Page 91 of Desperate Omega

“Thanks.”

“You’re going to be fine,” she says, apparently sensing my nervousness. “Are you ready, or do you need a few minutes?”

“I’m ready.”

I’m not—not really—but I know I won’t magically become ready by waiting.

Hines, who is now dressed in a traditional two-piece outfit of animal hides, leads me around the edge of the pool to the far side of the bathing area. As the mist clears, a pair of big wooden doors seems to materialize in front of us. Hines reaches out to open it, but I catch her arm.

She stops and looks at me expectantly.

“Hey,” I say. “Thank you for being my guide tonight.”

“No problem. I’m not sure how good of a job I did. I don’t have much experience being a guide, actually. This is my first time.”

“You were wonderful,” I tell her. “You helped put me at ease.”

“You sure?” she says, looking at my trembling hand.

“Hey, I know I might not seem at ease, but trust me, if it weren’t for your help I would be a total mess right now.”

“You’re gonna do great,” she tells me, and gives my arm a squeeze.

“I do have one question…”

“What’s up?”

“Are you going to be in the audience tonight?”

“Yes, I was planning on it. My alphas will be there waiting for me. We like to… watch the rituals together.”

The way she blushes makes me think she and her mates will probably be doing more than watching. I’ve heard that if the ritual is a particularly exciting one, the alphas in the audience will become inspired to share their own omega mates in a similar fashion while the show is going on.

I guess it’s a little weird to think that Hines will be doing that, but at the same time, it is oddly comforting. She’s the first real omega friend I’ve ever had.

“Good,” I say.

Hines smiles.

“Ready?”

“Ready.”

This time, I really do mean it. I am ready.

Ready to face the crowd. Ready to face my mates. Ready to be stripped and shared and knotted.

Ready to be claimed.

Together, we open the doors and step into the long, dark corridor beyond. The tiled floor of the bathing area gives way to a carpet of thick moss that feels springy and soft against the soles of my bare feet.

As we move farther down the corridor, my heart slowly climbs into my throat, and my blood beats faster in my veins. I can feel it pulsing in the tips of my breasts, and down between my legs too.

I am scared and aroused all at the same time.

At last, we reach a second set of double doors. I can hear the muffled sounds of the crowd waiting on the other side. I experience a momentary impulse to turn and flee, but I remain strong and continue onward.

“Good luck,” Hines whispers.