"Thanks, but no thanks," I said. "I'm not really in the market for…" I gestured vaguely at them. "Whatever this is."
Kira kicked my ankle under the bar. I ignored her. I understood that this was a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity’ but for someone who was actually interested in exploring this with them. Again, I didn’t want anything to do with their Alphaness. They could take all of this energy and give it to someone who cared. Sure, I was attracted. Yes, they smelled amazing. It didn’t take away from the detest that I had toward their kind.
Rowan's expression didn't change, but something shifted in his eyes. Surprise, maybe. Or respect. Good, because I wasn’t the type to lie down and do whatever they wanted.
"Fair enough," Kellan said. "But the invitation stands. If you change your mind." He pulled out a black card and set it on thebar in front of me. "Second floor. Private suite. We'll be there all night."
Then they were gone, disappearing back into the crowd with the same predatory grace they'd arrived with. I stared at the card. Matte black with silver lettering.
OBSIDIAN - PRIVATE ACCESS
"What the fuck was that?" Kira breathed.
"I have no idea." I exhaled, glad to breathe air that wasn’t tainted by them.
"Naomi. They never do that. Never. I've been coming here for months and I've never seen them approach anyone. Not once."
"Well, they approached tonight. And I turned them down." I picked up the card and slid it across the bar to the bartender. "I don't need it."
"Are you insane?" Kira asked.
"I'm smart. Those two are dangerous."
"They're Alphas. Of course they're dangerous. But they're also hot as hell. And…" She paused, searching for words. "They're them. Do you know how many Omegas would kill for what they just offered you?"
"Then one of those Omegas can have it. I'm not interested in being another notch on some Alpha's bedpost."
Kira looked at me for a long moment, then sighed. "Okay. Fine. But for the record? I think you're making a mistake."
"Noted."
“Are you not at least a little tempted?”
I swallowed, unwilling to lie to her.
“I’ve never scented a man that smells so damn good, let alone two of them. They smelled like what anyone would want to come home to every night. The perfect freaking nest. However, I can’t let myself get pulled into a ten car pile up in the middle of a gridlocked interstate. No, thank you.”
We ordered another round. I tried to focus on my drink, on the music, on anything except the prickling awareness at the back of my neck that told me I was still being watched. It was like I could feel their eyes crawling all over me. Like I was being summoned by a deeper need or calling that was pulling me toward them. I lasted another hour before I couldn't take it anymore. The energy around me seemed to be crowded with their essence and I couldn’t breathe without feeling them.
"I need air," I told Kira.
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Just… It's hot in here. I'll be right back."
I made my way toward the back of the club, looking for a door, a window, anything. Found a hallway that looked promising and followed it past the restrooms toward what I hoped was an exit. Instead, I found stairs. Leading up to the second floor.
No. Don't.
But my feet were already moving. Climbing. Like my body had made a decision my brain hadn't approved. The second floor was quieter. More private. The doors here were solid wood, not frosted glass, and each one had a discreet number engraved on a brass plate.
I should have turned around. Should have gone back downstairs. Instead, I found myself standing in front of the door at the end of the hall. No number. Just that same silver lettering from the card that read PRIVATE. I raised my hand to knock. The door opened before I could. Rowan stood there, his dark eyes unsurprised. Like he'd known I was coming.
"Changed your mind?" he asked.
"I…" I swallowed. "I don't know what I'm doing here."
"Yes, you do." He stepped aside, gesturing me in. "You're here because you're curious. Because you want to know what it feels like to be seen. To be chosen."
