Page 8 of Denied By the Alphas

“Hey there, I’m Axel,” one of the strangers said, holding out his hand. He was muscular, with short-cropped blond hair and warm blue eyes. His smile was welcoming, and I found myself smiling back despite my grumpiness as we shook hands. “Nice to meet you, Carmen.”

“Jaxon,” the other alpha, covered in tattoos, introduced himself, his eyes lingering on my lips. Jaxon was pretty good-looking, and it made my heart flutter just looking at his floppy brown hair covering one eye.

“Just to reiterate—I don't need any protection,” I announced to the pack at large. “Especially since I’ll be looking for a pack to mate with soon.”

At that, Tyler stopped in his tracks by the door, his back stiffening. He didn’t say anything, though, and continued on his way out.

“Bye then!” I shouted after him, slamming the door behind them.

Tyler

As I walked awayfrom Carmen's apartment, I was at a loss for words.

Seeing her so grown up and sexy, dressed in those loose, flowing pajamas with her hair framing her face, had left me breathless. My cock was hard as I remembered the scent of her—a scent I knew all too well. Her scent was like fresh limes, invigorating and intoxicating, and it had an undeniable effect on me.

“Damn, Carmen is hot as fuck,” Axel commented, breaking me out of my thoughts.

“She is,” Jaxon chimed in. “Did you notice how much stronger her scent got the longer we were there? She definitely felt something, too.”

“Do you think she’s open to us being her pack?”

“Enough,” I growled, cutting their conversation short. “We’re not mating her. Our only priority is making sure Henry doesn’t put his knot in her.”

The thought of that happening made my blood boil, and I vowed silently to myself that I would never let it occur. I’d protect Carmen, even if she didn’t want me to.

chapter 4

. . .

Carmen

Saturday arrived, and I was a nervous wreck as I sat in my living room, taking deep breaths to calm the panic rising in my chest.

I really didn’t want to go to Henry’s party, but I was all ready and waiting for Logan to pick me up so I didn’t end up going alone.

My black formal dress clung to my figure, the high slit up the side revealing a hint of my thighs. It was the plainest dress I owned, but I still felt uncomfortable that it might draw attention to me. I finished the look with simple black pumps and wore my hair loose around my shoulders after blow-drying.

As I waited for Logan and his pack to pick me up, I couldn’t help but wonder—what if I were Henry’s next omega?

The thought terrified me.

I wouldn’t know what to do if Henry had his sights on me. Even if I tried to escape, he was powerful and wealthy. He would find me.

Looking at the clock, my heart started racing as it got closer to the time Logan agreed to meet me. I didn’t regretasking him to accompany me; I needed a couple of strong alphas by my side to pretend I had a pack.

A knock on the door startled me, and I nearly tripped over my heels as I rushed to answer it.

Standing there, a smirk on his face, was Logan. He looked pretty good in a tailored suit that accentuated his lean, muscular frame. His wavy black hair was styled casually, giving him a dangerously attractive appeal.

“Can’t believe I’m going to this party from hell with you,” he said darkly, giving me a huge hug. “But I missed you, lady.”

“You’re so amazing for doing this,” I replied, hugging him tightly and feeling that warm connection I always had with him.

Griffin and Talon stood behind Logan, his packmates.

“Long time,” greeted Griffin, pulling me into a giant hug that nearly engulfed me.

“Hey, Grif,” I said, smiling. His hugs always gave me comfort during my down moments. He was a stout alpha of shorter stature with a toned body. His silvery-grey eyes seemed to look into my soul every time we talked, and his warm chocolate scent calmed me.

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