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Shattered Omega: Murder and Mayhem

Omegaverse 1st Edition Cassie Lein

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Copyright©2024byCassieLeinandBreRose

Allrightsreserved

Noportionofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformwithoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisherorauthor,exceptaspermittedbyUS copyrightlaw,orfortheuseof briefquotationsinareview.Thisisaworkoffiction.Names,characters,businesses,placesandeventsareeitherusedinafictitiousmanneroraproductoftheauthor's imagination Anyresemblancetoactualpersonsoractualeventsispurelycoincidental

This booktakes place inthe fictionalMurder andMayhemOmegaverse worldcreatedbyCassie LeinandBre Rose While some terms are commontoomegaverse in general,allthetermsspecifictotheMurderandMayhemOmegaverseworldarethesolepropertyofCassieLeinandBreRose.

EditingbyShaynaTurpin

EbookformattingbyBreRose

EbookCoverandWrapbyHaelahRice

AuthorNoteandContentWarnings

17.Chapter17

18 Chapter18

19.Chapter19

20.Chapter20

21.Chapter21

22.Chapter22

23.Chapter23

24.Chapter24

25.Chapter25

26.Chapter26

27.Chapter27

28.Chapter28

29 Chapter29

30.Chapter30

31 Chapter31

32.Chapter32

33 Chapter33

34.Chapter34

35 Chapter35

36.Chapter36

37 Chapter37

38.Chapter38

39 Chapter39

40.Chapter40

41 Chapter41

42.Chapter42

43 Chapter43

44.Chapter44

45 Chapter45

46.Chapter46

47 Chapter47

48.Chapter48

49 Chapter49

50.Chapter50

51 Chapter51

52.Chapter52

53.Chapter53

54.Chapter54

55.Chapter55

56.Chapter56

57.Chapter57

58.Chapter58

60.Chapter60

61.Chapter61

MurderandMayhemOmegaverseWorld Acknowledgements

AboutBreRose

AlsoByBreRose

AboutCassieLein

AlsoByCassieLein

What isOmegaverse

Inthisomegaverseworldhumanshaveadesignationandhierarchybasedontheirbiology THEYARENOTSHIFTERS. Youareeitheranalpha,beta,oromega.Yourdesignationrevealswhenyouturnthirteenalmostlikeapuberty. Ifyoureveal atthirteenasanomegayouwillnothaveyourfirstheatuntilyouareeighteen.

Alphasareusuallyaggressiveanddominant.TheyalsoUSUALLYhaveamorehighprofilejob. Alphashaveafleshybump thatwrapsaroundtheirpenisthatiscalledaknot Itallowsthemtolockintoplacewhenthey’rehavingsex Whileanomegais “made”totakeaknotwithpracticeanotheralphaorbetacantakeitaswell.Femalealphashavealockinsidetheirvaginathat tightensaroundthepenisandalsolockstheminplace

Betas are every day humans/workers. Their scent is not as strong as an alpha or omega. They’re the peacekeeper, the levelheadedofthegroup.

Omegasareusuallysoftandgentle.Theydon’tnormallyworkinsteadstayhomeorholdlowerrankingjobs.Theirscentare superarousingtoalphasandbetas Omegaswhonevergetapackorrejecthavingapackarecalledrogues.Nothinggoodor badaboutitjustwhatthey'recalled.

Everymonthlikeaperiod,omegasgothroughaheat,they’rethemostfertileand‘horny’duringthistime.Theyneedalotof sexandwilllast7-10days.Usuallyheatshappeninanomega’snestthattheirpackhasprovidedforthem.Iftheydon’thavea packorareunbondedduringtheirheattheycanrideitoutalonewhichissuperuncomfortablealmosttorturous,findapackto helpthemoutwhichalsocomeswithriskthattheycouldbeARCANEmarkedwhenthey’relosttotheheat.Theycangoto HeatWave andaskfor a heathelper (a call alpha ifyouwill for a heat).It’s monitoredbya beta atHeatWave tomake sure thereisnomarking.

Glossary of Terms

ThisbookispartoftheMurder&MayhemOmegaverseWorld.Assuchtherearecertaintermsusedtorepresentthingsthat areexclusivetothisworld.Theirdefinitionsarebelow.

KismetBond:Ascentmatchbond Itisthestrongestbondandisintheshapeofteethandshimmeryopalincolor

Arcane Bond: Arape bite Itis illegal and immoral Notsuper strongbutthe biter does have power over the bite Teeth shapedmarkthatismurky,veinyblack

BelleBond:Abetatobetabond.Strong.Teethshapedbitethatismintgreenincolor.

LuminaryBond:Chosenbond SecondinstrengthtoKismet Teethshapedbutanddullgoldincolor IfyoufindyourKismetbondandrejectthemtherewillNOTbeanother IfyouhavealreadymetyourLuminarybondandTHENmeetyourKismetyoucanbondwithboth,butyou’dhavetwosets ofbites.

AuthorNote and Content Warnings

Ifyou’relookingforasweetomegaverse,thenthisisn’tthebookforyou.

OurbookisadeliciouslydarkomegaversewithaCinderellaretelling.Whodoesn’tlovethatright!

OurstorytakesplaceintheMurderandMayhemOmegaverseWorldandaglossaryoftermsspecifictoourworldhasbeen providedtoyoualongwithhowourworldworks.

Ourbookisfulloftriggersandwewilltrytolistthemall Pleasenotethatwhatmaybeatriggerforonepersonmaynotbe foranother(CassieandIhavenone:Wemustbedeadinside).

IfatriggerisoverlookedpleasereachouttoCassieLeinorBreRosesothatwemayupdateit.Thatalsogoesforanyerrors inthebook.Wearehumanandevenwithalpha/beta/arcandEditingtheycanslipby.Wejustaskthatyoucontactussothatwe cancorrectwithoutimpactingthereadingofourstoryforothers.

Cassieleinauthor@gmailcom orbreroseauthor@gmail.com

AlsopleasefeelfreetodropintoouremailorsendusamessageonFacebook/Instagramifyouwanttotelluswhatyouthink aboutthestory Welovegettingfeedbackfromourreaders It’swhattellsuswe’regivingyouwhatyouwant

Nowwithoutfurtheradieulet’sgettothosetriggers!

Mentalandphysicalabusebyastepparent/stepsibling

Mentionofcannibalismbutnotonpage

Bodyshaming

Torture

Death/Murder

Blood

Kidnapping

FalseIdentity

IntentionofRape

Attemptedforcedbonding

SA

SellingofOmegas

SelfHarm

Suicidalthoughts/AttemptedSuicide

Rape/SexualViolencementioned(NOTFMCortheHAREM)

ForcedCaptivity

ForcedServitude

BodyMutilation

NonconPiercing

PowerAbuse

ForcedStarvation

NonConsensualFilming

DVP

DP

Violence

NonConsensualPornograpy

AgeGapwithinHarem

ParentalDeathoffpage

Ifall theseappealedtoyouhappyreading Ifyouwouldstill like toreadthestorybutwanttoknow wheresome ofthese triggersoccursothatyoumayavoidthempleasereachouttous.

Yourhealthandwellbeingareimportanttous.Pleasedonotreadifanyofthesearetriggeringforyou.Ifyouwouldliketo readanotheroneofourstorieswithlesstriggerspleasecontactus.

Happyreadingforallthosewhoproceed!

For those who like it real SLICK and JUICY…. We salute you!

Chapter1

Wren

I

turnupmynoseatthewretchedgirlassheshufflesbacktothekitchentoredothehouseholdtasksafterdoingahalf-assjob thismorning HadIknownwhenIwedherfatherthathewouldleavemewidowedandtheguardianofhischild,Iwould’ve rethoughtthemarriage,seekingsomeonechildlessinstead,somysweetLynniewasthecenterofattentionassheshouldbe.

Truthbe told, I onlydid it to find myprecious Lynnie a mate She should’ve beenanomega and mated to the strongest, wealthiestpackofalphas;instead,sheinheritedthebetagene.Itwasn’tfairthatNadiawasanomegaandmyLynniewasn’t. WhilemyLynniewastheperfectblendofbeautyandclass,Nadiawasafatpigthatwouldn’tknow aprizedjewelfroma knockoff.Shehasnothingtoofferapackotherthanbeingabletobreedmoreoverweightchildren.

It’sthemainreasonweneverletNadiastepfootofftheproperty. She was an embarrassment, and I didn’t want anyone to associate my precious daughter with her The fewer people who knew about her, the better She presented as an omega shortly before her father died. No one knowing what she revealed as, was easy to maneuver, especially since her father wasn’t well known

Theonlypeoplethatknowarethegroundskeepers.Theyknowtokeeptheirmouthsshutiftheywanttostayemployed,and let’sjustsay,attheirage,they’dbehard-pressedtofindanyoneelsewhowouldhirethem.

Iftheyweretheonlyoneswehadtoworryabout,therewouldbenoproblem.Buttheirmouthy-assgranddaughter,whocame intotheircarewhenherparentswerekilledbytheXanthalaravirus,isanissue.Theviruswasdeadlyandwipedoutalarge percentage of the populationbefore a cure was found Nadia’s father was one of those to fall victimto it Too bad Nadia wasn’t.

TheorphanedbratbecamequickfriendswithNadia,fillingherheadwithwildvisionsofbeinganomegatoherveryown packoneday.Nadiahungontoeverywordandoftenspokeofit,rubbingitinmypoorLynnie’sface.It’soneofthereasons I’msohardonNadianow,keepingherhiddenawayfromeveryone.Wedon’tneedSashainfluencinghertorebelagainstmy controlinanyway

Steppingovertothetable,thegold-foiledenvelopemixedwiththestackofbillscatchesmyattention,andIquicklydropthe restofthemailtothefloor,holdingonlyit MyheartracesasmyfingersslideovertheemblemoftheSkarlanthanPackonthe frontofit.

I open it quickly and pull out the invitation to Skarlanthan's Annual Omega Charity Auction to benefit unmated omegas Normally,Iwouldn’tgiveitasecondglance,charity schmarity.Nooneisoutthereraisingmoneyforme;wherewerethey whenmymatedied?

But their pack has the most eligible and desired alphas, as well as the lone beta It’s been rumored they might actually participate inthe auctionthemselves this year. Theyhave yetto choose a new omega since the untimelydeathoftheir first. Maybethey’llconsidertakingafemalebetaintotheirpackversusanomega MyLynniewouldbeaperfectmateforthem!

Iscanthelistofpacksparticipatingthisyear,bypassingalltheotherslisteduntil BINGO,IfindtheSkarlanthans Aplan beginstoform,andIrushtomybedroom.Openingmysafe,IcountallthecashI’vestashedinside.

OnethingIcansayaboutmydearlydepartedalphaisthatheinvestedhismoneywell.It'swhyI’vebeenabletomaintainthe lifestyle Igrew accustomedto His moneymakes the annoyance oflosinghimmore bearable Butthose funds are dwindling after all the years thathave passed since his death. Iswore the dayhe found me workingthe frontdeskofthe hotel thatI’d neverreturntoamenialjobagain AmatingbetweenmyLynnieandthispackwillensurethat

Irelishinthatvision.I’llneedtobethehighestbidder,soIneedtoensureI’llhaveenoughmoneyandsomeoneontheinside

tohelpme ButIonlyhavesomuchcashonhand,therestistiedupinstocks

Thenithitsme.There’senoughjewelry,art,andrarecoinsinthehousethatwouldbringatidysumofmoneyifIwereto pawnorsellit Thatwouldaffordmetheabilitytobidonanalphaforanewfutureformeandmydaughter,Lynnie Forthenextthreedays,Imaketripstothelocalpawnshop,liquidatingwhatassetsIcansothatIcanensuremybidforan alphawillbethehighest Fromthelist,IseethatClayAlexanderwillbethealphaauctionedoff,representingtheSkarlanthan Pack.

Thenightoftheauction,Imakesuretowearmyfinestgownandsafelystow thecashier’schecksinmylittleblackpurse. Steppinginside the building, I’mnotsurprised to see it's alreadycrowded;they’ve gotto be close to fire code capacity. It wouldn’tsurprisemeifthefiremarshallshowsupandshutsitdown It’swhyIwantedtogethereearly Ican’triskanything throwingawrenchintomyplan snagLynnieapack.

Castingmygazearoundtheroom,IsearchforthemanIwant Ialmostgiveuphopeuntil Icatchaglimpseofhimandthe rest ofhis packtucked awayina darkened corner. They’re surrounded bysecurity. Anyone attemptingto approachthemis turnedawayanddismissed

Genius,ifyouaskme.Their seclusionfromthe guests will surelydrive the bidup.Hopefully,notmore thanthe amountI havetospend.ThisismychancetogetLynniematchedwithapowerfulpack.Forsomereason,herluckwithmenishorrible. Whythatis,isamysterytome Sheisbeautifulandseductive,withsexappealthatshouldhavealphasbeatingdownourdoor, yettheyaren’t.Itdoesn’tfarewellformyplantocontinuelivingalifeofluxury.

“Ladies andgentlemen,ifyou’ll takeyour seats,please,theauctionis readytobegin”Adeep,commandingvoicebooms throughthespeakers.

BeforeItakemyseat,IneedtospeaktoLester.Heassuredmehe’ll aidmeinmyendeavor,fortherightprice,ofcourse. I’mabouttoheadtowardthekitchenwhenIseehimheadingouttothefloorwithatrayofwineglasses.

Perfect!

Reachingintomypurse,Ipullouttheenvelopewithhisnameonitandmakeabeelineforhim Assoonashe'shandedout alltheglasses,Icasuallystumbleintohim,slippingtheenvelopeontothetray,helpingsecuremybid.Helooksatmewitha smirk,quicklytakingitandslidingitintotheinsidepocketofhisjacket

Iturnmyattentionbacktothecorner,butthey'regone.ClayhasdisappearedandasIlookaround,Iseetheothersinhispack havemoved,nowseatedintheVIPareaattheirprivatetable,guardssurroundingthemonceagain.I'dgiveanythingforascent thatwouldpullthemfromtheirsentinelguardsoIcouldslideinandsellmydaughtertothem.Skipthisauctionaltogetherand savemesomemoney.Iwouldn’thavetoslumitwithalltheworthlesshopefulshere,anditwouldsecuremydaughteraprime choiceofpacks

Ispendmytimeeavesdroppingontheconversationsandscopingoutwhoisbiddingforwhom.IknowwhoIwantandwho theothersinthecrowddesire Asthebachelorsandbachelorettesgoupforbid,IwaitfortheonlypackIwanttostepontothe stage.Whileallthecandidatessofarhavebeengood-looking,primechoicesforamate,noneofthemarewhoIhavemyeyes seton.Idon’twanttowastebidsonalesserpackwhenthewealthiestisyettocome.

Iplayniceall night,workingthecrowdtomybenefit Makingchit-chatandbidingmytime ButwhenClaygetsuponthe stage,mygloveswillcomeoff.I’mreadytokillifneedbe,toensureIwin.Finally,we’reonthelastone,andmygamefaceis firmly in place When he steps out on the stage, you can hear the whoosh as the air is sucked fromthe room The power radiatingfromhimisintoxicating.

Mycarefulscopingearlierhasmeprimedandready,sittingbesidethepersonwhoismycompetition Assoonastheemcee callsforabid,shejumpsonit.

“Fivehundredthousand!”shecallsoutconfidentlywhilethefacesoftheothersaroundusdropindefeat. “Six,”Icounterbid,earningmeadeadlyglare “Seven.”

IseeLester,inmyperipheralvision,andgivehimasubtlenod “Eight!”mycompetitorsmuglycallsout. “Nine”

The waiter chooses thatmomentto spill a bowl ofhotsoup onher, sendingher

again,andwithnotakers,sheshouts,“SOLD!”

Imakemywayovertothecashiertopay.NowayamIlettinganytechnicalitystealthisfromme.

“Here’syourreceipt Theeventwillcloseinthenexttwentyminutes Atthattime,thealphaswillmeetwiththeirpurchasers and make arrangements for the dinner. Imustsay, yousure are lucky, youwonyourselfthe mosteligible bachelor.” Inod in agreement;luckhadnothingtodowithit IknewwhatIwantedanddidwhatittooktogetit Anysmartpersonwould’vedone thesame.Toobadnoneoftheothersherewereasconnivingasmetogetwhattheywanted.

Thewaitseemstolastforever,andmypatienceiswearingthin Whatseemslikeaneternitylater,thealphasbegintomake theirwayoutfromadooroffthestage.Ofcourse,Claywouldbethelasttoexit,flankedbytheothertwoalphasandthebeta inhispackastheymoveacrosstheroominmydirection.

“AlphaSkarlanthan,whatapleasuretomeetyou,”IcooathimasIholdoutmyhandashestepsuptome

“Yes,it’s a pleasure,Mrs.…?” His voice is deepandcold,andIbegintothinkhe wouldbe a fine choice for me instead withhissaltandpepperhair,andLynniecouldhavetheothers They’reyoungerandmoreherspeed Wecouldbothbondinto thispackasbetas.

“WrenCharming YoucancallmeWren,though” “Wren. We are hopingto have this date done and over withas soonas we can. We’re still lookingfor our omega and no offense,butyou’renother.”Hisgazetravelsupanddownmybodyandhecrinkleshisnosewhenhesniffs.

Istarttoscowlbutquicklyplaceasmilebackonmyface “Oh,no,I’mfartoooldforthelikesofyou Ipurchasedthisdate formydaughter.She’smateless,andIwashopingyoumaybethealphaforher.”

“She’sanomega?”Alookofexcitementformsoneachoftheirfaces,whichmeanstheymusthavescoutedouttheomegasin attendanceandknewnonewereuptotheirstandards.

“Yes,she is.Her firstheatis fastapproaching,andevenifyouare notKismetor Luminary,Ithoughtifyouhititoff,you couldatleasthelpher.Mygreatestfearisherhavingtogothroughitalone.”Theliesjustrollrightoffmytonguelikebutter.

Iftheybite,thenIhavetofindawaytoscentherasanomega.IwonderifIcouldfigureoutawaytomedicallyinduceafake heat?LynniecouldgivethemanArcanemarkandthenthey’dbestuckwithher Imean,theycouldgetthemarkremovedand presscharges,butoncetheyseewhatalookermybabyis,they’llfallinlove,soIdon’thavetoworryaboutthat.

“Whenisher heatdue?”theyoungbetaasks Theconcernetchedall over hisfaceshowsmeheisthesensitiveoneinthe groupandtheonewhowillswaytheothersiftheyobject.

Ihadamidwifeoutlastweek.Nadiahadstartedtoshow signs,andIwantedtoconfirmfor myselfthatitwas indeedher comingintoherheat.Iknewitwasclose,butIwasn’texpectingthemidwifetosayitcouldhappenanytime.Oh,Iknowaway toreallymakethesemenbelievemyLynnieisanomega.IneedtogetasmuchofNadia’sscentasIcanonheruntilshereeks ofit,soIneedtoholdthemoffforatleastacoupleofdays

“Thedoctorsaiditshouldhappenwithintheweek.”IforceateartorolldownmycheekasIgasp,layingitonasthickas possible

“Arabella’sintwodays,sixPMsharp.Shecanmeetusthere,andifwearecompatible,thenwecansetupaidingherinher heatevenifsheisn’tourKismetmatchorwhowewantasourpackomega.We’resorrytorushoff,butwehaveanimportant callweneedtomake Haveagoodevening,”Clayexplainsandtheyallnodbeforeleavingmestandingtherealone Alright,Lynnie,Mommy’sdonethehardpart.Nowit’suptoyoutotrapthemwithyourfemininewiles.

Chapter2

Lynnie

I

can’tbelieveMomgotmeadatewiththeSkarlanthanPack.Tobeamemberoftheirpackandthepoweritwillbringhasmy pantiesdamp I’llfinallybefreeofthishomeandmywretchedstep-sister Ishould’vebeenanomega,notherworthlessass Whatself-respectingalphapackwouldwantafatomegalikeher?Itwouldbedifferentifshewaspretty,butsheisn’t.

I’mfinishingthe final touches ofmymakeup before Iputonthe dress mymother has had Nadia wearingsince she came backfromtheauction.I’mdreadingputtingiton.It’scoveredinherscentandwilldothejobofmakinganyonebelieveI’man omega.ButhowanyonecouldthinkNadia’sscentisappealingisamystery.JustahintofithasmynosecrinklingasItrynotto gag.

Mother wantedtobe here tonightbutwas calledawaytohandle anissue withone ofher online clients.She always does whatevershecantoensureourlifestyledoesn’tchangesinceheralphadied Whichmeanssometimessheleavesatthedropof adimetoservicealonelycaller.Iwishshe’dletmehelpsinceshehassomegood-lookingclients,butsheinsiststhejobis belowmeandshehasithandled Ithinkshejustdoesn’twanttoshareanyofheralphaclientswithayounger,moreattractive versionofherself.Weallknow,giventhechoiceofherorme,they’dpickme.

I walkover to the door where the dress is hanging, knowingI can’t put it off anylonger, and pull it over myhead my stomachalreadychurningfromthejasmineandsandalwoodscent.Ifeverythinggoeswelltonight,I’mgoingtoneedtogetused toit,atleastuntilI’mmatedtothem.Analphawhorejectshismateaftercompletingthebondisfrownedupon.Plus,nomatter howshortourbondis,I’llbeentitledtofinancialcompensation

Eitherway,Icomeoutontop.Iwillhavebondedmatesandmoney,orI’llhavethesympathyofeveryoneandmoney.

Ilookinthemirrorandflattendownallmyflyawaysbeforeslippingonmyheels Openingthedoor,Itakeonefinallookin myfull-lengthmirror. Damn, I’m a fine-ass bitch! They’d be lucky to have me. I’d make their pack look better than that old deceased omega of theirs ever did, and definitely better than Nadia could Let’s face it, I'm the real prize!

IstopinfrontofNadia’sdoorandquietlyopenit.Lookingin,Iseeherlyingonherbed,rolledoversoherbackistome, muffledcriesfillingtheroom She’sprobablyhurtingafterwhatMomdidtoherearlier Sheneverdoesanythingright Asmilecreepsacrossmyfaceathertears.Shefuckingdeservesit.Ishouldbetheomega,nother.Shehasnothingtooffer, beingsohomely-looking Theonlythingshe’s goodfor is knotwarming Ifmymother has anysayinthematter,noonewill everknowshe’sanomega.

Satisfied,Icarefullyshutthedoor.Idon’twantherknowingIwasthere.Imakesuretotakegentlestepstherestoftheway downthehallway Apricklingcrossesmyskin,andIstop,lookingbehindme,butnothing Hmm, guess my body is just already humming to be with my new alphas.

I’vejuststeppeddownthestairswhensomeonegrabsmefrombehind,placingaragovermymouth,smellingofsometype ofdisinfectant.Pressureisapplieduntil mymouthisforcedopen,andthesweettastetakesover.Itrytoswingmyarmsand kickoutmylegs,butwhoeverhasaholdofmeisstronger,andthemoreIfight,themoreItakeinwhateverliquidtheraghas beendousedwith,causingmetobecomemoreandmoredrowsy.

“There’snowayyourbitchassistakingthischancefrommygirl.Thosemenbelongtosomeonesweetlikeher,notaplague likeyou”Thefemininevoiceisfull ofanger,butoddlyfamiliar Mythoughtsaresohazy,Ican’tfigureoutwhoit’scoming from.

Mybodygoeslimpasshedragsmedownthehall,stoppinglongenoughtoopenadoor ShepullsmeinsidebeforeIfeela handonmybackshovingmeforward.I’mconfusedwhenIdon’thitthefloorrightaway.Instead,Ifreefallbrieflybeforemy

bodytumbles downthe stairs, hittingeverystep onthe waydown Painlances throughmybodyand whenitfinallyhits the cold,dampground,Ilookaround,realizingwhereIam.

The fucking bitch tossed me down the basement stairs!

Crackingmyeyesopen,Iseeafigurewithlonghairandaleatherjacket,butmyvisionisblurryandIcan’tquitemakeout whoitis ItsmellslikesweatandNadiadownheresincethisiswheremotherforceshertoendureherheats Itrytositup,but theroomspins.

Ihearthunderingfootsteps,thentheragisonceagainplacedovermyface,thistimedarknesstakesover OnceIfindoutwhichstaffmemberisresponsibleforthis,they’regoingtopayforitwiththeirlife!That’saguarantee.

Chapter3

Nadia

I

’mlyinginmybed,crying,likeIdomostnights sinceDaddydied.Itdoesn’thelpeither thatWrengavemeaparticularly brutalbeatingtoday MybackachesandIknowthere’sanotherscarformetowear,allbecauseIdidn’tcleanthebaseboards toherliking.

Ican’tbelieveheleftmeinthecareofWren She'dalwaysbeencrosswithme,buthewouldalwayssayitwasjustusbeing anewfamilyandthingswouldgetbetter.Thenhewentanddiedfromthatawfulvirus,leavingmewithWrenandLynnie.As muchasIwanttohatehimforthat,Ican’t.Hewasinlovewithherandcouldn’tseethevilepersonshetrulywas.

Lifehasbeenhellsince.IpresentedasanomegashortlybeforeDaddypassed.Wrenwaspissed,andLynnie?Well,sheused everyopportunityshecouldtohurtme verballyandphysically.I’mnow thefamilymaid,pulledfromschool andforcedto stayhometodoallthecookingandcleaning

My only shining light in the whole situation is Sasha, my best friend, a beta who moved in with her grandparents, our groundsmanandhiswife,afterherparentsdied Shedidn’tfreakoutorpanicwhenIpresented Instead,shebecameevenmore protectiveofme,andwhenWrenpulledmeoutofschool,shewaspissed.Sashawouldsneakintomyroomeverynightwith herlaptop,helpingmegetmyhighschooldiplomaonline sheevenpaidforthewholething.

We’recountingonSashatofindapackandthenrescuemefromthisprisonofahome.Ifitwasn’tforher,Iwould’venever madeit.ThereweremanynightsthatIlayinbedprayingIwouldcatchthevirusandmeetthesamefateasDaddy.

SpeakingofSasha,hercoconutandlimescentfillsmyroom,andIturnjustasIhearmydoorshut “Oh,Nadia,babe,don’tcry.Ihaveasurpriseforyou.”Isitup,leaningagainstmyheadboardasshecomestostandatthe endofthebed “Ta-da!”Myeyeswidenatwhatshe’sholding;abrightyellowmaxidress “What’sthatfor,Sasha?”Ilookather,confused,withmyeyebrowspulledtogether.

“Foryousilly.Step-mommyisoffgettingrailedbysomebetaatacardealershipheowns,andLynniehasherdatewiththat packtonight However,poor poor Lynniehadamishap,andlet’sjustsayshe’stakinganapinthebasement So,Iguessthat meansyouhaveadatewithPackSkarlanthan.”

IshakemyheadbackandforthsohardIriskwhiplash “No,Sasha,whatdidyoudo?Ican’tgo IfWrenfindsout,youknow whatwillhappen.You’llbeinsomuchtroubleiftheyknowyoudidsomethingtoLynnie.Thanks,butno,takeyourprettydress andgo”Icanhandlewhattheevilduodoestome,butIcouldn'tdealwithitiftheyhurtmybestfriend

Plus,whileI’musedtotheirtreatmentofme,ifIsneakoutandtakeadatefromLynnie,Icanonlyimaginemypunishment. I’menvisioninghertreatingmelikeRockyBalboahandledApollo.

“Noway!Getyourcuteassupandgetmoving Thispackdoesn’twantabeta,theywantanomega I’massumingthat’swhy thedressLynniewaswearingsmelledsostronglyofyou.They’retryingtotrickthesealphas.Ifanything,youneedtogoand tellthemthetruth,”shescoldsme,pullingmeupfromthebedandtakingmyshirtoffovermyhead

Ishouldhaveknownshewouldn’ttakenoforananswer.Sheneverhas,alwayspushingmetowantmore fightformore. NeveracceptingthatjustbecauseI’manomegameansI’mlesserthananyoneelseoronlygoodforonething She’sluckyI’m straightorIwould'vemarkedherformyself.She’stheonlyperson,minusDaddy,who'scaredthismuch.

Sheslidestheyellowdressdownmybody,andasIlookinthebrokenmirrorhangingonmywall,Isuckinasharpbreath. Holycow!It’stheperfectlength justbarelytouchingthefloor Twoslitsrunuptomyupperthigh,showingoffmyperfectly tanned,goldenbrownskinwhichsetsofftheyellow.IguessallthehardworkIhadtoendureinthesunthissummerwasgood forsomething

Sasha pushes me backdownonthe bed and quicklybrushes the knots outofmydarkchocolate hair before puttingitina

fancy, messybunontop ofmyhead She thenpaints mylips witha simple gloss and covers the bags under myeyes before flickingsomemascaraonmylonglashes.“Fuckingshowstopper,Nadia.Youcandothis,beselfishforonefuckingnight,and seewhathappens Youdeserveit Nowspinaroundandletmetakeafulllookatyou”

Ido as she asks, spinningslowlybefore facingher again. Sasha frowns before she holds up her finger and rushes to my closet Aminutelater,she’spullingoutashawlandplacingitovermyshoulders “What’sthisfor?”

“Two things The scars onyour backwere visible withyour hair up and the restauranttends to be chilly This will cover bothandyouwon’thaveanyquestionsaskedaslongasyoukeepiton.Nowifyouwantthemtoquestion,whichIhopeyoudo, take itoffinfrontofthem.” She gives me a knowinglook,butIcan’t.Wrencouldconvince themofsome lie.She’s always beengoodatthat

Inod and tryto pull some courage up fromthe pitofmysoul. Ido deserve more thanbeingsome servantomega. Daddy wanted me to find a packand give himlots ofgrandbabies He’s probablyrollinginhis urnatwhatWrenhas done to me Steelingmynerves,Inodandgiveheraquickkissbeforesheslipsmeapaperandhercellphone.

“Dinner isatArabella’s Call thisnumber whenyou’redone,andthey’ll takeyouhome That’sifyouneedtocomehome Knock‘emdead,baby.”Shewinksandskipsfrommyroomasquicklyasshecame.Takingonelastlookinthemirror,Inod andleavemyroomquietly,justincase.

Sasha said Wrenwas gone, but I still tiptoe downthe stairs to the front door like a ghost inthe night I don’t want any surprisesandwhileshealsosaidshetookcareofLynnie,thatbetaislikeacockroach,she’sresilient.She’salsointrainingto bejustasviolentandrudeasWren Bothofthemlovetohurtme,whether itbephysicallyor emotionally Theyrevel inmy pain.

As Iwalkoutthe frontdoor, a taxi is waitingfor me. This mustbe Sasha's doing. Islide inand he takes offwithoutme sayinganything alreadyknowingwhereI'mheaded.

Whenwemakeitdowntown,Iaskthedrivertodropmeoffdownthestreetsotheydon'tseemegettingoutofthecab plus itgivesmeafewextraminutestocomposemyself IthankhimasIgetoutandwatchhimashedrivesaway Istandthereafew minutesbeforemakingmywaytoArabella's.

Walkingintotherestaurant,thebetahostessgreetsmeimmediately,“Welcome Howmanyareinyourparty?” “I’m here with the Skarlanthan Pack,” I answer, twisting my fingers nervously. Her eyes widen, and she nods before motioningformetofollowher.

Sheheadstothebackoftherestauranttowhatlookslikeaprivateroomandopensthedoorforme.Ipause,takingadeep breathbeforesteppinginside.Foursetsofeyessnaptomeinstantly.“Hi,I’mN–n–Lynnie,Sorry,I’mnervous.”

Their scents mixingtogether have mycore tighteningand slickbeginningto leakfromme I’ve never had this reactionto anyonebefore.Thenagain,I’veonlyreallybeenaroundLynnieandWren.Well,otherthanSashaandhergrandparents. “Comesit,littleomega,”theolderalphasaysashestandsandpullsoutthechairnexttohim Ican'thelpbutstareathimasI move to sitdown. Mybellyflutters athow handsome he is. His hair is a beautiful saltand pepper color, faded tightonthe sidesandatadlongerontop.Myeyesmovedowntohisarms,whicharecoveredintattoos.

“Thankyou,”Iwhisperandlookaroundtheroom God,thesemenareallverysexy Mythighsclenchtogetherasmypanties dampenwithevenmoreslick.Growlinghasmesnappingmyeyesuptothealphaonmyright.Heismuscular,andhishairis darklikemine,buthiseyesareadeepemeraldgreen,andhehasahoopinhisleftnostril

“Ranger, getittogether. You’re makingher nervous," the silver foxsnaps atthe guyInow know as Ranger. “Lynnie, I’m Clay,headalphaofthispack Ranger istoyourright,Dexterisnexttohim,andourbeta,Owen,isacrossfromyou Weare happytohaveyouasourguestfordinner.Tellusaboutyourself.Yourmotherseemedveryproudofyouandeagertogetyouto thisdinner.”

Pickingup the glass ofwater infrontofme, Itake a sip “Umm, yeah, mymother is eager to have me witha pack She’s concernedaboutmyheatcomingandmebeingalone.” Lie!

Thiswon’tbemyfirstheat,andshejustlocksmeinthebasement,shacklingmyarmtothebedpostsoIcan’tdoanythingbut whineandscreaminpain

IlookatDexter,his longashyhair inalow ponytail athis neck his blueeyes arestaringatmeintently.“Ijustfinished school,andnowI’mconsideringfurtheringmyeducation.NotsurewhatIwanttodoyet,though.”

Another lie, Idid finishschool thanks to Sasha, butcontinuingmyeducationis a pipedream Who would payfor it? Lord knowsWrenwouldn’tletmeoutofthehousetoattendclass.Ihadtobesneakyjusttogetmyhighschooldiploma.ButIwould like to further myeducation, I just don’t know how I could do so “How about youguys? What led youto be inthe alpha auction?”

Their beta, Owen, winces, and Dexter reaches over and rubs his back. Owenhas hazel grayeyes and is thinner thanthe alphas,buthehasjustasmanytattoos.Herunsahandthroughhisshaggybrownhair,sighing.Heopenshismouthtospeak,but Claycutshimoff.“WehadanomeganamedCalli.Threeyearsago,shehadastalkerwhoturnedouttobemoredangerousthan

wethought.Calli couldn’thandleitandleft.”Hepausesandclearshisthroat.“Afew weekslater,shewasfoundmurdered. We’vehadnointerestinanomegasincethen.”

“Thenwhyagreetodinnerwithme?”Iask,ragefuelingmybodythatIwastedmytimeandthesealphashavenointerestin beingmine. Mine? What the heck? Get it together Nadia, you came in Lynnie’s place. Your one goal for tonight you decided on the way here no matter the beating you’ll get for it was to tell them Lynnie and Wren were tricking them by the end of the dinner if they turned out to be a decent pack. That’s it. Nothing more.

But they just smell so delicious

“To be honest, your mother was verypushy, and the auctionbenefits a lot ofpeople, so whynot? We planned onhaving dinnerandcuttingties.Butnow,littleomega,Idon’tthinkthat’spossible.”Hegrowlsashelooksatme.

“Why?”Isqueak Icansmellmyarousalfloodingtheair Clenchingmythighseventighterinhopesthatwillhelp Iknowit doesn’twhenIheardeepgrowlscomingfromthealphasatthetable.

“Becauseyousmell ofjasmineandsandalwood Itmakesmymouthwaterandmycockhardenjustbeinginchesfromyou So,littleomega,itseemsweKismetmatched,”hepurrsandgrabsthebackofmychair,pullingmeclosertohim.Ilookaround thetableoncemoreandseealltheothermennoddingtheirheadsinagreement

No!Thiscan’tbehappening.Theycan’tbeKismettome.Theydon’tevenknowwhoIam.TheythinkI’mLynnie,forcrying outloud.Theywon’twantmewhentheyknowIliedorthatI’mjustsomeunwantedomega.Andoncetheyseemynakedbody covered inscars? Definitelywon’t want me then So, I do what anylogical omega would do whentheymeet their Kismet match.

I push away fromthe table and bolt fromthe room, knocking into the server and sending wine flying everywhere That doesn’tstopme,though.Irunfromtherestaurantanddon’tstoprunninguntilI’mabletohailacabandmakeithome.Ibarge throughmyfrontdoorandslamitshutbehindme.Leaningbackagainstit,Ibendover,puttingmyhandsonmyknees,andtryto catchmybreath.

Shit,whatdidIjustdo?Ishouldn’thaverun.Icanfeelthetearswellinginmyeyes,andIsqueezethemshut,tryingtokeep themfromescaping “Andjustwherethehellhaveyoubeen?”Wren’sshrillvoicecutsthroughthesilenceasmycheekstings fromherhand.

Grabbingmyface,IopenmyeyestofindWrenstandingtherewearingadeadlylook “IwaswithSasha”Igaspwhenher handconnectswithmycheek,snappingmyheadtotheside.Fuck,shenevercomeshomethisearlywhenshegoestoseeoneof herclients.Ishould’veknownluckwouldn’tbeonmyside.

“ThenwhywasmyLynnielockedinthebasement?Saysshewasdruggedandtosseddowntherelikeapieceoftrash.What didyoudo?” She’s soclose,screaming,spittle hits myface.“Youreekofalpha,” she gasps.“Youwenttothe dinner,didn't you?HurtmyLynnietotakeherplace,likethelittleslutyouare!”

Idon’tstandachanceofstoppingher;shegrabsmebeforeIcanevenanswer,draggingmetomyroom.Throwingmeinside, sheripsmydressdownthecentersoI’mstandinginfrontofherinjustmybraandunderwear Thefirstcrackofthebeltstings, butI’musedtoitbynow.Iturn,bracingmyselfonthefootboardofmybed.Better tolether whipmybackthanmyfaceor chest.Bythetimeshe’sfinished,I’mgaspingforair,mychestheavingasIpant.Sweatpoursdownmyface,mixingwiththe tears Idon’tcry,though Ineverdo Iwon’tgiveherthatsatisfaction Icanfeel blooddrippingdownmybackfromwhere sheturnedthebeltandusedthebuckleonme.Iknowthat’sgoingtoscar,addingtowhat’salreadythere.

“You’renothing,Nadia,anobody Noalphawilleverwantsuchasickeninglittlebitchlikeyou Youaretheepitomeofwhat onlyaparentcouldlove,andeventheybothgotawayfromyou!Deathwasabetteroptionforthemthanlivingwithyou.”With thatpartingstab,sheslamsmybedroomdoor,andIhearthelockclickontheotherside Icollapse onto mybed facedown, lettingthe chill ofthe air cool myback. Sniffling, Ithinkabouthow good itwas going beforeIwasanidiotandleft.Ishouldhavestayedandtoldthemthetruthinhopestheywouldhaveatleasthelpedmeescape Wren’storture Shit,beingtheKismetmatchofmenIjustmethadtohavebeenbetterthanwhatIjustendured Right?

Ifallasleeplikethat,dreamingoffourhot,tattooedmenworshipingme.

Wakingupthenextmorning,mybackisstiffwithcrustedblood Imakemywaytomybathroomacrossthehalltogetinthe shower, washingup quicklysince the water burns myopenwounds. After shampooingmyhair, Ihurryoutbefore the water turnscold,pullingatowelfromtherackandwrappingitaroundmybody ThechillintheairhasmybodyshiveringalittleasI dryoff.Openingthedoortothebathroom,Ipeekbothways,makingsurenooneisaroundbeforedartingacrossthehallwayto mybedroom,slammingthedoorbehindme.

Standinginfrontofthemirror,Idropmytowel andturnsoIcanseemyback It’snotas badas Ithought,mainlyjustred welts,buttherearemaybefourspotswherethebucklebroketheskin.

ThankGod Wrendidn’tputher full force behind the swing, so while itstings, it’s nothingcompared to other times when she’susedtheswitches,whips,oranyhouseholditemshecouldgetherhandson.Itrymybesttogetsomeointmentonthecuts I can reach. Just as I’mabout to grab my towel to clean the remaining medicine frommy hands so I can get dressed, my bedroomdoorfliesopen,andLynniestalksin.Sheprowlstowardmewithmalicewrittenalloverherface.

“Youthoughtyouwere so slicktryingto steal myalphas. They’ll forgetall aboutthe troll theyhad dinner withand find

someonenewinnotime.”

Myeyeswellupagain,butIfighttokeepthetearsfromfalling.“Oh,didIhurtthelittleomega’sfeelings?Toofuckingbad, youdirtylittlewhore Youruinedmychancewiththem Orhaveyou?”Shegrabsmynipple,twistinghard,avindictivegleam onherface.

“Pleasedon’t,Lynnie,”Icryout,butsheignoresme,slitheringherhanddownmybodytomycore “IbetifIfeltyourightnow,you’dbedrenchedinslick,wouldn’tyou,whore?”IshakemyheadnoandIsqueezemyeyes shut Thankfully,shestopsandgiggles,slammingmyheadagainstthewallbeforeleavingmyroom Why, Nadia? Why did you leave last night?

Youcouldhavebeenwithyourpackandalphasor,attheveryleast,attheCenterforAbusedOmegas.Thatwouldbebetter thanthis,dammit ButIpanicked Ireallymessedup,andIdon’tthinkevenSashawillhaveawaytogetmeoutofit

Chapter4 Ranger

“D

idyoufindher?”Claygrowlswhenwereconveneinfrontoftherestaurant.TheomegatookoffwhenClaymentioned beingscent-matched Anyotheromega,hell,anyone,wouldhavebeenhonoredtobematchedtoourpack,butsheran Nottous,butawayfromus.Andshewasfast.Bythetimewemadeittothefrontoftherestaurant,shewasgone.

“No,herscentendeddowntheroad Shemusthavegottenaridefromsomeone”ThatinformationsendsClayintoafury He picksupthebenchnear him,tossingitacrossthesidewalk,causingthepatronstojumpandrushawayfromthescenewe’re causing.

“Calmdown, man,” Dexter says, movingbeside himand placinghis armonhis shoulder. “We canfind her. The auction collectedthe names andaddresses ofthe winners,sothank-youcards couldbe sentoutlater.We simplygether information fromthere”ThiscalmsClaybutsendshimonanewobsessivepath

“Fine,let’sfuckinggo.Getwhoeverwasinchargeofthattomeetusatthehouse now,”hebarksashestormsofftothecar, notgivingusachancetorespond

Iheadtowardthebench,pickingitup,andplacingitbackwhereitwas,knowingheneedsaminutetocalmdownbeforeI approachhimwithmythoughtsonthematter.Ineedtowaitfortheperfectmomenttobringitup.Sheran,sothere’sareason why.BeingourKismetmatch,shewould’vewantedtostaywithus,unlessshewasafraidofsomething.Andtotopthatoff,are wereallyreadyforanotheromegatobeapartofourpackafterCalli?Woulditbefairtoher?

Lookingaroundattheothers,IseeOwenonthephone,followinghisalpha’scommandtofindthepersonincharge Wepile intotheSUV,withClayandOwenintheback,Dexterinthepassengerseat,and,asalways,Imoveintothedriver'sseat.I’m justpullingoutoftheparkinglotwhenOwenbreaksthenewstoClay

“Theysaiditdoesn’tmatterthatit’sourauction,winnerinformationisconfidential,andifshedidn’tprovideittous,they cannotgiveitout.”

Claybeginspunchingthebackofmyseat,knockingmeforwardwitheachimpact,spewingastringofobscenities Witheach punch,IhavetobracemyselfsotheSUVdoesn’tswerve.

“Bullshit!Informationcanalways be bought Find me someone at that fuckingauctionwho canbe bribed Ifthat doesn’t work,thenwegetitbyforce.”Clay’svoiceboomswithauthority.

Iclearmythroat,knowingIneedtobringupwhatwe’reallthinking “What?!”Claysnapsfromtheback.

Iinhale deeplybefore blowingitoutslowly. Clay’s patience is gone, so Ineed to make sure Ichoose mywords wisely. Otherwise,weriskcareeningofftheroadintoaditchorevensmackingintoalightpoleoranothercar “Ithinkweneedtoall sitandtalkabouttheomegawhenwegethome.”

“What’stheretotalkabout?She’sour Kismetmatch I'mpositiveaboutit”He’ssocaughtupinthefuckingKismetmatch thathe’snotthinkingaboutanythingelse,includingtheomegawealreadyfailed.

It's Owenwho speaks up first, and honestly, I’mshocked athis words He’s the sensitive one ofus all, so Iassumed he wouldbefeelingthesameasClay.“Iagreethatweallneedtotalkaboutthis.Makesureit’ssomethingweallwanttopursue. WefinallyjustcometotermswithCalli’sdeath.Arewereadytotakeonanotheromegarightnow,Kismetornot?Especially one who ranfromus? Aren’twe evenconcerned aboutthat? Maybe she’s some type ofunicornomega who doesn’twanta pack.Itwashermother,nother,thatcametotheauction.”

“Thebothofyoufuckingfeelthatway?You’ddenyusasecondchanceathappiness?Andwhatabouther,she’sourKismet? Yeah,sheran,butwhy?Theremustbesomethinggoingonthere.Ithinkthatweneedtofindher andbringher backwithus.

She’souromega,”Dextersays,hisvoiceshakyyetstrong

“Atleastone ofmypackmembers is thinkinglogically,” Claysays inanalmostpoutymanner that’s soatypical ofa pack leader,butIknowit’stheneedtobewithhisKismetmatch

“Ijustwantustoallbesurewe’rereadyforanotheromega.LosingCalliwastraumatic,andittookawhileforustostop blamingourselves We’re finallyata pointofmovingforward, butare we readyfor the relationship havinganomega will entail?Canwegiveourheartfullyorwillwebeguarded,constantlylookingoverourshouldersforthenextthreat?Theseare allthethingsweneedtotalkaboutanddiscuss Thisisn’tjustourlivesbutLynnie’saswell Wejustneedtobesureandallon thesamefuckingpage.”Ifinallyadmit.Calliwasourresponsibilityandlosingherguttedus.

“Ranger,you’reright,shewasourresponsibility wefailedher.Shewillforeverbeapartofus,ofourpack.Butthefates haveblesseduswithasecondchance,andIthinkweneedtoactonit Lynnieran,butIdon’tthinkitwasus It’ssomething elseshe’smoreafraidof.Didyouseehowtimidandguardedshewas?Howshestumbledoverherwords?There’ssomething wrongwiththesituation ButI’mreadybecauseeverythingabouthercallstome Ineedher”Clay’sdeepvoicefillstheSUV Wesitinsilence,eachofthemthinking.Iknowit'sabouteverythingthat'sbeensaidaboutCalliandLynnie.Owenletsouta deepbreathandIknowhe’scrumbling reasonsinkingin

“Metoo.I’mready.Iknowit’sgoingtobehard.ButsheisourKismetmatchandweoweherandusthechancetopursueit. I’mjustscaredthathistorywillberepeatingitselfandwe’llloseyetanotheromega,”Owenconfessesnext.

“Ifeelthedrawtoherscent,andIwanttobeready Fuck,IjustthinkIneedmoretimewithher LosingCalliwashard,and whileI’msureI’vecometotermswithherloss,thiswassounexpected.SpendingmoretimewithLynnieandgettingtoknow herwillhelpmedecide Butasalways,Iwillbedownwithwhatthepackwants,andwithyoubeingourleader,Clay,Iwill alwaysfollowyourlead,”Dextersaysnext.

“Wellthen,Dex,itlookslikeyouneedtofindussomeonetobribesowecangetouromega,”Claygrits,thelookonhisface fullofdetermination.

Owen

Dextermanagedtotrackdownsomeonewillingtogiveusjustwhatwewanted,foraheftysum.Claydidn’tcarehowmuch itcost,hewantedtofindLynnie Thethirtygrandthebetaattheauctionhousewantedfortheinformationwasbarelyadingin ourpockets.We’veinvestedourlifeinheritancewell,andeachbusinessendeavorweundertakeonlymakesusricher. “Whenwegetinthere,I’lltakethelead Theweaselisgoingtotrytogetmoremoneyoutofus,butit’snothappening He's alreadygettingthirtygrand;hedoesn’tneedanymore.Ifhetriesthatshit,I’llbeatitoutofhim,andhegetsnothing,”Ranger says,hisalphagrowl echoingthroughthevehicle.He’sserioustoo hedidn’tevenwanttopayforittobeginwith.Sinceit wasourauction,hethoughtweshouldbeprivytoanyinformationweneed

Wearriveattheconventioncenter,wheretheauctionwasheld,tenminutesbeforeourmeetingtime.Rangerwantstoscope the area out to checkfor anydangers that might come our way LosingCalli, especiallythe waywe did, makes himextra cautiousatalltimes.Assoonaswepullintotheparkinglot,heslamstheSUVintoparkandjumpsout.Hedisappearsaround thebuilding,ensuringthere’snodangerlurkingontheoutside.He’sbeingoverlydramatic,butweallunderstandwhy. Oncetheareaisclear,hecallsforClayandmetocomeinside.DexterisstayingbytheSUVincaseshitgoessidewaysand tobeourlookoutontheoutside.

Whenwewalkin,he’sstandingatthedooroftheroomwe’remeetingJacksoninwithhisarmscrossed,wearinghisresting assholeface.

“Dude, youneed to stop We’re fine Evenifwe weren’t, we could handle whatever fucker comes our way It’s time you movepastit.It’snotourfaultwhathappenedtoCalli.Wehadnoideawhatshewasplanningthatday.Sheknewwehadthat psychofanwhohadbeenthreateningher.Wekeptherconfinedtothehouse,eventhoughweknew shewasmiserable.When sheleft,sayingthestalkerwastoomuchforher,westillkeptsecurityonher.Weunderestimatedwhoeverkilledher,something wewon’tdoagain.NomatterwhathappenswithLynnie,wewillstillholdtoourvowofbringingCalli’skillertojustice.” “Fuckyou,Owen”Heflips methebirdas heturns andheads insidetheroom ClayandIsmirkateachother,lovingthat we‘veriledhimupevenmore.Good,he’llbeevenmoreampedifthefuckertriestoscrewusoverwiththeinformation.

Wegatheraroundthetable,Claytakingtheseatatthehead.Rangersitsbesidehim,leaningbackinthechairandplacinghis feetontopofit.

“So,where’stheslimebagat?”Clayasksasheclaspshishandsbehindhishead

“Heshouldbehereanyminute.Ifhe’snot,we'rehuntinghisassdownandhanginghimovertheroof’sledgebyhistoesuntil hetellsuswhatwewanttoknow”Ranger,thepsychoticlittlefuck,getsagleaminhiseyeswhenhesaysthis Weallknowhe hasadarkstreakthat’sonlygottendarker.

Justas Clayis gettingreadyto speak, a five-foot-six, barelyone hundred and tenpounds, lanky, greasy-haired beta, steps throughthedoor.Hiseyesgolargeinfearasmypack’salphapowerradiatesthroughouttheroom.Clearly,hemustbeliving underarockanddidn’trealizewhohe’dbemeetingtoday.

“You’vekeptuswaiting Giveustheinformation Jackson,isit?We’reinarushtogetthisissueresolved,”Claydemands, hisneedtoseethelittleomegarunningrampant.

“Oh,Ididn’trealizeitwasthatimportant Inthatcase,Ithinkthepriceneedstogoup”Theweaselbarelygetsthewords fromhismouthbeforeRangerhasaholdofhisarm,twistingitbehindhisbackasheholdsaknifetohisneck.

“Yes,Iwantedthissobad”Rangerpushesthetipoftheknifeintohisneck,piercingtheskinasbrightredbloodwellsup andstartstricklingdown.“Theneedtoseesomeonebleed.”

“I’msorry… I’msorry… Ihave the informationyouwantinmyfrontpocket,” the little weasel whines. Imove over and reachintohisfrontpocket,takingholdofthepaperandpullingitoutjustasthefoulsmellofpisshitsme Lookingdown,Isee adarkpatchspreadingacross his crotchanddownhis legs,puddlingathis feet.Istepback,notwantingtosoil myfavorite shoes

“Didthatinthenickoftime,O,orelseyou’dbedisinfectingthosehandsofyours.”Rangerlaughs. IturnmyheadandgritmyteethasIopenupthepieceofpaper.

Wren Charming, 6785 Applebottom Lane, Luxous, Virginia.

“Gottheaddress,let’sgo”TurningbacktoJackson,Imakesureheunderstandswemeanbusiness “Ifyougaveusbogus information,mygoodfriendhereiscomingbacktofinishwhathestarted.Don’tthinkaboutrunningeither.Wewillhaveyour everymovetrackedfromthismomenton”Claystepsupwiththesyringe,carryingDexter’spatentedtrackerinsideofit,and injectsitintohisneck.Nowayhe’sgettingridofitunlesshebleedshimselfdry.

Rangerdropshimtothegroundasweallheadoutoftheroomsinglefile,withhimtakingtheleadandIbringuptherear Dexter’sstillgotthecarrunningandwaitingrightattheentrance.Helooksatusandsmirks,knowingwegotwhatwecame after.

Oncewe’reallin,IaskwhatI’vebeenwonderingsincewegottheslipofpaper “Areweheadedstraightthere?Arewe goingtocomeupwithaplantowooher?Whatarewedoing,Clay?”

“We’re goingto her Ineed to know whythe little omega ranas soonas Imentioned she was our Kismetmatch” Clay’s voiceisdetermined.

“Well,let’sgothen,”Itellthem PullinguptheaddressontheGPS,wefindwe’reaboutforty-fiveminutesaway Therideis quietandtense.Thetensionseemstointensifyeveryminuteuntilwe’repullingintothedrivewayofatri-levelbrickhomewith awhitepicketfencearoundtheyard.Thereisabedofrosesofvaryingcolorsthatwrapsaroundtheporch.Fromtheoutside,it lookslikeahomefulloflove Onelikewedreamofhavingonedaywithanomegaandabaseballteamfullofchildren Dexterbringsthecartoastop,andweallreleasethebreathwe’vebeenholding.Slowlygettingout,wemakeourwaytothe door,Claytakingthelead Heringsthedoorbell,once,twice,threetimesbeforesomeonefinallyanswers;thecougarfromthe auction.

Withashockedlookonherface,sheasks,“CanIhelpyou?”

“Yes,wewanttoseeLynnie,”heallbutorders,usinghisalphagrowlonher.

“Ummm…well…she’s nothere,” she tells us atthe same time a brunette withanupturned nose and thinlips comes from behindher

“Mother,don'tbesilly,I'mrighthere.Andwhoareyou?”shecoosinanasallyvoice.

Chapter5

Clay

Whatthefuckarethesetwoplayingat?Clearly,thisisnotLynnie,andbythesmellofher,she’salsonotanomega.“What thefuckisgoingon?WehaddinnerwithLynnieatArabella’s,andthiscertainlyisn’ther Whereisyourdaughter,thetrue omega?”

“Theremusthavebeensomemistake Lynniecamedownwithsomethinganddidn’tmakeittothedinner Sheisanomega though,howcouldyousaysomethingsoharshtoher?Youknowomegasaresensitivebeings.Whydon’tyoucomeinandyou canmeether now and we candetermine who youthinkyoumetinher stead? Lynnie, honey, go change into somethingmore appropriateforteawiththeSkarlanthanPack,”Wrencoosatherdaughter.Thelookstheyaregivingeachotherdon’tescape myattention.Iwonderifmybrothershavenoticedthesamething, Lookingattheguys,Inod,andweenterthehouse Wren,Ithinkthat’shername,leadsustoasittingroomandmotionsforus alltohaveaseat.Dexter,Owen,andIsitontheposh-lookingsofaandchairs.Rangerstandssentinelbehindus,takinginhis surroundings Thehouseisclean,sparklingalmost,anditseemsnoexpensewassparedindecoratingeither Theybetterhaveagoodexplanationforwhatisgoingon.I’dbelievethebullshitthat Lynnie was ill and couldn’t make it if the little omega who showed up inher place didn’tsayher name was Lynnie. Some stranger wouldn’tknow that’s who we weremeeting.Somethingisn’trightwiththisWrenwoman.

I’msnappedfrommythoughtsbynoneotherthanmommydearestherselfassheclearsherthroat.She’sstandinginfrontof mewithateacupinhand,holdingitouttome Takingit,Ithankherbeforeshemoveson,handingacupouttoeachofmypack mates.Rangeristheonlyonetodecline.“SoyousayLynniewasill.InterestingsincewehaddinnerwithaLynnie.”

Shedoesn’tbataneye,justsitsdowninachairacrossfromme “How unfortunate,maybeafanheardwhowonyourdate andsawitasanopportunitytomeetyou?Disgusting,really,somebarbarianpretendingtobemyLynnie.”Shegivesherheada shakeasherbodyshudders.I’vegottogiveittothebitch,sheshouldwinanoscarforheractingskills.

“Disgustingindeed Buthowwouldtheyknowshewasn’tgoingtoshow?”Ireplyand,atthatmoment,theotherLynnie,orat leastthat’swhatI’mcallingherinmyhead,appearsinthedoorway.

“Sorrytokeepyouwaiting Ijustcouldn’tbearforustomeetwhenI’mnotdressedasonefitforteawithPackSkarlanthan” ShebatsherthinlashesatusasshetakesaseatbetweenOwenandDexteronthesofa.Sniffingtheairsubtly,shedoessmellof our omega,butit’s mixedwithsomethingthatburns mynose Abitter lemonandcopper scentmixes withthemouthwatering scentofthegirlwemetatArabella’s.

What the fuck is going on here? She didn’t smell like that before!

“I thought you said your daughter was an omega,” I question, and fake Lynnie’s eyes widen as she looks at her mother nervously.

Hermother,however,seemscalmandcollected “Sheis Youcan’tsmellherandtellshe’sanomega?Maybebecauseshe hasn’thadherfirstheatyet.Orperhaps,andnooffense,maybewithageyoursenseofsmellhasdulled?”

Issheforfuckingreal?Owenrocketsoutofhisseat,growling,stormingtowardWren “Howdareyouspeaktohimlikethat! Clayis ”

“Enough! Owen, outside, take a breath. I have this under control,” I bark at him, and he stands there, defying me for a moment “Now,Owen”Idon’tliketousemyinneralphaonhim,butIneedtofigureoutwhatthesetwoaretryingtopull He turnsandstompsfromtheroom,slammingthefrontdoorasheleaves.

Ranger turns so he canlookthroughthe curtains “He’s good, he's just pacingthe sidewalk” I nod, knowingour beta is coolingoff,butisstillhere.Itwouldbelikehimtotakeoffinafury.

RefocusingmyattentionbackonWren,Icontinue,“Ma'am,I’mnotsurewhatgameyouandthisgirl areplaying,butshe’s certainlynotanomega.Although,itwasagoodtrytohavehercoverherscentwiththatofanomega.However,withmy age comesyearsofpeopletryingtoslitherclosertoourpack,soIamwell-versedinallthetricks So,Iwillaskagain,whoisthis girl,andwhereisLynnie?”

Fake Lynnie stands and blows outa breathbefore crossingher arms “Give itup, Mother Ihate this dress and the awful stenchitcarries, and yousaid theywere cute. This one,” she points to me, “is old, like reallyold. And the others looklike heathens, street rats I thought youwere biddingonanalpha who was handsome and of highstatus?” she whines, growing louderwitheachword,andIcanfeelmyeardrumsrevolting.Shestompsherfootandturnstoleavetheroom.

She’s nota good-lookinggirl,andher voice sounds like alleycats fightingover scraps.“Little girl,doyouhave anyidea whoyou’retalkingabout?”Ranger snapsather butshejuststopsdeadinher tracks,turningtolookbackatusandrollsher eyes,armsstillcrossedacrossherchestwithaboredexpression.

IlookatWren,andshe’sghost-whitewithhereyeswide Good, atleastsheseemstoknowwhatherdaughterhasjustsaid anddone.JustasIopenmymouthtotellthemwe’vehadenough;acrashisheardoverhead.Thenanotherloudthudbeforethe frontdoorisflungopen,andOwenisyelling “Guys,youmightwannagetouthere!”

We jolt fromour seats and exit the house in rapid succession. Getting outside, we see Owen on the sidewalk, but he’s lookingupatthehousetothesecond-storyroof.Igotohimandturntoseewhat’scaughthisattention.

IseeLynnie, our Lynnie,ontheroof

Shehasn’tnoticedshehasanaudienceyetassherunsalongtheedgeoftheroofandthrowsabagdownbeforetakingadeep breathandjumpingoffit Igrowlatthepossibilityofherhurtingherself,butIstillletthisplayout Ranger chucklesnexttome.“ItakebackwhatIsaidearlier aboutbeingunsureoftakingher asour omega.Ilikeher.”Of course,hedoesnowthathe’sseenherjumpfromaroof.Lynniepopsupfromthebushesandgrabsherbag,takingoffatadead runtowardthesidestreet.Shehasalimpwithherrun,whichpissesmeoff.Idon’tlikeseeingherhurt.

“Owen, will yougo fetchour omega, please?” Iask, and he takes offata sprintafter her. He catches up to her ina few stridesandgrabsher,wrappingher inhisarms,bridal style,asshethrashes,tryingtofreeherself Heturns,makinghisway backtowardus,andit’sthenhereyesgowideinshock,noticingusinfrontofher.

That’s right, little omega, we found you Now we ’ re going to find out who you are

Justastheygetafewfeetfromus,abetawearingaleatherjacketandlongcaramel-coloredhairjumpsonOwen’sbackand startsbeatingonhisheadandshoulders.“Lethergo,youasshole.She’snotgoingbackthere,she'smine!”

Rollingmyeyesatthedramathat’sunfolding,InodtoDexter,andhewalkstoOwen,grabsthebetafromhisback,andputs herinarestrictivehold.

“Letmego,youfuckingbastard!Ifyoudaretouchher,I’llfuckingkillyou!”shescreamsanduseseverytrickinthebookto freeherselffromDexter’shold,butfails.

“Quiet!” I roar, usingmyalpha barkoneveryone around me It works oneveryone but Dexter and Ranger since they’re alphas,too.ThebetainDexter’sarmsfreezes,andtheomegalookslikeshe’sabouttocry.“Whatinthefuckisgoingonhere?” IlookatWrenandfakeLynnie,butthey’reslack-jawed,staringatthesetwogirls.

“Lynnie?”Iask,lookingatouromega Shewincesbutsaysnothing,turningherhead,soshe’snotlookingatme “Tellthisoversizedfuckheadtoreleaseme,andI’lltellyouwhat’sgoingon,”comesfromthefierybeta.Inod,andDexter releasesher ShestraightensherleatherjacketbeforestickinghertongueoutatDexterandflippinghimoff

“WrenandLynniearetryingtotrickandmanipulateyouintomakingLynniepartofyourpackfortheirpersonalgain.” “Lynnieisourscent-matchedomega,sohowisthattrickingus?”Iask Thesassybetagaspsandlooksatheromegafriend, shakingherhead.

“Thetrickisthatyoudidn’tmeetLynnie.That’sLynnie,therealLynnie,”shesays,pointingtotherude,unfortunate-looking beta “YouhaddinnerwithNadia,mybestfriendandomega Shelivesherewithherstepmom,whoisanabsolutecunttoher” “How dare youspeakofme inthatway!Your familyworks for me. Iwill have themterminated immediatelybecause of this!”Wrenshouts,butasternlookfrommehasherquiveringandclenchingherlipsshut Analpha’sbarkisn’ttheonlything thatmakespeopleshakeintheirboots.

“Whoareyou,andhowdoyouknowthis?”Iquestion,walkingclosertoher,soIcantellifshe’slyingornot “I’mSasha.Nadiaismybestfriendandhasbeenforyears.MygrandparentsarethegroundskeepersforWren,andshetreats Nadialikeaservantinsteadofherdaughter.She’slockedupinherroomatalltimesunlessshe’scookingorcleaningforthem. IfNadiastepsoutoflineorresistsWren'sordersinanyway,shebeatsher Ihadenough,soIsnuckintothehouseafewnights ago,druggedLynniewithchloroform,andthrewherinthebasement.Ithenconvincedmybestbitchtogotothedinnerinstead, hopingshe’dattheveryleasttellyouwhatgoesonathome,soshecouldbefreeofhere Seeingasthatdidn’thappen,Icame todaytofreehermydamnself.”Sheglaresatme,andIcan’treadanounceofdishonestyinherstory.

IwalkovertoNadia;she’slookingawayfrommeandcrying.“Isthistrue,littleomega?”IaskasIgrabherchinwithmy fingers,forcinghertolookatme.Shenodsashercryingintensifies.IhearchokingbehindmeandturntoseeRangerwithhis handaroundWren’sthroat.

“Shewillbecomingwithus.Youcan’tkeepanomegalockeduplikethat!”He’sshakingwithanger.

“Ranger,lethergo,”Isay,reachingoutandtouchinghisarm,calminghimfromhisrage.HereleasesWren,andshefallsto theground,gaspingforairandholdingherneck Herdaughterfallsnexttoher,worryingoverherevilmother

“Owen,putouromegainthecar.She’scominghomewithus.Sasha,givethistoyourgrandparentsandtellthemtheyhavea jobwithusanytimetheywantit”Ihandheroneofourbusinesscards

“Thankyou,butyoucan’tjusttakemybestfriend.Idon’tcareifyou’rescent-matched,Idon’tknowyou,andneitherdoes she Nowayisshejustleavingwithyou”

“It’sokay,Sasha.Theywon’thurtme.Icancallyou,right?”Nadiawhispersandlooksatmeatthelaststatement.

“Yes,youwillhaveacellphonetonight,andyoucancallandtextorevenvisitasmuchasyouwant,baby.Untilthen,she hasourcardwithourpersonalcontactnumberonit,”Itellhersoftly

SheblushesbutturnsbacktoSasha.Thegirlshug,thenstand,whisperingtoeachotherwiththeirforeheadstouching.I’dkill to know whatthey’re sayingto eachother Notto mentionI’mthankful our omega has sucha protective friend lookingafter her.

Afterafewminutes,theybreakapart,andOwen,onceagain,scoopsupNadiaandcarrieshertoourSUV,puttingherinthe backseatonRanger’slap.

OwenclimbsinnexttoRanger,andIshutthebackdoor beforegettingintothepassenger seat.Dexter isdriving,whichis unusual, butRanger gotinthe backseatbefore we could sayanything, reachingfor Nadia His need to hold and comforther controllinghim.

“Takeushome,Dex Wehavealottodiscuss”

Chapter6

Owen

Notexpectingtohaveanotheromegaanytimesoon,wedidn’texactlyhavearoomreadyforher.Whilewetriedtostopby thestoretopurchasesomeitemsforher,sherefused,notwantingustospendourmoneyonherandbeaburden Likeour omegacouldeverbeaburdentous.

Little did she know, Ialreadyhad a plan All the wayhome, Iasked questions abouther likes and dislikes, so I’d know exactlywhattoshopfor.Iknewwestillhadabigdiscussionwaitingwhenwereachedthehouse.Weneededtotalkaboutour Kismetmatch,whatshewanted,aswellasus.Ialreadyknew,though,thatshewas ours.Witheverywhiffofherscent,itonly sunkindeeper.Sheisourperfectmatch.

Whenwe gotto the house, we tookour time showingher around our home and thenfinallythe guestmaster suite, which wouldnowbeherroom Wegaveheramomentaloneinherroomtoprocesseverythingwhilewewaitedforherdownstairs “Canyoubelieveher,thinkingshe’saburden?Whatfuckingbullshitdidthatcuntofastepmotherfillherheadwith?”Igrowl, droppingdownonthefluffycouchcushion

“Idon’tknow.Butshe’s timid, sowe needto tread carefully,” Claytells us, like we don’thave eyes and cansee thatfor ourselves.

“Y'all cando what youwant, butI’ve alreadybeenworkingongettingwhatshe needs.” Iliftmyhead, grinninglike the Cheshirecat.

“Justdon’tgooverboard”RangerknowshowIcanfixateonatask

Tenminuteslater,wehearhersoftfootfallsonthestepsbeforeherscenthitsus.“Isitokaytojoinyou?”sheaskstimidly.

“Ofcourse,Nadia Let’ssitatthetableandhavesomethingtodrinkwhilewetalkandgettoknoweachother” “Okay,whatdoyouwanttoknow?”sheaskssoftly.

“Anythingyouwantto share. I’ll startoff. I’mOwenand as youknow, I’ma Beta. Iknow all the guys minus Clayfrom college We were all onthe same rowingteam The onlywayIgotto go to the preppycollege withthemwas because ofa scholarship. We metClaylater ata competitionreceptionand knew we were meantto be a pack. I’manonlychild and my parentsarestill happilymarriedandgallivantingaroundtheworld Ialsolikepicklesonmyicecream,sodon’tthinkI’ma freakoranything.”Shegiggles,whichdoessomethingtomyheart.Iwanttohearmoreofit.

“I’llgonext,”Clayannouncesashebeginstotellheralittleabouthim I’msolostwatchingthetwinkleinhereyesasshe listenstohim,Idon’tevenhearwhathesays.

Wespendthenexthourlearningaboutouromega,herlife,andwhatsheenduredallwhileholdingourangeratbay.Sheasks questionsaboutusthatwefreelyanswer

“IsitokayifIwanttotakethisslow?”sheasks,lookingdownatherfeet. Clayimmediatelyjumpsonthedefensive,grippingtheedgeofthetable,hisknucklesturningwhiteashegazesatuswithfire inhiseyes.

“Slow,”hegrowlsthroughgrittedteeth “Why?”

“Thisisnew,andIjustdon’twanttorushit.”

Clearingmythroat,IgiveClayadeathstaretomakehimshutup.Wealltellheryes,thenlookathim.Hefinallyagrees. Assoonaswe’redone,Irushouttothestorewithalistinhand Buyinghereverythingfromclothingandshoestotoiletries When I return home with bags aplenty, her eyes grow to the size of saucers, and shock sets in on her face just before the waterworksbegin

Itwasn'tmyintentiontoupsether,Ijustwantedtospoil andpamper her.Sherushes tome,wrappingher arms aroundmy

waist,andthescentofherperfumemakesmeinstantlyhard

“Thankyou.”Shesniffles,tearsfallingfreelydownhercheeks.“Noonehaseverdoneanythinglikethisformebefore.Well, notsincemydaddypassed”

“Well,getusedtoit,Nadia,”Iwhisperintoherear.“There’smoreofthistocome.AndnowthatIknowthis,it'smylife’s missiontospoilyouuntilmydyingbreath”

Shespendstherestofthenightputtinghernewthingsawayjustthewayshelikesit.WhileIlieonherbed,watchingherflit backandforthmovingthingstotheperfectspot,Ican’tthinkofabetterwaytospendmytime

Overthenextfewdays,herperfumingbecomesmorefrequentandlastslonger.Ihavesuspicionsherheatisnearing,andwe needtotalktoheraboutit Ipulloutmyphoneandsendamessagetotheguystomeetmeintheoffice ThisisaconversationI don’twantourlittleomegatooverhear.

“Nadia,Ineedtogomeettheguysatourofficeforameeting.Ihatetoleaveyoualone,butit’snecessary.Willyoubeokay here?Ifyouneedanything,justcall”Sheliftsherheadfromherbooklongenoughtonod,thenlooksbackdownandcontinues reading.Shelookslikeanangelcurleduponthecouch,amassofblanketsandpillowssurroundingherinamakeshiftnest.

Iheadout,takingthekeystomycaroffthehookbythedoorasIgo It’sashortdrivetotheoffice,andtrafficisnon-existent atthistimeofday,soImakeitthereinthirtyminutes.

AssoonasIstepintoClay’soffice,hequestionsme “What’sthemeetingfor,Owen?Youwerevagueinthemessage”

“Waitforeveryoneelsetogethere.Ionlywanttohavetosayitonce.”Iheadtothebarinthecornerofourofficeandpour myselfaglassofscotch,drinkingitdowninasingleswallow.

“IsitaboutNadia?”heasks,concernetchedonhisface Ijustgivehimanod Heleansbackinhischair,lettingoutaheavysigh.Justafewmomentslater,therestoftheguyscomepilingintotheoffice. “Okay, Owen, what’s with the cloak and dagger?” Ranger barks as he makes his way over to the sofa and flops down, placinghisfeetonthecoffeetable.Dexterfollows,sittingdownbesidehim. There’snoeasyorrightwaytosayitsoIjustblurtitout “WeneedtotalkaboutNadia Ithinkshe’sgoingintoheat”All threeofthemstareatme,eyeswide.

“Iknowthatfuckingbitchsaidshewasclosetoherheat,butIjustfigureditwasanotherlie.Shit!Whatarewegoingtodo? Iknow the original planwas to help the girl throughitevenifwe weren’ta match, butthatwas before we knew the whole story.Plus,she’sourKismetmatch.Wewanther,butarewereadytocrossthatlinebeforeshe’sreadytofullyacceptus?Hell, are we all onboard withwantingher as our omega?” Ranger pauses, shiftinghis gaze betweenall ofus “Well!?” he asks louderwhenwedon’trespond.“I’llgetusstarted.Iwantherasouromega,ourmate.”

“Iwashesitantatfirst,butIdoaswell,”Dexterpipesupnext,asweallshiftourgazetoClay. “Ithoughtitwasobvious,myanswerisyes.”

“Okay,Idoaswell.So,dowetalktoheraboutsuppressantssoshedoesn’thavetoworryaboutheatwithstrangers?Seeif shehasany?Maybeevenaskherifshewantstobepartofourpack,ouromega Nadiawantstotakethingsslow,bondingwith herduringherheatisn’tgoingslow ”

“Beforeweflyoffthehandleanddosomethingrash,whatmakesyousosureherheatisapproaching?”Dextercutsmeoff andleansforward,placinghiselbowsonhislegs,positioninghisclaspedhandsunderhischin.

Rollingmyeyesathowlittletheypayattention;IbegintolistoffallthethingsI’venoticedlikeI’mrecitingagrocerylist. “Let’ssee,haveyounoticedherperfumingmorethanwhenweinitiallybroughtherhome?Hermoodswings?Hell,haveany ofyounoticedanyofyour thingsdisappearingover thelastfew days?Ifyouweretogotoher roomrightnow,that’swhere they’dbe,alongwithall theextrapillowsfromthecouch Dude,she’smadeanestinhercloset Areyoureyesnotopen?”I askinexasperation.

“Fuck,weneedtotalktoherandfindoutifshehasanysuppressants Shit,wedon’tevenknowifshe’shadaheatbefore Nothingthatcunttolduswecanholdastruth.Weneedtotalktoher.”Claystandsfromhisdeskafterclosinghislaptop. Theridebacktoourhouseisfilledwithanuncomfortablesilence,asnoneofusknowhowthisisgoingtogowithNadia. We decidedtoride backtogether,leavingthe restofour vehicles there Ikeepmyeyes focusedonthe blurredvisionofthe passingtownthroughthe window.I’msozonedoutthatIdon’tevenrealize we’ve pulledintothe driveway.Ashake ofmy shoulderpullsmefrommythoughtsandIrealizetheSUVhascometoastop

“We’rehere,man,”Dextertellsmesoftly,leaningupfromthebackseat.

Steppingintothehome,it’sdeathlyquiet,triggeringanalarminme,fearingthathistoryisrepeatingitself

Wesearchtheentirefirstfloor,findinghernowhere;evencallingouttoherwithnoresponse.

“Wherethefuckisshe?”Rangergrowlsoutasheracesupthestairswithushotonhisheels.Hespeedsdownthehallwayto herroom,throwingopenthedoorbeforestoppingdeadinhistracks

We run up beside himand peer into the room, taking in the site inside of her closet. Nadia huddled up in a ball in her makeshiftnest,fastasleep ThepumpingofmyheartstartstoslowasIgaspinrelief

“See, I told you.” I wave my arm in Nadia’s direction, where she has a pile of our clothing around her as she sleeps contently

Iquietlymake mywayover, notwantingto alarmher butknowingwe need to handle this now. She has a lifetime to rest whenevershewants.Kneelingbesideher,Ireachoutandgentlyshakeherarm.“Nadia,sweetheart,it'stimetowakeup.We needtotalktoyou”

She rolls towardme,slowlyopeningher eyes as she stretches her arms upabove her head.Her shirtraises,exposingher baremidriff Myeyescatchsightofaraisedscarcomingaroundherside Nadia’seyesgowidewhensheseeswheremyeyes arefocusedandquicklypullsdownhershirt.Shehadvaguelytolduswhathappened,andfromwhatherfriendtoldusthatday atherhouse,weknowshehasscars ThisisjustthefirsttimeIhaveseenthem

“Okay,”shesayssoftly,hervoicestillhoarsefromsleep,assheslowlysitsup.

“Nadia, we need to talkto youabout your heat. Owenhas noticed signs that youmaybe gettingclose. Do youhave any suppressantstotake?”

“No,”shewhisperssoquietlyIbarelymakeitout.

“Willthisbeyourfirstheat?”Clay’svoiceshakesslightlyasherjasmineandsandalwoodperfumefillstheroom “No. Mystepmother would always lockme inthe basement, where I’d go throughitonmyown. She’d justdrop some… umm…toysdownthestairsformetouse.”Herfaceturnsabrightshadeofredasshedivulgessuchsensitiveinformationtous. Rangerletsoutaloudgrowlashepunchesaholeintothewall.Claymovescloser,kneelingontheoppositesideofNadia. “Mysweetlittle omega, Iamso sorryyouhad to go throughthatalone. Ihave to ask;do youwantto take suppressants or would youlike us to help youthroughyour heat? You’re our Kismet match, and we will never allow youto suffer through anotherheatalone.Butwithjustmeetingus,thedecisionisyours.”RangerandDextermoveoveraswell,kneelinginfrontof herasweallreachoutandplaceourhandsonsomepartofherbody

Shelooksupmeekly,allowinghereyestoroambetweenus,asshesucksherbottomlipintohermouthandchewsonit.“I don’twanttotakesuppressants.”Shesucksinadeepbreathbeforesighing.“Ialsodon’twanttousetoys.Wouldthefourof youbewillingto…helpme?”

“We’dlovenothingmore,”Claysaysaswenodinagreement.Sheleansintomeasasmilewashesoverherface. “Areyousure?Iknowyoulostanomega,andIdon’twanttopressureyouintoit,”sheasks,andIcanseeherretreatinginto herself.

Oursweetomega,thinkingofusandhowwefeelwhensheshouldbeworryingaboutherself

“WenevergotachancetohaveaheatwithCalli.Shewantedtobeonsuppressantsuntilthestalkersituationdieddown,and thenshewasgone.Nopressure,littleomega,wewillhelpyouthroughyourheat,”IpurrasIdipmychinandkissthesideof herhead

“Now we also need to know. Bonding? Can we?” Clay asks. The thing we all want to know and do, but we want her permissionfirst

“Umm,isitokayifwedon’tbondyet?Ijustdon’twanttorushitandthenlateryoudecideyoudon’twantme.”Shekeeps hergazedown,notlookingusintheeyes

My brothers one by one look at me and nod. We’ll respect her decision, but we will always want her that will never change.

“That’sokay,littleomega Fornow We’lldoasyouask,butyouareoursnowandforever It’sbestifyoustartbelievingit,” Claytellsherasshesmilesupatus.

“Okayeveryone,let’sgogetsomethingtoeat,thenRanger youcanpatchthatwall youjustputaholein,”Iannounce,asI takeholdofNadia’shandandhelphertostand.Imaynotbeanalphabuttheyrespectmeasanequalinthispackespecially withthecareofanomegabecauseit’sinmynaturetobelevel-headed

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