“This morning, apparently,” Lucian said. “I wasn’t around at the time to see if, but I heard from Brad, who heard from Oli. Apparently, Oli was talking to Counselor Torres when the alpha showed up, and do you know whoitis?”
A beat passed, almost too long not to be suspicious, before Owenreplied. “No.”
“His name is Crawford Daniels, and he apparently owns Stonecrest? I mean, I understand the societal value of this place, but I didn’t think an alpha would want torunit.”
Owen knew why Crawford kept it. They’d talked about it over dinner. Not only was it Crawford’s late father’s legacy, but Crawford was inspired to help omegas in need thanks to his upbringing. But there was no way Owen could explain any of that to Lucian, not without coming across as knowingtoomuch.
Lucian couldn’t know about what Owen was doing with Crawford. No one could. It was Owen’s secrettobear.
“Counselor Ellis?” Lucianasked.
Owen jumped. “Sorry,yes?”
“You’re really out of it today.” Lucian grinned and waggled an eyebrow. “Are you thinking about Mr.Daniels?”
“No.” It was a lie, but some lies werenecessary.
“Well, I wouldn’t blame you if you were. I think every omega in this building is thinking about him. I mean, just like, because he’s hot and we’re instinctively drawn to alphas, not because they’re weak willed and desperate to serve or anything.” Lucian scrunched up his nose. “Is it alright to be cock crazy even when you’re societallyadjusted?”
“Language,” Owen reminded him softly. “And… as long as you’re being true to yourself and doing it foryouand not fromthem, I don’t see theproblem.”
A month ago, Owen’s answer would have been different. Owen had stayed chaste for so long because he truly did believe that it was more empowering to swear off alphas than to bounce from one to the next, but his understanding of the world was starting to change. Since Crawford had come into his life, things were different.Owenwas different. Never in his life did he think he’d hand control of his chastity to someone else, yet herehewas.
“Then do you think I can go after Mr. Daniels?” Lucian smirked. “God, that man. I mean, bonus points because he’s rich, right? He could knot me any day hewanted.”
A pinch in Owen’s lower back made him squirm. Irritation rose in his stomach and diffused in his lungs like a leaking gas, but he did his best to compress it and keep itatbay.
Was itjealousy?
“I appreciate that you feel comfortable enough to talk freely around me, but I have to remind you that I’m your counselor, not your friend,” Owen said firmly. “Let’s try to get back on track, okay? What you do with your body is your choice. What we should be focusing on right now is making sure you’ve got your future set up. Have you been in to see the career counselor since we last spoke? Do you have any leads on jobs you might want totakeon?”
Lucian frowned like he was considering something. He looked Owen up and down, then sighed and shook his head. “Right. Jobs. Counseling. All that fun stuff. I’ve been talking to Counselor Turner about working at the local florist. So far talks seempositive.”
“Good.” Owen smiled. “That soundspromising.”
“Well, you know, since being a live-in sex slave for Mr. Daniels is off the table and everything, it seemed like a goodalternative.”
If Owen wasn’t such a professional, he was sure he would have turnedbeetred.
A live-in sex slaveindeed.
* * *
The Shepherd didn’tscream kink club from the outside. The building blended into those around it, and by day, Owen was sure thousands of people passed by without giving it a second glance. It was only at night that the neon sign lit up, the club name glowing a white-blue that drew the eye. Unlike other clubs, there was never a line outside. Entrance was granted to members only to preserve the safety of those inside. Owen understood the principle. Dancing and getting drunk was one thing, but doing so in a place where public sex acts were welcome wasanother.
The first time Owen had come as a guest, he’d checked in at the front desk, given his information, and then signed a waiver. The second time around was no different. The same woman from last time sat by the front doors, looking at him from beneath thick, horn rimmed glasses. Her lips were cherry, and they smiled at him alluringly. “I remember you,”shesaid.
“I remember you, too,” Owen replied. He made his way to the desk. “Does that mean I cangoin?”
“Nope.” She winked at him and slid a paper his way. “You know the rules, cutie. You’ve got to sign in before you cancomein.”
Owen wondered if she meant the double entendre and quickly decided that she did. In a place like The Shepherd, very little wascoincidence.
As Owen filled out the paperwork, the woman behind the counter tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Mr. Daniels has been talking about you,youknow.”
Owen’s eyes lifted from the form. “Hehas?”
“Mmhm.” She looked him over like she was searching for something. “Nothing too revealing, cutie, don’t worry. Just… word’s been going around sincelastweek.”
