Page 4 of Binding Breanna

“My muscle?” I listen carefully, wishing I had asked my doctor to go over the kit like she offered.

“Just pop it into the top of your thigh,” he says, as if it’s that easy.

“Do you know what the other one is?” I ask, pointing to the milky white liquid.

“It’s a sedative,” he says. “And my doctor told me it’s a pretty strong one. So don’t use it unless you have to.” He sits back up, smiling wide. “My name’s Ash.” He extends his hand.

“Breanna.” I shake his hand, loving how warm his skin is. My fingers are like ice. “So…” I lick my lips, hoping I’m not about to ask anything too forward, “Did you use this service last year?”

“I did.” Ash sits a little taller. It’s almost as if he’s proud to admit it. “Of course, the damn Alphas were sneaky about what we were signing up for, but it all worked out. Don’t worry,” he says, taking in the tension between my brows. “Now that everyone knows about Game Night, it’s got to be safer.”

A thousand thoughts rush through my head, and I lean toward him. “Was it worth it?” I whisper, as if someone is listening in. Even if they were, would it matter? “Did you regret it?”

“It wasdefinitelyworth it.” Ash’s eyes flash with excitement. “I got fifty thousand credits last year, and you have no idea how happy I am that that number went up.” He hitches his thumb toward the ceiling. “After tonight, I’ll be set, and I won’t have to do this again.”

A nervous laugh bubbles from my throat. “Two hundred and fifty thousand is a lot of money.”

“Oh!” Ash’s eyes go wide as if surprised at the amount. “You must be a virgin.” He gives me a knowing smirk.

My face burns red hot as I nod, the motion jerky. I don’t know why it embarrasses me so much.

“I’m getting a hundred thousand, but I’ll get a bonus if my heat starts,” Ash says as if he’s excited about the prospect. I had a shot to prevent my heat from starting, so I won’t have to worry about days on end of suffering once the night ends. “I signed up last year for a romantic dinner date with an Alpha,” Ashcontinues, rolling his eyes at the obvious lie. “I did it to help with my sister’s medical bills—she broke her leg, and it has caused all kinds of issues,” he adds as if making casual conversation. “The whole thing has been really stressful and expensive, but tonight should cover what’s left of the bills with a bit left over.” His voice drops as he says, “My parents are against me doing this again, but we don’t have any other options. They’re both betas, working in the service industry. They don’t make much.”

I nod again, not sure what to say. “I wish I had a noble reason like that.”

“Yeah?” Ash sits back in his chair, looking very relaxed. “What’s your reason?”

“I want to get away from my family.” I give him a sad look. “There’s an Alpha that’s approached them, interested in mating me. But there’s something about him that I just don’t care for.” Deep fear grips my chest as I think about his stern demeanor and lust-filled gaze. “They don’t care that I don’t like him.” I lower my lashes, staring at my lap. “They just like that he has a powerful job and will open a lot of doors for them.”

“Hey now….” Ash rests his warm hand on my forearm. I’m so cold. This building holds no warmth. “Helping yourself is just as noble as helping someone else.”

I lean into his friendly aroma, letting it settle my nerves. “I wish there was a service where you could pay an Alpha to give you a mating bite, then go away.” I let out a nervous laugh. It’s reckless to say something so bold out in the open, but thankfully, Ash giggles, quickly agreeing with me.

“Alphas are so ridiculous.” He rolls his eyes. “One little mark on your neck from another Alpha, and they suddenly don’t see you as mating material,” he says the last few words with a mocking tone, mimicking the articles and TV shows that advertise the best way to attract a good Alpha.

“As far as I’m concerned, the best Alpha is one that leaves me alone,” I say, feeling a little bold. “But I’m twenty-two and unmated. It’s only a matter of time before an Alpha snatches me up…whether I want it or not.”

Ash nods as if he understands.

“Breanna Clark?” A beta appears around the corner, and all the breath flies out of me in one whoosh. It’s the same middle-aged beta that has come to collect each omega one by one. He’s wearing a worn brown suit, and he’s got a shiny bald head with a cigar hanging out of his mouth. “Breanna?” He looks from the tablet in his hand to me.

“Yes.” I grab my book bag and force myself to stand. My knees shake as I walk, and for a moment, I honestly think about running.

“This way.” He wraps his hand around my upper arm, pulling me down the long hallway. His grip is firm, almost as if he knows I don’t want to be here anymore. “Do you have your paperwork?” He releases me right in front of the elevators, tucking the tablet under one arm.

Trying like hell to gather my courage, I pull my doctor’s note out of my book bag. It’s a bit crumpled.

The bald man takes his time looking over my paperwork which confirms I’m untouched. After what feels like an eternity, he finally nods, shoving it into his jacket’s breast pocket. Then he looks me up and down before grabbing the tablet and typing something out.

“Verify your account number.” He turns the screen to me.

I squint at the numbers along the top, then zero in on the deposited amount: 250,000 credits. My heart pounds, excitement and relief pumping hard in my veins. “That’s right.”

The bald beta nods once, then taps the screen. “Transferred.” He shows me the tablet once more, and there it is. That whole beautiful amount is sitting in my bank account. Freedom.

“Ready?” he asks, and just like that, all of my relief vanishes, and fear takes hold once again.

“Yes,” I force the word from my throat, then glance at the elevators. I try to remember all the sexy things I want to say and the flirty ways I need to move. “Where will I—” Something pinches my arm, making me yip.

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