Chapter 1
June
One Year Ago…
“Love. That’s what I want. Not a cold, sterile society mating when passion only happens when I’m in heat,” I say, smoothing down the silk skirt of my pale lilac dress, my eyes on the ballroom double doors as we wait for the end-of-year ball to begin.
It’s become my mantra. The dream I’ve spent years willing into existence.
Lilly, in a rich burgundy dress that makes her green eyes pop, smiles distractedly, but I know what she’s thinking.
There goes silly Juniper Harrington, dreaming of the impossible, hoping for things that will only disappoint her when they don’t come true.
Maybe she’s right. You don’t come to Haven Academy for love. You come to match with the most eligible alphas in the city. Alphas who will give omegas mansions, silken nests and everything we could ever want. Everythingexceptlove.
The harpist falls silent, and as one, our backs straighten as we force smiles onto our faces. Rules and lessons hammered intous over the past four years flash through my mind, a litany I don’t have to reach for to remember.
“Don’t show your teeth when you smile. It’s common.”
“Back straight. You want the alphas to see you as tall and elegant.”
“And above all, wait for them to approach you. Alphas will decide. Never the omegas.”
We step into the ballroom, twenty omegas in silk and velvet, every color imaginable, ready to meet the alphas here to claim us.
The teachers' sharp-eyed focus reminds me of the rules, and for two long hours, I follow them.
I dance with the alphas who reach for my hand. Smile—but no teeth—when two-footed alphas stamp on my toes or their hand slides down the small of my back to grab my ass.
The cloying scent of alpha pheromones sticks to me, making my head spin, blending with sweeter, sultry omega perfumes.
I can’t breathe in here.
Dizzy, tired, and frustrated, I work myself to the edge of the ballroom, needing two minutes out of my heels and away from handsy alphas.
“Let me get that for you.” A handsome older alpha with dark graying hair and gray-blue eyes pulls the door open before I can reach for it.
Smoke and fresh lime.
“Thank you.” I move to step around him. He steps in front of me, blocking my retreat.
His eyes sharpen and his nostrils flare. “You haven’t danced with my son yet. I believe you might be a good match.”
I’m clinging to my desperate hope of love with an alpha despite a long night of wandering hands, crushed toes, and having to smile my way through it. But I’m losing faith. “When I return. I need to powder my nose.”
“Of course.” He steps aside, the heat of his gaze following me out of the humid ballroom and into the cooler, and thankfully quiet, marble-floored hallway.
The door clicks shut behind me, and I’m all alone. I pass by the bathroom, glance around to ensure no one is behind me, then open the door to the library, slipping inside.
It’s not the student library. This one has expensive artwork on the walls, chaise lounges, and a crystal chandelier. It’s a pretty room designed to impress the alphas the school wants to attend the end-of-year balls.
But with the ball tonight, there’s no reason for anyone to use it. The alphas are here to meet omegas, and the omegas are there to meet them right back. The lights are off, and the room is quiet.Perfect. Only when I start to step out of my heels to rest my throbbing feet, do I notice I’m not alone.
A tall figure stands by the velvet drape-covered double windows. The only light comes from the wall sconces on my left, and someone has turned them way down low. Just enough light to avoid walking into anything, but not enough for me to see this alpha’s face.
“Did he send you to find me?” His sharp tone makes it clear I’m not wanted here.
I abandon stepping out of my heels and turn to leave. “Uh, no. I… I’m sorry, I’ll leave you.” I’ll find somewhere else to hide for a bit.
