Page 5 of Not a Gift

I laugh loudly.“Nope.I am done with men for the foreseeable future.I have the worst taste.Besides, you know I don’t sleep around.”

“This isn’t about taste or even sleeping around,” Samantha interrupts.“This is about getting railed by a big, strong man and then walking away in the morning.It’s even better if you walk with a limp afterward or can’t walk at all.You know, get laid and get out.”

“It’s time to get rid of that virginity you cling to,” Hailey adds.

I’m not a virgin; I just don’t see the point.Why would I allow someone into my body so they can use it against me?I’ve seen how the Elite Alphas treat omegas and I prefer to have a life I choose, not to be locked up in a gilded cage to breed the next generation of asshole dragon shifters.

“Oh my God,” Bethany breathes.

“Don’t be such a prude,” Samantha bites out.“It’s just a one-night stand.”

“Not that.Over there.”She grabs Samantha’s jaw and directs her vision to the desired area.

“Sweet baby Jesus.If I weren’t married, I would ride that pony all night long,” Samantha moans, drawing laughter from all of us.

I can’t help but laugh with them.They are some of the best, most outspoken people I have ever met.Turning around in my seat, I try to see which of these poor males they are objectifying.It only takes me a moment to spot him.My mouth dries up, and my heart rate spikes.My palms grow sweaty, and I feel like a teenager again, worried about what my clothes and hair look like to other people.To him.I hate that he can take me back to that time without even looking at me.

“Oh, shit,” Pauline whisper-shouts.“We know that pony.”

The entire table devolves into a fit of giggles, but I don’t join.Our gazes connect, and I can’t seem to rip myself away from the dark hazel gaze that traps me.His gaze sears my soul, making my heart beat triple time.

Fucking Malichai Black.

Chapter Four

A Hero’s Return

Malichai

I have been back in the Capitol for all of an hour, and already I want to rip my hair out by the roots.My father is working on my last God-given nerve, and I have to leave before I punch him.Or maybe I’ll let my dragon out so he can rip his head off.It’s a fun thought, but not something I would ever do.

“Where are you going, Malichai?”he questions as I grab my keys off the table in the foyer.

“Out.”I make my way to the front door, fighting to hide my limp, my weakness, from his gaze.

“What do you meanout?”He sounds surprised.“We need to finish our conversation.”

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