Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15

SARAH

I push open the heavy velvet curtains, stepping into a realm of vice and indulgence. The air hangs thick with a heady mixture of pheromones, sweat, and expensive cologne. Dim lights cast a seductive glow over the stage where scantily clad omegas sway their hips to a pulsing beat.

I scan the room, my alpha senses heightened, searching for any sign of Rosa amidst the sea of intoxicated patrons and drugged up dancers. The primal part of me growls at the sight of so many vulnerable omegas being exploited, but I maintain my composure. I have to blend in.

A burly beta in a crisp suit approaches me, his eyes glinting with greed. "Welcome, Alpha. I don't believe I've seen you here before. Seeking some...companionship this evening?"

I meet the beta's gaze with a cool, appraising look. "Indeed. I'm looking for something...special. A rare beauty, one might say."

The beta's grin widens. "Ah, a discerning alpha. We pride ourselves on offering only the finest selections here. Come, let me show you our current lineup."

He leads me past the main stage towards a series of private alcoves. The pungent aroma of slick and desperation permeates the air. Omegas draped in sheer silks lounge on plush couches, their glazed eyes barely registering my presence.

My jaw clenches as I take in the sordid scene, barely concealing my revulsion. These omegas, mere shells of their former selves, have been broken and molded into compliant playthings for twisted alphas' amusement. I silently vow to burn this wretched place to the ground once I have Rosa.

The beta gestures to a particular alcove, his voice dripping with false charm. "Now this little gem is one of our most popular. Obedient, eager to please. I'm sure she would be more than happy to entertain an alpha of your caliber."

I glance at the omega he indicates, a petite redhead with vacant eyes and track marks lining her inner arms. She can't be older than nineteen. Bile rises in my throat but I force it down, keeping my expression impassive.

"Tempting, but not quite what I had in mind," I reply smoothly.

The beta gestures to a lithe omega with vacant eyes and more track marks dotting her pale skin. "This one is quite popular, a real screamer if you like them vocal."

I force down the bile rising in my throat. "Actually, I had a particular omega in mind. Goes by the name Rosa. Petite thing with dark hair and olive skin. Ring any bells?"

The beta's brow furrows. "Rosa...ah yes, the De Luca girl. Exquisite creature. I'm afraid you're out of luck though. She was transferred to our new location two nights ago."

My heart sinks. What are the fucking odds?

"Transferred?" I echo, trying to keep the desperate edge from my voice. "Under whose authority? I wasn't aware omegas were allowed to leave unless purchased, and I traveled an awfully long way to get here."

The beta smirks, a greedy glint in his eyes. "We're expanding operations."

I lean in closer, letting a hint of my alpha pheromones color the air between us. "This new location. I want the address. Now."

The beta's eyes widen, his posture stiffening as my dominant scent hits him. "I...I'm not at liberty to disclose..."

In a flash, I have him pinned against the wall, my forearm pressed against his windpipe. He lets out a choked gasp, his face reddening. Around us, the drugged omegas barely stir.

"Let me rephrase that," I hiss, my voice deadly soft. "You will give me the address to this new location, or I will snap your neck like a twig and extract the information from the next spineless worm in charge. Am I making myself clear?"

"C-crystal," he wheezes.

I ease the pressure just slightly. "Good. Start talking."