding, shatteringitonhisdesk.Asobcaughtinmymother’sthroat.MybrowsdippedasIstaredattheminconfusion.

“It’sfine,youknow?Themixerisnextyear I’lljustfindanewpackthen”

“Anew...,”mymotherstartedbutthenstopped.Shesankintothearmchairnearherandputherhandoverhereyeslikeshe couldn’tbeartolookatme

Myfather’sjawclenched.“Whydidyoupartways?”

“Because they wanted to put a beta in their pack. There’s already three of them. Why the hell do they need a beta too? Disgusting.Itoldthemtheycouldeitherpickmeortheirpunybeta.Theychosewrong,andIleft.”

Actually, they kicked me out, but that wasn’t important.

“You broke it off because of their wish for another pack member?” My father’s voice was deadly smooth, like he was fightingnottoscreamatme.

“Well,yes You’vealwaystoldmehowuselessbetasare WhywouldIwantoneinmyfuturepack?” “Verytrue,”thestrangemansaid,drawingmyattentiontohim.“Betasarepathetic.Youshouldn’thavetoloweryourselfto thatdegree.”

Igrinned.“Thankyou,alpha I’msorry.Idon’tknowyourname.”

Hesmiledatmeandbowedlow.“I’mAlphaBrown,butyou,mydear,maycallmeMichaelJacob.” Iflutteredmylashesathim Hemightbewaytoooldforme,butIwascurrentlydownapack Therewasnoharminflirting, right?Iheldmyhandouttoshakehis.

“Pleasuretomeetyou,AlphaMichaelJacob”

“Oh,thepleasureisallmine,”hepurred,takingmyhandandpressingakisstothebackofit. “Hilary!”myfathersnapped.

MyfacecrinkledasIlookedbackathim “Yes?”

“Please, go to your room. We have importantthings to discuss thatdon’tconcernyou.” The bite inhis voice would have botheredmeifIwasn’talreadysousedtoit Hedidn’tseemtoknowanyotherwaytotalktome “Asyoucommand,Father.Mother.AlphaBrown,”Isaidinfarewell.

Alpha Michael Jacob was the onlyone to returnmygoodnight, and Islipped fromthe room The office door swungshut behind me, but bounced and remained open a crack. I walked a few steps away before bending to remove my shoes and sneakingbackuptothedoorway.Whatevertheyweretalkingabout,Iwantedtoknow.Ideservedtoknow. “Well,thatcertainlychangesthings,doesn’tit,Mark?”

Myfathergrimaced.Hehatedbeingcalledbyhisfirstname.“I’llmakesureitdoesn’t.Shewillgobacktothem.Ipromise. Wewillgetyourmoney Wejustneedafewmoremonths Shehastoreturntoschool,butbythenextbreak,I’msureshecan convincethemtotakeherback.”

Mymouthpoppedopenindignantly.Takemeback?Likehell.Iwasnevergoingbacktothem.Notiftheyintendedtotakeon thatbeta.Ididn’tcarehowhottheywere.Iwasworthmorethanthat.

“Hmm,wewillsee I’llgiveyouthreemonthstocomeupwiththecompletesumthatyouoweme,plusinterest Ifyoudon’t, I’llstarttakingthingsfromyou.”

I heard myfather’s gulp How muchdid theyowe this man? We had plentyof money Whyweren’t theyjust payinghim whateverhewasaskingfor?WhatwouldmegoingbacktoPackTrinitysolve?

“Foralittlemotivation,I’llleaveyouwiththis ” Iheardshufflingandthenmyfathershouted.Therewasaresoundingcrack, andmymotherstartedscreaming.Myfathergave a pained groan. Iheard the alpha comingtoward the door and Ihurriedlybacked up; Icouldn’t get caught. Unfortunately, I trippedovermyfeetandlandedinaheaponthefloor Theofficedooropened,andAlphaMichaelJacoblookeddownatme,a smirkpullingathislips.

“Sorryyousawthat,darling Tellyourparentsnottoborrowmoneytheycan’tpaybackinthefuture I’llseeyousoon” Myeyeswerewideinmyheadashenoddedatmeandstrodedownthehallway.Iheardthefrontdooropenandbangshutin his wake I lay sprawled on the floor for several seconds, until my mother’s increasing whimpers cut through my shock Scramblingtomyfeet,Irushedbackintotheoffice.Myfathersatbehindhisdesk,cradlinghisarm,whichwasbentatanodd angle.Myeyesdartedbackandforthbetweenmyparents.

“Hilary,”myfathersaid,hisnormalsharptonedimmedwithpain “Whyareyoustillhere?Didwenotsendyoutobed?” Iignoredhisquestion.“Whathappened?Whydidyouletthatmandothattoyou?”

His eyes narrowed “We have no choice, Hilary And now thatyoudecided youwere too good for thatpack, nexttime it mightnotbemyarm.Itcouldbeyourmother’sneck.Isthatwhatyouwant?Yourparentsdead?”

“Wha ”Howhadthisturnedintomyfault?

“Marcus,please,shedoesn’tknow...,”mymotherpleaded.

“Ifshe thinks she’s adultenoughto ignore mycommands and eavesdrop onher parents, thenshe’s certainlyold enoughto knowtherestofit We’rebroke,Hilary There’snothingleft Wehadtotakeoutaloantosendyoutothatschoolyoujusthadto attend.Thebankswouldn’tgiveittous,sowewenttoAlphaBrown.Now,wecan’tpayandhe’sfuriouswithus.”

“Whatdo youmean, we’re broke? Where did the moneygo?” Iasked, panic clawingatmychest There was no waywe werepenniless.Itjustwasn’tpossible.

“Myfirm let me go, ” my father sneered as my mother hiccupped a sob. “No one is hiring, and your and your mother’s spendinghabitsbledusdry.”

“Myspending...?”Whatabouthis?

“Yes Alwayshavingtohavethebestofeverything Andthatgoddamnedschool Nomatter Whenyoucomebackforautumn break,youwillgotoPackTrinity.Youwillapologize.Andyouwillconvincethemtotakeyouback.Weneedtheirmoney,and youwillgetitforus Doyouunderstand, omega?You’reworthnothingtomeotherwise” Myfather’svoicecutmetothequick,andIgasped.Whenhadmyfatherturnedsocruel?

“Iunderstand,”Ibitout.Turningonmyheel,Istompedfromtheroom,mutteringundermybreath,“Doesn’tmeanI’lldoit.”

Chapter 3

DREW

WHENILEFTTOWNfivemonthsago,IneverthoughtIwouldwalkinhereagain.Ipushedopentheswingingdoorintothe bar I had passed onmywayhome yesterdayand tried to hide mygrimace It smelled so stronglyof liquor and cigarettes Behind the bar was Hank, the grislybartender. He looked exactlythe same, just older. But I knew first-hand that if I ever neededhelpinafight,hewaswhoIwouldcallfirst.

IwavedtohimasImovedtowardthebackrooms,theonesthatfewknewexistedandevenfewerwereallowedinside The guardstandingoutsideoftheentrancegrinnedatmeandwaved.

“Heythere,Drew!It’sbeentoolong!Whatbringsyoubacktotheseparts?”

“Heya,Duncan,”Igreeted.“I’mbackintownforalittlewhileandIthoughtIshouldstopinandsayheytothebosslady.” Hesnickered “Probablysmartonyourpart Goonthrough” Ithankedhimandwithoutknocking,Imovedintotheroom.Thepersoninsidelookedup,stunned.Clearly,shehadnotbeen expectingtobedisturbed.

“Heythere,Peyton,”Isaid

“Drew Druman, as I live and breathe. Take a seat, fucker. Tell me about what you’ve beenup to. What brings youback here?”

Isankintotheripped,cushionedarmchairacrossfromherdesk.Hereyessparkledinthelowlightofheroffice.Shereached overandpouredmetwofingers’worthoftheexpensivewhiskeyonhertabletop,handingmetheglass.Itookanappreciative sipbeforeresponding.

“Thingsdidn’tworkoutthewayIplanned,Pey.So,I’mbackintown.Wasn’tplanningoncomingback,buthereIam.” “Here you are,” she repeated, her eyes tinged with a hint of sadness “I amsorry things didn’t go the way you thought, Drew.”

Iwavedadismissivehand “Meh,I’llbefine Theyweren’ttheonesforme” Peytongavemealooklacedwithdisbelief.Ihadforgottenthatshehadbeenthereinthebeginning,whenIhadmetthepack ofassholes.ImighthavebeenabletoconvinceotherpeopleIwasalright,butnother.Shealwayscouldseerightthroughme. Itwaswhatmadehersogoodatherjob.

“It’s okaytonotbe okay,” she toldme.“ButI’ll respectyour obvious unwillingness totalkaboutthemrightnow.Tell me aboutwhatbringsyoubacktomybar” “Can’taguyjustwannacomesayhey?”

She chuckled “Of course you can And I would expect nothing less However, I know you too well You’re here for a reason.”

Isighed.“Yeah.Idon’tknowhowlongI’llbeintownfor,butIwaswonderingifyoumightstillhaveroomformeonyour crewwhileI’mhere?”

Herfacesoftened.“Youreallywantbackin?Drew,wewereallrootingforyouwhenyoumadeitoutofthisPodunktown. AsmuchasIwouldlovetohaveyouback,Idon’twantyouifit’sjustawaytoavoidyourfeelings” “Psht.Feelings.Peyton,youknowmebetterthananyone.Idon’thavefeelings.Especiallyforthosefuckheads.” “You’reright Iknowyoubetterthananyone WhichiswhyIknowyou’relyingtomerightnow,Drew I’llletitslidethis time,butdon’thidefromme.Gotit?”

“Yeah,Ihearya,Peyton.Sowhatdoyousay?Doyouhavespaceforme?Oldtimes'sake?”

She studied my face for several seconds then grinned “Of course I do, Drew You were one of the best we had Unfortunately,Igaveawayyourclubbunktoanotherwhenyouleft,soIdon’thavespacehereforyoutosleepunlessyoucrash onthecouches ”

“Oh,that’sfine.Iamstayingwithmyparentsagain.”

“Isn’tthatatightfitwithallofyouathome?IsawRileycamebacktheotherweek.”

Ascowldescendedovermyface.“Yeah.That’sanotherthingwemightneedtolookintoifwehavetimeandIcanborrowa fewpeople Theschoolshewasat,theORA,sentherpacking Nowtheyrefusetoevenadmitshewasastudentthereortellus whytheysentherhome.She’sbroken,Peyton.Someonebrokeherheart.”

Peyton’sownexpressionhardenedatmywords “WhothehellcouldhurtasweetthinglikeRiley?We’llfigureitout Ask I.T.toinvestigateit.He’sthebestatgettingthatkindofinfo.”

“Thanks,Ireallyappreciateit,Pey Imeanboss”

Sherolledhereyes.“Younevercalledme‘boss’before.Don’tstartnow.”

Ichuckledandrosetomyfeet,tossingbacktherestofthewhiskey.“Yougotit,Peyton.I’llgetoutofyourhairnow.”

Smirking, she responded, “Youdo that Onyour wayout, checkwithDuncanaboutthe nextjob we have lined up Ithink you’regoingtofinditrightupyouralley.”

Myeyesgleamedatherwords “Perfect”

RightasIreachedthedoorandturnedtheknob,shecalledouttome.Iturnedtolookbackovermyshoulder,andshesaid,“I truly amsorry things didn’t go the way you planned, Drew But I amnot sorry it brought you back to us Welcome home, slugger.”

Withimmenseeffort,Irefrainedfromrollingmyeyes.“Ihatedthatnickname,andIhateitevenmorenow.” “Oh,I’maware Butitfitsyousowell slugger” “Yeah,yeah,laughitup...omega.”

Iduckedoutofthedoorandslammeditshutbehindme,justintimetoavoidherscreamandtheglassshechucked Iheard thecupshatteragainstthewoodandIshookmyhead,laughing. “Yougotanenormoussetofballsonya,kid,”Duncansaid,eyeswide. “Meh,shewon’thurtme.Shelikesmetoomuch.”

Hegavemealookthatsaidhewasn’tsurehebelievedmebutsaidnothingelseaboutit.“Youbackontheteam?” “Yeah,fornow Peytonsaidtoaskyouaboutthenextjobwearerunning SaidImightreallylikethisone” “Oh,forsureyouwill.Wearegoingafterthealphayoualwayshated.” “Finally Fillmein”

Forthenextfewminutes,DuncanwentovereverythingthatIneededtoknowaboutthejob.Ittookmenotimeatalltoleave behindmyreal-lifepersonaofDrew Druman.IsankrightbackintomyclubidentityofDrew Benjamin,theenforcer for the motorcycleclubknownastheFateFighters.

AftergettingallthedetailsfromDuncan,Imademywaybackoutintothemainbararea.IwaslookingforI.T.Hehadtobe here somewhere He never left the bar if he could help it Loner by trade and personality, he was the best there was in computerhacking.Andhewasonourside.Thankthegods.

Finally, Ispotted him He was sittingina backbooth, hunched over a laptop His hair desperatelyneeded a cut He kept jerkinghisheadtogethisfloppybangsoutofhiseyes.Hisfacehadanintenselookofconcentrationonitashisfingersflew overthekeyboard.Imademywayovertohim.

“Heythere,IT,”IsaidwhenIwasnexttohistable Hejumpedandturnedtolookupatme,panicclearonhisface.Ihadforgottenhoweasyitwastostartlehimwhenhewasin thezone Heshovedhisthick,plastic-rimmedglassesuphisnosefromwheretheyhadsliddown “Goddamnit,Drew,youscaredme.”

“I’msorry,IT,”Isaidbeforeslidingontothebenchseatacrossfromhim “Howhaveyoubeen?” “Well,heartattacknotwithstanding,I'mfine.Working.You?Ithoughtyouleft.” “Longstory.Idid,butI’mbacknow.”

Hegavemeasuspiciouslook IknewbeforeIleftthebar,hewouldpulleverythingupaboutmehecouldfind Notthatthere wouldbeanything.Iwasalwaysverycarefulnottoleaveafootprintbehind.Nothingthatcouldtracebacktome. “Whatdoyouneed,Drew?Iknowthisisn’tasocialvisit” “You’reright.It’snot.Well,Imean,Iwouldlovetochatwithyou,butIknowyou’rebusy.” “Exactly Whatdoyouneed?”

Isighed.“IneedhelpgettingintotheORA’sschoolsystem.Theyareclaimingmysisterneverattended.Theywon’ttellmy parentsormeanything,andIneedtoknowwhathappenedtoherthere.”

“Riley?Whatdoyoumean,whathappenedtoher?What’swrong?”

“She’s goingto be okay,” Iassured him, notinghow upset he had gotten. That was somethingto thinkabout another day, though “She’sjustheartbroken Icantell She’sbuiltherselfanestinherbedroomandwon’ttalktoanyone We’reworried” “I’llgettheinformationbytomorrow.”

Heduckedhisheadbackdowntohislaptop,andIknewourconversationwasover.Ididn’tbothersayinggoodbye.Igotup fromthetableandmovedbacktowardPeyton’soffice.Duncanandanotherguardwereswitchingplaces,andthenDuncanand Iwouldgrabthecrewforthejobwewererunning.Icouldn’twaittostickittothatalphahole,Brown.Heneededtobetaken

Chapter 4

WHEREWASHE?

Ineededmyboyhome Yesterday Summerwasbleedingaway,andwewerenoclosertofindinghimthanwhenhe’dleftus Xavierhadlookedeverywherebutwascomingupblank.ItwaslikeDrewBenjamindidn’tevenexist.

Icouldn’tbelievehe’dtakenofflikethat withoutlettingusexplainorcorrecthismisjudgmentofthesituation.Damnthat snottyomega,Hilary,forruiningthisforus Ifwedidn’tfindDrewsoon,Iwasgoingtohuntherdownmyselfandkillher Why didwehavetoscentmatchtothefuckingbitch?

Damnmynose

Thankfully, we hadn’ttold her thatlittle tidbitofinformation, and thankthe gods we hadn’ttried to bond her to us. We’d escapedherviciousclutches,notthatI’deverwantedtobeinherclutchestobeginwith Hell,noneofusdid

We’dknowntheminutewemetherthatshewasavindictive,spoiledbratinsevereneedofaspanking...orfive.Myhand had twitched everytime I was around her, yearningto toss her over mylap and give her the discipline she was so sorely lacking Therewasnootherreason Nope Noneatall

Angrywithmyself,IturnedupthespeedonthetreadmillIwasonuntilIwasinafull-outsprint.Ineededtodosomething withallthisanxiousenergy Ifeltoutofcontrol,andIhatedit Somethinghadtogive

“Charlie!Slowdownbeforeyoupassout!”mypackmateandoneofmytwobestfriends,Nathan,saidfromthedoorwayinto ourgym.

“I’mfine,”Igrowledout.

“No,you’redefinitelynotfine.Takeabreak,comeforaswimwithme.” Ihuffedbutslowedthetreadmilldownandthenstoppedit IcaughtthetowelNathantossedatme,moppingthesweatfrom mybrow.Hedidn’twaitformeandinsteadstrodeovertotheenclosed,indoorpoolwe’dputintheyearprior.Attheedge,he strippeddowntohisbirthdaysuitandtossedawinkatmeoverhisshoulderbeforedivingintothecrystal-clearwater Irolledmyeyes.Whatacheekybastard.NathanwasswimminglapsbythetimeIjoinedhim,mysweatygymclothesleftin apileonthetilearoundthewater.Dunkingmyheadtocooloff,Imademywayacrossthewater’ssurfaceinabackstroke.It hadbeentoolongsinceI’dgoneforaswim.I’dforgottenhowgreatitfelttobehere.

Besideme,IheardsplashingandknewNathanwascomingmyway.Hidingagrin,Ispuninthewaterandstartedswimming awayfromhim Iheardhisgaspandthensilenceashetriedtocatchup Itwaspointless,though;Iwasthesuperiorswimmer Reachingthe end ofthe pool, Iprepared to dive under and swimback. Rightas Itooka gulp ofair, someone shoved me down Panickedforasecond,Ifoughtagainstthepersonholdingme,gettingfreeofhisgripeasily Myheadpoppedupoutof thewaterasplitsecondbeforehedid.Nathanwaslaughingmaniacally,hiswethairplasteredtohisforehead.

“Nathan!Whatthehell?”

“I’msorry,Charlie IknewIcouldn’tcatchyouswimming,soImayhavecheatedalittle” “Ioughtabustyourass,”Isaid,butIwasgrinning.Hewassuchagoofball.

“Meh Youaren’tmydaddy,”hesaid,stickinghistongueoutatme Igrowledplayfullyandgrabbedhisshoulder,pullinghimtowardme.“Sometimes,Ithinkyouneedone,withhowoftenyou teaseme,brat”

“It’sjustsomuchfun.Ilovewhenyoureyetwitches.Yeah,likethat!”

Hepointedtomylefteye,whereIcouldfeelthecornerwasindeedtwitching.Hetestedmyeverysenseandinclination.But damn,didIlovehimforit Igrabbedthebackofhishead,threadingmyfingersthroughhislocks,andpulledhislipstomine I devouredhismouth,claiminghimonceagaininakissthatquicklyturnedheated.HemighthavebeenasalphaasIwas,butin timeslikethis,whenweweretogether,therewasnodoubtwhowasincharge

“Fuck,I’vemissedthat,Charlie.”Hemoanedasourlipspulledapart.

Underneaththewater,Icouldfeeljusthowmuchheenjoyedthatashishardeningdickbrushedagainstmyown.Ileanedmy foreheadagainsthis,holdingusbothupwhileItreadedwater.“Areyoufeelingneglected,Nate?”

“Never Notfromyou Justsad Wehadagoodthinggoing Weweresohappy Noweverythingisfallingapart” “It’snot.”Igrunted.“Iwon’tletit.”

“Thismightbeonethingyoucan’tfix”

“Lies.Icanfixeverything.”

“Ofcourseyoucan,Charlie Butwereallyhurthim Idon’tthinkhe’scomingback Heblockedall ournumbers It’sbeen months!”

Withasigh,Imovedustotheedgeofthepool.“Iknow,Nate.Imisshimtoo.Somuch.Wewillgethimback.Ipromiseyou that”

Hisfacerevealedhisheavysadnessanddoubt,thoughhiseyesshonewithatinybitofhope.HeknewifIsaidIintendedon doingsomething,IwouldmovemountainstomakesureIaccomplishedit

ItuckedNathan’sheadintomyshoulderandwrappedhiminahug.IneededtorememberthatIwasn’ttheonlyonehurting rightnow Mypackreliedonmetoholdusalltogether Speakingofwhich,IglancedovermyshoulderwhenIheardthedoor tothepoolroomopenoncemore.Xavierspottedusandmadehiswayovertothesidewewereon.

“Are youhavinga cuddle puddle and didn’tinvite me?” he asked withfake annoyance. The glimmer inhis irises letme knowhedidn’tmeanit

“You’realwaysinvitedtothecuddlepuddles,Xavier.Getinhere,”Icommanded.

Grinning,herippedoffhisclothesandjumpedintothewaterbesideus,asmallwavecrestingoverourheads Hepoppedup andswamclosetomyside,wrappinghisarmsaroundbothNathanandme.Ikissedthetopofhisheadandrepositionedmyself soIcouldputmyarmaroundhimaswell.Thiswasalmostperfect.Wewerejustmissingourcenter.OurDrew.

Notwantingtoruinthemoment,Ishovedthethoughtofhimfrommymind.Mypackneededmerightnow.Weneededeach other.NomatterwhatNathansaid,I’dbeenneglectingthem.Wehadtoreconnect.AndIknewjustwhattodo.

Hangingonto mylovers, myfriends, mypacktightly, Ikicked mylegs so we were propelled toward the shallow end As soonasmyfeetbrushedagainstthebottom,Istood,stillholdingXavierandNathanclosetome.ThewayIpositionedus,their cocks brushedagainstminewitheverystepItook Mywholebodyshudderedwiththefeelingofpleasurethatitwas giving me.

Atthestepsleadingoutofthepool,Ireleasedmyholdonthem.“Followme.”

Iwalkedupthestairsandout,drippingwatereverywhere.Istrodetowardthechangingroomwehadnextdoor,knowingthat theywouldberightbehindme.Enteringtheroom,Iwentrighttothemassivewalk-inshowerwehadinstalled.Icrankedthe watertemperatureupandstoodrightunderthespray

I glanced back over my shoulder to see Xavier and Nathan watching me, eyes glinting with lust. I winked at themand crookedafingerforthemtocomein Neitheronewastedanytime,andtheyquicklyjoinedmeunderthewater Iturnedtoface themfully,myerectdickjuttingupbythis point.IsnaggedXavier’s headandpulledhimtome for a deepkiss,our tongues slippingandslidingoveroneanother’s.Nathanstoodbesidemepatiently,waitinghisturn,andwhenIbrokeofffromkissing Xavier,mymouthfoundhisbyinstinct

Xavier’shandswererunningupanddownmyside,fingerstweakingatmynipplesandrollingthembetweenhisforefingers andthumbs IgroanedintoNathan’smouth,myeyesblazingwithneed “Fuckyes,Xavi.Don’tstop.”

Heloweredhisheadandhistonguelappedatmynipplebeforeheengulfeditandsuckeditbetweenhislips Myhipsjerked upoftheir ownaccord.Iwas desperatetofeel oneofthemwrappedaroundme.BeforeIcouldevenask,Nathanfell tohis knees,openedhismouth,andswallowedmedown.

Iroared outinecstasy, and myhead tipped backto the ceiling, the sound echoingoffthe tiled walls “Goddamn, Nathan Yourtongueismagic.Fuckingyes.Takemydick.”

Ithrustforward,hearinghimgagslightly,butthatonlyspurredmeonfurther Myhandswenttohishair,andIgrippedhim hard,earningawhimperofpleasurefromhisprettylips.IheldhimstillasIrockedmypelvishardandslow intohim.Each passforcedhimdeeperontomydick Mygrowingknotbumpedagainsthislips,andhepoppedhistongueouttolickatit My bodyshookwiththeeffortofholdingmyselfback.

Nexttome,Xavieralsodroppedtohisknees.Hepeeredupatmethroughhisthicklashes,hisgazeheated.“MayIhavea taste,alpha?”

I moaned and pulled back fromNathan’s glorious mouth. Nathan whimpered and tried to take me back, but I twisted to Xavier “Openup,suckmeaswellashejustdid”

Xavier’smouthdroppedopen,histonguestickingout.Iglidedmydickoveritandthen,inonesmoothmove,straightdown histhroat.IfelthimswallowaroundmygirthandIwaslost.Grabbinghishair,thesameasIhadNathan,Ipoundedmycockin andoutofhim.IwasmuchrougherwithXavier,butIknewhecouldtakeit.HelovedwhenIlostcontrollikethis.

Eyes hooded, I peered down at my packmates. It wouldn’t be long before I covered both of themwith my cum. Nathan

seemedtoknow asplitsecondbeforeme.HecrowdednexttoXavier,hismouthopenwide.Ipulledbackfromthewetheat thatwasmyloverandgroanedasIgrippedmycock.Istrokeditonce,twice,threetimesandthenroaredoutasjetafterjetshot frommytip,coveringbothoftheir faces Somesplasheddownontotheir chests,andIstaggeredbackwardagainstthewall, slidingontothebenchseat,attemptingtocatchmybreath.

XavierandNathanturnedtooneanotherand,withasmirkinmydirection,theybegancleaningeachotheroff Notwiththeir hands or the washcloths. Ohno, theyused their tongues. Mydickwas never goingdownat this rate. Nathanlicked across Xavier’schestthenstuckhistongueouttoshowXaviermycumthathewasholdinginthemiddle Xaviergrippedhimaround the neckand slammed their mouths together. Their tongues swirled against one another’s and swapped myrelease between them.

“Fuck,that’ssogoddamnedhot”Igroaned

XavierwinkedatmeandthenlightlytappedNathan’sside.“Turnaround,lover.Iwantthisass.”

Nathanscrambled to obey, gettingonhis hands and knees He wiggled his ass inXavier’s directionbutsoonstopped as Xavier pressed two fingers to his hole. I leaned forward, watching expectantly. I loved seeing them fall apart under one another’sskilledhandsalmostasmuchasIlovedthemfallingapartunderme

Xavier’s fingers slipped inside Nathanand theybothgroaned. Xavier scissored his digits backand forth, openingup our packmate.Headdedathirdandthenafourthfingerbeforepullingoutentirely.Nathanwhinedinprotestandjoltedbackward, tryingtogetXaviertogobackinside

Hedidn’thavetowaitlong.Xavierreachedoutsidetheshower,tooneofthemanyplaceswehadlubestoredaroundthis house,andslatheredsomeontohimself Hishandstrokedupanddownhislength,andIlickedmylipsappreciatively Hesaw mewatching.

“There’splentyofdickhereforyoutoo,alpha,”heoffered. “Don’ttemptme.Iwanttoseeyoufuckhim.Showmehowhemakesyoufeel.” “Withpleasure.”

With those words, he rammed himself forward, holding Nathan’s hips and burying himself to the hilt in one stroke His growingknotslappedagainstNathan’scheeksandtheybothshouted,“Yes!”XavierpulledandpushedNathanasifheweighed nothing,usinghimlikeaFleshlightastheychasedtheirmutualpleasure Mycock,whichhadslightlydeflated,sprangbackup IgrabbedthebaseandstartedstrokingmyselfintimewithXavier’sthrusts.HesawwhatIwasdoingandmovedhishandsoI couldhaveaclearview.

Fuck,Ilovedwatchingthemtogether.

Nathan’svoiceroseincriesofblissasIwatchedhiseyesrollbackinhishead.Hiscockbobbedunderhim,lookingfulland inneedofrelease Xavier’sthrustsstutteredashegrewcloserandclosertofindinghisownpleasure Slidingtothefloor,still strokingmycock,Imademywaytotheeroticpairinfrontofme.TherewasjustenoughroomformetoshimmyunderNathan, andIdidso

Openingmymouth,Itookjustthetipofhimbetweenmylips.Immediately,hishipsjerked,tryingtogetmetotakemoreof himin.Grinningaroundhis length,Idid.Islobberedall over him,listeningtothe sounds above me as Xavier gotcloser to reachinghisfinish Xavi’shandfoundmycock,andhepushedmyhandoffmyselfandtookover Nathanmoanedandhispelvis dippedfarther,forcingmetotakehimalltheway.

Inmoments,asifwe’drehearsedit,all threeofuswerecumming Nathan’sdeliciouscumfilledmymouth,andIgreedily gulped it all down. Mine spurted frommycock, shootingup and thencoveringXavier’s hand and mystomach. Above me, NathanyelledoutinjoyasXavierfilledhisass XavierslammedintoNatehardenoughthathisknotpoppedinside,locking themtogether.

Panting,theyfelltotheside,andIlayonmyback,gaspingasmyheartslowlyreturnedtoitsnormalrhythm. “Gods ”

“Fucking...”

“Damnit ,”weallsaidoneaftertheother “Thatwasamazing,”Isaid.

“Mm-hmm,”bothofmypackmembersmumbledinagreement “Iloveyoubothsomuch.”

“Weloveyoutoo.Let’snotgosolongapartagain,yeah?”Xaviersaid. “I’msorryI’vebeeninmyhead Ididn’tmeantomakeyouallfeelneglected” “Youdidn’t.It’sjust,weneedeachotherrightnow.EvenmoresowithDrewnothere,”Nathanclarified. “Iknow Andwewillfindhim Ipromiseyou Bothofyou” “Weknowyouwill.Webelieveinyou.”

I closed my eyes, taking in the delicious mishmash of all our scents. The room was drenched in pancakes, bananas, pineapples,cake,andsyrup.ItookadeepinhaleofallofitasIabsorbedtheirwords.Theybelievedinme.Now,Ijusthadto comethrough.

Drew, wherever you are, get ready, baby. Daddy’s coming for ya.

Chapter 5

ICLIMBEDTHESTAIRStoRiley’sroom,completelydowntrodden.I.T.hadnoluckfindinginformationonher.TheORAhad indeederasedalltracesofmysisterfromtheirsystem Eventhebacked-updataonthecloudwasempty Weknewnothing But everyday, I saw mysister fade further and further. It was a struggle to get her to eat, and she was losingweight waytoo rapidly.

Shewasneveraloneforlonganymore EitherDell,ourparents,orIwerealwaysintheroomwithher IfeltbadeverytimeI barged into her space unannounced. An omega’s roomwas sacred, and none of us respected that any longer. But it was a necessityatthispoint Wewereallconcernedoneday,shewasjustgoingtofadeawayinfrontofoureyes IenteredherroomandsawDellcrouchednexttoher,pleadingonceagainforhertotellhimwhatwasgoingon.Iknewit was useless She sealed her lips tighter thanthe lugnuts onmybike I caught Dell’s eye and kneeled onthe other side of Riley’s mattress. He asked her to please talkto him. Iheard her sighand roll awayfromhim. Unfortunatelyfor her, Iwas waitingforher.Shesawmeandherbrowsdippedindefeat.Igaveherasoftsmile,tryingtoappealtoher.

“Littlesis,pleasetalktous Weneedtohelp Wecan Pleaseletus”

Rileychokedonasobandswipedathercheeks.Myeyessnaggedonherwristandunderstandingshotthroughme.Howthe fuck ?Ididn’ttakemyeyesfromherasIaskedDell togiveusamoment Heprotested,butsomethinginmyexpression musthavemadehimrethinkthat.Dellsighedandgotuptoleave.

Atthedoor,hepausedandlookedbackather.“Riley,Iloveyou.Weallloveyou.Please,don’tfadeawayfromus.”

Heleft,closingthedoorbehindhimself.Rileytriedtoburydeeperinhermakeshiftnest,butmyhanddoveintoherblankets, andIignoredherindignantgasp.Igraspedherhandandpulledherwristouttothelight.JustwhatIthought.Shehadabite. “Whoareyoubondedto,Riley?”Igrowledout,barelyrestrainingmyire Herconfusedlookandsubsequentdenialdidn’t helpmatters.“Thenwhat’sthis?”

Ishoved her wristunder her nose, where the bright-white bond markwas clearlyvisible Rileyripped her hand frommy grasp,staringatitinconcentration.Shesatup,thefirstgenuinemovementIhadseenfromherinweeks. “Some...,”shewhisperedinawe.

Ishookmyheadinbewilderment.“Some?Somewhat?”

“No.Storm.Stormbondedmetoher.”

My eyes flashed “Did you agree to this, Riley? Did you know what was happening? Or did the alpha take away your choice?”

“Alpha?What?No,Stormisn’tanalpha She’smyfriend Myroommate Myomega” “Riles,youhavegottoexplain.Now.Nomoreignoringus.” Shenibbledonherlowerlip.“Alright.Butpleasepromiseyouwon’tjudgeme.” “Iwon’tjudgeyou Ican’tpromisemyreactionwillbewhatyouwantbecauseIdon’tknowwhatyouareabouttotellme, butIcanpromiseIwillneverthinklessofyou,nomatterwhatitis.”

“That’sallIask”

ShetookadeepinhaleandthenstartedastoryIneverinamillionyearswould’veguessed.Stormandshehadmetonthe dayofherarrivalattheORA Apparently,shewassupposedtohavebeenroomingwithanotheromegathatwasaroyalbitch, andStormhadcomeinandsavedtheday.Theybecamefastfriends,andthen,asthemonthspassed,theybecamemore.Riley’s cheekswerebrightredasshetoldmeabouthowherhormoneshadrampedupafterthespringbreak.Shedidn’ttellmeexactly whathappened,butIcouldconnectthedots

Mysisterhadfoundascentmatch.Anotheromega.Itwasunheardof,butIcouldseethesignsinher.Iknewitwasreal.No wondershehadbeenpracticallyfightingforthewilltolive Herbondwasstrainedandincomplete Heromegasenseshadto beallovertheplace,notknowingwhattodo.Shewasprobablygoingslightlyferal,notbeingnearherbondmate.

Attheendofhertale,Iaskedher,“Doyouhappentoknowherlastname?” “Yeah,it’sVareth.”

Iblinked Therewasnoway “Really?” “Yeah,why?”

Isnorted “Iknowher” “What?”sheaskedme,hervoicecrackingalittlewithdisbelief.

“Well,notexactly ButIknow of her Mypa my friends know her family I’ll givethemacall andseewhatwecanfind out,alright?It’sgoingtobeokay,Riles.You’regoingtogetherback.Ipromise.”

Shelaunchedherselfoutofbedandintomyarms.“Thankyou,thankyou,thankyou!” Ichuckled and sether backonher mattress “You’re welcome, sis Now, please tryto eatsomething Letme go make my call.”

She nodded eagerly, her eyes shiningfor the firsttime inmonths withhope Quietly, Ilefther roomand made mywayto mine.Idugintomyclosetandpulledoutmyphone.Itwasprobablydeadbynow.Whoknewiftheywouldevenansweratthis point?Ihadignoredthemforalmostthreemonths

Ipressed the buttonto turnitonand saw Isomehow had justenoughbatteryfor a quickcall. Hopefully, they’dpickup. I scrolledthroughthethreeoptionsonwhotocallanddecidedtotrytoreachXavier.Hewasalwaysthemorelevelheadedout ofthethreealphas Iclickedhisname,andthephonestartedringingrightaway Istiffenedmyspineandputthecelltomyear Herewentnothing.

Fourringslater,IheardXavier’ssurprisedvoiceontheotherside “Bug?Isthatyou?”

Iranmytongueovermyteeth.Ihardenedmyheartagainsthisnicknameforme.Hehadnorighttocallmethat.“Yeah,it’s me.IhavesomethingIneedyoutotelltheVareths.TellthemRileyisherewithme.SheneedsStorm.Now.” “Areyouserious?Really?Bug,areyousure?”

Irearedbackfromthespeaker.Howdarehequestionme?“Yes,I’mfuckingsure, Xavier!She’smygoddamnedsister!” “I’msorry,bug Ishouldn’thavedoubtedyou” “You’redamnrightyoushouldn’thave.”Irattledoffmyaddress.“Tellthemtobringherhere,please.” Ipunched“endcall”onthephoneandturneditbackoff Fuck Iwasn’tnaïveenoughtothinktheywouldn’tbecomingalong There was no wayI was prepared to meet them. I needed to hardenmyself against themand their wilyways. Theydidn’t deservemyheart.Notanylonger.

Istomped frommyroom, slammingmydoor, intendingto go for a walkto cool off. Unfortunatelyfor me, myfather was standinginthehallway.Hecrossedhisarmsandgavemealookthatplainlysaidhewantedtotalk.Myshouldersdrooped,and Igave hima small nod He turned and brisklymade his waydownthe stairs and to the kitchen Motioningfor me to sit, he collapsedintothechairacrossfromme.

Meetinghis eyes, I saw just how tired and worndownhe reallywas I felt horrible I knew Riley’s despondent attitude hadn’thelpedmatters,butI,too,hadshuthimdowneverytimehe’dtriedtotalktome.Nottomentionthestresshewasunder atwork.

“I’msorry,Dad”

“Whatfor,son?”

“Fornottalkingtoyou Iknowyou’reworried” “Worried?No,I’mnotworried.I’mfurious.”

Shocked,Ilookedupandmethisfierygaze Hiseyesblazedwithhisanger “Whyareyoumad?”

“WhyamImad?”heaskedincredulously.“Idon’tknow,Drew.WhatcouldIpossiblyhavetobemadabout,hmm?Couldit bethatmyoldestsonupandleftuswithbarelyagoodbye?Orthatwhenhereturned,hewasamiserablebastardtoeveryone aroundhim?Thatis,whenyoubotheredtobe home?Or coulditbe thefactthatIheardfromJerryatworkthathesaw you runningwiththatgangagain?Hmm?Doyouthinkthatmightbeareason?”

“Theyaren’tagang,”Idefendedweakly. “Bullshit”

“Theyaren’t.It’samotorcycleclub.” Heraisedhisbrow.“Ifailtoseethedifference.”

“Wedon’tgoaroundterrorizingpeopleforthefunofit Wedon’trundrugsorguns TheFateFightersstanduptothosethat thinktheyareaboveeveryoneelse.Wehelppeople,Dad.”

Hescoffed “Right,justlikeyouguys‘helped’takethatmoneyfromthealphaintown?”

“He’sanasshole!Hehadmorethanenoughtoshareandhedidn’t.”

“That wasn’t your decisionto make!” he roared, slamminghis hand downonthe table, makingme jump. “That was his money.Hisbelongings.Youhadnorighttogoinandtakethembecauseyoufelthehadtoomuch.”

“Itwasn’tjustthat,”Imuttered.

“Oh?Tellmewhatelseitwas.”

Igrowledandstoodupfromthetable,pacingbackandforth.“Don’tyouseethewayhetreatseveryone?Thewayhetalksto peoplearoundhim?Or hell,thewayhestaresatRileylikehethinksheownsher?Youknow aswell asIdoall therumors floatingaroundabouthim.Howhekilledhisfirstomega,howheprobablyhasabusedorhurtmorethatwedon’tknowabout. He’safuckingcreeper,Dad Heneededtobeknockeddownabit”

Mydadsighedandrubbedhistemples.“Itdoesn’tmatter.Rumorsarerumors.Itwasn’tyourrighttogointhereanddestroy hislivelihood”

“Youknow,thisisexactlywhyIdon’ttalktoyouaboutwhatIdo.Youdon’tunderstand.” “You’redamnrightIdon’tunderstand!Wedidn’traiseyoulikethis,Drew!”

“Youdidn’tfuckingraisemeatall!”Iscreamed,myangerfinallyreachingaboilingpoint “Whatthehelldoyoumeanbythat?”

Iscoffedandrolledmyeyes “Comeon,Dad RileyandDellalwaysgotmoreattentionthanIdid I’mnotblamingyou Iget it.Theyarespecial.ButIneededattentiontoo,youknow.Ialwaysgotpushedtotheside.”

“That’snottrue ,”mydaddenied,horrified

“It is!After Rileyand Dell presented as anomega and alpha, it was like Ino longer existed. Iwas a part ofthe town’s bowlingteamforfouryears.Howmanyofmymeetsdidyoucometo?”Iasked.“Youdon’tremember?Ido.Three.Fouryears andyouguysmadeittothreemeets EverytimeIhadone,eitherRileyorDellhadsomethinggoingonandyoubothmadeita prioritytohelpthem.Youpromisedmeyou’dbetherenexttimeateverysingleone.

“Buteachtime,Igotletdown ItwastoapointwhereIstoppedtellingyouguyswhentheywere Iknewyouwouldn’tmake itanyway.Rileyneededyoumore.Andofcourse,Dell hadthingsgoingontoo.Hisalphaacademygraduationwasthesame nightasmymeetforstate.Ididn’tbegrudgeyougoingtohisgraduationovermysillygame,butithurt.

“Iknow I’mnotas importantas them, butcanyoublame me for lookingfor attentionelsewhere? The Fate Fighters were there.TheytookmeundertheirwingandmademefeellikeIbelongedforthefirsttime.Can’tyouunderstandthat?”

“Drew ”Mydad’sstrickenexpressionsaiditall

“Look,it’sfine.I’mfine.Butdon’tgogettingallupsetovermychoiceoffriendsnow.Theymeantheworldtome.”

“Drew,son,wenevermeanttomakeyoufeelyouwerelessimportantthanyoursiblings Weloveyouallequally I’msorry weweren’tthereforyoulikeweshould’vebeen.”

“LikeIsaid,it’sfine.I’mgrownnow.IunderstandmorethanIdidthen.”

Mydad’seyeswerebrimmingwithtears.MyjawclenchedasItriednottoletitaffectme.

“Look, IgotRileyto talkto me. Iknow whathappened to her atschool. She bonded to another omega, and her mood is becausethatbondisstrained Icalledsomepeople,andtheyaregoingtogettheomegahere Shewillbejustfineassoonas thathappens.However,IthinkthesepeopleIcalledwillcomewithher.Idon’twanttoseethemrightnow.Whentheycome,I planonbeingfarawayfromhere”

“Drew...”Myfatherseemedincapableofsayinganythingotherthanmyname. Ishookmyhead.“I’mgoingtotheFateFighters’clubhousetonight.Don’twaitup.”

Iturnedandstrodefromtheroom,crashingrightintoDell He’dheardtheentireconversation,andhegavemeadesolate look.Ididn’tblamehim,or Riley,or myparents for thewayI’dfeltgrowingup.Iknew mysiblings neededmoreattention, especiallybeingbornintoa familyofbetas thathadlittle tonoknowledge abouttheir designations Iside-steppedDell and pattedhimontheshoulder.

“It’scool,littlebro TakecareofRiles,wouldya?I’llbebacktomorrow Maybe” Then, without a backward glance, I left the house. Outside, I jumped on my midnight-black crotch rocket that had red phantomflamespainteddowntheside.Witharoar,Ipeeledoutandawayfrommyhome,headingstraightfortheclubhouse.I neededastiffdrink

Chapter 6

DROWNINGMYWOESINalcoholwasapiss-poordecision.Myheadwasthrobbingthismorning.IkeptforgettingIwasn’t

twenty-oneanymore Mybodywasn’tmetabolizingtheliquorlikeitusedto IknewthecloserIgottothirty,theworseitwas probablygoingtoget,too.IgroanedandrolledoffthecouchwhereIhaddumpedmysorryasslastnight,sometimearoundtwo inthemorning.

Mykneeshitthefloorwitha thunk,andIgrimaced,thenoisesoundinglikeagunshot Stumblingtomyfeet,Imademyway blearilyovertotherestroom.Afterrelievingmyscreamingbladder,Isplashedcoldwateronmyface,tryingtowakemyself up Inthemirror,Imetmybloodshoteyesandwinced Ilookedlikeshit

Ileftthebathroomandmovedovertowardthebar.Hankwasthere,wipingdownthecounterwitharagthatlookedlikeit wasdoinglittlemorethanpushingthegrimearound,itwassofilthy Ihoistedmyachingbodyupontoastoolwithagroan “Youlooklikedeathwarmedover,kid,”hesaidtome,placingaglassofwhatlookedliketarinfrontofme. Igaveitadisgustedlookbutpickeditupandtosseditbackinoneshot.“Fuck,that’snasty.”

“Maybe,butitwilldothetrick Hank’sHangoverCurehasn’tfailedanyoneyet”Hetooktheglassbackfrommeandpoured meacupofwater.“Drinkthattoo.You’redehydratedas fuck.I’mnotsurewhatdemons youweretryingtodrinkawaylast night,butyousuregaveittheolecollegetry”

Ichuckledandthensobered. Fuck, that hurt my head.Irestedmyforeheadonthebarrailwithagrunt.“Whattimeisit?” “Justafterten.Why?Yougotsomeplacetobe,champ?”

Igrunted.“Notparticularly.Justsomeapologiestomake.” “Ah,”hesaidknowingly.“Oneofthosenights,huh?”

Inodded,tooktheglassofwater,andtippeditup,chuggingeverydrop Theiceclinkedagainstthecup,andthechillwent rightdownmythroat, into the pitofmystomach. Slammingitbackdownonthe counter, Ithanked Hankand started outthe door IknewI’dhurtmydad’sfeelingsyesterday Ifeltlikeshitaboutit Hedidn’tdeservethat Hewasagreatdad,andmy momwaswonderful.Itwasn’ttheirfaultthatthey’dhadtwochildrenwithspecialdesignationsafterIwasborn.Iowedthema hugeapologyfortalkingtothemthewayIdid.

I’dparkedmybikerightoutsidethebar,andIjumpedontoit,kick-startingitasIdid.Twisting,Igrabbedmyhelmetfromthe backstorage boxandpulleditdownover myface.Justas Iwas abouttopull outofthe parkinglot,Peytonappearedinthe doorway Iwalkedmybikeovertoherandliftedthevisoronmyhelmet

“Idon’tknowhowmuchoflastnightyouremember,”shesaid,andIsnorted.“ButIwantyoutoknowthatIdon’twantyou backhere Notfortheforeseeablefuture Yourpackiscomingback,andIthinkyouneedtogivethemachancetoexplain” Myjawdropped.“You’rekickingmeout?” “No.Never.ButIamdemandingyoutakealeaveofabsenceuntilyoucanfigureoutwhatitisyoureallywant.Iloveyou likethebrotherIneverhad,Drew Youdeservetobehappy,andIthinktheycanprovidethatforyou Iwantyoutotakethe opportunitytheypresentandrunwithit.Ifitdoesn’tworkout,youknowwearealwayshere.Butifitdoes,andItrulythinkit will, Idon’twantyouthinkingyouhave to come backhere We will be okaywithoutyou ButIdon’tthinkyou’ll be okay withoutthem.”

Iblinkedather,takinginherwords Ihatedtoadmitit,butIknewshewasright Withoutthem,Iwasmiserable Nomatter whatItriedtotell myself,Iknew Iwasinlovewithall threeofthem.Theyreallywerethebrightspotsinmydimworld.I couldn’tsayanythingtoher,justnoddedinthanks.Shegavemeasoftsmileandawave,thendisappearedbackintoherbar.I watchedthedoorforafewsecondsaftersheentered,thenIbackedupmybike,revvedtheengine,andtookoffforhome ThewindwhippedatmyclothingasIspeddowntheroad.Ileanedovermyhandlebars,helpingwiththeresistance,feeling mybikepickupspeed Nothingbeatthisfeeling IfeltsofreewhileIrodethispowerfulmachine Houseswhizzedbyonthe edgesofmyvision,gonebeforeIcouldfocusonthem.

Ahead,Isawmyhouse,andIdownshiftedinpreparationtostop.Ipulledmybikearoundthebackandturneditoff.Yanking myhelmetoffmyhead,Ishookoutmysandyblondhair.Iputthehelmetonmyhandlebaranddismounted.Suddenly,myhair stoodonendonthebackofmyneck Somethingwaswrong MyeyesdartedaroundasItriedtofigureoutwhattheissuewas.Isawnothingoutoftheordinary.Itiltedmyhead,straining tohear Mybloodrancold Ispunandtookoffatasprintaroundmyhouse “HELP!Please,someonehel ”

Mysister’scrycutoff,andIsawred Someonewashurtingher,andtheyweregoingtopay Roundingthecorner,Iwatched as she lashed outand kicked the personholdingher. He dropped her, and she started scramblingawayfromhim. Iheard a snarl,andmyeyeslockedontheshapethathaddaredtograbherfromherownhome.AlphaBrown.Thatfuckingasshole. Iroaredandloweredmyhead,dashingrighttowardhim Connectingwithhisside,Ithrewhimtotheground Isawandfelt nothingexceptaneedtoseehisend.Thisfuckingalphathoughthecouldcomeinhereand steal mysister?Fuckthat!

Myfists slammed into his face over and over I heard his toothcrack, and blood covered his face I yelled how muchI despisedhim.Hegothiswitsabouthimandshovedmeoff,hisarmsswingingwildly.Hisfistconnectedwithmyleftcheek, andmybrainfeltlikeitwasrattlinginmyhead Hemight’vebeenanalpha,buthedidn’tknowhowtofight Hissubsequent attemptstohitmewerewildandmissed.Sadlyforhim,eachofmypunchesmetsomepartofhisbody.

“She’smine!”hescreamed.“I’mclaimingher.Nooneelsehasyet.Ihaverights.I’manalpha!”

“Sheisnotyours She’ll neverbeyours It’sherchoice,andbyherscreams,I’dsayshe’smadeitprettyfuckingclearshe doesn’twantyou!”

Icontinuedtoraindownmymethodofjusticeonhispatheticass,pleasedeachtimeIheardacrackfromoneofhisbones Then,outofnowhere,Ifeltarmswraparoundmefrombehind,pullingmeoff.

“Whatthefuck?”Iyelped,strugglingagainstthepersonholdingmetightlytothem.

“Hush,bug.Letushandleit,”Xavier’svoicesaidinmyear.Then,tothealphalyingontheground,heasked,“What’sgoing onhere?”

“Thankgoodnessyou’rehere ThisstupidbetaattackedmewhileIwastryingtotakemyomegahome Iwanthimarrested Someonecallthecops,”AlphaBrownsaid,blooddrippingfromhisjaw.

Xavier’s grip tightened on me, and he growled I knew Alpha Brown’s words had pissed himoff Before he could say anythingtotheasshole,allhellbrokelooseassomeoneI’dnevermetspokeup.Myeyesdartedbackandforthbetweenallthe newcomersandAlphaBrown.Hestormedoffinahuffandmyshouldersdeflated.ItwasthenthatIrememberedwhostillhad aholdofme.

“Letmego,Xavier,”Idemanded.

“Nochance,bug LasttimeIletyougo,Ididn’tseeyouforthreemonths We’vegotalottodiscuss,andwearen’tleaving withoutyou.”

“Fuckoff,Xavier There’snothingtodiscuss Goonhometoyouromegagirlfriendandleavemebe” Ijerkedagainsthishold,thrilledwhenIbrokefree.Istartedtowardmyhouse,fullyintendingtogetinsideandshutthedoor onthesejackasses’faces.Ofcourse,thatwastoogoodtobetrue.Igotknockedoffmyfeetwithinsecondsandfeltmyworld spinonitsaxisasCharlietossedmeupandoverhisshoulder “Letmego,asshole!I’mnotgoinganywherewithyou.”

“Whatthehellisgoingonhere?”mydadsaid,appearinginthedoorway Mymother’sfacepoppedoutnexttohisarm.“Drew?Areyoualright?”

“Mom,Dad,tellthesefuckheadsI’mnotgoingwiththem!”

“Oh,well,um...,”shefloundered.

“Weapologize,Mr.andMrs.Druman,”Xaviersaidwithabow.Fuckingdipshit.“Wedidn’tmeantocauseascene.It’sjust, wehavesomethingstodiscusswithDrewhere Somethingsheleftoutandsomemisconceptionshehas”

“Therewerenomisconceptions!Dad,tellhimtoputmedown,”Iraged,slammingmyfistintoCharlie’sbackasIpickedup mystruggles

Mydadrolledhislipsinlikehewasfightingasmile.“Son,theyseemprettyadamantaboutyougoingwiththem.Maybeyou shouldlistentowhattheyhavetosay”

“You’reserious?”Iasked,stunned.

“Hush,Drew,”Charliesaidwithasmacktomyass.“Listentoyourfather.” Irearedbackandstareddownathiminshock

Mydadchuckled.“Yeah.Icanseewhyyou’vebeensomopeythelastfewmonths.They’lldefinitelykeepyouonyourtoes. Youtakecareofmyson Ifhecomesbackhereaspissedoffandmiserableashewasthelasttime,markmywords,I’llmake youregretit.”

“Wepromise,”allthreeassholeschorusedbacktomydad.

“Carryon.”

TheyignoredmyprotestsastheyhurriedtotheirwaitingRangeRoverandshovedmeintothebackseat.Xavierwasonone

sideandNathanontheother,trappingmebetweenthem.Charlieclimbedintothedriver’sseatandtookoff,leavingmyfamily behind.

MYLEGWASBOUNCINGamileaminute.Wehadhimback.Finally,ourbetawasbackwherehebelonged.Ofcourse,he looked extremelypissed offatus all He folded his arms across his chestand glared straightahead, notmakingeye contact withanyofus.

Ireachedoverandputmypointerfingerunderhischin,tryingtoturnhisheadtofaceme.Hegrowledunderhisbreathand stiffened HisnecklockedandIcouldn’tmovehim Isighedsadly “Drew,”Ibegan.

“Don’t,Xavier Idon’twanttohearit”

Charlielookedupintotherearviewmirror,catchingDrew’seye.“Toobad,baby.You’regonnahearit.AndthenI’mgoing tosmackthatassuntilIknowyou’llremembernevertorunfromusagain”

Drewscoffed.“Fuckoff,Charlie.Youdon’tgettotouchme.Notlikethat.Notanymore.Youlostthatright.” Charlie’sshouldersdroppedinsadnessatourbeta’swords.

“Dropmeoffhere,”Drewdemanded Weweredrivingpastaseedy-lookingbar,andIgaveDrewaconfusedlook.“What?”

Hefinallyturnedtolookatmeandmyheartseized Hewassoangry “Isaid,dropmeoffhere Iwanttogohome” Charlielookedbackonceagain,thistimehisowneyesfilledwithfireatthebeta’sattitude.“Youarehome.Homeiswith us.”

Drewsnorted.“Yeahright.”

“Listenhere,brat.Youranoffwithoutwaitingforanexplanationandthenrefusedtoletustalktoyou.Thetimeforrunning isover Youwillcomewithus Youwilllistentous Andyouwillhearwherewearecomingfrom” Drewslumpedbackagainsttheseatbehindhim.“Talkallyouwant.Allyoualphasarethesame.Fuckingassholeswithone thinginmind Iwon’tbeapartofthat”

Myheartcracked rightdownthe middle. We were losinghimbefore we evenhad himback. Ilooked around himto meet Nathan’seye,buthelookedjustasstunnedatDrew’sone-eighty.Iknewwhathe’dheardhadcausedhimtobemadatus,but thiscompletevenomthathewasspewing,weweren’tpreparedfor.Whatifwecouldn’tconvincehimweweresorry?

Charliepulleduptothehotelwherewe’dreservedaroom.Heslammedoutofthecar,leavingusbehindwhilehewentto collectthekeycards Comingback,heyankedopenthedooronNathan’sside,lettinghimgetoutfirst Drewattemptedtobarrel past,butCharliewas tooquick.Hegrabbedhimaroundhis waistandonceagainhoistedhimupover his shoulder.Aquick smacktohisassandDrewstoppedstruggling

Thatwas,untilweenteredthelobby.HepushedoffCharlie’sbackandstartedupacaterwaulofcomplaints,hissinglikea pissed-offcat. The hotel employees gave us side looks, butCharlie’s suave demeanor quicklyreassured themto mind their ownbusiness

“Don’tmindhim.He’sjustpissedwedidn’tfuckhiminthecar.Takinghimtoourroomtorectifythat.Betas,youknow.”

Drew’sfacewasamaskofindignanthorroratCharlie’swords,butitwasenoughtostunhimintosilenceasweenteredthe elevatorcar.CharlieswipedhiskeyoverthesymbolthatreadPH,andIfeltmystomachbottomoutasitwhiskedusstraightup tothepenthousesuites Whenthedoorsslidopen,Drew seemedtorememberhewassupposedtobetryingtogetaway His strugglesincreased,andhekickedoutatCharlie,rainingthumpingpunchesdownonhisbackatthesametime.

CharliegruntedbutonlyreadjustedDrew’sweightasheswipedthekeycardatthedoortooursuite.Ireachedaroundhim, pushingitopen Hethrew a,“Thankyou,”overhisshoulderandstalkedinside Hispacewasbriskasheheadedstraightfor thebedroom.There,heunceremoniouslytossedDrewontothebed.Drewtriedtoshufflebackward,butCharliesnarledlowin histhroatandgrabbedaholdofDrew’sankle,pullinghimback

“Stopfightingusforoneminute,baby,andfuckingLISTEN!”heroared.

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