“Wasn't this…”
“No. It wasn’t. And if you think either of us is done with you, you have another thing coming.”
They fucked me unconscious, until my throat was hoarse, and I could barely move. Even now, there’s still a tremor running through my body, my legs threatening to give out. No one is allowed anywhere near my pussy for at least two days. Or my ass. God, they knotted me so many times, my sorry ass crying out for me as they owned me, used me,loved me.
I run my finger across my lip, a shiver running down my spine as Hawk seemingly responds across the bond. He’s been trying to kiss me most of the morning and when Gray found out, he’s made it his mission to make me fall apart. My only saving grace was Sofie laughing at me and Lance telling her that she was going to suffer the same fate.
And now, we’re here, dressed in clothing that’s worth more than my entire salary. I glance over at the glittery gown Sofie chose out of Gray’s options. Her eyes just about jumped out of her head as she saw it and I knew she’d pick it over anything else. It wasn’t even about standing out. It was the fact that it was shiny and I don’t blame her. It’s gorgeous.
I glance over to see her giggling into her phone, no doubt messaging Camila. It’s been wonderful seeing her bloom right alongside me, the two of them thick as thieves all over again. We’ll squirrel away somewhere and bother Camila until Sofie shoos me away, saying that she needs to talk to her privately. There’s been a time or two our Alphas or Camila’s have had to end the call, saying it was time for bed. Sofie and I always end up grinning at each other like teenagers caught sneaking out, but there’s comfort in knowing that even if everything else feels uncertain, this—us, here, now—is steady.
And now, we’re about to hopefully end this saga of whatever bastard is messing with my family.
“Ready for this Sofie?” I ask, my Omega crawling off the bed to stand beside me. I turn to lean down and kiss her, a spark of lust drifting through the bond, slamming into me all at once. Apparently, it doesn’t matter who kisses me before I go all weak-kneed, Sofie’s scent sweetening as she pulls away from me.
She lets out a little moan, a frustrated growl following. “This is highly inconvenient. I just want to kiss you. Why do I now need sex?”
I snort at her scrunched up nose, pulling her against my chest. “Welcome to the world of being an Omega, baby. But hey, now it’s almost like a beacon. We don’t even have to call them. Just come find me and I’m sure one or all of them will come running.” I have too many goddamn plans on how I’m going to weaponize Hawk’s bite against him.
He’s in a meeting, needing to stay focused? Not anymore. The bastard on the phone with a client? Great time for a distraction. On the way home, stuck in traffic? I’m going to torture the shit out of him. Hell, I’m going to do the same with Gray too.
Five minutes later, we’re touring the open hallways and show rooms that are kept locked off for the most part. Puma took us on a tour and I was awed by how much room this estate has and how little the four Alphas actually use. In fact, they kind of just exist in that one wing for the most part. We weave in and around tables crowded with finger foods, fancy hors d’oeuvres that look like they belong in some upscale downtown restaurant and delicate pastries that Sofie’s already been eyeing since they appeared this morning.
Somewhere, a string quartet plays an elegant, muted piece—nothing too heavy, just a faint backdrop to the low murmur of voices drifting through the rooms. I’ve never seen this many people here at once. Caterers in crisp uniforms dart back and forth, setting trays on pristine white linens, whispering about when to serve what. They move like a well-oiled machine, even as the occasional laugh or clink of silverware breaks the illusion of total order. Guests are already starting to arrive, slipping into the main hall as they enter. They’re grabbing champagne and whispering away as they point toward paintings I’ve never seen. I’ve been so fucking focused on building this life with my mates that I kind of forgot how much wealth and beauty is in this house.
Paintings cover the walls, all carefully spaced, perfectly lit. Each one is unique—bold strokes, intricate details, colors that seem to shift and shimmer the longer you stare. And there’s more than just paintings. Sculptures sit on pedestals, their marble and bronze surfaces gleaming under the soft lighting. Photographs, too—large black-and-white prints that manage to feel both modern and timeless. The house has been transformed into a gallery, every room an exhibition.
I’m awed at how much is here and how little Puma boasts his wealth. There’s a regal air to almost everything he does but he doesn’t wear what he’s worth on his sleeve. It’s only when you actually see it do you realize how deep it goes.
“God, look at this one.” I stop in front of a massive piece—a swirl of blues and silvers, the brushstrokes chaotic and precise at the same time. Sofie’s standing just behind me, leaning on my shoulder as she stares at it. “It’s like… it’s like the ocean at night, you know?”
She giggles. “I have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about. But you’re happy, so I love it.”
I elbow her lightly, smiling. “I’m serious, baby. You don’t see it? It’s all dark and stormy and—”
“I see pretty colors,” she cuts in, laughing. “And I see you totally geeking out over this stuff.”
“Whatever,” I mutter, though I can’t help the grin tugging at my lips. I move on to the next piece, then the next, pointing things out to her as she follows along. Art has never truly been my thing. I never wanted it to factor into my profession but I realize I’ve fallen in love with it, even more so because it’s my Alphas’ world. “This one—look at the texture here. You can actually see the layers of paint. It’s almost sculptural.”
She hums, tilting her head as if considering it. “It’s nice. You’re learning lots of big words from Gray,” she says, then shrugs. “But you know what? I’d rather look at you.”
I roll my eyes. “You’re impossible.”
She just grins. And it’s that grin, that warmth, that makes everything feel lighter. We lose track of time wandering like that until we circle back around to the living room. It’s like we’ve interrupted some kind of Alpha pow-wow. Gray, Puma, Lance, and Hawk are all standing there, looking like they’ve stepped out of the pages of some absurdly high-end fashion magazine. Even Gray, who usually has that whole laid-back, “I don’t give a fuck” vibe, is in a tailored suit, hair brushed out and neat. For a moment, I just blink at them, because damn, they’re a sight to behold.
Gray’s the first to break the silence, his lips curving into that boyish, mischievous grin he always has when he’s about to say something that’ll get him into trouble. “I thought girls take forever to dress up and pamper,” he teases. “You guys got ready faster than we did.”
Sofie gasps, spinning in her dress to show it off. The fabric flares out slightly before falling perfectly into place again. “Are you saying I’m not pretty without makeup?” she asks, wide-eyed and all mock-hurt. It’s impossible not to smile at her theatrics, the way she’s got everyone’s attention in an instant.
Gray’s grin falters as he tries to backpedal. “What? No! That’s not what I meant—”
I can’t help but laugh at his stumbling. Poor guy walked right into that one. Before he can dig himself in deeper, I step forward, sliding an arm around Sofie’s waist and pulling her close. “You’re perfect,” I say, my voice soft but sure. “Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Sofie beams up at me as I steal a kiss, loving the way my Alphas grumble at the heat that blooms between the six of us. I already know that one of them is going to try and start something as I pull away, shaking my head. “We have a party to attend. One that you all are throwing. No funny business.”
Hawk’s already wiggling his eyebrows and I know that I’ll be paying for it later. Puma steps up to us, the warm smile on his face tortured by the weight of the cases against the Ashford Pack. “You both look gorgeous and I can’t wait to show everyone the women we’ve brought into our pack.” He runs his fingers along his bite on my shoulder at the same time he touches Sofie’s pack bond. “I just ask one thing of you. Stay beside one of us at all times. As much as I think the culprit will be here just for flair, I need to make sure you two are protected.”
“Absolutely.” There’s no hesitation in my voice. I don’t want a repeat of Marion and I’m no longer going off to be a martyr. There’s going to be security here and a few officers as well as Banks. There’s no need to be a hero. The only point of this party is to lure them out of the shadows.