Page 84 of No Escape

I never got that choice, and at the same time, I don’t regret meeting Valor and Omen. It’s strange because we barely know each other, but my instincts are convinced they’re mine. That rabid alpha and unhinged beta are meant to be a part of my pack, and I don’t care what anyone else thinks or has to say about it.

“We all have a sob story. Why else would you agree to this? My sister is ill. There’s an experimental treatment in Poland, but…” She shrugs. “There is no guarantee it will work. The worst part is not knowing. What could a card or telephone call hurt?”

I frown.

I’m guessing if she found out her sister took a turn for the worse, she would ask to be released. Or knowing the treatment was effective, she might be less likely to renew for another year.

“And the others, they got the same offer?” I ask, grimacing when I realize how much I suck at discretion.

“I would assume so.” She turns to face me, and her long hair falls over my arm as she moves. “If you’re hoping to negotiate…” She lowers her tone even farther. “I wouldn’t. If you haven’t spent any of their money, they may release you, but you don’t want to push those men. You look like a sweet girl. You’ve already found protectors.” Her face breaks out into a dangerous smile. “More than once by the looks of it. Let nature take its course and be done with this place. That’s my advice for you.”

Her peachy scent hits my nose, and it’s not a pleasant experience. It takes everything in me not to bristle at being told I look like asweet girl.

“Why were you crying on your first day here?” I ask, studying her face.

Her dark eyes narrow but she shrugs. “Why did you run? It’s one thing to hear about it, but it’s quite another to be released into the serpent’s pit, isn’t it?” With that, she walks back to the table of omegas.

She seemed annoyed.

I probably would be too.

Well, at least I tried.

Sighing, I step over to the refrigerator that has sandwiches and salads. I’m still not hungry, but I know they’ll lock us in the cell at eight and there won’t be a chance to run out and grab food if I’m starving.

I pick up a bag from the area where I found the turkey sandwiches the other day and peek inside. There’s a snack-size container of chips in a brand I don’t recognize, a sandwich, and a juice box. It’ll be perfect for a late-night snack if my appetite magically comes back.

They really should include cookies or sweets.

Don’t they want to keep the omegas happy?

If they’re paid…I guess they probably don’t care if they’re content.

I pull my arm out of the way and the door to the refrigerator closes loudly as I spin around.

“Would you look at that, Max? It seems we’ve found a pet without its owner.” The voice belongs to Edwin, the man who stopped to talk shit to Omen when we were handling the laundry.

My chest gets tight.

Was that really only earlier today? It feels like years have passed since then.

“She’s due to be rehomed,” the guy who must be Max says, laughing obnoxiously.

“Edwin.” I offer a tight smile. “Max. I’m sure you can find someone interested in your unfailing charm.” I frown, gesturing at my chest with my free hand. “That person isn’t me, but I’m sure you can find someone.”

Someone very desperate, I add silently.

“The beta’s sass seems to have rubbed off on you.” Max takes a step into my path and crosses his arms over his chest. “We’re generously offering to protect you while Valor rots in solitary.”

“No, I got that. I’m just not interested.” I step to the side to try to get by him, but he moves with me.

Edwin chuckles. “You seemed to like it when Valor took the approach of tossing you over his shoulder and carrying you to his room. Do you like to play coy, pet?”

I shiver.

No part of me likes hearing him call me that.

It’s special now.

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