Chapter Seven
Willow
R: Lucy’s here, and I’m obsessed. She’s absolutely perfect
W: Enjoy the cuddles! I miss her already.
R: Snuggling her squishy face on the couch as we speak.
O: I wish we could send pics in here.
W: I’m hunting for a dog for you!
O: No rush, big sis. I know you’ll find me the bestest baby.
R: Impossible. Lucy’s already the bestest.
W: In other news… A trial date’s been set.
R: Fuck. When?
O: Oh, God. Please tell me they don’t need us.
W: Not us—just me. You guys stay exactly as you are. Heads down.
O: NO. What if it’s not safe? What if they get you?
W: They won’t! Not even sure if I’m needed in court yet, so don’t panic. Starting with a sworn statement from a safe house. The protection squad has it covered.
R: Lock him up for life. Death penalty would be better. And I’m ready to testify too. Tell G I want in when you talk to him next.
R: Never mind, I’ll send him a message myself.
W: I’ll tell you details when I know more. Right now, it’s just a date. And I’ve gotta run. I’m apparently going to a party?
O: OMG, please be safe and careful.
R: REMEMBER YOUR WEAPONS!!!
“Ican’t believe you seriously talked me into this.
” My eyes narrow at Alicia as I turn the steering wheel.
We pull up behind a long line of cars and motorcycles parked along the road in front of the Hellbent Hounds’ clubhouse.
I didn’t even know this place existed, but apparently, everyone in town knows all about the MC— except for me.
“Girl, you’re gonna have an amazing night.
These guys are so fun, and I promise they won’t pressure you into doing anything.
Women are safe here, I swear. I’ve been to like ten of these parties.
Let me tell you, when the Hounds throw a party, it is the place to be.
” She flicks down the sun visor and opens the mirror to put on another layer of lipstick and fluff her hair that’s styled in ringlets.
“Doesn’t sound like my kind of scene.” I complete my own set of checks.
Scent-blocking panties. Check.
Stabby hair-chopstick. Check.
Taser. Check.
Knife. Check.
And last, but certainly not least, my SOS necklace that will send every law enforcement officer in a thirty-mile radius flying to this exact location if I press the button.
The only thing missing is Bruce. While I wish he was here, Alicia convinced me he would be better off at home. Too many bodies and possibilities. She’s probably right, but still, there’s a sense of wrongness under my skin that I can’t shake without him being by my side.
Alicia hops out of the car. After taking a few deep breaths, I gather my courage and do the same. You have your weapons. You know how to use them. If you feel unsafe, you leave. This is a normal thing to do.
Going to a party may be commonplace for some, but for me, it’s terrifying. Being in witness protection comes with an enormous set of restrictions and only a few approved locations—the training facility where I work, the dog shelter, the grocery store, and my home.
Not to mention the last time you were in a crowd…
That thought alone quickens my breathing. My chest constricts with the strain of holding back the building sob. Using my panic-calming techniques, I band my arms tightly around my middle. I wish I had worn my hair down to obscure my face.
“Remember, if you need me, grab me. Fen can wait. Chicks before dicks. Promise.” It makes me feel slightly better, but I can handle a packed room on my own. In fact, I used to charm entire theaters with my music. I’m a capable omega. I can do this.
We walk only a few feet before we’re forced to halt. A line of people trails down the driveway, so many that I can’t see the front.
“What’s going on?” It’s such a massive holdup that I crane my neck to peek around the scantily clad women and muscle-bound men in front of us. Even though the line’s moving, there’s no telling what’s causing the wait.
“Nothing. A basic security check,” she explains nonchalantly, and my palms immediately become clammy.
We get closer, and I watch in horror as men and women alike are patted down with practiced ease.
I don’t know the two club members at the gate, but my stomach begins to churn, bile racing up my throat and leaving a disgusting flavor in my mouth.
The line inches forward. Alicia and I are only a few people away when my rational brain breaks through.
They’re going to find everything. Twisting my body, I consider making a hasty retreat to the car.
My weapons are not hidden well enough to remain concealed when patted down.
They are invisible to the naked eye, but a few simple touches will make them unmistakable.
However, wandering into a den full of bikers without protection would be moronic. In fact, I shouldn’t be here at all. I can’t think of anything an omega needs less than a giant clubhouse filled with horny bikers.
This was so stupid.
Only two people remain in front of us…
What do I do? Run. Fight. Flee.
But Alicia grabs my arm, tugging me forward. The protest dies on my lips.
A large man reaches for me, and I step back.
He wears a leather vest with the word WHELP in broad letters over his heart.
PROSPECT arches high above it. Unfamiliar with this lifestyle, I don’t know what it means, but I’m certainly not ready for this man to run his hands over me.
My omega instincts shriek “stranger danger,” and when his scent hits me, my heart pounds with dread. Alpha.
Memories swarm to the front of my mind. Pain. I clench my ruined fingers, pushing back the phantoms. You can do this.
“I’d rather not be patted down.” My voice is forceful, and the Alpha stops immediately, quirking his eyebrow at me.
“It’s procedure. If you don’t like it, you’ll have to take it up with the big man, or have someone inside vouch for you.
But there are no weapons or drugs allowed here.
” Both policies are surprising, but it doesn’t change anything.
I’m not giving up my weapons. I don’t want to be touched. And it’s not going to happen.
“I completely understand.” Not wanting to hold up the line, I move to step aside.
“Willow, what are you doing?” Alicia hisses, grabbing my arm and yanking me in front of Whelp again.
“Ummm. Getting out of the way? I’ll pick you up the second you want to leave. Please, go in.”
“No, you’ve got to come.” The prospects stare us down, clearly annoyed by the scene. People still waiting in line shift in annoyance, and embarrassment crawls up my neck.
Alicia’s eyes beg me to reconsider, but I’m not going to back down.
This Alpha is a stranger, and the last thing I want is his greedy hands groping me.
Not to mention, I don’t know any of the people inside, but I’m sure several of them are Alphas, too.
All interested in claiming an omega, because that is the primal prerogative.
“Please, Willow. I don’t want to go alone.” Her voice is so soft and vulnerable that I can’t say no. So, I grab her hand and hold it tight, swallowing hard before meeting Whelp’s eyes and giving a barely recognizable nod.
“Just to confirm… because we don’t want any legal bullshit here…
you’re consenting to a pat-down, correct?
” There’s a military crispness to his tone, and I squeak, unable to form words around the blockage in my throat.
I nod again, even though it’s the last thing I want.
Alicia needs you. “Nah, babe, gotta use some words. You’re a pretty little omega, and I’m not getting into trouble. ”
His eyes rake over me, heating, but I’m shocked by his restraint. I cough several times before attempting to speak again. But just as I open my mouth, a familiar face walks up behind them.
“Hey! Willow! Good to see you.” It’s the man with the naughty dogs from the park the other day. His floppy hair now hangs down into his face, and his happy grin, complete with dimples, lights up at seeing me. “Let her through. I vouch.”
“You sure?” The gruff Alpha prospect frowns, staring at my chest. Dog Man insists, and he steps aside, ushering Alicia and me through.
Guess it wasn’t a country club after all…