Chapter 19

Nineteen

VANESSA

" S he's in heat," announced Alex behind me.

Fuck.

I thought I could hide it, but he was one sharp alpha. I had tried to hide any sign of pain from my face and act extra upbeat until I could ride through it. But he noticed. He knew .

Before anyone could say anything, I sprinted out of the living room, wearing just a shirt.

"She's gonna escape, man," shouted Laurent as Alex chased me around the kitchen. My belly was on fire, and slick was dripping from my pussy, but I had to escape. I ran down the hallway with Mason just behind me. My chest was tight, and I could barely breathe.

I ran into the bedroom and locked the door behind me.

They were banging at the door now as I ran towards the bedroom window. Thank goodness this was a one-story house. Shouts sounded around the house and outside the door as I shoved the window open. I saw the door slowly crack as someone hurled their body against it. I hurriedly squeezed my body out of the window.

At that moment, the bedroom door crashed down.

I froze momentarily as Alex and I made eye contact.

"We see you, little one," he smirked. "Don't even try."

Running down the beach outside, the sand was hot under my feet. I could hear the alphas' feet pounding behind me in pursuit, and I knew I could no longer run. Streaks of pain flared through my belly as I pressed a hand to it, running.

I looked back for a second as I ran. I saw all four alphas running across the sand already within a foot of me.

When I turned to face forward again, I crashed headlong into someone. I apologized profusely, and the person held me long enough so I could regain my balance.

"I'm sorry," I said again, recognizing a familiar scent. I jerked my head up and cried out in surprise, my hand flying to my mouth.

"I'm sorry I was so late," said Jack, pulling me towards him. "What the fuck is going on here?"

I pulled away, looking back at my pursuers.

The four alphas stood there with smirks on their faces, with Alex at the forefront of them all. Jack immediately placed himself in front of me, shielding me from their gazes.

I noticed Liam and Ryan standing on either side of Jack, their stances in defense mode. Their muscles were tight.

"Return her," demanded Alex. "I lawfully purchased her from the Auction. You have no right or claim on this omega."

"I will pay double what you paid for her," said Jack levelly. I could tell he was trying to reason this out. To make this as non-confrontational as possible. I tried to control my gasping breaths for air to hear Alex's response.

"I refuse the offer," said Alex right out. "She may be rebellious, but my pack and I had grown attached to her already. Now return her to me, little Jack. Don't think I've forgotten all the times you captured the attention of the omegas back in school. And even now, my omega is clinging to you. How embarrassing is this?"

"If you treated her right, she wouldn't have run away from you," said Jack.

"We have been treating her right," said Laurent. "She's in heat right now, and if she runs away, she'll get attacked by every alpha in town."

A rush of pain flared through my body again, and I doubled over while they were discussing my fate.

I collapsed onto the hot sand, my head fuzzy. I didn't care what they were saying now.

My heat had worsened after the chase.

My pussy clenched painfully, needing a knot. I needed something thick inside me to keep this debilitating pain away. If I could have thought I could hide this pain, I was dead wrong. This was nothing compared to the brief dizziness and haze of heat I felt this morning upon waking.

"All your money in the world will not buy this omega, rich boy," said Alex. "You. Need. To. Leave. Unless you're challenging me?"

"Yes," said Jack, and I gasped out loud from the pain and his answer.

"Are you sure you're ready to stand up to the big bad bully?" mocked Alex.

"Ryan, stay beside her. Liam, you're my backup," barked Jack. Ryan quickly dropped to his knees beside me, rubbing my back comfortingly. I rested my head against Ryan's chest, trying to get any type of comfort.

"I missed you," said Ryan, hugging me. "And I miss little Gabe too."

"I know, me too," I whispered. It felt nice to finally talk about my baby to someone and not have to be so secretive.

We watched the two alphas circling each other under the hot sun. Alex aggressively threw his sandals off, and Jack did the same. Liam stood just off the side, noticeably avoiding Alex's pack.

"If I win, you leave," said Alex, making the stipulations. "If you win, the only way you'll have her is if you join my pack. Is that a deal?"

Jack paused for a moment. There was no winning for him.

"Fine," said Jack in a low voice.

"Don't do it, Jack!" I shouted. "I'm not worth it!"

He turned to look at me. "Yes, you are. I'll join his pack if I have to."

While Jack was talking to me, Alex quickly swung at Jack, and my mouth opened in warning.

Jack dodged, barely missing the blow.

"Alex is already fighting dirty," muttered Ryan as we watched them throw punches at each other and roundhouse kicks all over the place. I flinched whenever one of them got hit particularly badly.

I didn't hate Alex. He was in the way of me getting to my baby.

"You've been practicing, huh?" growled Alex, blood running down his mouth as he struggled to get up. Jack roared, charging at him again, but Alex quickly held both hands up in surrender.

Thank heavens , I thought. It was over.

"Is that all you can handle?" asked Jack, helping Alex get up from the ground. Alex spat on the sand and held out a hand to shake Jack's.

Jack grasped his hand.

"Welcome to the Stoneclaw Pack," said Alex.