Downstairs on the island lay a spread of sandwiches. Two alphas I didn’t recognize came in as I sat down with a smoked salmon one. I stiffened, the hair on my arms standing on end. Internally, I cursed the reaction, knowing my scent took on that smokey, fearful hint.
Someday, I’d stop bristling around unknown alphas.
But apparently not today.
“Miss Sterling,” the taller of the two said in his thick Irish brogue. “We didn’t mean to intrude. We’ll leave you to it if you prefer to be alone.”
“Yes, please,” I whispered, relaxing when I realized they planned on giving me space.
Nodding, both men disappeared the way they had come.
I spent most of the afternoon in our room, unsurprised when Aileen had moved all my belongings over while I ate. Not that I had much. Kaelen splurged on clothes and toiletries along with a few books I asked for. Sam insisted on me reading this particularly filthy one about an omega getting snowed-in with an alpha logger.
Images of Kaelen in a flannel and chopping wood made me giggle.
Flames flickered in the giant stone fireplace, and I slid further into the cushions. Something in my stomach lurched, making my insides somersault. I put my book down, rubbing the hollow spot over my sternum. My nose twitched and I eyed the clock. It was half-past six.
Kaelen promised me dinner, and I hadn’t seen him since this morning. Marking my page, I tossed the book aside. Amelia and her pack would be waiting for me later. My skin itched with the need to see my alpha.
Mine.
I hated how much I liked the sound of that.
Maybe not hated.
I tugged at the hem of my sweater, pushing open the heavy oak door to the rest of the house. A couple of men nodded at me as I padded down the hall that led to his office. I paused outside the door, my fingers trailing over the supple wood. Teeth gnawed at my lip as I fought against my instincts to be close to my alpha.
Raised voices echoed from the other side of the door, and I stilled. Silken, accented voices I didn’t recognize spoke in that same authoritative tone I equated with Kaelen. I shouldn’t snoop, but like all omegas, I was curious.
When I heard the man with the Italian accent say my name, a shock zipped through my fingertips and my stomach twisted in knots.
Uneasiness slithered through my veins. Kaelen’s commanding voice sliced through the air and landed squarely on my chest. An icy dread gnarled around my insides like twisting ivy.
“Your father’s contract for Willow Sterling is void.”
My breath hitched, and my hands went numb as my skin turned cold. Swaying on my feet, I pressed my palm into my temple. I flexed out my fingers, willing the blood to flow there as I paced, digging my nails into my palm.
Italian and Irish voices bounced back and forth, but I caught a few unmistakable words.
“Already married.”
“My wife.”
“Signed contract. Plans to collect.”
I heard enough. Each heavy step took longer than the last as I tried to put as much distance between me and whatever fate awaited me, blood rushing in my ears as if I had been pulled under a swirling tide.
Finally, I stumbled into the kitchen, my hands splaying out on the cool stone countertops. I murmured a quiet prayer to whatever deity listened that no one would find me here. It wasn’t exactly hidden, but I knew Aileen was out for the night and Kaelen’s men gave me a wide berth—mostly.
I rummaged through the cabinets, eyeing the unopened bottle of vodka. Without hesitating, I wrapped my fingers around the neck, yanking it into my chest like a small child clutching a stuffed bear.
This couldn’t be real. I must have misheard. We were supposed to have more time. A proper courtship where I adjusted to the idea of having an alpha.Damnmy curious omega. I hopped onto the counter, holding the liquor between my thighs as I removed the topper. My nose scrunched at the distinct odor wafting from it.
Before I could change my mind, I took a quick swig, coughing as the sharp fire burned its way into my belly. My brows tilted in toward my nose while I glared at the bottle.
Why did people drink this stuff? It was disgusting. I wavered, trying to shake free the feeling of my skin crawling. Despite the taste, I took another sip, the sting as potent as the first one hadbeen.
I hoped my taste buds would dull soon enough until all I was left with was a floaty haze that made all my problems disappear.
