Consider The Lilies (Broken Omegas #5)

The Auction

Bear

“ P ay attention, gentlemen,” Walter smirks, teasing the crowd from the podium. His silver hair flashes in the bright lights. “Now, we’ve unfortunately reached the end of the night.” The beta’s measured voice slips over the crowd of restless alphas. “And, as always, we’ve saved the best for last.” He pauses for dramatic effect as two spotlights slip across the stage. It gives everything a magical glow, throwing a sheen off his yellow silk tie and making the golden buttons on his expensive navy suit flash. “Are you gentlemen ready?”

The crowd cheers and swells. Their excitement is electric, making the air tingle.

Walter smiles down at them, like a king, lording over peasants. But his smug expression is earned. He’s the best announcer we’ve ever had. He’s a complete professional with a silky voice, commanding presence, and an impressive ability to drive the cost up on even the most lackluster omega.

“Keep in mind,” Walter raises one long finger, “if you don’t snatch this last piece, you’ll have to wait until next month to find that perfect omega.” He smiles when several rousing growls hit the air.

Standing a little taller, I wonder if it’s that male omega I saw in the medical tent. His beautiful floral aroma still lingers in my nose, making my fingers flex and my spine tingle. There was something so alluring about him. Something that makes me want to touch and scent him. Deep down, I know it’s simply a twist of lust-filled biology. I don’t actually want the omega. In fact, no one in my pack wants an omega. We’re too busy running an empire and fucking whoever we want when we want. Sure, being a pack of all alphas does have its challenges, but we make it work, and an omega would complicate everything.

I definitely don’t want an omega.

But I can’t help but wonder what will happen to that little male. He was so weak. Obviously sick. I hope he’s not being auctioned tonight. Angelica would be a fool to place him in the catalog in his current state. He needs time to heal.

And then maybe he’ll still be here next month for the next auction. I’d like to see him again. Just to make sure he’s in better health.

“Now, I know you’re restless,” Walter’s dark eyes shimmer with excitement, “but this last piece is different. Special ,” he whispers the word into the slim microphone jutting out of the podium.

“Get on with it!” an alpha in the crowd yells, making several others growl in agreement. I can’t help but smile at the obvious desperation radiating off them. Impatient alphas tend to pay big with little thought or remorse.

Awareness for my pack alpha prickles my back, and I turn. Stanley stands at the edge of the auction, watching everyone carefully. He looks so commanding in his black suit and matching tie—tall and strong. His dark eyes sweep the crowd before turning away. I watch his strong form carefully, not taking my eyes off him until he disappears into the display room.

Walter’s voice swells over the crowd, and I look back at the stage right as the male omega stumbles through the black curtain and into the spotlight.

You’ve got to be kidding me.

Rage pumps hard in my veins as I stare up at the weak creature on the stage. He’s so pale, trembling under the bright lights. Walter urges him to step into the center of the stage, and he shuffles forward. I can visibly see his knees shake.

“Introducing our last omega.” Walter holds a hand out, gesturing to the boy. He ducks his head, and the slightest whimper hits the air.

My heart instantly jacks up at the sound, and I push forward. Even though I tower over the alphas around me, I need to be closer. I need to see his face. Furious, I shove around a massive alpha, desperate for a better vantage point. I push about halfway into the crowd, when the throng of alphas shifts.

And then the blond omega lifts his head.

His eyes are stunning. They look green in the bright light. They don’t have much sparkle, but I’m sure that’s the sedative. I take in the rest of his slight form. His soft body is hidden behind a thin, oversized dress shirt. His plump pink lips are shiny, and his blond hair hangs over his forehead in perfectly styled curls.

He looks like an angel.

“Is that a male ?” someone barks out, disgust clear in his voice. The blond omega ducks his head, having obviously heard the insult. I snarl at the unknown fucker, wanting to rip his goddamn throat out.

“He is a male,” Walter responds to the heckler with an excited lift in his voice.

There’s a mix of jeers and a few whistles. Someone yells out, “What a waste of fucking time,” while several others wander off, clearly having no interest in pursuing a male.

I’m both relieved and enraged. I can't believe they wouldn’t want him. He’s so timid and soft, and his scent…

I lick my lips, tasting the faint trace of his floral aroma in the air. But I’m also happy at the loss of competition. The stupid fuckers don’t know what they’re missing out on.

The young male shifts nervously on the stage, rocking on the balls of his feet. As if pulled by an invisible thread, I move, trying to get closer to the stage. I don’t know what's happening to me.

“Item number 4101,” Walter introduces the omega. “He’s five-foot-six with a slim build, green eyes, beautifully obedient, and ,” he pauses, giving the crowd a playful smirk, “he’s certified pure .” The second the last word leaves his mouth, the crowd turns electric.

Murmurs shift from disappointment to wild anticipation.

“That’s right, alphas.” Walter stands a little taller. “This tender omega is one hundred percent pure. Never touched. A prize for any alpha looking to— What’s that?” Angelica appears at Walter’s shoulder, whispering in his ear.

The thought of someone else claiming him cuts through me, and I growl loudly. “Move!” I bark as I rush forward, desperate to reach the stage.

One big fucker in a heavy black overcoat suddenly shifts, making me take a quick step back. Annoyed at his sudden movement, I shove into him, forcing the asshole out of my way.

“Watch it!” he snaps at me.

I flash my teeth, cocking my fist, ready to throw it if I have to. I don’t say a word, holding the alpha’s angry gaze, making it clear he doesn’t scare me in the least. The alpha’s jaw ticks, and I can see it in his eyes. He wants to fight, but his desire to claim a mate is even stronger, and all it takes is one punch to be banned from the Morder.

“Fuck off,” he mumbles then edges away from me. Pussy .

My eyes snap back to the stage. The omega’s head is ducked, hiding his beautiful face from me. I need to see his eyes again.

I need to see him. Scent him. Lick every inch of his beautiful body. It’s like all reason is gone, replaced with deep, senseless desire.

Angelica finishes speaking to Walter, then hands him a piece of paper. The silver-haired beta squints at it, then his brows shoot up as if shocked.

“Start the fucking bidding!” a gruff alpha yells somewhere behind me. There’s a round of agreement, and Walter’s smile pulls a little tighter.

“A quick announcement,” Walter says. “In complete transparency, this omega does have a few minor medical issues. Nothing concerning, but you have been warned. The beta’s dark eyes sweep the restless alphas. When no one argues, he raises a tiny gavel, and the bidding begins.

Numbers fly from the beta’s mouth as alphas raise their hands to place their claim. My agitation rises, and I snarl at the thought of anyone else taking him home. Soon the bidding shrinks to two alphas. They lazily bid back and forth, raising their offer by only ten bucks at a time.

All too soon, Walter’s voice rises as the bidding stalls, and neither alpha wants to go any higher.

Female omegas consistently bring in five or six figures—depending on their breeding status—but it seems no one is willing to bet anything near that for this ethereal creature.

Idiots .

“Nine hundred and eighty dollars to the gentleman in the leather jacket.” Walter points his gavel at an alpha on the far end of the stage. “Do I hear one thousand?” He looks just past me. “Are you willing to do one thousand, Mr. Ketland?” Walter smiles, clearly hoping for one more bid. “Do you really want to miss out on this angelic creature?” He turns and looks at the omega. “Look at those green eyes. You can’t deny how wonderful he’d be to corrupt.”

Rage pumps in my veins as the familiar alpha hums somewhere behind me as if weighing his options. “Why not?” Ketland finally agrees. “I’ve paid much more for a worse-looking fuck.”

What’s left of the crowd chuckles, and the omega’s shoulders curl inward. Rage consumes me as a tear catches the spotlight. It drips down his soft cheek, dangling off the edge of his jaw before falling away.

“Five thousand!” I roar over the mass of alphas, and the omega lifts his head ever so slightly. His eyes are wide as if surprised. And I am too. I shouldn’t be doing this. My pack will be livid, but this omega is too precious to let slip away.

I must have him.

“Five thousand?” Walter’s sharp gaze moves across the crowd, searching for the bidder. I raise my hand, holding my head high when our eyes meet.

“What the fuck?” Ketland snarls, and I hear his heavy feet move toward me. He doesn’t want this omega, but he doesn’t want to lose either.

“Bear?” Walter says my name, and everyone goes quiet. Too stunned, or maybe even scared to challenge me. “You want to place a five-thousand-dollar offer on this omega?”

I nod, forcing the beta to accept my bid.

Walter clears his throat, then looks past me, no doubt at Ketland. “Five thousand, one hundred?” he asks, but Ketland doesn’t say a word. And I knew he wouldn’t.

Not only am I six-foot-six, with more muscle than half the guys here, but I also belong to one of the most powerful packs in the country. A lot of these fuckers might hate me, but their respect for my pack will keep them in line.

“Anyone else?” Walter raises his gavel, prepared to bring the auction to an end. He waits a beat, then he bangs the tiny wooden hammer, closing all bidding. “Item number 4101 sold for five thousand to the impressive Mr. Bear Cosner.”

Satisfaction pumps in my veins as my gaze shifts to the tiny omega still standing on stage. He looks so sweet with his head bowed and his hands clasped in front of him.

Someone in the crowd lets out an annoyed growl—no doubt angry they’ve left empty-handed. The harsh sound makes the omega flinch then tremble.

He’s so delicate. So perfect.

And he’s all mine.

“Bear?” Stanley’s deep voice rumbles right behind me, and cold fear slips over me.

Fuck .

“Jack,” I say his first name as I slowly turn and face my pack alpha. I hope that addressing him more intimately will help calm him, but the second our eyes meet, I know I’ve fucked up. Big time.

His jaw is set tight, and his dark eyes flash with controlled rage. He won’t yell at me. Not here. The last thing he wants is for anyone to think he doesn’t have complete and utter control over everything in his life…including his pack. And admitting I bought a potential mate without his approval would look really bad.

But I had no choice. Even now, all I want to do is storm that stage and take what’s mine.

“I’d love to have a word with you,” Stanley says through clenched teeth. “Shall we?” He motions to a clearing next to the stage, away from the crowd. I move, readying myself for whatever he’s about to say.

A few alphas congratulate us on our purchase as we pass, one even stopping to shake my hand. Stanley simply nods, ushering me along. I can tell how angry he is by how soft his touch is, and right now, his hand is barely ghosting over the middle of my back. He’s the opposite of most men—he's so damn loud when he’s happy, but he speaks in a deathly whisper when he’s pissed. He’s a master of contained rage.

Stanley pulls me to a stop, keeping his voice calm as he speaks, “Can I ask what the fuck you’re doing?” He’s very careful with his expression, keeping it light. Well aware that people are probably watching us.

Not sure what else to say, I state the obvious, “I claimed an omega.” And instantly regret saying it.

Stanley’s dark eyes go wide at my blunt statement, and his scent intensifies. “Is that all you have to say?” His voice is so quiet. Almost a whisper. “You just claimed an omega ?” He snarls my words back to me. “I get that you like to think with your cock,” he grits out, “but if you had told me in private ,” he exaggerates the word, “that you wanted a face full of omega slick, I could have arranged something for you. Something that wouldn’t have caused a goddamn public spectacle!” he whisper-yells at me, his temper taking over.

“I’m so sorry.” I pull in a slow breath, trying to sound respectful, but my voice is still tight. I can’t help it. His anger is feeding into me, making me want to punch something. Hard . “I don’t know what happened.”

“I can’t fucking believe you did this.” He looks me up and down, his face contorted with rage.

I nod, not sure what to say.

“You’ve made such a mess.” Stanley begins to pace, unable to stand still. “Is this the Cosner pack now?” His voice edges even deeper, provoking me. “Do you not need me or Yuki anymore? Are you done with us? Ready to start your own damn pack with your own personal omega?” Thick rage pours off him, and his teeth flash. “Or maybe you’re hoping I’ll kick you out. Reject your ass for being so fucking reckless. Let you leave without a fight.”

“No.” I immediately bow my head, hoping my show of submission will calm him down. “I don’t want any of that.” I decide to tell him the truth. “I…I needed him.” My gaze drifts over the grass under my boots, trying to figure out why the hell I did what I did. “I couldn’t let anyone else have him.”

Stanley stops pacing, then slowly moves to me. “That’s the best excuse you’ve got for overpaying for a sickly male omega?” His insult cuts through me, and it takes everything in me not to snap at him. There's nothing wrong with that omega. My omega.

No. I try to correct my thinking. This is our omega. I just have to help my alpha see how perfect he is.

“I didn’t think. I just acted,” I whisper as a few alphas pass. They chat loudly, not paying any attention to us. I look at my pack alpha, trying to find the words to make him forgive me. “I understand how pissed you are,” I say, “but I swear, I meant no disrespect. It was… instinct .”

Stanley makes a face at my choice of words. “Your instincts are shit,” he snaps. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t make choices that intentionally piss me off.”

I nod, trying to muster the courage to ask what I really want to know.

“What is it?” Stanley bluntly asks. “I know that look. What do you want to say?”

I swallow hard, worried about how he’s going to react to my question. But I have to know. “Are you going to cancel my bid?”

Stanley’s eyes go wide with shock and rage, then he snarls, “Are you fucking kidding me right now?” He pushes forward, forcing me to back up. “You really don’t see what you’ve done, do you?”

I don’t know how to answer that.

“I can’t return the little shit,” he growls quietly. “The second I tell Angelica we don’t want the boy is the moment she realizes you bought him without my fucking approval.” His dark eyes narrow into slits, glaring at me with so much disappointment and fury. “Do you want everyone to know you have zero respect for me? That you do whatever the fuck you want?”

Shock tears through me, and I hold my hands up, trying to calm him. “Stanley.” I use his preferred name as I stare deep into his eyes. “You know that’s not true. I have nothing but respect for?—”

“ Zero respect ,” he cuts me off, looking hard into my eyes. “You fucked up, Bear.” He jabs a finger into my breastbone, shoving hard. “Your selfish decision has put me in an impossible position.” He pauses, daring me to argue. But I can’t. He’s right. “I have to take that sick boy home to keep other people from talking.”

I bow my head so he won’t see the excitement in my eyes. “What are you going to do?”

Stanley sucks in a deep breath, pushing his shoulders back. He’s a few inches shorter than me, but he carries himself like he’s seven feet tall. “Let me tell you what I’m going to do,” his voice drops to an angry rumble, and I hold my breath. “I’m going to bring that little omega home and fuck his goddamn brains out. Then I’m going to bring Yuki in so she can smother his fucking face with her alpha pussy. But you,” he pokes my chest again, “don’t get to touch even a hair on his head.”

His eyes sparkle as he declares my punishment. “Then, when Yuki and I have lapped up every drop of slick he has to offer, I’m going to decide if I want to keep him or trash him. But you don’t get to see, scent, or hear him until I’m no longer pissed at you. Do you fucking understand?”

Humiliation isn’t my thing. Neither is the Dom/sub game he and Yuki like to play sometimes, but I can’t help but be turned on. The thought of Stanley and Yuki tending to that sweet omega while I watch sounds like heaven.

“I understand,” I say simply as movement catches my eye.

Angelica walks slowly toward us. I give Stanley a quick jerk of my head, letting him know we’re not alone anymore. He immediately understands, pulling in a calming breath and buttoning the top button of his suit jacket.

“We’ll finish this conversation at home,” he says softly before turning to greet Angelica.

“Sir.” Angelica cuts me a tense look before smiling wide at Stanley. She’s such an asshole. “Your purchase is being prepared as we speak. I took the liberty of marking you as paid.” She hands Jack a familiar pink slip. My winning bid of five thousand dollars is circled at the top with a dark red slash through it. “If I had known you had an interest in the omega, I wouldn’t have put him in the auction.”

Stanley’s expression stays flat of all emotion. “Last-minute decision,” he says, and Angelica smiles at his shitty excuse. “Bear.” Jack doesn’t even look at me as he speaks. “Go wait in the car, and I’ll be right out with our new mate.”

This is a test.

I know it is.

My body is screaming that I need to go with him and collect our new omega together, but I know if I do anything other than what he says, I won’t live to see another day.

“Barrett.” Jack uses my proper name as he turns, looking at me over his shoulder. “Is there a problem?”

I take a small step backward. Then another. “No, sir.” Then, using every ounce of willpower I have left, I force my body to turn toward the car, and I walk, leaving Jack to collect our winnings.