Chapter One
DREAM
Normally, when Declan calls me to come into work early, I’m a lot more excited than I am right now. I love my job; it’s become more than just a way to make money. I’ve been an employee at Haze Instinct for the last two years, and I’ve enjoyed every single second of it, until recently, anyway.
The Hayes Pack treats me like family. I guess if I’m being fair, Tatum is my best friend and my boss's mate, but still. Even before she crashed her way into our lives, they’ve always treated everyone who works for them well.
Which is why when I get called into work, I’m usually more than happy to pick up the extra hours or cover a coworker’s shift. That was until Tatum was kidnapped. Four months ago we went dancing, and then I woke up surrounded by worried faces with a headache that could level a city.
“Gah!”I let out a frustrated growl as I yank the brush through my light brown hair. I miss the pink, but it was time to retire the cotton candy look.
If you asked my father, he would tell you that I needed to prove I was still in control over my own autonomy. He was a psychologist before he got into politics, and while he’s undeniably brilliant, often giving me great advice…this time, he’s wrong.
I just felt like the pink hair made me look like an easy target, like I’m weak and can’t fight back.
I’ve been in self-defense classes since I turned sixteen, and I’m used to dealing with pushy men that get too handsy after too many drinks. But when you’re face-to-face with an Alpha that wants tohurtyou? Not just some dumb loser who thinks “no” is a suggestion; I mean an Alpha that only has the worst intention and enjoys watching others suffer…well, that changes everything.
Like your fight-or-flight reflex kicking in.
When it’s just a customer who thinks he’s entitled to my body, deciding he has the right to touch me without permission, all I feel is pissed at the sheer audacity some people have. Still disgusting, but I’ve always known the difference and how my body reacts when I’m truly in danger. It’s been a while, though.
If that skeevy fuck hadn’t drugged me, I would’ve fed him his own revolting eyeballs. Bet they would taste just as disgusting as the way he looked at Tatum.
“Fucker,” I hiss as I apply my mascara, the memory of his creepy gaze lingering on my skin even now.
I was so scared I was going to lose Tatum. I might not have known her long, but I already love that girl so damn much.
I snort to myself as I think about the look on Trev’s face when I asked him to practice attacking me. He’s huge, and I wanted to see if I had what it takes to bring down an Alpha the size of a semi-truck.
“I don’t think I’m the right guy to help you with that kind of thing, Dream. I could hurt you by accident just because I’m so much bigger than you are.”
He’s not wrong, but that was the point of asking him. He looks like he could easily manhandle all of me without even trying. A fact that’s both slightly terrifying but also appealing when it comes to him.
Trev became my favorite coworker once again after Tatum quit Haze so she could run ABO Care, the facility her guys purchased to help the Omegas they save. He’s sweet. The silent protective type. Like a guardian angel, but with weapons and a body I could stare at all night.
Unfortunately for the customers, he works in security, and their uniforms are full coverage. Which also means I’ve sadly never seen the man shirtless and dancing on stage. Hardly seems fair. He’s seen me pretty much naked almost daily. I should make a suggestion.
Security staff deserve sexier uniforms. And we deserve to see those muscles…
Shaking that fun little thought off with a giggle, I force myself to get serious. I have to get to Haze for this meeting with Declan. He’s called me in for plenty of meetings in the past, but I can’t help the nerves that creep in and make my heart race.
This is it. He’s finally going to fire me. He hates me for failing to protect his Omega—for letting that fucking asshole get his hands on her. I’m a terrible friend. I don’t deserve this job or the safety it offers…
I let all the shitty, horrible thoughts run through my head, and then I take a deep breath to steady myself.
Those thoughts are a lie. They’re not true, because I know the truth. I didn’t know we were in danger, and even if I did, Tatum’s mates wouldn’t expect an Omega to be able to take on an Alpha. Especially a drunk Omega that was drugged. Tatum knows I loveher, and I would never let anything happen to her if I could prevent it.
I’m a good person, and I deserve good things.
I guess Dad’s degree comes in handy sometimes.
I stare at my reflection in the mirror. My long hair is down, with a slight curl at the ends that frames my face. My reflection’s hazel eyes stand out as they stare back at me, rimmed perfectly with black liner and mascara, but there’s still a glimmer of doubt shining in them.
I’m not feeling as confident as I usually do, but I still put my white lace lingerie on, with a matching lace robe that I tie around my waist. The thigh-high fishnets only stay up because of the garter, but that only makes my thighs look hot, so I don’t mind.
I don’t love the way my feet feel inside of shoes when I wear the fishnets. I always end up putting on these little mini half socks under the fishnets that cover my toes and stop just before my heel. Closed-toe pleaser heels aren’t as popular, so I tend to just wear my open-toe sparkly pair. They’re my most comfortable set, and if someone wants to see my toes, they can pay for the damn privilege.
The club is dark enough that no one really notices the socks unless they’re looking specifically for peeks of feet. This way I’m comfortable, and anyone with a foot fetish has to pay to see the goods. And honestly? The real kinky ones will happily buy your socks right off your feet. If you know how to spot them, offering the right ones a free pair will have them coming back for more. I never make anyone feel bad for their kinks. You want the panties I’ve been dancing in for five hours? Alright, sugar, but I want the Benjamins in your wallet.
