I happily sit out the first few dances once the festivities have begun but can’t beg off the third. Aspen demands my hand and all but yanks me onto the dance floor.
“What the devil are you wearing? You know what a collar means!”
“It means I’m owned.”
“Where did you get it? Did Father approve of it?”
“It was a gift, Aspen. From Andrew.” I cut a quick glance over to the alpha in question, catching his leering stare. “I know my friendship with him is important to you and Father and did not think I had a choice in the matter.” Saints, I want to drive my sharp heel into Aspen’s instep, to rip that smug smirk of satisfaction off his arrogant face.
“Good, you’re learning. I knew you would, given enough time and incentive.”
Incentive? A chill slips down my bare back, but Aspen doesn’t let me interrupt.
“You will do whatever that alpha says. If he wants you to spread your legs for him, you will. Father will tell you to play coy, but he’s of a more traditional generation. He told you he might need you to grease some wheels for us? You’ll do it on your back.”
I startle, going rigid in Aspen’s arms as he whirls me around the dance floor. I stare fixedly at the button on his tuxedo jacket, biting the inside of my cheek until I taste blood.
Project Halcyon will succeed.
Aspen’s thoughts slip so seamlessly into my mind, but I don’t react. I don’t let on that I’m anything but uncomfortable from the tight grip of his hand around mine.
“A partnership between Radcliffe Industries and Rose Pharmaceuticals will change the very world we live in, dear sister. We’ll bring about a new age.”
And destroy anyone who gets in our way.
I let his words catch in my mind, let unease roil in my gut and I reach out with my affinity—only for a familiar voice to interrupt my thoughts.
“May I cut in, Mr. Rose?” Cassian asks, saving me from my cruel brother. “Miss Rose has been my advisee this term.”
“No impropriety,” Aspen hisses, as if I’d ever step out of line with so much scrutiny on me.
“I hate this,” Cassian growls, his scent spiking between us—sea salt and summer sea air, soaked in golden sunlight. “Who made you wear this?”
“Rad,” I murmur, just loud enough to hear. “On threat of Trinity’s life.”
“I will destroy him.”
“You can’t. He won’t hurt you directly, but he’ll find ways to make you suffer. He’ll go after Simon.”
“He’s already going after you,” Cassian says, ferocity making his voice shake.
“You can’t let him anywhere near Simon, please. Cass, I need you to keep him safe.”
Cassian glances at Simon who’s whisking a laughing Ellie around the ballroom. “I do. In my own way. And I would protect you too, if you’d let me.”
Ian’s words echo in my mind.
You don’t know how badly you need to be protected. You’re in danger, Juniper. Every fucking day you’re here.
I color and keep my head ducked like an appropriate omega would. “You’d protect me even if I didn’t let you. Even if I didn’t know you were doing it. And you have. Am I wrong?”
“Saints know I’ve tried, Junes. Saints know I’ve lain awake, tortured with worry over you.”
“You never said.”
“You never wanted me to.”
I risk a glance up into his dark eyes, the way they crinkle at the corners, his brow furrowed in a frown.
