Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14

BELLA

I rummage through the hidden depths of my closet, pushing aside designer dresses and sleek weapons until my fingers close around the cool plastic of the burner phone. My heart races, pounding against my ribcage like a caged bird desperate for freedom.

With shaking fingers, I punch in the familiar digits, each number etched into my memory for exactly this moment.

"Hello?" Sarah's voice, tinged with caution and a hint of steel, fills my ear like a soothing balm.

"Sarah, it's me. It's Bella."

For a moment I'm met with nothing but silence, almost like she doesn't want to believe it. I don't blame her after I just disappeared without a single word on my birthday.

"Bella? What's wrong? Where the hell have you been? Are you safe?" The questions tumble out one after another, and I can tell she's up and pacing back and forth.

"I wouldn't say safe, exactly, but I'm not dead." My attempt at a joke falls flat. "Listen, I don't have a lot of time. I'm sure you heard what happened to the Carbones by now."

"Uh, yeah, the whole fucking town is in an uproar about it. They say Hector Silas and Dante killed their own fathers and then fled. Is all that true?"

More true than she even realizes.

"The simple answer would be… yes." She curses on the other end of the line. "But the real answer is complicated. I can't explain it all, but I need you to know that they had no choice. My pack betrayed me. They made a deal with the Carbone elders to sell me off. They tricked me into moving there so I could infiltrate Black Pharma."

"Holy shit," Sarah breathes. "Okay, so why'd they have to kill them?"

"It was either that, or let those bastards win. They deserved what they got, Sarah, I promise."

"Okay, okay, what does this mean for you? Where are you?"

There are so many ways I could answer that question. But I have to keep it simple.

"I'm with my old pack. When the guys killed their alphas, we had to run until we could get the situation under control. They have a lot of friends in that city and we couldn't risk it. But my dads found me. They forced me to come back home, and now they're about to hold an auction."

Sarah curses again. "Okay, so how do I help? I can help, right?"

I smile tugs at my lips. Somehow I knew she'd pick up exactly where we'd left off. My instincts about this rare alpha female were spot on. She's the most ride or die friend I could have ever asked for.

"Nothing on this front. I think we have it covered, but I need to ask you a favor. It's a big fucking favor and it might be dangerous…"

I feel like shit for even asking, but I'm down to no options.

"Sarah, it's about my sister Rosa. She's being held at this illegal gentleman's club in Oregon called The Red Room. It's run by some seriously twisted fuckers who specialize in omega trafficking."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what I'm about to ask. "They've got her drugged up and working as a stripper and...and a prostitute. I'm going fucking crazy imagining what those bastards are doing to her in there."

Sarah is quiet for a moment, processing the horrific revelation. "Jesus Christ, Bella. That's...that's beyond fucked up. I'm so sorry."

"I need to get her out of there, but with everything going on, I can't just waltz in there myself. I'm on the other side of the country, and I… That's where you come in." I grip the phone tighter, my knuckles turning white. "I hate to put you in this position, but you're the only one I trust. You're an alpha, so they won't be interested in you. Do you think...fuck, can you go to the club and find a way to talk to Rosa? I need to know she's still alive. That there's still a chance to save her from that hellhole."

"Of course," Sarah says without hesitation, her voice fierce with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes, Bella. You just give me the details and I'm there."

Relief floods through me, so intense it nearly brings me to my knees. "Thank you, Sarah. Holy shit, thank you…"

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself as I prepare to share the sordid details with Sarah. "Okay, so this place is called The Red Room. It's located in Portland, hidden behind the facade of a high-end gentlemen's club. But the truth is, it's a front for an omega trafficking ring owned by my pack."

My stomach churns as I force myself to continue. "They buy omegas from powerful packs and put them to work, but once they're inside, they're trapped. The bastards running the joint keep them drugged up on heat-inducing cocktails, forcing them to perform for alpha clients...and worse."

I swallow hard, bile rising in my throat. "Rosa's been there for years and I had no fucking idea. She's one of their 'featured entertainers.' God only knows what they've made her do. Hector and Silas tracked her down. She's in bad shape, Sarah…"

Sarah's voice is tight with barely contained rage. "Those sick fucks."

My voice cracks as I continue, "They keep the omegas locked up in these lavish suites above the club when they're not...working. High rollers can pay extra for 'private dances' and god knows what else."

I take a shuddering breath, steeling myself. "The guys have an informant. He said Rosa is being kept in the Crimson Suite. Apparently it's reserved for their most...popular girls."

Nausea rises in my throat at the thought of what my sweet, innocent sister has endured. "I need you to get in there, Sarah. Book a private room, throw money around, whatever it takes. Just...just see if you can talk to her alone. Let her know I'm coming for her."

"I'll find a way," Sarah says, her alpha timbre resonating with fierce protectiveness. "I've got some connections in Portland. I'll get into that suite and make contact with Rosa, Bella. I swear it."

Tears of gratitude sting my eyes. "Thank you. I...I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Just don't disappear on me again, Bella. I'm serious. I thought you were dead."

"I know, and I'm so sorry. Please be careful," I whisper, my heart clenching painfully. "These people...they're the worst kind of monsters."

"I can handle monsters. But how do I get ahold of you again?" she asks.

"I'll text you one of the guy's numbers. You can reach me through them. I'm throwing this phone away as soon as we hang up. I can't take a chance."

"You got it. I'll handle Rosa. You get out of that auction, Bella."

"Working on it."

"Good. I'll call you when I have info."

"Thanks girl. Thank you so fucking much."

The next day, the Hamptons transform into a hub of activity as packs of alphas descend upon the lavish estates dotting the seaside landscape. Sleek black cars with tinted windows glide through the winding roads, carrying the wealthiest and most influential members of our twisted society. The air crackles with a sinister undercurrent, the scent of power and depravity mingling with the salty ocean breeze.

I stand before the full-length mirror in my opulent bedroom, staring at my reflection with a mixture of disgust and defiance. My fathers have chosen my attire for the evening's festivities—a figure-hugging gown of shimmering ivory silk that clings to my curves like a second skin, but luckily for me, the neckline reaches my throat, and my hair covers the bite marks you my alphas left on my skin. The marks are barely visible, but any alpha would notice.

A bottle of perfume was left on my vanity table last night while I was out. There was a note inside the cap. It was from Silas. The perfume is expensive, and made of a potent substance that mimics the pheromones of an omega. I have no idea how the fuck he got ahold of this, but I'm grateful. One whiff of my actual scent, and my fathers and every alpha near me will recognize that I'm scent matched with the Carbones. I'm lucky they haven't been close enough already.

As I descend the grand staircase, the murmur of voices grows louder, the clinking of champagne flutes and the low rumble of alpha growls filling the air. The ballroom is a sea of black tuxedos and glittering gowns, the crème de la crème of the alpha elite gathered to stake their claim on the most coveted omegas.

I feel their hungry gazes on me, their nostrils flaring as they catch my scent. Some leer openly, undressing me with their eyes, while others whisper behind their hands, no doubt already calculating my worth. It sickens me to the core, but I force a smile, remembering the role I must play.

My fathers lead me through the throng, their vice-like grips on my arms a constant reminder of my captivity. They introduce me to alpha after alpha, each more vile than the last.

The auction is in twelve hours, so we'll need to leave for the city well before then. Dread coils like a snake in my gut.

As the sun begins its descent, casting a golden glow over the opulent estates, the cocktail parties commence in earnest. The sprawling gardens and terraces are transformed into a playground for the elite, with twinkling fairy lights and the gentle strains of live music setting the mood. Waiters in crisp white uniforms weave through the crowd, offering trays laden with exotic hors d'oeuvres and sparkling flutes of champagne.

I am led from one group of alphas to another, my fathers presenting me like a prized possession. The older alphas, their faces weathered by time and the weight of their power, appraise me with calculating eyes. They whisper amongst themselves, no doubt discussing my lineage and the potential benefits of aligning their packs with the De Luca empire.

Their sons and nephews, young alphas in their prime, circle me like wolves, their gazes hungry and filled with barely restrained desire. They lean in close, inhaling deeply as if trying to catch a hint of my true scent beneath the perfume. I feel their hot breath on my skin, their fingers brushing against me as they reach for a cake or a glass of champagne. It takes every ounce of my self-control not to flinch away in revulsion.

As the evening wears on, the atmosphere grows more charged, the air heavy with the heady mix of pheromones and power. The laughter becomes more raucous, the conversations more intimate.

Just as I begin to feel suffocated by the oppressive attention, a hush falls over the gathered alphas. Heads turn towards the entrance, and I follow their gazes, my heart leaping into my throat as I see them.

The Carbone alphas stride into the garden, with Sam right next to them, their presence commanding and electrifying. Dante leads the way, his tall, muscular frame clad in a perfectly tailored black suit. His dark hair is slicked back, accentuating his chiseled features and the intensity of his piercing eyes. Silas, Sam and Hector flank him, their own suits impeccably cut to showcase their powerful physiques.

The air seems to crackle with tension as the other alphas take in the sight of the notorious Carbones. Whispers ripple through the crowd, tales of their ruthless reputation and the brutal efficiency with which they operate. Even the most arrogant of the young alphas seem to shrink back, their bravado faltering in the face of the Carbones' undeniable presence.

My fathers stiffen beside me, their grips on my arms tightening almost painfully. I can sense their unease, the way their eyes dart nervously between the brothers and the other guests. They know the power the Carbones wield, the danger they represent.

As if drawn by an invisible force, Dante's gaze locks with mine across the crowded terrace. For a moment, the world falls away, and it's just the two of us, our eyes conveying a thousand unspoken words. I see the barely restrained fury in his gaze, the protective instinct that burns like an inferno within him. In that moment, I know with absolute certainty that he and his brothers will stop at nothing to keep me safe, to tear apart anyone who dares to lay a hand on me.

The spell is broken as Dante tears his gaze away, his attention shifting to my fathers. He approaches them with a predatory grace, Silas and Hector flanking him like lethal shadows. The other alphas part like the Red Sea, their survival instincts screaming at them to give the Carbones a wide berth.

As the evening progresses, I can feel the Carbone alphas' gazes burning into me, their eyes never straying far from my form. Even as they engage in tense conversations with the other alpha elite, their attention remains fixed on me, a silent promise of protection and possession.

I move through the crowd, my fathers parading me like a prized trophy, introducing me to one leering alpha after another. Each time a male leans in too close, his breath hot against my skin and his fingers grazing my arm, I see the Carbones stiffen, their jaws clenching and their eyes flashing with barely restrained rage.

Dante's gaze is particularly intense, his dark eyes smoldering with a fierce protectiveness that sends shivers down my spine. When a young alpha, emboldened by too much champagne, dares to place his hand on the small of my back, Dante's growl rumbles through the air, low and menacing. The offending alpha quickly withdraws his hand, his face paling as he realizes the grave mistake he's made.

Silas and Hector are no less vigilant, their towering forms positioned strategically around the garden, always within striking distance. They exude an aura of quiet menace, their very presence a warning to any who might overstep their bounds. Sam stays close to me, never letting me out of his sight.

Hours later, Alessio tells me to head to my room and get dressed. People are already leaving the party, making their way to parked cars to head into the city. Mostly the males. Only alphas and their bodyguards are allowed to attend auctions.

I head up to my room to find my auction dress laid out on the bed for me. Ivory silk, pearls, lace slippers. Oh, so very demure.

I run my fingers over the smooth fabric, a shudder running through me as I imagine the hungry gazes of the alphas as I'm paraded before them like a prize to be won.

With a heavy sigh, I begin to undress, slipping out of the cocktail dress and letting it pool at my feet. I reach for the auction gown, but before I can touch it, I hear the soft click of the door lock behind me. I spin around, my heart leaping into my throat, only to find Silas standing there, his golden eyes burning with intensity.

He stalks towards me, his movements fluid and predatory, until he's mere inches away. His scent envelops me, a heady mix of sandalwood and raw, masculine power.

"Bella," he growls, his voice low and rough with desire. "I needed to see you before..." He trails off, his gaze raking over my nearly naked form, lingering on the lacy scraps of my bra and panties.

Without warning, he grabs me by the waist and pushes me down onto the bed, his large frame looming over me. "I want to remind you who you belong to," he rasps, his fingers trailing over my skin, leaving goosebumps in their wake.

Silas's hands slide possessively over my curves as he presses me into the plush comforter. His eyes are molten gold, burning with a fierce need to claim what's his.

"You're mine, Bella," he growls, nuzzling into the crook of my neck, his teeth grazing the sensitive skin.

A whimper escapes my lips as his fingers find the lacy edge of my panties, slipping beneath to tease my slick folds. He groans, a deep, primal sound that reverberates through his chest. "Always so ready for me, aren't you, baby?"

I can only gasp in response, my back arching off the bed as he strokes my aching clit with expert precision. His touch is electric, sending shockwaves of pleasure rippling through my body.

Silas's mouth trails a fiery path down my throat, his tongue laving the marks he and his brothers left on my skin. Each swipe is a reminder, a brand of their possession.

Suddenly, he sits back on his heels, his hands gripping my thighs as he spreads me wide before him. I feel exposed, vulnerable, splayed out like a feast for his hungry gaze.

"Look at you," he murmurs, his voice rough with desire. "So fucking beautiful."

Silas dips his head between my spread thighs, his hot breath fanning over my sensitive flesh. I tremble in anticipation, my fingers tangling in his silver hair as he nuzzles against my softness.

"You smell fucking divine," he purrs, his voice a deep rumble against my aching core. "Like honey and sin."

Without warning, he drags the flat of his tongue along my pussy, savoring my taste with a low groan of appreciation. My hips buck off the bed, a strangled cry torn from my throat at the exquisite sensation.

Silas grips my thighs tighter, holding me in place as he begins to devour me with single-minded focus. His tongue swirls around my throbbing clit before sucking it between his lips, the pressure sending bolts of white-hot pleasure shooting up my spine.

I'm lost to the feeling, my head thrashing against the pillow as he works me into a frenzy. He alternates between broad strokes and targeted flicks, reading my body's responses like a finely tuned instrument.

"That's it, my sweet mate," he rasps against my slick flesh. "Let go for me. I want to taste your slick on my tongue."

Silas pushes me further up the bed, his large frame covering mine as he settles between my quivering thighs. I can feel the hard, insistent press of his cock against my dripping entrance, and a needy whine escapes my lips.

"Please, Silas," I beg, my nails digging into the firm muscles of his back. "I need you inside me. Make me forget about everything else."

A deep, approving growl rumbles through his chest as he captures my lips in a searing kiss. His tongue delves into my mouth, claiming me thoroughly as he rocks his hips, teasing me with the promise of his thick length. I reach between us, freeing him from his pants in desperation.

He surges forward, sheathing himself inside me with one powerful thrust. I cry out, my back arching off the bed as he stretches me deliciously, filling me to the hilt.

"Fuuuck, Bella," he rasps, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear.

I cling to him desperately, my legs wrapping around his waist to pull him deeper, harder. Each powerful thrust sends sparks of ecstasy coursing through my veins, stoking the fire building in my core.

Silas changes his angle, hitting that perfect spot inside me that has me seeing stars. "Right there," I gasp, my nails raking down his sweat-slicked back. "Don't stop, please don't stop..."

He growls in response, his thrusts becoming more erratic as he chases our release. One hand snakes between our bodies, his clever fingers finding my swollen clit. He rubs tight, deliberate circles, the added stimulation hurtling me towards the edge.

"Come for me, baby," he commands, his voice strained with the effort of holding back his own climax. "I want to feel you squeeze my cock as you shatter."

His words are my undoing. With a keening cry, I come undone, my walls clamping down around his thick shaft as wave after wave of pure bliss crashes over me.

Silas buries his face in the crook of my neck, his teeth sinking into my sensitive flesh as he follows me over the edge, spilling his hot cum deep inside me. His knot expands, locking us into place, and I groan at the sensation.

We cling to each other, our chests heaving and hearts pounding in sync as we ride out the aftershocks. Silas's lips find mine, his kiss tender and reverent, a stark contrast to the raw passion of moments before.

As our breathing slows, he rolls us both onto our sides, pulling me flush against his hard chest with my thighs wrapped around his hips. His fingers trail lazily up and down my spine, sending delicious shivers through my sated body.

Silas's fingers trace the delicate curve of my cheek, his touch feather-light and reverent. He tilts my face up to meet his gaze, his golden eyes shimmering with an intensity that steals my breath. In this moment, the world falls away, and all that exists is the two of us, our bodies intertwined and our souls laid bare.

"Bella," he whispers, his voice rough with emotion. "There's something I need to tell you."

I search his face, taking in the chiseled lines of his jaw, the sensual curve of his lips. My heart stutters in my chest, anticipation thrumming through my veins.

Silas takes a deep, steadying breath, his fingers curling around the nape of my neck. "Do you remember that day, when my father..."

His words trail off, but I know exactly what he's referring to. The memory is seared into my brain, a painful reminder of the cruelty we both endured. I nod, my throat tightening with emotion.

"You put yourself between me and his fists," Silas continues, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You were so brave, so fucking stupidly selfless. Even then, you were willing to sacrifice yourself to protect me."

I swallow hard, the weight of his words settling deep in my chest. "I couldn't let him hurt you," I whisper, my fingers tracing the strong line of his jaw."

"I swore to myself that day," Silas continues, his voice thick with conviction, "that I would do everything in my power to keep you safe. To protect you, just as you protected me."

Silas's grip on my neck tightens, his thumb brushing over my racing pulse. His eyes bore into mine, the golden depths swirling with an intensity that steals the breath from my lungs.

"Bella, I..." He swallows hard, his adam's-apple bobbing. "I'm in love with you. So fucking in love that it consumes me, body and soul. It's like a fire in my veins, burning me from the inside out."

My heart stutters, then kicks into overdrive. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as his words wash over me, wrapping me in a cocoon of warmth and safety.

Silas presses his forehead against mine, his breath mingling with my own. "I've tried to fight it, to push it down, but I can't anymore. You're in my every thought, my every heartbeat. When I close my eyes, all I see is you."

A shaky laugh escapes him, his fingers tangling in my hair. "It's terrifying. I've never needed anyone the way I need you. Never wanted to possess someone so completely, to brand myself on their very bones."

Holy shit. Holy shit, holy shit.

My heart hammers and my entire body flushes with fire.

Silas Carbone is in love with me.

Silas fucking Carbone loves me.