Chapter 4

chapter 4

. . .

Carmen

S aturday arrived, and I was a nervous wreck as I sat in my living room, taking deep breaths to calm the panic rising in my chest.

I really didn’t want to go to Henry’s party, but I was all ready and waiting for Logan to pick me up so I didn’t end up going alone.

My black formal dress clung to my figure, the high slit up the side revealing a hint of my thighs. It was the plainest dress I owned, but I still felt uncomfortable that it might draw attention to me. I finished the look with simple black pumps and wore my hair loose around my shoulders after blow-drying.

As I waited for Logan and his pack to pick me up, I couldn’t help but wonder—what if I were Henry’s next omega?

The thought terrified me.

I wouldn’t know what to do if Henry had his sights on me. Even if I tried to escape, he was powerful and wealthy. He would find me.

Looking at the clock, my heart started racing as it got closer to the time Logan agreed to meet me. I didn’t regret asking him to accompany me; I needed a couple of strong alphas by my side to pretend I had a pack.

A knock on the door startled me, and I nearly tripped over my heels as I rushed to answer it.

Standing there, a smirk on his face, was Logan. He looked pretty good in a tailored suit that accentuated his lean, muscular frame. His wavy black hair was styled casually, giving him a dangerously attractive appeal.

“Can’t believe I’m going to this party from hell with you,” he said darkly, giving me a huge hug. “But I missed you, lady.”

“You’re so amazing for doing this,” I replied, hugging him tightly and feeling that warm connection I always had with him.

Griffin and Talon stood behind Logan, his packmates.

“Long time,” greeted Griffin, pulling me into a giant hug that nearly engulfed me.

“Hey, Grif,” I said, smiling. His hugs always gave me comfort during my down moments. He was a stout alpha of shorter stature with a toned body. His silvery-grey eyes seemed to look into my soul every time we talked, and his warm chocolate scent calmed me.

“Hey, babe,” said Talon, who always seemed to be flirting with me even though I wasn’t their omega. His midnight-black hair and sharp green eyes, along with his vanilla scent, created a dangerous combination for any omega. I couldn’t help the clenching between my legs as I hugged him next. “You look stunning.”

“I’m trying not to be,” I said quickly. “I don’t want Henry getting the wrong idea.”

“What’s wrong with him?” he teased with a glimmer in his eye.

“He’s in his sixties,” I replied, rolling my eyes. “I’m not going to mess with him. ”

“So what’s the goal here?” asked Griffin, crossing his arms and looking ready for war.

“I just want to make an appearance and leave,” I said. “I just need to say hi to Henry, and then we can leave after hanging out for a little bit.”

“Sounds good,” said Griffin.

“We’re already a couple of hours late,” said Logan, glancing at his fancy watch. As a punctual alpha, he hated wasting time. I knew he’d rather be at home painting his masterpieces than babysitting me at a party. “Let’s go.”

Dread washed over me the moment we arrived at Henry’s home. It was essentially a mansion that towered over us. I had seen it once or twice but had never been inside.

Anxiety enveloped me as we walked between the imposing wrought-iron gates, guarded by stern-faced security personnel dressed in sleek black suits, adding to the air of exclusivity surrounding the event. Elegant guests milled about on the manicured lawn, their laughter and clinking glasses creating a tantalizing backdrop as we approached the entrance.

“Wow,” I breathed, linking my arm through Logan’s for support. “I’ve always wondered what it was like inside these parties.”

As we stepped into the lavish ballroom, I couldn't help but gawk at the opulence around us.

The room was bathed in warm, golden light that glinted off the polished marble floor and crystal chandeliers above. Alphas and omegas spun gracefully around the dance floor to the lilting strains of a waltz, while beta servants, dressed in crisp white shirts and black vests, circulated with trays of sparkling champagne flutes.

“This is actually a big deal,” Logan said. Griffin stood protectively at my other side while Talon trailed closely behind us.

The perfume of the omegas was overwhelming as they danced with their partners. Combined with the scent of alpha testosterone, it was making my head spin.

Amid the swirling crowd, I suddenly caught Tyler’s gaze from across the room. He looked utterly captivating in his dark suit, and the intensity of his stare made my stomach clench. My cheeks flushed hot with desire, and I tried to ignore the pull I felt towards him.

“Logan,” I said, nervously fidgeting with my dress. “I don’t think I even needed to come here. Henry probably won't even notice I’m here.”

“Well, it's too late now that you dragged me here,” he replied smoothly, taking my hands. “Now, how about a dance to take your mind off things?”

“Uh, sure,” I agreed, still trying to shake the feeling of Tyler’s eyes on me.

Logan led me onto the dance floor, and his hands on my waist stirred feelings within me. My breathing grew harsher at such close proximity, and I started to wonder what was happening. He had always been just a friend to me, but with him practically hugging me, it was becoming something more.

We danced to the music, spinning in circles like the other packs around us. One omega was dancing with three of her alphas at the same time, which looked too complicated for me. I looked up, unconsciously turning my face toward Tyler, and saw him standing there with a hand on his gun, glaring at me.

What the hell was his problem?

“I need to use the bathroom,” I blurted out as the song ended, my cheeks burning from our close proximity.

“Want me to come with you?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

“No, it’s okay,” I replied quickly, not wanting to admit that I was too flustered by his touch and Tyler’s unending glare.

As I left the crowded ballroom for some air, I found myself wandering down an opulent hallway. Suddenly, I noticed a room covered in glass, filled with a large number of people.

Walking toward it, I realized what was happening. There was a massive glass wall, and behind it was an orgy taking place on the other side.

Alphas, omegas, and betas were completely naked in this dark corner of the mansion. There were even alphas in their wolf forms, licking and nuzzling the females while an omega moaned in ecstasy, her body filled by five alphas simultaneously.

My face grew even hotter as I took in the scene, my arousal mounting at the raw display of desire before me.

“Would you like to join them?” a deep voice whispered in my ear, making me jump. Henry stood there, smiling at the crowd of indecency on the other side of the glass.

“What the…?” I stammered, flinching away from him.

“Would you like to try it?” he purred, stepping closer. “You won’t know until you experience it for yourself.”

“No,” I managed to choke out in my shock. I could hear my pulse pounding in my ears as I noticed the feral intensity in his gaze.

“You must be a little curious?” said Henry.

“She’s not interested,” barked Tyler, who suddenly appeared beside us, his strong hand closing around mine. His eyes were intense, and his jaw was tense as he challenged Henry. “Carmen, I’m ready for that dance you promised me.”

Henry sighed dramatically, pulling on his regal gold robe. “ Always the cock block, Tyler. Can’t you see she’s intrigued by my offer?”

“Let her decide what she wants,” Tyler replied, never breaking eye contact with Henry.

Even though I hated Tyler to the core of my being, I needed to escape the look in Henry’s eyes that would entrap me in eternal misery.

“I’d rather go with Tyler,” I whispered, my voice barely audible over the pounding music.

With that, Tyler quickly led me away from Henry, our fingers still intertwined. I noticed Henry’s guards following us with their eyes, watching our every move.

My heart raced at the thought of Henry cornering me like that. He had made his intentions clear; he wanted me to be part of his omega harem.

“Thanks for the save,” I said in a low voice so only Tyler could hear. I was too shaken up to even care that he was holding my hand.

“No worries,” Tyler murmured into my ear. “His guards are watching.”

His large hand enveloped mine, warmth radiating through our joined fingers. The touch sent shivers down my spine and brought a flush to my cheeks. I couldn’t help but feel drawn to him, even after everything that had transpired between us.

As we approached the dance floor, Logan looked at us in confusion.

His dark eyebrows arched in surprise when he saw me with Tyler, clearly not expecting this turn of events. I gave him a fleeting glance, knowing full well that he would have plenty to say about me dancing with the very alpha who had rejected me.

Tyler pulled me close, his hips grinding against mine as we moved in time with the sultry beat. The heat of his body and the intoxicating scent of him made it impossible to shut off my feelings for him, despite the hurt and bitterness that still lingered.

I tried to maintain a serious expression, but with every touch, I felt weak against this alpha.

“It’s been a while, huh?” Tyler said softly, trying to break the ice between us. I remained silent, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of a response. His lips thinned at my coldness, but he continued to dance with me, his hands roaming over my body in a way that made it hard to breathe.

“Why are you pretending everything’s fine between us?” I asked, my voice a little shaky from the stimulation of scents and Tyler’s hands all over my dress.

“Can I at least explain myself?” he asked, stopping the dance and looking me in the eyes. I could hardly breathe as I gazed back, spellbound.

“Carmen,” interrupted Logan, suddenly appearing beside me. I breathed a sigh of relief when he whisked me away from the dance floor and away from Tyler’s probing gaze.

“I want to leave,” I told Logan, my voice shaking. He nodded without question, understanding the urgency in my eyes.

I walked between Talon and Logan, with Griffin trailing us. We moved quickly out of the double doors and into the night air.

“How the hell did you end up with Tyler?” asked Logan, his voice harsh.

“Whoa, why are you being so weird about it?” I said, surprised by his reaction. He rubbed his face in frustration.

“Sorry, Carmen, but why? I’m just curious.”

“Look, I saw something, and I ran into Tyler by accident,” I explained, my voice barely above a whisper. “He was trying to protect me from Henry.”

“What did you see?” asked Logan.

“Henry has a separate room in his home where he hosts…or gies,” I said, my cheeks flaming. Griffin and Talon chuckled at my expression and the matter-of-fact way I said it.

“He does that,” said Griffin.

“How do you know?” I asked.

“Everyone knows—well, at least the alphas do.”

As we neared the car, a shout rang out in the night, making us all freeze in our tracks. We turned to see Henry approaching, a displeased expression on his face.

“Why are you leaving so early, Carmen?” he demanded, his voice dripping with false concern. “I was looking forward to spending more time with you.”

“I don’t feel well,” I lied, my heart pounding in my chest. “The party was amazing though, and I had an amazing time.”

“What a shame,” Henry replied, his eyes narrowing. “But I insist you come visit me tomorrow. I would love to talk more.”

“What time?”

“How about noon?” he asked.

“Sure,” I replied, swallowing hard and realizing I had little choice but to agree.

“Excellent,” he said, lifting my hand to kiss it. His lips on my skin made me shudder, but I hid it well. He felt so slimy to me. “I can smell your fear, omega. Don’t be frightened of me.”

I nodded, even though his words did little to ease my discomfort around him. He looked satisfied with my nonverbal response and finally turned to leave.

“Oh wow,” muttered Griffin, wide-eyed.

“He wants her,” said Talon, shaking his head as my stomach churned.

“We’ll talk in the car,” barked Logan. He seemed upset that he couldn’t do much to protect me, especially since he hadn’t declared me as his omega.

If he did, we would be bonded for life, but we were just friends.

As we climbed into the car, I couldn’t shake the feeling of dread settling in my stomach. How had I gotten myself into this mess?

Logan glanced over at me, his voice low and serious. “He just won’t give up, huh?”

“How the hell can I get out of this?” I asked, my voice laced with desperation. “I can’t stay here, and I don’t want to be one of his... playthings.”

“First, you have to see him tomorrow,” Logan said, his eyes dark and determined. “But after that, we’ll do whatever it takes to get you out of this compound, even if it means leaving everything behind.”

I nodded, feeling a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving it all behind. But I didn’t want to lose my freedom, even though it wasn’t much as an omega living in an alpha compound.