Page 1 of The Librarian and Her Alphas

PROLOGUE

Lena

“Ouch,” I say as Zorin’s hand wraps tightly around my hip as we enter the mansion. I try not to cry out at how hard he’s gripping me, and I’m scared it might leave a bruise.

The grandeur of the mansion hosting the Omega-Alpha Ball takes my breath away.

I’ve never been to an event like this before, and I can’t believe my alphas finally allowed me to attend after keeping me at home for years. The high ceilings adorned with crystal chandeliers make the ballroom seem like it’s from a fairy tale.

“Stay here,” Zorin commands, his tone cold and unyielding as he, Aleks, Raul, and Thomas abandon me to get drinks.

I watch them walk away, laughing with each other, leaving me alone amid swirling colors and the soft rustle of silk.

Nervously, I adjust the mask on my face to make it more comfortable.

Everyone is wearing one, but mine feels like it’s suffocating me since my alphas have abandoned me on the sidelines of the dance floor.

I bite my lip and wring my gloved hands, feeling the weight of embarrassment settle in my chest.

My eyes dart around the room as I try to look like I belong there. I hadn’t belonged anywhere, especially since I had chosen to stay with Zorin and his pack instead of living on Howl’s Edge Island with my family. My sisters weren’t happy with my decision to stay with Zorin, but I assured them a million times that I was fine.

Suddenly, an alpha with curly red hair peeking out from beneath his mask approaches me with a smile.

“Beautiful event, isn’t it?” he says, his voice warm and inviting.

“Y-yes,” I stammer, relieved to have someone to talk to. Being alone was embarrassing for any omega. “It’s my first time being here. It’s amazing.”

“Well, let me tell you,” he says, smiling. “It’s the same old thing, over and over.”

I laugh, feeling more at ease in his company.

But my happiness is short-lived when Zorin’s sharp gaze falls on me from across the room—a silent reminder of his dominance over me.

My heart pounds faster with fear. The only reason I was still with him was the thought that he would change and love me again like he used to.

Every omega’s dream is to be marked by her pack, and everything would be a million times better. I just have to be patient with Zorin.

“Are you alright there?” the red-haired alpha asks, concern lacing his words when he sees my laughter die on my lips.

“Uh, yes,” I reply, forcing a smile and trying to remove myself from his presence, but he suddenly takes my hand.

“How about a dance?” he asks. His green eyes are sparkling from behind the mask, and I can’t help but feel the compulsion from the alpha that omegas were never immune to.

“Sure,” I say, not wanting to be rude, even though I don’t want my alpha to get even madder.

Confusion swirls through my mind as we dance. It’s my first time leaving the house after pleading with Zorin to accompany him. I should take advantage and have fun while I’m out.

But I can’t shake the feeling that Zorin is waiting for me to make a mistake.

The laughter and music of the ball fade into the background as my heart races in my chest while the red-haired alpha tries to converse with me.

* * *

After we dance,the stranger alpha pulls out his phone and shows me a funny video, our shoulders touching as we lean closer to watch. Being with a kind friend like him is like a balm to my frayed nerves, and for a moment, I forget about Zorin’s disapproving glare.

“Tell me about your pack,” he asks curiously, shooting me a smile. I can’t help but feel drawn to his calm demeanor—so different from the harshness I’ve grown accustomed to.

“Well,” I hesitate, unsure if I should reveal too much. But something about him makes me want to trust him. “My alphas...they haven’t bonded with me. None of them has marked me. I think it’s because I haven’t been able to get pregnant.”

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