Chapter Five

Bronson

With Selena in charge of setting up the little room, I found myself at loose ends. We’d agreed to allow those we’d placed in management positions to do their jobs, which was at least part of why I agreed to let her do the full job. I’d promised my partners, and how would it look if the first time an opportunity came up, I insisted on handling things myself.

Still, I was twitching to see the final result. And if it didn’t turn out in reality to be exactly as I envisioned, we’d make changes. After all, everything we bought could be moved around with ease. It was one of the advantages to the choices we’d made. With so many plans for various gatherings and events, we needed the flexibility.

I could see the hallway from here where boxes were being hauled in full and carried out empty. Sipping my drink, I told myself it must be going well and that I didn’t need to worry or fuss about the whole thing. I didn’t even have anyone else to hang out with and complain.

The other owners were out for the night.

Whipped, they were. I envied them. We’d all been single when we opened the club, but two of us had been snapped up by omegas who made their lives good. Better than good. And while I missed our late nights sitting around dreaming about the future of the club, and while I was more than a little envious, I couldn’t think of a better fate for my friends than these perfect-for-them males.

And the babies that had followed?

Who knew it was in any of our futures.

Not me, though. If I ever found a little to play with more than once or twice, I’d call that a mega win.

“Another whiskey sour?” Samuel asked, already picking up the whiskey bottle.

“No,” I said, covering my glass with my hand. “Just one for tonight. Thank you.” Maybe I’d go home and relax for a while instead of lingering here.

“Boss,” one of the bouncers said, coming up behind me. I hated when people came up behind me. Reminded me of my past. A trickle of fear made its way down my spine.

I growled, “What?” I stood and turned around, shoving my back against the bar—where it was safe.

“There’s something you should see.”

Pushing off the bar, I followed Rath through the club and to the back exit. He unlocked it and we walked out. Usually this was where the owners exited the building. Talon had his own exit from the back of his office but the rest of us used this door.

“Well?” I barked. “What is it?”

“He’s over here.”

He?

We walked around one of the dumpsters and in between them was a crumpled man. An omega. One who looked the worse for wear.

“Let’s get him out.”

Rath and I pulled the body out gently. I pushed my fingers to the omega’s throat. “He’s alive, but barely. Call an ambulance.”

Rath pulled out his phone and paced while he talked to the operator.

The omega’s hand slapped mine several times.

I leaned down. “What’s your name?” I asked. “Who did this to you?”

“Please. Just let me die. It’s better this way. Let me fucking die.”

Not on my watch.