One by one, the others trickle in, whispering amongst themselves. If I were someone who wanted to belong, I’d strain to listen in. But I don’t. Instead, I open my notebook and continue doodling before I begin making a list of what I need to take care of before Storm gets home.
I’m so caught up in myself I miss the throat clearing. Laughter rings out around me before Ms. Lilly speaks loudly. “Quiet.” The room falls in a hush as my head pops up and locks my eyes on her. “River, you are needed in the office.” I close my notebook and stand, noticing the snickering going on around me. “Take your things with you.” Raising my eyebrow in confusion, I do as she says, but I can’t help but notice the way her smile doesn’t quite seem right. There's no happiness, and the corners don’t quite reach the edge of her face.
I step out into the hallway to see the Dean’s secretary waiting for me.
“This is such a big day for you,” her voice giddy with excitement that makes me want to puke. “We need to hurry. Dean Wiltmont is waiting for us.”
She doesn’t say anything else, just moves at a brisk pace down the hallway.
“Why is the Dean wanting to see me?” I ask, rushing to keep up with her.
“Such a lucky omega.” She says again, almost as if she’s chanting it. That knot in my stomach gets tighter, and I can feel the anxiety trying to claw its way out of me.
“So why am I being called to see the Dean?” I ask again, still trying to keep up with her pace as she rounds the corner, the office looming just ahead of us. She doesn’t answer me. Instead, she starts humming.
That’s definitely not crazy.
When we get to the door, she stops then turns to face me. “Such a big day. You’re a very lucky omega.” That’s all she says again, like a broken record, before knocking on the door, and opening it, standing back to let me inside.
The Dean gestures toward a seat in front of him. “River, please take a seat.”
I drop my bookbag to the floor, slowly lowering myself into the seat. It’s then I notice the man standing off in the corner. The same one from the car. He’s gazing back at me with eyes that are cold and intense. He lifts his hand, pushing his hair out of his eyes, and steps toward me, sitting down in the chair right beside me. Now that I can see him up close, his scent over powering me I can see him clearer. While outward he’s good looking, his aura gives off nothing but pure darkness.
“River, this is Elliott Hartman.” I quickly turn my head to the man, gulping as he gazes at me, his tongue gliding across his teeth as he takes me in. “He told me of the amazing news of your upcoming mating with his pack. Since you have met all therequirements to graduate and have found your pack, there is no need for you to continue your schooling.”
“Whh…what do you mean?” My pulse is racing, and all I want to do is run, but fear and the waves of alpha dominance swarming in the room has me settled firmly in place.
“What he means, little guinea pig, is that you’re leaving with me.” His hand reaches out, gripping my thigh just above my knee, squeezing firmly. “And coming home to be with your future pack.”
Chapter 7
River
My throat closes up before I even realize it. The words I yearned to say were there, clawing to get out, but nothing—only a strangled gasp that burns like smoke in my chest. My tongue feels heavy, my lips numb, almost as if fear itself has stolen my voice, keeping me from screaming that this isn’t what I want.The silence grows thicker, pressing around me like a suffocating fog.
“Aww, would you look at that. My little guinea pig is so excited she’s at a loss for words.” He moves behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders, gripping tightly as he lowers his head, his lips flush with my ear. “We’re going to have so much fun breaking you,” he whispers for only me to hear. When did he stand up? How did I not notice it? Was I frozen in fear?
“No,” slips softly from my lips.
Elliott steps out from behind my chair and reaches out to shake the Dean’s hand.
“Thank you for all the tutelage from your fine institution to ensure our little omega is the best for our pack.” “Of course. It was our honor. I can’t help but say we are a bit shocked that analpha with your prestigious background chose an omega from, shall I say, a less desirable family. Are you and your pack sure of your choice? We do have other candidates that may be more suitable for breeding.”
Please….
Choose someone else. Anyone else but me.
I keep my lips pressed firmly together as tears well in my eyes.
“No, thank you. River is everything we want. And while this little chat has been lovely, I believe it’s time for us to go.”
My stomach lurches at the sound of those words, my hands trembling in my lap as I focus on trying to catch my breath.
“Come, River,” his alpha growl bearing down on me to obey.
Reaching down, I pick up my bag. Slowly, I rise, telling myself, I can do this. I can find a way out of this.
When he takes me home, I’ll fake needing to go to the bathroom, and I’ll climb out the window and run. I’ll get as far away as I can, and I’ll call Storm. I should've told him last night what Dad did, but I didn’t. Fuck if I don’t regret it now.
