Chapter 21

Chapter Twenty-One

JASPER

W hen Corbin and Pack Mohan offered to help us find a spot to host our fight nights, I was not expecting a literal underground location.

Walking down a ramp in a warehouse district, I turn on the flashlight on my phone to see. The realtor gave me several addresses when I called, saying she'd be down there to meet me at each location.

There's a steel folding accordian style sliding gate that comes down at the entrance and locks that were left open for my arrival, and I'm unsure if she wanted me to get the full experience or what, but it's fucking pitch black down here, despite the sunlight outside.

Every few feet, there are lights on the wall, but I apparently don't get the luxury of them. If I'm getting punked, I will be very unhappy. I left the apartment early for this, right after my run with Gabriel and Tommy.

I think my best friend has been needing an outlet for himself since his date with a certain blue-haired omega.

I'm glad he's making an effort, because I'm having a hard enough time on my own. I'm very set in my ways, and while banter comes easily to me, meaningful conversations do not.

Wincing as I get to the bottom, I notice everything is lit up down here, and the flooring is a cool epoxy type. Turning off my light, I walk across the space, vaguely seeing the quiet real estate agent who is watching my facial expressions. Shutting down anything you would gather from them, I give her my cold resting bitch face.

My Viking blond hair and sharp features make people scared of me, which unfortunately is why my own sister thought I hated her for a long time. My glares and grunts were how I communicated as a kid, and it's easy to fall back into that pattern when I want to hide what I'm thinking.

This underground area is huge, perfect to set up a fighting ring, seating, and there's a place where we can sell alcohol. This would also be a cool club when we aren't hosting fights, allowing us a stream of legitimate income.

While I don't care much about being on the right side of the law, it would be nice to make extra money to give us a legitimate footprint in Minneapolis.

I almost feel like an adult at the moment at twenty-five years old. It's amusing that I'm as old as Tiny, yet we both have lived very different lives. I need to check in with my brothers, talk with them about this move, and see if any of them want to come with me. Bentley is beginning his first year of college, but could transfer here if he wished.

I put money away for all of my siblings, making sure they were all thriving even as I looked for our sister. Blowing out a breath, I begin to take pictures of the space, sending them in a group message to Gabriel and Tommy.

I need to take this step by step, so I don't get distracted or overwhelmed.

Sending them a voice memo, I say, "I think this will work for what we need. I'd suggest changing the gate out for something sturdier, and we'll have to bring in some manpower to set up everything we need. Thoughts?"

Tommy and Gabriel's text bubbles fill the screen, and I put my phone away as I walk over to the agent.

"Would we be able to close in a fast turnaround?" I ask, raising my brow. "We need a place to use in the next few days, but we are in the market to buy and put down roots."

She nods as she pulls out her phone and begins to text the seller. Or, I assume that's who she's speaking to. Bailey Marks is an alpha who came well recommended, and hasn't had much luck apparently selling this place.

I'm not really surprised, because you definitely need to have a vision for it, or you wouldn't know what to do with it.

There's parking in a large field across from here that doesn't belong to anyone but the city, so people will have easy access to their vehicles without fear that their cars will be towed. This also doesn't seem like an area with much police presence, which is a plus for us.

"The seller wants to get this handled, but it'll take a little longer than a few days," Bailey says with a small wince.

"Even if we're paying with cash?" I ask.

Shaking her head, her fingers fly across her screen. "This'll definitely help things move faster, but he'd rather rent the property to you for a day to appease the city ordinances. You can use the property for what you need it for while the paperwork goes through," she says, glancing up.

This property is the best one I've been to today. Funny enough, she also made it the last one, which means she's a fucking smart agent as well. I'm tired of bouncing from place to place, and it's almost five in the afternoon.

"Yeah, that'll work," I say with a nod. "Let's get this paperwork sorted then?"

"Absolutely," she says with a cheshire smile. Bailey knows she's won, but it's also a win for us as well, so I couldn't care less. It'll be a good move for the underground fighting ring, our soon-to-be pack, and our business.

I may be jumping the gun, but there's no way any of Cerenity's alphas will want to be away from her for long. Tommy is overseeing the cleaning of our apartment next to hers today, and bought it essentials.

I have no idea how long we'll be there, though I'll sleep on the air mattress Tommy bought this morning for as long as it takes. The first one we bought was ripped, so we both slept on the floor last night. My back is complaining, but it's worth it to see her.

Tiny is still up to her tricks, because she hid all of the coffee pods this morning, leaving a note that said:

Sorry boys, I'm out for the day. Out of the apartment, out of coffee, and Auggie is drinking the last cup!

Gabriel went straight to shower, Augustine smirked as he drank his coffee, and Tommy grumbled as he ordered more coffee on his phone.

We'll figure our shit out. The beautiful blue-haired omega we're all buzzing around means we have to.

I spend the next two hours signing paperwork for the property, transferring money, and then head to the apartment. I'm driving Tommy's truck because my vehicle is still in Chicago, and we'll have to make a trip back in the next couple of days to check on things there.

There are fighters to speak with, Tommy needs to have a family meeting with everyone to discuss the latest developments, and I need to see my brothers. It takes a lot of manpower to move your entire life to another city, but Tiny is worth it. She may still be giving me sidelong glances and hiding the Goddamn coffee, but I know I'll win her over.

Blowing out a breath as I leave the realtor's office, I stretch my neck from side to side in an effort to release the tension from the last few hours.

"Jasper?" a voice I recognize asks, making me turn. There aren't many people who would know who I am.

My sister's friend and business partner, Aisling stands there with a surprised look, her blonde hair blowing in the wind.

"What are you doing here?" I ask. She appears to be alone, which shouldn't be happening, because I heard her father is very protective of his only child. "Are you okay?"

Pushing her hair out of her face, she nods, a sassy smile overtaking her lips.

"I'm hunting for a property for The Omega's Haven," she says. "It's been a bitch to find anything, and no one wants to deal with me. Think if I had a dick it would be easier?"

"What would you do? Whip it out and yell, ‘I have a dick and I'm not afraid to use it,'" I yell, snickering. Aisling doubles over, snorting with laughter.

Ugh, I have a feeling I'm about to go back inside to hook Aisling up with my realtor.

"Does Wren know you're looking at properties?" I ask her.

"Yeah, I told her I was going into the city, and even found a realtor, but he blew me off today," she sighs. "I didn't ask Shaw for help because I figured it shouldn't be this fucking hard."

Fuck, I'm like one breath away from Aisling bursting into tears.

"Okay, deep breath. It's okay to ask for help and need it," I tell her. "Shaw hooked me up with a realtor who helped me find a property in record time. Also, have you spoken to Gabriel yet? He mentioned he may have a place in mind."

"I did. We were so excited to talk about him opening a mixed martial arts studio in Minneapolis that would also offer pro bono classes, that we didn't talk about anything else," she says, blushing.

"Eh, it happens," I tease her. "Let me introduce you to my real estate agent. I'll go with you, because some of these areas are in pretty sketchy places."

"I can protect myself," she complains as she follows.

"Mmhmm, I have no doubt that you can. I want to see where you decide the future home of The Omega's Haven will be," I say. It's fun arguing with her, but I don't want her out here alone.

Maybe it's a double standard, however, she hasn't been getting very far on her own, and I'm happy to offer my support.

"What were Gabriel's thoughts on a location?" she asks, changing the subject. Hiding a smirk, I nod as I open the door to the office building for Marks Realty.

"He mentioned a warehouse that could be converted into both an office space for outreach work and a shelter. He mentioned he saw a few that may work that were also on the bus routes," I explain.

"Holy shit, that would be amazing," Aisling breathes, brightening.

"How have you been looking?" I ask her, raising a brow.

"The ‘for sale' sites, but those aren't very?—"

"Up to date," Bailey says, almost walking into us. "Back so soon, Mr. Rivers?"

"I am, do you have some time today to take on another client?" I ask. "This is Aisling Sullivan. She and my sister are founding a foundation named The Omega's Haven. They need a home for it."

"That's you?" Bailey asks, surprised. "I heard there was a huge charity event for it and you raised a ton of money, but didn't hear anything more about it."

"Turns out there's a lot of behind the scenes work for something Iike this, and not much of it is glamorous," Aisling jokes. "As you said, the sites aren't updated, but the bigger factor is my age. No one wants to take me seriously."

"I don't really care about your age," Bailey says, waving her off. "You can legally purchase property at eighteen years of age. You seem to be at least that?"

"I am," she says with a nod. "I'm trying to stay positive, but the last four people I spoke to on the phone met with me and told me I was wasting their time."

"Assholes," Bailey mutters, amusing me. She played things close to her chest with me, showing me the property she knew I'd like best last, but something tells me she won't play games with Aisling.

"Do you have an idea of what you're looking for?"

Aisling nods, repeating what I told her Gabriel would have recommended if he'd remembered. My lips twitch, happy he's getting along with my sister and Aisling. Whatever she was originally looking for is forgotten, because it really will fit the foundation better.

"I have a few properties that may work," Bailey says with a nod. "Let's take one car to check these out, Aisling, save on gas, shall we? Have you eaten yet? Mr. Rivers, are you joining us?"

"Is there room in the vehicle for me and my ego?" I tease her. There has to be a reason she insisted I find my way in a city I don't know, and as she smirks at me, I know I'm correct. Whether it was safety or my ego, one or both is the reason.

"Yes, Mr. Rivers," Bailey says, sounding bored as I snort in amusement. Her eyes do widen in surprise, which is a win in my book.

"Lead the way," I tell her, following as she walks to her office to get the properties set up for viewing.

"Did you piss her off or something?" Aisling whispers as we walk.

"Nope, I think she thought I'd be an asshole, and so she sent me on a wild goose chase around the city today," I explain. "For the record, I very much doubt she'll do that to you."

"I believe in being an asshole only once a day," Bailey calls over her shoulder, making Aisling and I snicker.

"Are you sure you're okay doing this today?" Aisling asks.

"Absolutely. We'll video chat Wren so she's part of the process too," I reassure her.

There's no way I'm letting her roam the streets with someone we don't really know. Too many things could happen.

The space is ours. Tommy, your truck is parked downtown. I ran into Aisling, and I'm helping her find a new home for The Omega's Haven.

I texted the group chat, having ignored the last text they both sent. Reading, I see they were excited grunts about the property, which means they approve of it. There was no doubt in my mind they wouldn't.

Tommy: God protect me from little omegas with too much damn independence. I'll grab a ride share if I need to go anywhere.

Gabriel texts that he wants to know what we find, and I agree.

I'm not completely a selfish bastard.

AUGUSTINE

Cere is in her element tonight. Black leather skirt with a high slit for her knife, cropped off the shoulder shirt, and combat boots finish off her outfit as the club hits its peak time.

The dancers were incredible tonight, performing thirty minutes after the doors opened. People came earlier than they normally would have, because I posted the special burlesque show on all of our social media platforms.

I also came to the club with Cere early, videoing a snippet of the dance for the clock app. It was fun to see how everyone was affected by the dance, and how well it was executed.

Now, everyone is drinking or dancing on the dance floor.

Walking over to Cerenity, I wrap my arm around her waist, as she's chatting with the cage dancer who had an issue with Arthur. Róisin is animated as she talks, but doesn't look upset in the least.

"Miss Róisin, are you ready to walk over?" a security guard asks with a polite smile.

Glancing over her shoulder, she nods as she sees everyone else moving into position.

"Lost track of time," she says with a wince. Cere and I know how easily that happens for her, and I wink at her to show her it doesn't upset me as she walks quickly to the other side of the club.

"I think everyone is having a really good time," I growl in Cere's ear, enjoying her small sigh and shiver. I need her in my arms immediately. "Dance with me?"

At her nod, I pull her onto the dance floor, getting lost in her. The scent of apple pie floods my senses, and I refuse to stop myself as I hold her tightly and kiss her. A tanned hand wraps around her waist that I know almost as well as my own, and I meet Gabriel's dark, almost black eyes.

"Hey, gorgeous," I rumble as he kisses down Cerenity's throat to greet her. "You made it."

"I did, but I may have come with an extra alpha or two," he says with a smirk. "You know how growly they can get."

"The club is busy, they're welcome to it," Cere says with a shrug as she grinds her ass against Gabriel.

"Fuck," he breathes against her skin as he sucks on her pulse point as she moans. "I've never danced with a pretty little omega before, baby. You're going to make me cum in my pants if you're not careful."

I actually didn't know that. We've had our disagreements and breaks over the years, some longer than others as he's insisted I date omegas. The adorable, stubborn dick knew Cerenity was my scent match because I'd told him the day I found out. I figured he'd date while he kept pushing me away, Lord knows there's more than enough ass at his fights.

I was wrong in so many ways. We both were.

"No one would know but us," I tease Gabriel, pushing Cere closer to him, so she's now sandwiched between us.

As I direct his hands under her shirt, because no one can tell in the darkness as the lights dim even further, I smirk at his intake of breath as his hands squeeze her soft breasts. Kissing Cere, I swallow her moans as Gabriel explores her body as we dance.

Breathing hard, he tweaks her nipples, making Cere whimper and perfume for us.

"Goddamn, baby," Gabe groans. "I'm having a hard time behaving right now. I want to fuck you from behind so badly."

Her chest heaves as he lays her head back on his chest as he moves his hands to her waist.

"I might let you," she whines, making my eyes hood in desire.

"Fuck, I think you need some water and a break," I murmur. I love seeing Cerenity wild, with her pupils blown wide with desire. I also don't want to force her heat on her early either.

I don't know how we're all going to manage to get through the next few days. Cere won't be able to handle her heat alone, not now that she's connected to her scent matches. Fuck, I'm going to need to talk to the guys.

There's so much happening over the next few days, but we need to make sure we show up for our girl. Yeah, I'm coming around to that too.

Cerenity gives me a quick kiss as she checks her top and leads us carefully off the dance floor. The club is heaving with bodies, most people choosing to stay even after the burlesque show.

Making eye contact with a bartender, she lifts three fingers for three bottles of water, and Michelle nods at her.

Turning to face us, her brow raises as she sees Jasper and Tommy.

"You look amazing," Jas says, taking in the knife that's peeking out from her skirt.

"Thank you, I like my pointy toys," she says with a slow grin. Jasper chuckles under his breath as Cere turns to take the bottles from Michelle.

"And your frying pans as well," Tommy mutters as his lips twitch.

"I'm resourceful, baby!" she exclaims, opening her bottle after she hands Gabe and I each one and taking a sip.

Cere is flying high on endorphins and alpha pheromones, and it's fucking hot. Kicking Tommy's foot, I give him a look, to which he nods. He can tell this isn't normal for her either. Jasper looks surprised and glances at me.

"You feeling okay there, Tiny?" he asks her.

"Yes," she says with a nod. "The dancers did amazing tonight, the club is full of happy people, I am good. Kind of horny, but fine."

"Are you ready to go home, baby?" I murmur in her ear. She doesn't need to be here till closing. Cere's crew are incredible and capable. They've got this.

"I think I want to know if the mafia boys can dance," she murmurs, tipping her head up for another kiss from me. Unable to resist, I devour her lips upside down, my hands ghosting along her luscious curves, squeezing her body as I do.

The staff is the last thing on my mind, until we get a few whistles from the bartenders. Coming up for air, I check on Cere, only noting her wicked grin and shrug.

"Scent matches, what can you do?" she yells over at them, effectively blowing their minds as she jerks her head to the dance floor. "Dance, Casanova? Daddy?"

"I don't really dance," Tommy mutters, though his hand is already dwarfing Cere's as he moves. Jasper chuckles under his breath as he follows, and I'm not sure how that'll play out.

"Taking bets on whether she knees or kicks one of them?" Gabe asks, leaning against the bar as he drinks some water.

"Oh, fuck yeah. I want to get closer, though," I say, tugging him with me as we move. The space where we stood is quickly swallowed up by club goers that want to order drinks, which is one of the reasons I left.

The cage dancers move above the crowd, the lights beginning to strobe over them. The music is hot tonight, and everyone came to have a good fucking time. I love running this club with Cere because of what it means for the city. It's a safe place, drugs are kept out, and any type of trouble is checked at the door.

I can see some of Corbin's men around the club having a good time, and I nod to some of them, as I drain the rest of my bottle and toss it out. Gabe does the same, and I tug him into the crowd of people dancing. The only way to spy is by being a part of the chaos.

Jasper is dancing in front of Cere, murmuring in her ear as she begins to ride his thigh. My lips twitch as I enjoy watching her let loose. It's a kiss, a dance, a chance to find more common ground.

Sometimes you have to let other things speak for you when your mouth gets you into trouble. Tommy kisses down her neck, doing a fine job of dancing behind her.

"Looks like there will be no boot stomping," I growl in Gabe's ear before I pull him closer against me to grind against him. We've danced before, and I love the feel of his body, his cock rubbing against mine. It's a tease and a promise of things that may come later.

Our tongues tangle together as we kiss, Gabe's fingers gripping my hair tightly. Swallowing his moans makes my cock harder than should be possible, until I have to break away to gasp in a breath.

"You're a menace with this body," I grunt, cupping his erection through his black pants. I love as his hips thrust against me, his eyes roll as I squeeze tightly.

"Fuck, I'm not the only menace," he groans.

"Are you going to be a good boy for me?" I ask, licking up his neck. "Good boys get to come."

"Yes," he gasps, his fingers curling in my shirt. I went with jeans that I now regret as it strangles my cock and a black-button up shirt rolled up my forearms. Gabe's body is porn, but my arms and abs are the same for him.

"No more pushing me away," I remind him, punishing his lips as I bite his lower one.

"No," he whimpers as I kiss him gently after I let go.

"You, Cere, and I are pack," I say intently. His gasp makes me grin. I need to do this now, so he's on board before I have this conversation with anyone else.

At least I know Cere likes Gabe.

"Pack?" he asks.

"Yes. You know you're getting my bite, baby boy. Don't be coy now," I rumble. "We're in this together, along with the bumbling alphas as soon as they pull their heads out of their asses."

Gabriel nods frantically, and I pull him into another steamy kiss, rocking him against me. His body is trembling against mine. I don't think he fully grasped what all of this meant until right now.

"I'm not into men, but I have to admit you two are hot together," Jasper says behind me. Turning, I raise my brow as I immediately begin to look for Cerenity.

"Tommy's got her. He insisted on walking her to the restroom before we leave," Jasper says with a chuckle.

"I'm sure that went over well in her own club," I grunt as I grab Gabriel's hand as we leave the dance floor. I can't say much for myself, though, because my boyfriend is a living, breathing weapon, and I still am protective.

"She didn't fight it as much as you'd think," Jasper says smugly. Their date must have made more progress than I originally thought.

Cere was on her phone a little more today, a private smile or giggle showing that she was talking to one of the guys. I didn't ask, though, because if she wanted to talk about it, she'd tell me.

"Can I talk to you, Augustine?" Xavier asks, almost glaring at me. Squeezing Gabriel's hand, I let go, standing at my full height as I jerk my head over to step away. I can see some of the aggression Cere mentioned, and I have no idea where it could be coming from.

"What's on your mind?" I ask easily, stepping into a side hallway away from the main entrance.

"Why are you allowing them to turn her into a whore?" he growls, taking me by surprise.

"I… what? She was dancing with her pack and scent matches," I say, shaking my head. "Cerenity belongs to herself alone, even if that wasn't the case and wanted to fuck half the city, this wouldn't be any of your concern, Xavier. You work for her, even if she treats everyone here equally. Is that clear?"

Xavier blows out a breath, still appearing disgusted. "Pack. It feels like that happened really damn fast," he mutters.

"These things tend to go like that. Which again, it's none of your concern," I grunt. "She's mine to watch out for."

Xavier takes a deep breath before he turns away grumbling, "This is all bad, bad, bad."

"What the fuck," I mutter. "Xavier, wait!"

Instead, the alpha walks away from me as he mutters too low for me to make out. Fuck, that was weird. I need to get out of here with Cere and the guys and attempt to corner him tomorrow.

Cerenity doesn't need to be at the club again this weekend. Maybe she can go out on a date with one of the guys while I attempt to handle whatever insanity this may be.

Xavier has been with the club since we opened. This doesn't make any sense to me. Shaking my head as I walk back into the main room of the club, I find Cere on her tip-toes trying to find me. Raising my hand, I walk over to her, wrapping my arm around her waist.

The alphas circle me protectively as if we've done this before. Protective instincts are no joke.

"You're right about Xavier," I murmur in the shell of her ear. "I don't know what's going on, but please don't be alone around him, okay? I just had a really uncomfortable conversation with him. I'm going to talk to him tomorrow."

Together, we usher her toward the door, and Gabriel grabs my keys to get the truck. I don't care if we may be blowing this out of proportion, but I never want to lose Cerenity again to this fucked up world.

"Does this alpha need to be fired or put down?" Tommy growls as we walk out into the night air.

"Fuck, is it bad that I'm not sure yet?" I ask, sliding my fingers through Cere's cold ones. I am three seconds away from just picking her up.

My headlights turn on and Gabriel turns over the engine before he pulls out of the parking space. Stopping, I decide just to wait for him where I'm at. Cerenity is chewing her lower lip as she thinks before she shakes herself off.

"He smelled off yesterday when I came to the club to check on everything," Cere says.

Fuck, she drove here herself today. Reminding myself she's safe, I jerk my head toward Gabriel as I begin walking forward again when I see her vehicle. I'll just have one of the guys drive back with her.

"Off how?" Jasper asks as we walk.

"This is the guy you were talking about," Tommy grunts as they follow next to us.

"Yes," Cere says with a nod. "His scent almost smelled curdled, like spoiled cheese, and I could tell he seemed upset with me for something. I just have no idea why."

"I don't know if this is related to last night, Sweetheart, but he asked me why I was ‘letting' the guys paw all over you," I tell her, hesitant to use his actual words. "He was a little more aggressive in his words, but I told him that these men were your pack. I also said you could fuck half of Minneapolis, and it still wouldn't be any of his business."

"Could he be upset she's packed up?" Tommy asks, as if it's the most natural thing in the world to be discussing. Cere huffs out a breath, sticking out her tongue at him.

"Bluebell, there are much better things I can think of for your tongue than the use you're currently using it for. Don't make me come over and tell you all about them."

Cerenity gasps with wide eyes, retreating to my side. Tommy doesn't let her get away with anything, and it's fun to watch.

"He's never shown any interest in me," Cere says mildly. "I've been very hands off for years, so maybe I missed it? Fuck, I don't want to drive home."

"Jasper will drive you," Tommy says. "We'll meet back at the apartment. If you need a detour, please let us know. Did you eat today?"

My lips twitch as he shows how he cares about her. Cerenity doesn't need someone breathing down her neck. That's the best way to make her crazy. Gentle reminders? She appreciates those much more.

"I did, but I could go for a snack," she admits. "The dancing made me hungry. I have everything I need for nachos, so I'll make it when we get home. I don't really feel like stopping."

"See you at home then," Tommy says easily, ignoring the way she almost trips at his words. I easily catch her elbow, and he winks at me as he strides to his truck to drive back.

"Ready, Tiny?" Jasper asks, holding his hand out to take her keys.

"Yeah. Tonight's been really fucking weird," she mutters, taking the keys out of her pocket. Cere lives for clothing with pockets because she hates bringing bags with her.

Kissing her forehead, I bundle her into her car, and then walk over to Gabriel, who has slipped into the passenger seat. I'm going to get to the bottom of this shit, because anything else is unacceptable.

After we eat nachos and talk at the apartment, Cere snuggled in between Gabe and I as she drifted off to sleep. She also had a screamer of a nightmare too, twisting in the sheets as she dreamed. Fucking Xavier.

The alpha has got to go.