Page 45 of Omega in Love
I'm so focused on Brookes that I almost miss when the conversation shifts, the subtle change in energy that has my protective instincts humming.
"—just got confirmation that we closed down another trafficking ring in Georgia last week," Charlotte is saying, her voice taking on the edge it always does when she discusses her pack's personal agenda. Her fingers tighten around her glass. "Seventeen Omegas rescued, plus three Betas they were using as handlers. The place was. . .well, exactly what you'd expect from these monsters."
The mood in the room shifts subtly, a current of seriousness running beneath the lighthearted surface. Dante straightens from where he'd been leaning against the wall, suddenly alert.
"The youngest was fourteen," Teagan adds quietly. "Trafficked across three state lines before we could intercept. Poor kid was so drugged up he couldn't remember his own name the first day after rescue."
Brookes goes very still, his fingers tightening around his glass until I worry it might shatter. I take a half-step closer, instinctively positioning myself where he can feel my presence without being crowded. I don't touch him, but I make sure he knows I'm there.
"They'll need witnesses for the prosecution," Josiah remarks, all business now. He's retrieved his tablet somehow, fingers already moving across the screen. "Evidence is solid, but testimony always strengthens the case. Especially from someone with public recognition."
"That's actually why I wanted to talk to you, Brookes," Charlotte says carefully, her voice gentler than before. "Not about this case specifically, but about Blaine. Believe me. It's thelast name I want to fall from my lips." She reaches toward him but stops short of touching, waiting for permission.
The name hangs in the air like smoke. I resist the urge to step between them, to shield Brookes from having to discuss this. My muscles tense, ready to intervene, to clear the room, to do whatever he needs. That's not my call to make. I breathe deeply, forcing my protective instincts back under control.
Brookes takes a slow breath, and I know he's using Hero's counting technique again. Four in, four out. I can almost count along with him. When he speaks, his voice is steady despite the slight tremor in his hands that only someone watching as closely as I am would notice.
"I'll testify." Two simple words that carry the weight of mountains. "Whatever you need me to do. If my face and name can help put these bastards away, then I will use it."
Charlotte reaches for his hand, squeezing gently. "Are you sure? It won't be easy. The press will be merciless, and the defense attorneys worse. They'll try to make light of what was done to you. I worry they will try to explain away why I was taken. But we can testify together." Her concern is evident, but there's pride there too.
"I'm sure." Brookes meets her eyes, and I see something fierce there, something unbroken despite everything. His chin lifts slightly, that familiar determination I've come to admire. "They don't get to win. Not Blaine, not any of them. If you can do it, I can too. We're not hiding anymore." The roses in his scent sharpen with resolve.
The room falls silent, a moment of collective understanding passing between us all. I feel an overwhelming surge of pride mixed with a fierce protectiveness that makes my chest ache. This is Brookes choosing to fight back in his own way. My hand instinctively moves to his shoulder, a silent promise of support.
"Well," Beaux breaks the silence, raising his glass with a solemnity that belies his usual playfulness, "I think that deserves a toast. To brave hearts and braver friends." The sunlight catches in his glass, sending prisms dancing across the walls.
"And to making bastards pay," Moses adds with a grin that's all teeth, predatory and fierce. The room fills with the sound of glasses clinking together.
As glasses clink and conversation gradually returns to lighter topics, I catch Brookes’ eye as he looks over his shoulder at me. He offers me a small smile, private and genuine, a moment of connection amid the chaos. I return it, letting him see in that moment everything I can't say aloud, my pride, my support, my unwavering presence. I'm here. Always. Whatever comes next, we will face it.
Chapter 20
Dante
The click of the penthouse door echoes through the vast space, signaling the departure of Charlotte and Pack Hudson. The silence that follows is both a relief and an opportunity. I turn to Brookes, his scent of fresh roses filling the air, a sweet contrast to the tension that's been lingering. His brown eyes meet mine, a mix of exhaustion and apprehension swirling within them. I know what he needs, what we all need, a distraction, a release, a reminder of what we mean to each other.
I step closer, my voice low, "It's just us now, Petal."
He offers a small smile, a brave front, but I see the slight tremble in his hands as he runs them through his short black hair. "Just us," he echoes, his voice barely above a whisper.
Levi, ever the perceptive one, moves behind Brookes, his large hands gently resting on our Omega's shoulders. Brookes leans back into the touch, his eyes fluttering closed briefly. Levi's scent of warm vanilla mingles with Brookes' roses, creating a soothing aroma that fills the room. His fingers gently knead the tension out of Brookes' muscles, earning a soft sigh.
Hero, standing a few feet away, watches the interaction with a soft gaze. His hazel eyes meet mine, and a silent understandingpasses between us. This is what Brookes needs—us, his Alphas, to ground him, to pleasure him, to love him.
I reach out, cupping Brookes’ cheek, my thumb gently stroking his smooth skin. His eyes open, locking onto mine. The openness in his gaze strikes me deeply, and I feel a surge of protectiveness and desire. "Let us take care of you, Petal," I murmur.
His breath hitches, his pupils dilating slightly. He nods, a small, almost imperceptible movement, but it's all the consent we need.
Levi's hands slide down Brookes’ arms, his touch firm yet gentle. He leans down, his lips brushing against Brookes’ ear. "We've got you, Bloom," he whispers.
Brookes shivers, a soft gasp escaping his lips.
Hero steps closer, his hands reaching for the ties of Brookes’ robe. He slowly pulls them, his knuckles grazing against Brookes’ skin as he parts fabric, before pushing it off his shoulders. Brookes’ breath quickens, his chest rising and falling rapidly. Hero's eyes never leave Brookes’, his gaze intense, filled with a quiet strength and desire.
I step back, taking in the sight of Brookes standing between Levi and Hero. His lithe body is graceful, his brown skin flawless. The scars from his past are barely visible, a testament to his strength and resilience. I reach for my own shirt, pulling it off, my eyes never leaving Brookes.
Levi's hands slide down to Brookes’ waist, his fingers hooking into the waistband of his pants. He slowly pulls them down, revealing slim legs. Brookes steps out of his pants, his body now bare to us. His scent intensifies, the sweet aroma of his slick filling the room.
