Page 7 of Denied By the Alphas

“I know everything about you, Carmen,” he said, and I could see Tyler’s eyes flashing in the background. “It would make me really happy to see you there.”

I nodded wordlessly, my mouth dry.

He was acting like my presence at the party would be monumental for him. I couldn't fathom why he’d be interested in a poor omega like me. Then, just like that, he walked toward his waiting car. Tyler turned back one last time, his gaze lingering on me a moment longer before he followed Henry.

Quickly unlocking my door, I bolted inside and vowed never to leave my home again.

I couldn’t sleepthat night; my thoughts were still racing from the invitation and the fact that Tyler was working with Henry. I knew some loyalists would die for Henry, but others disagreed with him. My emotions were all over the place, so I decided to call my alpha friend Logan, even though it was three in the morning.

"Are youinsane? It’s three a.m.," Logan groaned when he answered the phone.

“Logan, listen,” I pleaded, my voice shaking. “Henry cameto my door tonight. He personally invited me to a party at his house this Saturday.”

“Wait, what?” His tone changed instantly from annoyance to alarm. “Are you sure?”

“Yes! Why would I lie about that?” I said, anxiety making me short-tempered. “He showed up with Tyler, of all people.”

“Shit,” Logan muttered. “This isn’t good, Carmen. If Henry went through all that trouble, he might be thinking about making you his omega.”

Dread rose within me at the realization.How could I be so dumb?Henry replaced his omegas all the time.

“Can you come to the party with me? Bring your pack if you want and any omega that you’re dating,” I said, desperate for any kind of protection from whatever Henry had planned.

“Fuck, Carmen, I can’t just take time off from painting,” Logan sighed, clearly hesitant. “And no, I’m not dating anyone.”

“Please, I need to show him that I have a pack,” I begged, on the verge of tears.

“Alright, alright," he relented. “I’ll be there.”

“Thank you,” I whispered before hanging up. The image of Henry's predatory gaze haunted me as I tried to fall asleep, shaken and uneasy.

The following day,I was jolted awake by a loud knocking on my door. Panic set in as I wondered if Henry had come to claim and mark me. Padding softly to the living room, my fear mounting with every step, I peeked through the peephole. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I saw Tyler standing outside.

“Shit,” I mumbled, racing to the kitchen to wash my face. I tied my messy hair into a ponytail with a scrunchie andglanced down at my polka-dotted pajama set. Tyler would probably think I was so immature when he saw my clothes. But who the hell cared what he thought anymore?

Flinging the door open, my heart pounded in my chest when I saw Tyler. He even looked taken aback for a moment.

“What do you want?” I snapped rudely, noticing his two packmates standing beside him. Their faces were unfamiliar; I’d never met them before.

“Can we come in?” Tyler asked, his voice serious. “We need to talk.”

“Sure,” I replied with a hard edge. They filed into my apartment, and I couldn't help but feel the tension in the air. I wondered what could possibly have brought Tyler here. “Why are you here?”

“Don’t go to the party,” he finally said, his expression grave.

I laughed, momentarily forgetting my nerves. “Why are you trying to control me now? I’m all grown up, you know.”

“Yes, I can see that,” he said, his gaze darkening as his eyes settled on my chest. “But it’s not that. I know Henry, and he’s dangerous for you.”

A pit formed in my stomach, knowing that he was right. But I wasn’t prepared to admit that to him.

“I’m going to go if I feel like it,” I said, crossing my arms over my chest, my face burning. “I don’t need your permission, and I don’t want to get on Henry’s bad side.”

Tyler’s jaw tensed as he looked at me. “My packmates Axel and Jaxon will be checking in on you often. Just to make sure you’re safe.”

“Safe from what?” My breath hitched, and I could feel the heat pooling between my legs as Tyler stared at me intently. “Why do you even care?”

He didn’t answer, instead getting up from the couchsilently.Jerk, I thought bitterly.Why would he care if I was Henry’s omega or not? He threw me away like I was nothing.

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