Chapter 33
THIRTY-THREE
JEWEL
My outfit was complete, but I needed a moment before I joined the others. I’d sent my stylist out, so it was just me in my dressing room now. I sat down on the grand antique chair I’d poached from my father's office and folded my legs.
It was an amazing chair and would make a great backdrop for a photoshoot. I’d spend a decent chunk of my childhood coming up with outfit ideas that would complement its dark, classy style.
It’d need something in emerald green or perhaps maroon.
My current outfit was still slaying, even if the color scheme didn’t match.
I’d dug out and restyled one of my mother’s most iconic dresses for this occasion.
The top was high-necked and billowy, white with gold accents.
The skirt, I’d redone to be high-waisted and skintight.
It made my ass look divine. I drummed my fingernails on the armrest, examining myself in my floor-to-ceiling mirror.
My father, had he still been alive, would have died of an aneurysm if he’d seen this. His omega son, wearing a dress and lounging in his chair. He’d tried to stomp out the queer in me, and it hadn’t worked. I’d been born fabulous, and a mere mortal like my father had no chance of stopping me.
I straightened my back and lifted my chin, going for a new pose.
Pride.
It meant something different to everyone, and to me it was a big fuck you.
Against all odds, I hadn’t just survived but was unapologetically flourishing. Despite the disapproval and hatred, I was not going to apologise for existing. I certainly was not going to meekly and quietly hide myself away.
No.
I was worth celebrating.
Tonight, I got to sit my divine ass in my father’s chair while he rotted in his casket.
Suck on that, bitch.
I smiled. I was ready for my re-re-emergence.
?
JEWEL
The gala was held in a residence far into the Citrine Hills, and it wasn’t a short drive. I had to figure out how to cuddle with my betas without ruining my outfit. In the end, I’d climbed onto Hugo’s lap and arranged Jade on his other side. She was curled against him, head resting on his shoulder.
“Oh! We’re here!” I exclaimed as we pulled up to a set of gates. There was a line of fancy cars waiting to be let in. I bounced off Hugo and tried to get a glimpse of the house.
“Ouch,” Jade grumbled as I accidentally elbowed her.
“Sorry, pumpkin.”
She smacked my arm. “Don’t call me that!”
I just grinned at her. I was too excited to tease her properly. I couldn’t sit still as we pulled in and waited our turn to step onto the red carpet. I suddenly felt nervous.
“Do I look okay?” I asked, pulling out my pocket mirror. “You know what, maybe I should have gone with the blue nails instead—”
“Jewel.” Hugo cut me off. “You look amazing.”
I nodded, frowning. “Yes, I do, don’t I?”
“Duh.” Jade rolled her eyes.
We pulled up to the entrance. Hugo climbed out first and held the door open for us.
The driver was supposed to do it but there was no way Hugo was letting that happen.
Jade stepped out first, giving me a wink.
I took a deep breath and took Hugo’s hand.
There was a slight buzzing in my head as I stepped out onto the red carpet.
God, I lived to make a scene like this. I was practically vibrating with joy as, one after another, the press noticed I was here.
I beamed, holding my head high and turning so my dark bond was on full display. I’d covered it in glitter so it would sparkle in the sunlight.
They were shouting questions at me, trying to get my attention, but tonight was for mystery and intrigue, so I didn’t answer any of them.
“Jewel, any comment about the Institute's claim—”
“Jewel, is this your alpha?”
“—are you still searching for your scent matches?”
“—where have you been—”
“Is that Laura’s dress—”
I’d made us all practice how to proceed, so everything went perfectly. Security was having a hard time keeping the throng back, and I saw the person ahead of us shoot me a dirty look as I stole all the attention.
I smirked. Tough luck, princess.
We paused at the step-and-repeat, and the others stood just like we practiced. I was so proud of them. We paused, posing for the expected picture. Jade started to step away, but I wasn’t done yet.
Time for a little improvised show.
My heart sang in my chest as I slung my arm around her waist and dipped her down for a filthy kiss. For a moment, she kissed me back, her mouth tipping open slightly.
Then she pulled away and delivered a slap to my cheek. I grinned down at her. Her eyes were glinting with mirth, and a smile danced on her lips as she turned around. He glanced back at me as she led him through the double doors.
Hugo was laughing and wrapped his arm around my waist as we followed her inside.
?
Jade
Jewel stood in front of the speaker’s podium, waiting as a staff member adjusted the microphone.
“Good evening, folks! I can’t tell you how happy I am to be able to make it here tonight.
I missed the people of New Oxford, I really did.
I can tell you, attending La Nocturna has been a dream of mine since I was a child. ”
That was the truth. He’d go into a bit of a frenzy at this time of year, showing me every single magazine that featured the gala. When I’d asked him why I should care, he scoffed.
Because I’m going to take you one day, of course. Can’t have you embarrassing me there.
“When I found out I’d been invited as the guest of honour, I was so overwhelmed, I cried for an hour.”
Not true. He’d spent a whole day dissolving into happy tears at random moments.
“And not just because of the amazing fashion opportunity and the glamour this gala always brings, but also because of the choice of charity for this year’s fundraiser.
Statistically, I’m a bit of an outlier as a gold-pack omega.
Yet, as my partner put it, ‘being a gold pack omega means everything, even to my privileged ass.’”
He paused as a laugh rumbled up from the crowd. I felt my cheeks heating a bit.
“At the time, I didn’t take that seriously.
But in the last few weeks, I found out how true it was.
I was declared incompetent and dangerous without a trial, evidence, or warning.
I was forced to run or face imprisonment.
I was forced…” His hand fluttered up to hover over the dark bond on his neck.
“To bond my pack earlier than we were perhaps ready for, and in less-than-ideal circumstances. I love my pack with all my heart, but I wanted our bonding to be made with all our love, not because someone forced my hand. All this, and my story, has a happy ending. I have enough money to launch a legal case, enough sympathy to bolster my support, and an extremely capable sister who stepped up for me when I needed it. But there are more, many, many more, who aren’t as fortunate, and these are the people we are seeking to help tonight.
Enjoy the fashion, the food, and the company, but know we are here tonight to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
Gold-pack rights are human rights. Thank you. ”
There was a standing ovation as Jewel bowed and walked off the stage.
Hugo wrapped his arm around Jewel and tugged him close when he returned to our table.
“Good job,” he said, making Jewel beam.
“Glad that’s out of the way.” Jewel took a sip of his drink. “Mandated philanthropy and all that.”
“God forbid that someone thinks you actually care,” I said. He laughed.
“That’s the spirit.” He glanced around, beaming.
“Now we can truly enjoy the party.”
It was amazing to see him in his element. He practically floated through the room, laughing and talking with anyone and everyone as though they were old friends. I didn’t even know if he noticed, but he wouldn’t let us leave him alone; he was always touching one of us.
“Need some space?” I asked Casey after about an hour of milling around and having people stare at us.
He shook he head, but I nudged Hugo anyway. Casey was starting to look a bit dazed. Hugo took his arm and I saw them heading outside, escaping into the quiet of the gardens.
Jewel slipped his arm through mine even as I stepped to his side. I was wearing some impressive heels tonight, evening out some of the height he had on me.
“They alright?” he asked, pressing a kiss to my head.
“They’ll be fine,” I told him. “They’re just not naturals at this like you and me.”
He laughed, and pulled me into a hug.
“You are doing amazing, by the way. Haven’t embarrassed me once.”
“Rude,” I shot back. “I know what I’m doing at these. It’s fun.”
“Still.” He leaned in closer. “I can’t wait until we get home.”
“Oh? You have big plans?”
He leaned down, capturing my lips in a kiss.
“Always.”
?
The rest of the night couldn’t end soon enough, but eventually we were back in our apartment—Jewel’s apartment.
Casey was helping Jewel out of his elaborate dress, so I borrowed the en-suite to take off my makeup and party dress.
I was left in my panties, since I didn’t wear a bra.
When I re-entered the nest, Hugo was already lounging on the bed.
He’d stripped off his top, which left me with a mouthwatering view. He was covered in thick muscle dusted with black hair. He glanced up as I crossed the room to him.
“Hey.” I gave him a smile. “That’s a nice view.”
He tugged off his pants, too, which left him sitting on the bed in only his boxers. There was a very impressive bulge growing underneath it.
“Come on, sweetheart.” His voice was a low rumble as he patted his lap. “You gonna take care of me?”
I gave a cheeky grin as I climbed onto his lap.
“Yes, daddy.” I rested my hands on his chest.
I really, really wanted to see his dick. Dive right into the good stuff, but Hugo tended to draw things out if you tried to rush them.
I tugged him closer so I could kiss him. He leaned back, giving me an easy smile.