Page 129 of Knot What She Seems
Immediately, I want to turn tail and scratch this whole thing.
But instead, I find myself herded through the wrought iron gate in front of Darling…which might as well be the gate to my own personal hell.
46
BRYLEE
The ballroom has been completely transformed.It always looks amazing during one of these events, but I swear they went all out tonight.
Only the best for the heroic crown prince.
The room is bathed in soft, golden light that casts an inviting glow across the floor. Tall crystal chandeliers hang from the high vaulted ceiling, their gleaming crystals catching the light and scattering it in every direction. The polished marble floors reflect the movement of the guests, their elegant gowns and sharp suits gliding effortlessly across the space. The walls are adorned with delicate tapestries and gilded mirrors. Velvet curtains frame the tall windows, which open to a view of a beautifully manicured garden outside, shrouded in moonlight.
When I enter and descend the grand staircase, every head swivels in my direction. Whispers ripple through the crowd, and more than a few omegas titter and point at me.
A flush crawls up my neck and settles in my cheeks, which suddenly heat a million degrees.
“This is horrible,” I hiss under my breath. I don’t know if I’m speaking to Colter, who stands to the right of me, or Sam on my other side.
Both men snort.
“I thought you were used to things like this,” Sam says with a chuckle. “You know, being the center of attention and all that.”
“This is different,” I retort as I begin to descend the staircase. At first, I move gracefully, practically gliding down the carpeted stairs, before realizing that I’m Teddie, not Brylee.
Walk manly, Brylee. Walk manly.
I try to emulate Colter—swinging my arms in time with my hips—but I probably just look stupid or like I’m seizing. I’m just grateful I don’t trip over my own two feet and face-plant on the ground.
There’s a brief touch on the small of my back—Colter—and I take comfort in his presence, in his support. I know he won’t let me fall.
Almost as soon as my feet touch the floor, the vultures descend.
Because this is a ball, the normal social rules about omegas keeping their eyes down and waiting for alphas to approach are relaxed. “Ball” is actually just a euphemism for mate market. And these women are out shopping with the kind of ferocity usually reserved for Black Friday.
“Teddie, hi! I don’t know if you remember me, but we met a few years back.” An omega I belatedly recognize from one of my classes sidles up beside me, twirling a strand of white-blonde hair around her finger. “Tiffany, remember?”
I clear my throat and work to lower my voice an octave. “Err…yes. Hello.”
“Teddie, you look so handsome,” Elena Parker coos, all but shoving Colter out of the way to stand beside me. She places a manicured hand on my arm and begins to caress it the way you would a dog. “Have you been working out?”
“Errr…”
“Can I get you anything to drink, Your Highness?” Another omega stands in front of me, her breasts practically spilling out of her dress in a way I know is intentional. We literally have an entire class on how to dress to entice alphas. She bites down on her lower lip and begins to absently trace the pendant dangling between her cleavage. Again, another intentional move, designed to draw the eye.
I desperately turn toward Colter with wide eyes, resisting the urge to mouth, “Help me.”
The bastard simply smirks and folds his arms over his chest.
There’ll be no help from him.
More and more omegas brush against me, and I begin to feel overwhelmed. A cold sweat gathers on the base of my neck.
“All right! Back away from my man, girls.” Harper’s voice precedes the woman herself pushing through the crowd and moving to stand beside me. She immediately wraps her hands around my arm, her grip both possessive and protective.
“Yourman?” Elena places a hand on her hip and gives Harper a dismissive once-over.
Harper straightens nearly imperceptibly and casts the other omega a flinty glare. “Yes,myman. Is there a problem?”
