Page 14 of The Librarian and Her Alphas

She shrugs noncommittally, tucking another strand of hair behind her ears. Her leg begins to bounce ever so slightly, the hem of her dress inching over her thighs with each movement.

“Do you see your family often? I’m sure it must be great to all live so close together,” I say gently, trying to coax her into sharing more. The pink blush on her face deepens with her silence, and I watch her curiously, wondering if there’s more to her story.

Just then, a strange scent hits my nose, and I tilt my head slightly, sniffing the air. It’s sweet but mingled with something I can’t quite identify.

Max and Gunnar also seem to notice the smell.

They exchange puzzled glances before looking at me, their nostrils flaring as they take it in. I glance at Lena and see her biting her lip, her brow furrowed in anxiety.

Then it hits me.

The smell is Lena’s scent.

She’s nervous, and the more anxious she becomes, the stronger her scent grows. And right now, it’s bordering on overpowering.

She’s an omega.

* * *

Lena

“Um,so how about you guys? Where are you all from?” I ask, desperately trying to change the subject. I place a hand on my knee to stop my leg from shaking with nervousness.

My scent is rising, but I can’t just leave abruptly. Not yet, or else it’ll make them wonder.

“Lived here all our lives,” says Damon, raising an eyebrow at the sudden change in conversation.

“How about girlfriends?” I ask, and Max chuckles.

“Not in years,” says Max, winking at me as he pops a health bar into his mouth. Suddenly, I remember as I look into his eyes.

It hits me like a lightning bolt.

He’s the alpha from four years ago at the dance. He’s the alpha I talked to before Zorin yanked me away from him.

Shaken, I grab a chocolate chip cookie from the packet on the coffee table.

I need something to do with my hands, and I need to fill my mouth to make sure I don’t say anything I shouldn't. The cookie is stale and slightly bland, but it's better than nothing.

I know it’shim, his voice and humor.

Even the hint of his warm cinnamon scent is there. Even though we both wore masks during the party, I knew it was him, and I would be embarrassed if he knew I was the helpless omega that night.

I focus on the barely-there flavor of the chocolate chips, flinching when Max’s knee brushes against mine. He makes me nervous—they all do—and I don’t understand the electricity that seems to pulse between us.

My pussy clenches as slick gathers between my inner thighs.

But suddenly, I glance up to find all three alphas watching me intently. They have serious expressions, and Damon’s eyebrows are drawn together in thought. Max shifts slightly next to me again, and I hear his sharp intake of breath.

My stomach sinks.

Based on their reactions, my inhibitors and scent blockers are starting to wear off. Panic pools in my gut when I notice my vanilla scent getting stronger in the presence of these alphas.

I can’t be around them anymore. I need to hide.

“Gosh, I’m suddenly exhausted,” I say, jumping from the couch. Their eyes follow me as I smooth down my dress. “I think I’ll head to the other section of the library to get some rest. I’ll leave the snacks with you in case you get hungry. Goodnight!”

“Lena,” Damon tries to protest, but I quickly rush away before they can stop me. I power-walk toward the back of the library and into the storage room.

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