"Victoria's heat schedule is very regular," another mother adds helpfully. "Every ninety days, like clockwork. Perfect for family planning."
"And I've been taking my supplements," Victoria adds, apparently deciding to lean into the nightmare. She steps closer again, her hand finding my forearm. "My doctor says my hormone levels are ideal for conception."
I need to leave. I need to get out of here right now.
"How fascinating," I manage.
"Isn't it?" Celeste moves in on my other side, effectively boxing me in. Her scent—jasmine and vanilla—mingles with Victoria's, and together it's overwhelming. Cloying. "I've been working with a fertility specialist as well. My alpha potential is rated in the 98th percentile."
"That's..." I search for words. "Impressive."
"We could even share," Arabella offers, joining the encirclement. Three Omegas surrounding me now, all touching me—hands on my arms, my shoulders, my chest. "If you're interested in multiple bonds. Some Alphas prefer variety."
"I—" My brain short-circuits. "That's not—"
"We're all very accommodating," Victoria purrs, her fingers tracing circles on my forearm. "Trained at the finest finishingschools. We know how to please an Alpha. How to be exactly what you need."
Her hand slides up my bicep. Celeste presses closer on my other side. Arabella's hand finds my chest, right over my racing heart.
"So," Victoria says, and her voice has gone breathy, softer. She shifts closer, her thigh brushing mine. "Your mother mentioned you didn't audition for the fall showcase this year. That's so unlike you. She says you're always the lead."
Her scent intensifies—roses and something cloyingly sweet. Deliberate. An Omega advertising availability.
"Just wanted to focus on other things this semester," I say, shifting away slightly.
"Other things?" She follows the movement, closing the distance I just created. "What could be more important than your art? Unless..." Her hand lands on my forearm. "Unless you're focusing on more personal pursuits?"
The touch is calculated. Soft. Her fingers trace small circles on my skin.
"I think what Victoria means," Celeste interrupts, moving to my other side, "is that a man like you shouldn't have to pursue anything alone. You should have someone supporting you. Taking care of your needs."
Her hand joins Victoria's, this time on my other arm. I'm being bracketed between them, their scents mixing, their touches increasingly bold.
"We're all very supportive," Arabella adds, completing the circle. Now I'm surrounded by three Omegas, all touching me, all sending clear signals of availability. "And we understand the demands placed on someone of your status. We've been trained for this."
"Trained?" I manage.
"Omega finishing school," Victoria explains, her hand sliding up to my shoulder. "We learn how to manage a household, host social events, support our Alpha's career ambitions." Her voice drops lower. "And how to satisfy in... more private settings."
Jesus Christ.
"My coursework included advanced social etiquette and—" Celeste leans closer, her lips nearly brushing my ear, "—intimate Alpha care. I graduated top of my class."
"I'm sure you're all very accomplished," I say, trying to create space that they immediately close.
"We could demonstrate," Arabella suggests, and her hand is on my chest now, fingers splayed over my heart. "If you wanted. Our suites are just across the courtyard."
Red alert. Abort. Abort.
"I appreciate the offer, but I'm rather tired from the drive—"
"We're very good at helping Alphas relax," Victoria interrupts. She's practically pressed against my side now. "Massage therapy was part of our training. Among other relaxation techniques."
The other mothers are watching this display with approval. Actual approval. Like watching their daughters throw themselves at me is exactly what they hoped for.
"My heat is scheduled for next month," Celeste adds, apparently deciding subtle seduction isn't working fast enough. "If you're interested in evaluating compatibility. The doctors say I respond very well to Alpha pheromones."
"And mine is in six weeks," Victoria chimes in. "We could coordinate. Some Alphas prefer to have options."
