Still, understanding wasn’t needed for him to react.
He snapped his fingers. The sharp sound seemed to rouse her to focus. She blinked slowly as she rose and took a few steps backward. Even as she moved, steps careful, she fell into the familiar. She knelt, not on the pillow but just before Trent, and once against allowed herself to stare at the floor.
The new man, Geoffrey, the leader of the group, sat across from her. He wore an expensive tailored suit—black with pinstripes. He had the build of an alpha, so even in his sixties, he appeared fit. Lines in his face betrayed his age, but still he spoke with the confidence of a man who had long ago grown used to people listening. He’d brought two others—large, armed men who stood on the edges of the room. While Trent didn’t love that, there hadn’t been a way to get around it, either. No one as important as this man would ever consider coming to a private residence without protection.
“You impressed my associate, Galen,” he said.
“He didn’t seem very impressed. If anything, he seemed to feel we were idiots,” Kyle said.
The man didn’t even chuckle. He hadn’t displayed the least bit of emotion since he’d arrived. “He is loyal and has been in this business a long time, but he’s also set in his ways. Most of the scouts in the area handle things in a very different way from you, choosing more of the ‘spare the rod, spoil the child,’ philosophy.Rarely do I see omegas in such good condition so close to the auction.”
Kyle snorted. “Who would pay for damaged goods?”
The man nodded. “I rather agree. Personally, I dislike seeing women bruised. Not only do they make a woman look unladylike, but striking a female is like someone declaring themselves king. Anyone who needs to say it isn’t really. Hitting a female to prove you’re in charge only proves the opposite.”
Trent frowned, the words…familiar. He couldn’t place them, though.
“We’ve had another series of tests done, to prove she’s still free of any diseases or defects. When Galen forced that drug on her, she did end up in heat, but the records also prove she didn’t conceive. She is currently bleeding, but that should be over by the time of the auction.”
Geoffrey took the files Kyle had, though he didn’t look at them. Instead, he held them out without looking, one of the bodyguards coming forward to take them.
“Not even going to check?” Daniel asked.
“No need to. We will go over them fully after we leave here, but they’ll tell me what you’ve already said here. I’m more curious about things that won’t be included in there. I understand you offer additional training when needed?”
Daniel sat back, one ankle resting on his other knee. “When they need it. Transitions can be hard, and we’re fans of things going smoothly.”
“She froze a bit,” Geoffrey pointed out.
“She’s used to the three of us. We didn’t warn her about the meeting, and I think she was worried you were her new owner.”
Geoffrey didn’t laugh, only tilting his head and staring harder at her. “No. I’m not in the market for a new omega, and even if I were, she’s too young for me.”
“When you wanted to come yourself, I’d wondered,” Kyle said.
“Like I said, I’ve done this for a very long time. It’s rare in this area to get new scouts, especially ones who come so highly recommended. During the actual auction, I’ll have duties to attend and won’t get the chance to really see her, to ask questions. I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet a few like-minded individuals.”
Trent fought the urge to snarl at the ‘like-minded’ comment. Even as the old doubts crept up, as he reconciled enjoying consensual submission with loathing forced servitude, he kept his face clear.
I am nothing like that asshole.
“Well, I get that. We’ve done enough of these to see the trash that usually show up, wanting to get a couple grand out of some used-up omega they already beat to hell.” Daniel curled his lip up as though the idea of unprofessional scouts was the real embarrassment. “Then again, that’s why ours sell the way they do. That’s why we always have waiting lists of people. I’m hoping for a similar turn-out here.”
Geoffrey nodded as he took a drink of the water. “From the response we’ve gotten so far, I believe you’ll have no problem finding buyers. I knew that from your reputation, but now, seeing her? Well, I believe you’ll do quite well.”
Trent fought the urge to touch Alison, to bare his teeth at the man for looking her way. He recalled the way he’d crashed after the last meeting and forced himself to stay quiet.
“Is there anything else you need to know?” Daniel asked. “Any concerns? As we explained before, we do not allow any testing of the merchandise, since we want them delivered to the auction in prime condition. Still, if you have any questions, we’re more than happy to answer.”
He looked her way. “Will she speak to me?”
Daniel eyes flashed, the rest of his face giving nothing away. “When given permission. We find omegas are better seen than heard. Go ahead, sweet. You may respond to whatever he’d like to know—honestly.”
Geoffrey leaned forward, his elbows coming to rest on his knees. “Look at me.” His tone left no room for denial, and Alison followed the direction. “You have lovely green eyes. I haven’t seen such eyes in a very long time.”
“Thank you, sir,” she whispered.
He reached out before Trent realized what he would do and grasped her chin.
