Alphas and Betas mingled at the tables with very few Omegas interspersed between the crowd. I could tell which women were Alpha-Chasers. I wrinkled my nose.
Dorian hadn’t tensed. Even as we walked deeper into the gaming hall, his gaze swept across the surroundings . . . Not only as if he were aware, but as if he were searching for something. I frowned and peeked at the chattering Cade.
Who was also seemingly scanning the area.
Hmm.
Kelly guided us through a spot where dark curtains hung from the ceiling. Upon crossing were two large Betas framing the velvet rope. The carpet ended and became gray tiles. Baldy on the left jerked his chin and undid the rope.
We passed through another parted curtain, and it opened to a large room. There was so much happening, it took me a moment to take it all in.
A round couch circled a center stage where a woman danced to a thrumming tune. She twirled, shaking her breasts for the Alphas watching from the couch. There were two men.
One sprawled in a black suit, his arms spread outward across the backrest. A ring on his thumb glinted in the light as he watched the woman make the pole her bitch. The second man sat reclined with his eyes closed, and the gold piercing gracing his eyebrow complemented his bronze skin.
A third disappeared through the curtains at the furthest end of the lounging area, a woman in tow. He left so fast I didn’t havea chance to see either of them. All I could note was that he was the size of an Alpha.
High-pitched tittering reached through the pump of music.
The man in the black suit met Dorian’s gaze and held it. Dorian approached him, and they shook hands, not looking away from each other—posturing. Dominance plumed from them both and hit me hard.
I bit my lip to contain my whine.
“Elias,” Dorian murmured in greeting.
Elias’ smile widened, and he waved a hand to the section adjacent to him. Dorian guided me to the couch. I carefully settled next to him, smoothing my dress around my legs, but as much as I adjusted, the slit parted, baring my thigh an obscene amount.
Elias’ gaze dropped to my leg, and his lips twitched. Dorian’s body tensed almost imperceptibly, but his lips spread into a smile and he leaned back, placing his arm on the backrest behind me.
His coffee scent slithered through my nose, invading all my senses. I couldn’t hold back my shiver.
The woman dancing on the stage shook her ass, her gaze focusing on Rafe who hadn’t sat and watched the room impassively. Cade perched on the edge of the couch closer to the Alpha who hadn’t moved, focused on the dancer. Watching her as one studied a mare. Clinical.
But at least there was one fortunate bit. Kelly was gone.
“There is a certain level of . . . privacy myeventsthrive on.” Elias leaned forward, arms resting across his thighs. “As you well know.” Dorian grunted, and Elias’ gaze flicked to me. I stiffened my spine in an effort not to cower. Alpha pheromones coated the air and made me feel suffocated. The sour scent of the other Alpha’s stung my nose, and the only way it would abate waswhen I breathed in through my mouth. “Is this the Omega you’re offering?”
“She is.”
“Then let’s take a look at her. You, off,” Elias ordered the woman on the circular stage. The Beta grinned and wiggled her fingers at him before flouncing off.
“On the stage,” Dorian ordered.
His voice was hard, and it took me a moment to realize he was speaking to me. I pressed my hand to my chest. He raised an eyebrow.
“Hurry it up,” Cade crowed. The man next to him slit his eyes to peek, then closed his eyes again, settling.
My heart thundered in my ears. Dorian gripped my arm.
“Do as I say,” he hissed and threw me forward. I stumbled, my hands slapping on the black platform. My lip trembled, and I stiffened it.
I turned back, met his eyes. “Perro,” I spat.
Rafe burst into laughter, and I turned my scowl to him. I’d choose my battles. With my head held high, I stepped onto the platform. This wasn’t new to me. Back home, Father would parade me to his wealthy friends. Dress me in jewels and beautiful dresses, all in an effort to sell me. But none ever offered enough, nor had enough—until now.
“Behave,” Dorian snapped.
“Is there a problem?” Elias’ raised voice came from behind. I whirled to face the two Alphas. “She’s a spitfire,” Elias commented, and it sounded like he liked it. I gritted my teeth.
