Chapter 7
Seven
Squeezed into the back of a sleek, black Porsche with tinted windows, I’m hyperaware of the space—or lack thereof—between Reed and me in the back seat. Seth’s driving is focused and silent, while Jasper’s in the front. With his height and broad size from his muscles, I doubt he’d be able to squeeze into the back if he tried.
The car’s spectacular, and it’s my first time in a sports car. Yet despite the leathery smell, the three Alphas’ scents are overwhelming. I might have taken the suppressant pill, but it does nothing to stop me from reacting to how indulgent these men smell.
I keep shifting in my seat, trying not to let the skirt split slide open and reveal my thighs. To be fair, it’s the tamest outfit in the collection, including the short-cropped shirt with long sleeves I’m wearing to cover my arms, though the buttons across my bust are in a tug-o-war with keeping the fabric from busting open. Better this than a silky dress made for a sophisticated dinner or my old clothes that make me look like a hobo.
“So, is there something I need to know about your family, Seth?” I ask, tugging on the skirt and holding it closed. “I mean, what’s my story?” I’m trying to sound casual when I’m freaking out. I’m in the car with Fever, and I don’t know when my full-on heat will hit. Nexus enforcers are in town, and I’m stuck with this pack of Alphas until I can work out what I’m going to do.
What happens if I go into heat now? Will they be unable to resist and pull over? Or will I be the one demanding it?
Fuck!
Yep, that’s what I’ll be saying.
And now, they’re taking me home to meet Seth’s family.
Isn’t this every girl’s dream? Being taken to meet the parents of the lead singer of one of the top rock bands in the world?
Yet I’m too busy worrying to the death about Nexus finding me, my friends being safe, and my mom and sister being harassed by the facility after our phone chat.
Seth’s deep-blue eyes meet mine in the mirror, and they’re crinkling at the edges from his grin. “We say you’re our Omega,” he answers without missing a beat.
“And we met at a concert.” Jasper nods from the seat in front of me while Reed is trying to pull as far away from me as possible, staring out the window.
Rude much!
“My family can be intense,” Seth says, catching my attention while navigating through the busy streets. “Just ignore most of what happens tonight and enjoy the food.”
I half-laugh. “Sounds ominous,” I mutter. “Wish I had a big family to enjoy these kinds of functions with.”
“Wouldn’t we all,” Jasper pips in, and something tightens in my chest at his words.
Alright, I’m trying to calm the jitters in my stomach. Despite the pill suppressing my scent, the inferno emanating from these Alphas is affecting me more than I care to admit.
Reed keeps his distance, and despite our small back seat, he’s managed to keep our knees and arms from touching.
By the time we finally pull up to what appears to be a gated community, I’m breathless and more turned on from our closeness than I should be from a simple car ride. I’m dying to get out of this freaking tiny car before I burst. My nipples are so sensitive and tight, if someone touches them, I’ll come completely undone.
I never understood the power of attraction between an Omega and an Alpha until now. Sure, I studied it at school, and we were told what happens, but theory and practise are very different beasts.
Glancing up, I gasp at the sight in front of us. It’s breathtaking. We pass through the gated community gates, then roll down to a sprawling mansion past the second open entrance. We drive through the parting gates as if it’s inhaling us into its embrace.
Immaculate gardens and modern luxury in the stone building with three floors await us. Coming down the driveway, I already spot the glittery lights against the darkening evening in the backyard, the canopy overhead for the function.
Nerves are biting into my skin, and every inch of me wants to leave. I can’t do this. I don’t want to. Especially with strangers who suddenly decide they are going to be good Samaritans and help me out. Except… are they the pack I want to end up with? My initial instinct is yes, but both parties have to want it. And do I want to drag them into my problems and baggage?
I remind myself they’re a band who can never lead a normal life, who are mostly on the road on tours. I almost laugh at the irony of my thoughts. How much I would have died for something like this growing up when I craved to sing, to make a name for myself.
But that’s in the past, and I’m no longer that person. Not after I got my dad killed by putting my dreams before his safety. I tremble, not wanting to think about the past, to not bring back the tears or the shattering ache that’s already ripped my heart in two. The longer I spend with the band Fever, the more I’m reminded of the chaos I caused for my family.
“Alright, party time,” Jasper says sarcastically, which only sets off nerves that nip at my flesh even more.
I glance outside at the sheer scale of the house, the towering columns that frame the front door, and the arched Tudor-style windows. The place screams wealth and status.
Somewhere I don’t belong.
Once we’re parked, Seth and Jasper are out of the car in record time, and as Reed reaches for his door handle, I stretch out my hand to him. My fingers tenderly brush his arm. He pauses and glances back at me, his brow pinched in tight lines.
I drop my hand.
“Hey, you don’t have to be so rude about not liking me,” I say, still hurt by his reaction to sitting in the back seat with me.
“Is that what you think is happening?” he mutters, his expression unreadable.
Part of me is still shocked that I’m speaking with Reed from Fever, and worse yet, he dislikes me. That stings badly. Yet if I learned anything growing up at home, it’s that I may be suppressed by order of Nexus, but I won’t let anyone walk over me.
“Did you see yourself?” I counter, stiffening my spine. “You’d ride in the trunk if it was big enough to get away from me.”
There’s a shift in his face, a darkness consuming his appearance.
“You have no idea.”
“Of course, I do. I can’t read your mind, but I’m good at judging body reactions and mannerisms.”
He sighs, staring at me… no, that’s too soft a word. It’s like he’s peering into my soul with daggers.
“You want to know what I’m struggling with?” He’s almost challenging me now.
“Go on, tell me,” I urge, even though my knees are bouncing. I notice the other guys have left us alone, as if sensing the tense conversation.
“I told myself long ago that I have no intention of settling down. No Omega, no damn anything romantic… then you come bursting into my life.”
“Wow.” I’m taken aback. “Is that meant to make me feel sorry for you? It must be hard having the world revolve around you. Trust me, this isn’t my ideal situation, either.”
“It’s not that.” He sighs, and the vulnerability in his voice catches me off guard.
I study him closely—the clenching of his jaw and the way his hand still grips the door. He’s torn, that’s clear.
“What is it?” I ask.
“This whole car trip, I had to fight to keep my distance from you, knowing the moment I let down my guard, I’d rip off your clothes and make you mine. I have no fucking willpower around you, and I fucking hate myself for it.”
His words strike me like a cyclone. He’s already out of the car, the door shutting behind him. Striding toward the backyard with his hands deep in the pockets of his jeans, the white button-up shirt hugs him as his head hangs low.
What the fuck is that about? This has to be the strangest confession of maybe liking someone, except he doesn’t really want me. It’s his pheromones that make him drawn to me, and that’s why he’s fighting the urges.
Well, fuck him!
Jasper opens my door and offers me his hand.
I take it and step out.
“Did speaking to him help?”
“Hell, no!”
Jasper just chuckles, as if he expected nothing less.
“He’s afraid of commitment.”
“Yeah, I gathered that, except I never told him I wanted anything from him, so I’m not sure why he’s all moody about it.”
There’s no answer as Seth joins us, and with a smile, he cocks his chin toward the backyard.
“Let’s go.”
Jasper gives my hand to Seth, as if I’m a prize to be displayed, but I’d rather hold on to someone than walk into a party alone, looking like a groupie.
Walking down the side of the mansion, I’m taken aback by the beauty of the property—the flower gardens, the small water fountains dotted on the land, and the tiny bird houses hanging from trees they pass. Fairy lights circle the trees, casting a magical hue.
The aroma of barbecued food reaches me, and my stomach growls in response. I’m starving. There’s also the hum of voices and laughter coming from the back of the property.
As we turn the corner into the party, there’s a canopy stretched out from the rear of the house and tied to several trees in the yard. More fairy lights everywhere, elegant tables and seats near the open French doors that lead into the house, while plush couches line the edges. In the middle is a roaring fire surrounded by stones. It crackles, its flames dancing in the evening night. The atmosphere is lively, with about fifteen people mingling in the area, laughing and chatting.
“Hey everyone,” Seth calls out casually, a broad smile on his face, though I feel how his hand tenses in mine as if he’s not a fan of attending. “This is Danica, our gorgeous Omega,” he says, throwing an arm around my shoulders.
There’s a pause in the chatter, every eye on us, and I’m more than nervous with so many gazes on me. Half the crowd swarms us, and suddenly, I don’t know who to answer as they all ask me questions about where we met, if I sing with Seth, where I live… My head’s spinning, my stomach tightening.
By the time Seth gets everyone to give us space to breathe, I find Jasper and Reed chatting with others, chuckling, and exchanging hugs. Clearly, they’ve been to dozens of similar events with the family, as they all appear so friendly around one another.
Reed’s helping himself to drinks from the makeshift bar at the side of the party while Jasper’s chatting with two younger guys. It appears they’re gushing over him.
Seth leans in close, his breath on my ear, so close it’s impossible not to feel myself quivering in response. I’m still fangirling about who they are and also dealing with my body falling head over heels for these men. So, I’m aware of every touch, every stare, and every breath that reaches me.
“See, not so bad, right?” he says, standing there so casually in his black fitted jeans, shiny shoes, and a loose white T-shirt, just like the dozens of photos I’ve seen of him online. This whole thing feels surreal, as though I’m imagining it.
“So far, they seem normal enough,” I answer softly.
He chuckles, then runs his fingers through the dark, longer strands. My gaze falls to the muscles in his raised arm, and the inhale of his scent screams sex to me. My heart skips a beat, and I glance away from him, realizing I’m gawking.
“Give them time,” he says, not seeming to have noticed me drooling, thank God. “But until then, better to grab some food.”
He takes my hand in his, and we begin to walk to the table filled with assortments of salads, breads, and meats. A woman, maybe in her mid-sixties, strikingly beautiful with deep dark hair styled in waves off her face, approaches us with two drinks.
“Hi, Mom,” Seth says and leans down to kiss her on her cheeks.
“I was worried you wouldn’t come, but I’d glad you did, dear.”
Seth shrugs. “I couldn’t miss Grandpa’s ninetieth birthday. Now, where is he?”
“Inside with your father. Better you go let them know you’ve arrived.” Her smile is thin at the suggestion.
Seth’s hand in mine tenses once more, and there’s hesitancy before he smiles at me, saying he won’t be long, then leaves my side.
“Looks like you could do with a drink,” Seth’s mom says, pushing one of her two flute glasses filled with bubbly into my grasp. There’s an unmistakable resemblance between Seth and his mother—same high cheekbones and full lips.
“Thank you.” I sip from it, needing to drown in the bubbly to calm down.
“It’s so incredible Seth and the boys found someone. For a long time, I guessed he’d never settle down, given his line of work. It’s got to be difficult for any Omega, so I applaud you.”
I smile, unsure how to take her comment. Is it meant to be a compliment to me putting up with someone who’s too busy for a relationship, or is there more to her meaning? Although I’m not really his Omega… I don’t know where I belong, to be honest, because the past couple of days have been a whirlwind.
“It’s hard not to adore them when nature insists we’re meant to be together.” I do my best fake Omega girlfriend persona. “They’ve been nothing but incredible to me.” I can’t help but glance at Reed across the room, chatting to a girl easily my age. He looks like he’s enjoying talking to her.
I sure as hell don’t care what he does… even if my insides are twisting at the sight, and I want to rip him away from her.
“So, dear,” Seth’s mom says, drawing my attention back. “I’m a bit surprised he hasn’t told us about you. Is it a recent thing?” She’s flapping her free hand between me and the open French doors to indicate me and Seth.
My throat dries because we haven’t exactly worked out all the details, so I keep it vague. “Oh, to be honest, we’ve known each other for a while, then things just happened.”
She nods her head, sipping from her glass and studying me. Can she tell I’m lying? Mothers have an innate ability to pick up lies… My mom always knew when I fibbed.
Her gaze lowers to my hands. “I can’t believe he hasn’t given you the family ring.”
I blink at her, completely taken off guard. Ring?
“Come with me, and I will fix that right away!” She takes my drink and sets it on the table with hers, then takes my hand in hers. “My son would lose his head if it wasn’t screwed on.”
We’re suddenly moving toward the open doors and step into the mansion.
Inside, I feel as though I’ve stepped into another world—the opulence, the beauty of the house is breathtaking. Modern furniture is mostly white and looks untouched. Sofas are plush with cushions, and there’s a coffee table with a plate of cookies, though I wouldn’t dare eat in that room as I’d leave crumbs everywhere. There’s a large flat-screen television on the wall and shelves of books. I try to picture Seth growing up in such a perfect house.
Adjacent to the living room is a forming dining room, where a long, polished mahogany table is surrounded by high-backed chairs, the seats covered in dark velvet. There’s a gorgeous crystal vase in the middle, blooming with a bouquet of dahlias.
I follow Seth’s mother down the wide hallway, which is lit up with spotlights in the ceiling, and we move past the kitchen. Inside, I catch a glimpse of Seth, who has his back to me, in a heated conversation with two men. One is older, with a build that screams authority, especially with how he stands tall in front of Seth—probably his father. They have a similar build. The other man is seated in a chair and looks even older, age etched on the lines on his face. I’m guessing that”s his grandfather—the birthday boy.
“Is nothing I do ever good enough for you?” Seth barks at his father, who wears a sour expression.
As quickly as I pass the kitchen, the tail end of their uncomfortable conversation follows me.
“When have you ever done as I asked? Why would you start caring about my opinion now? And this Omega… you just spring her on us with no warning?”
The words sing in the air as I move away from the kitchen, following Seth’s mother, who doesn’t seem to notice the argument.
My heart hurts at something I know I shouldn’t have overheard.
In no time, we enter a small office. It’s cozy and modest compared to the rest of the house, with a large wooden desk in the middle. Bookshelves are on one wall with a range of books and decorative knick-knacks. The room feels lived in, as though whoever owns it spends a lot of time here.
Seth’s mother gestures for me to take a seat in one of the chairs facing the desk.
“This is where I escape the family sometimes.” She gives me a small crack of a smile, as though there’s so much hurt behind her reason for hiding in her office. Moving to the cupboard behind the desk, she opens a panel to reveal a safe. She shifts, so I don’t see the combination, and has it open in no time. Quickly, she grabs out what I assume is a ring, then closes it back up.
“So, Danica, tell me about yourself.” She turns to me and pulls up a seat right next to me. There’s something humble, almost comforting, about her.
I lick my lips, feeling awful about lying, especially to Seth’s mom, who genuinely looks excited. I really shouldn’t have let them drag me here, but they didn’t want me to run away, which had been my plan. Or at least take some time out to sort out my emotions, my thoughts about these men who ignite a raw passion inside me, who make me swoon in their presence.
“Seth doesn’t bring many people home, aside from his band, so it’s lovely to meet you. And to see him settling down. Maybe…” She glances over her shoulder at the door. “Maybe it will be good for everyone.”
“He really is very caring,” I say, unsure what to say about the family issues she’s referring to. I’m nervous, feeling like I’m under a microscope. When she just watches me, I freak out a bit, and words start pouring out of my mouth. “Sometimes, families are complicated. I mean, I had an argument with my mom recently, and I know it was out of anxiety, but it’s left me feeling awful. And I miss her.”
“Family arguments are tough.” She reaches over, her hand gentle and comforting, the other still clutching a small ring box. “These are the people we love, yet we end up hurting them the most.” She sounds so sad, especially when she glances quickly to the doorway where the faint voices from the kitchen linger. “Seth and his father have been at odds ever since he first said he wanted to be in a band.”
I exhale deeply, hearing the ache in her voice.
She shakes her head just as fast, then forces a smile, her face transforming into a mask of positivity.
“But all families have their complications. We love him, and I’m so happy to have you in our family now. You must be getting close to reaching your heat, right?”
I nod, fidgeting under the weight of the conversation.
“It’s okay.” Her hand pats mine reassuringly. “We’ve all been there. It’s terrifying, but I’m guessing if Nexus matched you, then it was meant to be.”
The words slip out before I can stop them. “Oh, we met at a concert, not through Nexus.” As soon as I say it, I cringe internally, hoping I haven’t made Seth look like someone going against protocol.
She grins, leaning in. “Probably for the best. Sometimes, I wonder if Nexus is overrated in making perfect matches for Omegas and Alphas, anyway.”
The sadness pouring from Seth’s mom is heartbreaking. I shift in my seat and peer out the window behind me at the sound of laughter and chatter in the backyard.
“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Seth’s mom says. “I’m hijacking all your time. But we came here for a reason.”
She opens her palm, revealing a small ring box, which she carefully opens. Inside sits a stunning gold band adorned with diamonds and rubies.
“It’s beautiful,” I murmur, never expecting to own such expensive jewelry.
“This is his grandmother’s engagement ring,” she explains. “In our family, we pass this down to the next Omega until she’s ready to pass it on to the next generation.”
I’m lost for breath at her confession.
“And I want you to have it.”
My heart’s pounding in my chest.
“Oh, I can’t take that,” I stammer, my gaze locked on the beautiful ring. The idea of wearing such a significant ring feels like I’m taking this pretense too far.
But Seth’s mom insists, taking my hand and sliding the ring over my marriage finger. It fits perfectly, as if it’s meant to be. Something in my heart squeezes while emotions run over me at how desperately I would love to own such a ring, to believe the Alphas want me to have it.
Yet the ring feels heavy on my finger.
“In our family tradition, it’s either the Alpha or his mother who bestows the ring to the next in line,” she says softly.
For a moment, I can’t speak, and for some ridiculous reason, my eyes are pricking. All I can think about is that I don’t deserve this, that somehow, I will end up ruining this woman’s heart. It’s having her staring at me with admiration in her eyes that completely undoes me. With it comes heavy darkness slithering inside my thoughts, reminding me while I’m toying with these Alphas, one of them who doesn’t want me, and that while Seth and Jasper might be nice to me, it doesn’t mean there’s a future for us.
How can there be? When they find out I’m not good enough for them, when they see that I’m broken and my ugly scars, they’ll toss me out. I’ve been told my whole life at the Omega Academy that Alphas want their perfect Omegas. It’s why we spent so much time taking classes on beauty and etiquette… all to please an Alpha. Yet I’m still clumsy with it all.
I’ll never forget the words from one of my teachers when she saw my scars. She stared at me as if I’d contracted leprosy, saying that maybe there’s a desperate Alpha out there who will take pity on me.
I tense in my chair, starting to pull the ring off.
“I-I don’t think this is right. What about another Omega in the family? They deserve this, I don’t.”
“Hush now.” She clasps both her hands over mine, stopping me. “My son picked you, and I have been keeping this aside only for his Omega because his grandma wanted it to go to his love interest.”
My throat is scratchy, and I hate how emotional this is making me.
“I love that you’re so passionate and care deeply,” she murmurs. “It’s exactly what Seth needs in his life. I want to spend more time with him, but he just never has free moments. And his father isn’t exactly encouraging me to do that.” She gives me a lopsided grin, wipes a small tear from the corner of her eyes, and takes my hands, pulling me to my feet. “Well, I have taken up enough of your time. Come, let’s join the party.”
“I really liked our chat, and thank you for welcoming me,” I say, trying to swallow down my discomfort. “I’m sure Seth is going to love that you gave me the ring.”
I don’t know why I said that… the part of me that wants to see his mom smile and not look ready to burst into tears, to give her hope? But we’re playing pretend, right? So, he’ll have to be fine with the ring, and I’ll return it to him soon enough.
Heading downstairs, the kitchen is empty, and we find everyone in the yard. Seth’s throwing back a drink while Reed’s in a corner, watching everything unfold as if he’s judging the others. Jasper’s the only one mingling with a group of females, all gaping at him like they’re barely holding back from mauling him.
Jealousy slithers through me, fire blazing in my chest.
I eye the girls, who must be nineteen or twenty, and they are definitely not all Seth’s family but friends of the family. Part of me wants to go over there, except what the hell will I say?
“Hey, stop flirting with the Alpha I just met today and have no rights over. Oh, and I am contemplating leaving as soon as I can, but you know, stop flirting with the hunk?”
I’m not jealous of him. He can sleep with a hundred women, and I won’t bat an eye.
Yet the longer I watch him laughing, the hotter I get, and the more my chest constricts.
Suddenly, I catch Reed looking my way, studying me with that mocking grin.
Hell!
My heart slams into my rib cage, and I twist around quickly, walking right into someone.