However, her mate is right here. Although he might have feltsomeresistance at the idea at first, he is more than willing to take the chance now. If the last few days have taught me anything, it is that I can not waste this chance with Emily. She is only here for barely two more weeks. I will simply ask her to be my omega, and if she does not accept my offer, I will understand. But I hope that she does, because in all honesty, I do not know how I will live another two weeks if she rejects me.
Only Emily Marie Gardner, it seems, has been able to render me a shift of heart. I only pray that she can find it in her heart to embrace this truthwithme, instead of against me.
Chapter
Nine
Emily
The Pembrooke estate is a sight to be seen. Especially like this—all lit up with glittering chandeliers and a buffet that would put the Chinese Buffet back home to shame.
There’s even a live band playing covers of pop songs like I’m stuck in an episode of Bridgerton or something. It’s not a bad vibe, and the dress—a sparkling red gown so graciously purchased by Sarah, at the behest of Luke and Simon—definitely makes me feel like I’m a diamond. Or a ruby, I suppose. I’ve never owned anything this expensive, and I told Sarah after the Social, she could take it back if she wanted to get her money back, but she looked at me as if I’d grown three heads.
I run my hands over the red beads, relishing in the feel against my fingertips. Growing up in Jupiter, I didn’t have many friends, and it hadn’t dawned on me until this evening, before thisSocialstarted, how badly I’ve missed having a girlfriend and how much I’ve enjoyed spending time with Sarah as well as her brother.
Speaking of, I have not seen either of them since I’ve arrived. Nor have I seen Luke.
I keep thinking about earlier, when I’d set off to run through the woods. My omega was driving full force, for the first time since we arrived here, and being in heat, scentinghimwas practically turning her feral. Once I’d managed to push through the haze of feral need, I noticed the momentary panic in those eyes—the same green eyes that looked upon me with envy were anxious. I think I knew at that moment as he rolled over and bowed his head to the ground, Luke saw me as more than just an omega. More than the animal I was at that moment.
And perhaps, I saw the man behind the wolf, too.
Lucas Pembrooke was many things, but above all he was a gentleman. He is kind and warm, and respectful, not to mention he has the whole tall, dark and handsome thing going for him. He is by all definitions, the perfect alpha.
He hasn’t sought me out or spoken to me since the other night. Since we kissed. I worry somehow I’ve fucked this up.
Today on the trail was the first I’ve seen of him since we kissed, and at the first sight of him, my damn omega pounced on him. He must think I’m a disaster on wheels.
“There you are,” the familiar smooth voice of Simon cuts through my thoughts, and I turn to see him with two drinks in his hands.
He’s dressed to the nines, his suit perfectly tailored to show off his lithe form. He offers me a drink, and I take it easily.
“Thanks.”
“How long have you been here?” he asks, sipping from his glass.
“Not sure. All I know is I got here before they served the food.”
Simon puckers his lips. “Surprised to see you without your guard dog.”
I bristle at his words, feeling equally enticed but also offended.
“He’s not my guard dog.”
“Not yet, I suppose,” he responds, leaning against the wall beside me. I sip my drink.
“What the hell is this?” I ask, squinting from the sourness.
“Limoncello. Made by Lady Pembrooke herself.”
I shove the drink in the nearest corner, and Simon chuckles, taking another sip.
“Ugh, it’s awful.”
“You get used to it after a while.”
There’s a strange silence that falls between us. Stranger than it has been all week.
“You seem… distracted.”
