I perch right on the edge, knowing that I’ll have to burn this outfit to get the smell out when I get home. I try not to breathe in too deeply, fearful of the source of the disgusting smell wafting up from the sofas depths as I shift my weight. The green-speckled sandwich taunts me from the corner of my eye, the yellowing crust peering around the edge of the cushion, making me question my decision to be here.
Plonking himself atop a pile of garbage on the armchair, Shea’s oblivious to the junk everywhere, while Kyro haphazardly throws everything onto the floor to make space for him and Tyler on another sofa opposite me.
“Whatever rumors you’ve heard aren’t true,” Shea grunts. “The AlphaPrime wasn’t even mine.”
I slip my notebook and pen from my bag. “So you’re confirming that you did bring AlphaPrime to a speed scenting mixer?”
“N-n-no! That’s not what I meant.” Shea’s cheeks redden. “Someone planted it!”
Yeah, fucking right.I don’t believe him for a second. And unfortunately for him, no spray could help make his scent any more appealing.
“Don’t say another word, Shea,” Tyler hisses. “What do you want, Ms. Sinclair? Did you really come all the way down here to talk about a misunderstanding? You said you have a proposition for us.”
“I do.” I close my notebook. “And I think it’ll be of mutual benefit.”
“Mutual benefit?” Kyro scoffs, plopping his dirty sneakers onto the coffee table. “Aren’t you the bitch who made a complaint about me at the start of the semester?”
I grit my jaw and remember why I’m doing this. Fake dating these misogynistic jerks for a few months will be worth it in the end.
Tyler drums his fingers on the sofa arm, ignoring Kyro’s objections. “I’m listening, omega.”
“It’s clear that you tried to rig the speed scenting event.” My lip curls in disapproval, looking pointedly in Shea’s direction. He stews in a bad mood, shooting me daggers. “When news gets out, no omega at SVU will want anything to do with you.”
“See? The bitch is only here to taunt us.” Kyro jabs his finger in my direction.
“Let her speak, Kyro,” Tyler growls.
Perhaps Tyler isn’t entirely stupid, unlike the twin trolls. He knows how damaging this will be for their reputation. They’ll be lucky to find an omega at all. He’s got nothing to lose by hearing me out.
“I’d like to propose an arrangement that will help fix your reputation.”
“And why would you want to do that?” Shea snarls.
Tyler studies me intently, making my skin crawl. “I’m listening.”
“All I need you to do is pretend to court me for a few months.”
“What?” Kyro splutters as Shea’s eyes bulge. “Court you?!”
“Pretendto court me,” I correct firmly.
Tyler narrows his eyes. “What’s in it for you?”
I sigh. “My father wants me to marry a pack, but I told him I can’t because I’m already courting.”
Kyro grins smugly. “So you need us.”
“Ineeda fake pack.” If they want me to beg, they’ll be waiting a lifetime. I’m sure there are other packs on campus who could help me out. I shove my notebook into my bag then rise, wincing as I see something move behind a pile of dirty clothes in the corner. “I thought this arrangement would be helpful for everyone. If we fake court, your reputation will be saved, and having Kady Sinclair as your ex-omega may count for somethingwith other omegas. But if you’re not interested, I’ll gladly see myself out.”
I leave their angry whispers behind until Tyler yells, “Wait!”
I spin, pausing at the door. I have them right where I want them. “Yes?”
“If we agreed to this…” Tyler crosses his arms. “What would we have to do?”
“Not much.” I shrug. “We’d have to be seen with each other publicly. Get a few photos. Make our relationship appear convincing. We only need to keep up the ruse for a few months, then we can part ways amicably. It’s a win-win.”
“Are you seriously considering this, Ty?” Shea guffaws. “We came to SVU to find our real omega.”
