"That's one," he said calmly. "Keep talking, and I'll deliver the rest of your punishment before we even arrive."
The casual threat—and the heat it sent spiraling through me—was enough to silence my protests. I hung limply over his shoulder, watching the forest path disappear beneath us as he carried me deeper into the trees.
I'd expected a long trek, but after only ten minutes, the forest opened into a clearing that took my breath away. This wasn't the hastily assembled campsite from our first encounter. This was luxury in the wilderness, a glamping setup that would have featured in high-end travel magazines.
A massive canvas tent dominated the space, set on a raised wooden platform with a proper entrance. Outdoor furniture was arranged around a stone fire pit where flames danced merrily, casting warm light across the clearing. Solar lights strung between trees created a perimeter of gentle illumination, making the space feel both intimate and surreal.
As Matteo carried me into the circle of light, I saw Marco lounging in one of the chairs, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp as they tracked our approach. Stefano stood by the fire, the flames highlighting the angles of his face, turning those cobalt eyes into something dangerous and hypnotic.
"Look what the cat dragged in," Marco called, his smile widening as he took in my position over Matteo's shoulder. "Or should I say, what our wolf carried home."
Matteo set me on my feet before Stefano, his hand lingering at the small of my back as if to prevent escape. I stumbled slightly, disoriented from being upside down, and found myself caught in Stefano's steady grip.
"You're late," he said, the simple statement carrying more threat than a shouted tirade. His fingers tightened around my upper arms, not painful but inescapable.
"Am I?" I asked with mock innocence. "I didn't realize blackmail came with a scheduling component. Next time senda calendar invite with all the details. Location: Forest of Inappropriate Touching. Dress code: Easily Removable."
His eyes narrowed fractionally. "Two hours late. Deliberately."
"I'm exactly on time according to my schedule," I shot back, even as his grip tightened. "Which is the only one that matters to me."
Marco circled behind me, trapping me between their bodies, his scent—cinnamon and amber—joining Stefano's pine and winter in an intoxicating blend that made my head swim. "Such defiance," he murmured, his breath warm against my neck. "Our prince needs to learn about consequences."
I tried to step back, only to collide with Marco's solid chest. "I'm here, aren't I? Despite the blackmail, despite everything—I showed up. That should count for something in your twisted honor system."
"It counts," Stefano agreed, his thumb brushing my lower lip in a gesture that felt disturbingly intimate. "But not enough to erase the deliberate disobedience."
His free hand slid around my waist, pulling me flush against him while Marco remained at my back, effectively sandwiching me between their bodies. The position was familiar—an echo of the night before in the garden—but now there was no Aunt Akiko to interrupt, no witnesses to what they planned to do to me.
"Nice camp you've got here," I said, desperate to change the subject. "Very serial killer chic. I especially like the luxury touches. Nothing says 'I abduct omegas regularly' quite like a raised platform tent with what I assume are five thousand thread-count sheets inside."
"You should see the inside," Marco murmured against my ear. "We spared no expense for our omega's comfort."
"How thoughtful," I snapped. "Most kidnappers just go with a basic dungeon, but you guys really elevate the genre.Martha Stewart's Guide to Stylish Omega Imprisonment."
Stefano's hand tightened in my hair, tilting my head back to meet his gaze. "Disobedient omegas who defy their alphas get disciplined, Leo. You know this."
"I'm not yours," I said, though my voice lacked conviction when I was pressed between their bodies, surrounded by their scent. "And you're not mine, except maybe my blackmailers."
His smile was slow and knowing, as if he could scent the lie in my words. "We'll see about that." Without warning, he bent and lifted me into his arms, carrying me toward the tent with Marco and Matteo following like a well-choreographed flanking maneuver.
Inside, the tent was even more impressive than I'd expected. A proper king-sized bed dominated the space, covered in plush blankets and more pillows than any reasonable camping expedition would require. Rugs covered the floor, and actual furniture—including a small sofa and several chairs—created a living area to one side. Battery-powered lamps cast warm light over everything, making the space feel both cozy and intimidating.
"What is this,Architectural Digest: Kidnapper Edition?" I asked, trying to mask my awe with sarcasm. "Did you rob a Restoration Hardware, or does the mafia just have a glamping division I wasn't aware of?"
"Only the best for our omega," Marco replied, closing the tent flap behind us with a finality that made my stomach clench.
Stefano carried me to the bed, dropping me onto the mattress with enough force to make me bounce. Before I could scramble away, he was on me, pinning me with one large hand between my shoulder blades.
"Position," he commanded, his voice dropping to that alpha register that made my spine tingle. "You know how to take your discipline."
"Fuck you," I spat, trying to twist away. "I'm not assuming any position for your twisted alpha power fantasy. What's next, a collar and leash? Maybe a little Property of Stefano tattoo on my ass?"
Crack!
The sound exploded in the confined space, followed instantly by a stinging fire that bloomed across my right ass cheek. Even through my shorts, the impact vibrated through my flesh like a tuning fork hit with a hammer.
"Holy shit!" I gasped, more from surprise than pain. My body remembered this—remembered exactly how it had felt in the forest when Stefano's hand had connected with my bare skin. My brain had filed away the memory in cheap standard definition, but this was full 4K ultra high-def with surround sound and those weird seats that vibrate with the action.
