“This is intentional,” he mutters as we move slowly to a brightly lit table in the center of the room, where we’ll be seen from every angle. There’s nowhere for us to hide.
Harper shuffles obediently just behind my right leg, keeping close. As we reach our arranged seats, a wave of juniper sweeps over us, announcing the arrival of a tall, broad-shouldered alpha with a mischievous grin.
“Rogue,” Jackson acknowledges, a twinkle in his eye. I can feel his curiosity as he glances down to Harper, silent and perfectly positioned at my side.
“Jack,” Devlin barks, the barest civility in his voice. “Do we have you to thank for this?”
Dev gestures at the table and Jackson belts out a laugh, the loudness turning several couples towards us nearby.
“Well, we couldn’t have the Winter pack here and not include your new addition, could we?” Jack smirks at Devlin, who ignores him and turns to me.
“I’ll get drinks,” he bites, and strides off to the bar. Ace and Gabe move in closer, surreptitiously placing themselves behind Harper in practiced nonchalance.
Jackson leans into me, and I resist the urge to curl my lip as he invades my space. Our boss has always liked to press our buttons. He calls it character-building. We call it general assholery.
I’ve never considered him sleazy, but then, I’ve never seen him around women. My hand tightens on Harper’s leash as he looks down at her, a lecherous glaze entering his eye as he licks his lips.
“I understand the radio silence now,” he murmurs. “Quite the catch, your new omega. She smells… edible. You’ll let me know if you plan to share?”
Three matching growls slip out at his words. Harper keeps her head down, but the chain shakes lightly in my hand, her scent shifting to the sour tang of fear.
I know some alphas rent their omegas out for extra funds. Many will pay handsomely for the chance to knot an omega. Bile rises, and I force it down as Jackson raises a brow at our dominant display.
“I’m afraid we won’t be looking at that just yet,” I force out, the words feeling like razors in my throat. I push out a smirk to add to the lie. “We’re only just breaking her in, after all.”
The words taste like ash on my tongue. But Jackson sniggers, taking the bait.
“I can understand that.” He casts a last look at Harper, eyes zoning in on the scars on her back. They’re on full display, her dress backless.
He claps me on the shoulder. “I like to play with broken things. Let me know when you change your mind.”
With a nod to Ace and ignoring Gabe altogether, he takes his leave.
I run my hand gently over Harper’s head, just once. A noise slips out of her and as I take my seat, she shuffles closer, leaning in to place her head on my thigh.
Devlin reappears, drinks in his hands. He passes them out with a glare on his face. “Omegas aren’t permitted to drink here.” He spits the words out and I push calming vibes at him down the bond, wordlessly warning him to be careful. I’m a little concerned at the tension thrumming through him. We’re all on edge this evening though.
We all take our seats. Jackson is just the first visitor. A steady stream of alphas visit our table, empty words on their lips and lustful eyes planted firmly on Harper. We receive several offers, including one tall, older alpha who offers to swap Harper with his own omega, a shaking black-haired girl with shackles on her ankles and fear staining her bruised face. I let Devlin see that one off.
Harper stiffens, a whine of pure fear drawing from her and making us all stand as we scan for the threat. The scent of bitter citrus reaches my nose and Devlin’s anger level ratchets up, making us all vibrate with tension.
This fucking asshole.
Jason pushes his way between two alphas who snap at him for his rudeness. He ignores them, a smirk on his face as he beelines towards us. Fucking hell. If I’d known he’d be here, I would have rejected the invite and fuck the consequences.
Harper pushes her face into my leg as she fights down her panic, and I stroke my hand over her soothingly as Jason stares at her with beady eyes. Her scent pulses, a burst of strong cinnamon that surprises me in its intensity. It’s like a punch to my stomach, and my nostrils flare. I pray that she’ll keep it together. This asshole would love nothing more than to drag her back to the clutches of the compound.
“Well, hello there,” he smirks at us all. He’s either brazen as fuck or just plain stupid, because the vibes coming off our table are very muchtake-another-step-and-we’ll-rip-your-fucking-throat-out.
“We’ve met previously,” he holds out a hand to Devlin, who ignores it completely. “I’m Jason Harding.”
“We know who you are,” I cut in before Devlin can blow it. “What do you want?”
A snarl accompanies the end of my words, and the smirk slips off Jason’s face. He holds up his hands placatingly.
“Well now, fellas, no need for all of this posturing. I was just coming along to see how 792 is settling into her new arrangements. I hope that her training has been a… benefit… to you?”
His eyes slide to Harper, her face nestled into my leg.
