Page 25 of No Escape

My jaw falls. “No way. You don’t get to make that call.”

“I know what my partner will or won’t be interested in. I don’t see any benefit in wasting my time.”

“You’re a total asshole.”

“I’ve heard much worse than that, pet.” He shrugs. “It doesn’t make the reality of the situation any different, I’m afraid.”

“It does. I’m not taking no for an answer. I intend to make a deal with your alpha. Your approval isn’t needed.” I huff, rip my hand away, and take off in the direction I assume the cafeteria is located.

What’s that old saying?

Fake it until you make it.

I guess that’s where I am in life.

* * *

The cafeteria is eerily quiet by the time Omen and I make it back to the spacious room. The tables remind me of the ones we had at my high school, with circular attached seats.

Various groups sit in clusters, picking at their food while others stand about, talking among themselves.

My heart races when I spot Maggie. She pushes herself out of her seat but doesn’t make any move toward me.

Omen’s arm wraps around my neck, and his hand dangles down my front. He wiggles his fingers until I interlock mine in his.

It feels a lot like a lifeline, with all the heads swiveling to stare straight at us.

He chuckles darkly. “Maggie, I hate to say it, but frankly…you’re bloody terrible at keeping track of your things.”

She bristles, but again, doesn’t make a move to rescue me.

Not that I want to be saved.

Valor sits at one of the circular tables with a massive, tattooed hand covering his right eye. The back of that hand has a black skull with a smoky design that goes down the tops of his fingers. Much like Omen, he also has a tattoo covering the front of his neck, but his is a grim reaper. The tendrils of smoke wrap back around his neck and up to his jaw.

He doesn’t look pleased to see me.

Or maybe he’s not fond of seeing his bonded mate with his arm dangling between your tits?

The massive alpha shoves himself up from his seat and stomps closer, still blocking his eye from view. His eyebrow is busted, and his nose has a gash across the bridge that makes me grimace.

His scowl is so intense that I attempt to back up.

Omen bumps me with his chest, keeping me from retreating. “Remember, pet, you wanted this.”

Valor, who I have yet to be introduced to, comes to a stop directly in front of me.

I’m not short for a woman.

Five-nine is a decent height, but the rabid alpha towers over me in a way that makes me squirm. Only, Omen is still immediately behind me, and I end up grinding my ass against his thighs.

Clearing my throat, I refocus on my best hope of surviving this hellhole. “Thank you for saving me. Are you okay?”

Omen snorts, his chest shaking against my back. “Should I fetch you a plaster? What do Americans call those?” He snaps with his free hand. “Band-Aids! Shall I find you one?”

Valor growls, tilting his head as he finally pulls his hand away from his face.

I frown.

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