“We think he’s a celebrity. Possibly some billionaire’s kid. Maybe gang-related. We aren’t positive yet.” Trev pauses, studying my face closely. After a beat he pulls out his phone, clicks a few things on the screen, and hands it to me. “This is the email they sent.”
Hayes Pack,
I know you help Omegas in need for a price. I can pay. Any amount. I need protection. Someone very close to me is a violent threat to my life, and I’m worried they are going to escalate. They will be suspicious of anyone getting too close, so it must be believable. Someone at my side. A woman who can pose as my partner. Someone who can be seen with me publicly and who isn’t afraid of potential danger. If you can help me, give me a time and a place, and I’ll be there. Please, somewhere public, preferably somewhere that can handle a lot of public attention.A party, or something that can serve as a distraction… I do not have time to spare.
-Thank you, B
“Oh shit…”I whisper, sitting up straight and handing Trev his phone back.
“Yeah, oh shit.” Trev nods. “So as you can see, their request was very specific, but Declan would never send you, or anyone else, into a situation like this alone.”
“So I’m bait?” I squeak, and Trev shakes his head, turning in his chair to face me fully, taking my hands in his.
“That isn’t Declan’s intention. He isn’t the type to put an Omega’s life on the line like that. Declan is smart, though. In the few emails they exchanged, the potential client refused to reveal anything identifying, but he did give Declan enough to know that I can’t go alone. But if the client’s new girlfriend brings her security along with her, that wouldn’t be abnormal. He confirmed B had partners with security before.” Trev releases me, sitting back in his seat and crossing his arms over his chest.
“If B is a celebrity, then that makes a lot of sense,” I say, and the Alpha nods his agreement.
“Hayes Pack isn’t taking payment on this, but you and I will be compensated for our time appropriately,” Trev adds. “We help those in need; we don’t take advantage of them when they’re most vulnerable.”
“I know.” I smile. I love this job. But I also love what the Hayes brothers stand for. What they use their power and influence to do, and all the people they help.
It’s why I started working here to begin with. After Dad moved us here, I was lost. Unsteady and alone. I found a home here. Something I want for everyone in need.
“Declan said he wanted you to have time to think about it without the client’s eyes on you. You’re a softy and always want to help everyone in need. This way you can decide for yourself if this is even something you’ll consider without someone begging you with their wounded puppy eyes.” Trev smiles knowingly.
“Ah, yeah, that makes sense. Of course, it's also hard to say no to your best friend's mate when you feel guilty for her kidnapping…”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“Say no. You’ll be in danger. It’s not worth it,” Apollo interrupts, and I frown.
“Saving someone isn’t worth it?” I ask, watching him carefully. The Alpha doesn’t respond though, so I turn back to Trev. I take in the look of him for a long moment, assessing his posture and his face. He seems relaxed, but he’s holding something back. It always seems that way with him. I tilt my head to the side. Sometimes I think he doesn’t look much like a “Trev” at all.
“If you go, I go,” Trev eventually says after a long stretch of silence. He probably knew what my answer would be before we even stepped into this room. Given the chance to help someone in need, I’m not going to look away.
“I want in,” Apollo interjects before I can even voice my decision. “With you, not stuck here at Haze. If she goes, I go too.”
My eyebrows shoot up, and I glance over at him. I was expecting to see that glimmer of confusion in his eyes from earlier, but instead he looks…irritated, maybe? It’s hard to tell with the mask, but he’s definitely glaring at me while fiddling with his rings.
Those rings… It took me a minute, but I recognize them now.
“Wow, Easton shared his stabby toys with you? He must really like you,” I tease. “I’m jealous.”
“Here,” he says, removing the one on his pinky and handing it to me. “You’ll need more, obviously.”
I slip it on over my thumb, ignoring the little comment. His pupils blow when our eyes meet once again. Maybe I can’t see the lower half of his face with his mask on, but there is no missing the look of possession in his eyes.
Did I just fuck up?
I glance over at Trev, whose jaw is hanging open. Not a good sign.
“I’m not going to find you outside my window in the middle of the night, am I, sugar?” I ask Apollo as he holds my stare with a very noticeable intensity. He doesn’t respond as I twirl the ring around my thumb.
Oh yeah, I fucked up.
Should I give him the ring back? Or is it too late? Has the baby duckling imprinted on me?
“Right…” I sigh, turning back to Trev. “Well, I’m in. So what’s next?”
