Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
Dough Knot Bakery, Haven
“ S tay here.” Vito’s voice is tight with both fear and protectiveness.
He stalks across the kitchen that leads out to the shop front.
My stomach is churning with dread. My pulse roars in my ears.
“Vito,” Lincoln hisses.
Lincoln lets go of my hair and takes a step after my brother.
Vito waves him back with a shake of his head. “Thomas can’t know that you’re here. Our mission relies on that, otherwise we’ll be the worst undercover agents ever. Promise to keep my sister safe.”
Lincoln gives a curt nod.
I clench my hands, hating to watch my brother march out alone to face Thomas.
The Saint pack have been harassing us for months, but neither the mayor nor his son have come here personally before.
This can’t be good.
Plus, by the muttered voices and shuffled footfalls, Thomas didn’t come alone.
There’s a sudden burst of angry, aggressive pheromones.
I think most of the men out in the shop are Betas, but at least one who isn’t Thomas, is an Alpha, and his pheromones are making me gag.
It’s overwhelming my inhibitor.
It’s too much.
I wrap my arms around my stomach, doubling over.
Instantly, Lincoln notices.
“Fuck.” He reaches into the top pocket of his suit, snatching out his fancy silk handkerchief. He rubs it furiously over his scent gland. “Do you want me to wrap this over your mouth and nose for you?”
“Please…”
Lincoln gently lifts my hair out of the way to tie the handkerchief over my mouth and nose.
I take a shaky breath, relieved that now all I can smell is Lincoln’s fresh raspberry scent.
This is a trick that we learned at high school, although then we used Lincoln’s tie. He insisted, even though the teachers would give him six of the Discipline Strap on his palms, if they caught him not wearing the correct uniform.
I remember licking over his hot, red palms in comfort.
“Better?” Lincoln rubs circles on my upper back, which soothes me.
I nod. “I can hear raised voices. I want to see what’s happening.”
“I promised to keep you safe.”
“I’ve never been safe. Plus, we keep each other safe.”
Lincoln’s lips tug up at the side. “You’re right, fated.”
He grabs me by the hand and pulls me toward the open doorway. Together, we peer around into the shop.
I can see the edge of the display counter with its piles of freshly baked caramel cookie brownies, slices of pumpkin pie, chocolate and almond croissants, and miniature lemon tarts.
The exit to the shop is blocked, however, by a gang of Saint Betas who are wearing smart suits. Most are in their twenties and not much older than me, but they’re muscled and broad shouldered.
I bite my lip, nervously.
Vito is trying not to look entirely outnumbered.
He’s going for casual, despite the way that his hand is shaking, as he’s putting the finishing touches on a cake order.
The cake is one that I designed based on the Omega Society’s logo of an empty cage.
My friend Angel explained it to me.
She told me that everybody’s living in cages, whether they’re the Government’s laws, parents’ rules, or our own dynamics. The logo represents the day that we realize the bars aren’t real.
We can fly out of the open door.
On that day, all the cages will be empty.
When I told Vito that story, he went silent for a long time. Then he held my hand tightly.
We’re not free of our cages yet.
Vito’s at the back of the shop, as far from the other men as he can be, putting his back to the wall and keeping the high counter that allows us to work on the complex cake orders between him and them as well.
Smart.
Gia was a harsh sister but she taught us good survival tactics.
“What do you want? I’m busy.” Vito doesn’t look up from the cake, and his hair tumbles over his face.
“We’re both busy people. I’d rather still be in my warm bed, than dealing with this issue at dawn on a Monday morning. Now, stop working and pay attention,” a coolly, commanding voice says.
My gaze snaps to the Alpha who is standing at the front of the group.
My breath hitches.
I haven’t seen Thomas up close like this since high school.
His photograph doesn’t do him justice.
He’s impossibly beautiful and terrifyingly dominant.
It’s a rare type of dominance, which rolls off him in waves.
I’m more glad than ever for the handkerchief over my nose because if I could smell Thomas, then I’m scared what could happen.
Next to me, Lincoln has stiffened.
Thomas is wearing a long, copper colored coat that matches his hair. His stance is wide. He looks casually around the shop like he owns it.
Beautiful jerk.
Shadows smudge underneath his eyes, however, like he hasn’t slept well for a long time.
His neck is darkened with purple bruises almost like a collar.
Has he been throttled?
Who would dare do that to the deputy mayor?
The rest of the Betas stand solidly behind Thomas, as if behind an army general.
“The beautiful Saint who’s actually the devil,” Lincoln murmurs low into my ear.
His voice is tinged with regret.
Suddenly, there’s movement at the side of Thomas, and another Alpha pushes to the front, standing like a shadow at his side.
It’s the Alpha whose rage pheromones made me gag.
An Alpha with golden hair, blue eyes, and a vicious expression.
It’s Richard.
He’s dressed in a casual pair of jeans, preppy white shirt, and trainers. He stands out amongst the sea of suits.
I twist to Lincoln. “Tell me that Richard’s not bonded to Tom.”
The thought makes me want to gag again.
Lincoln’s lips are tight. “Not to Tom.”
My eyes widen. “His dad ?”
“The main members of the Saints are listed in my employment details,” Lincoln whispers. “Richard is the Second Alpha.”
It seems that the mayor fancies pretty young men just as much as my dad does.
Our packs truly are similar: two sides of the same tarnished coin.
“Fucking get on with it.” Richard elbows Thomas hard in the side. Thomas doesn’t flinch. “It’s bad enough that I have to babysit you. I’m not getting the blame from Raylan because you’re soft.”
“Soft?” Thomas’s voice is low and dangerous. I shiver. Is Richard joking? Thomas’ tone is dominant enough to almost drop me to my knees. “I’m following the law.”
“Don’t mind me,” Vito says with mock breeziness, “continue arguing amongst yourselves, gentlemen. I need to put the finishing touches to this special cake anyway. It’s for Leo’s birthday. You know, Falcon Knight’s cherished Omega. Falcon Knight, the Senator .”
I smirk.
Go Vito.
Thomas is unnervingly still in contrast to Vito’s frenetic movements, as Vito skims the icing and rocks on his heels.
The only part of Thomas that’s moving is his aquamarine eyes, as he watches Vito with thinly veiled amusement. “You have powerful supporters. Good for you.”
Wait, is he being sarcastic?
Vito’s hand slips in shock, and he smudges the icing. “Shit.”
“I’m sorry, did I make you spoil the cake for the great Falcon Knight? Shame. Can you listen to me now? I’m only telling you this as a courtesy, Alpha to Alpha, but the mayor intends to use this premise for his own business opportunities.” Thomas’ expression becomes weary and resigned. “You’re struggling to accept that reality. Don’t. I have a generous sum that I can offer you today to close this place down willingly and move. Accept it, at least for your sister’s sake. You are protecting an Omega in the rooms above here, aren’t you?”
“No,” I breathe.
Vito slams his hand down on the counter. “Get out.”
Thomas shakes his head. “The mayor can…manipulate…as many laws as he likes to close you down. We both know it.”
“Saints, you’re all the same. Fucking corrupt.”
Thomas winces, in a way that he didn’t when Richard elbowed him. “Unlike you Snakes , of course. Fine, contact your dad and get him to employ an army of your crooked mob lawyers—”
“You really don’t want me to contact my dad about this.” Vito’s expression darkens.
Thomas really doesn’t.
This is getting out of hand.
“What?” Thomas’ brow furrows in confusion.
Lincoln glances around wildly, before snatching up a large box of filled donuts.
“What are you doing?” I snatch at his sleeve, but he dodges away.
“Saving both their stubborn asses,” Lincoln throws over his shoulder, before winking and calling deliberately loudly back at me, “Thanks for the order. They smell delicious.”
Then Lincoln waltzes out into the main shop, and Vito’s eyes become comically wide.
“Mr. West,” Thomas says in surprise. His expression softens, becoming shy and pleased in a way that surprises me. “I was expecting you at Saint Hall.”
It reminds me that Thomas is the same age as us and of the boy who shared his music with me.
Lincoln stalks with the donuts toward the pack with as much confidence as any Alpha.
It’s fucking hot.
“Morning, sir.” Lincoln stops in front of Thomas, boldly meeting his eye.
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me.” Richard snorts. “How incompetent are you, Tommy? You could have employed anyone from that academy and you chose an ex-Snake …? Your father won’t like this. At least I hope that the academy has taught you some manners, Beta.”
“Something like that.” Lincoln’s expression is shuttered.
“If it hasn’t, then I will.” Richard fiddles with his Rolex like he hasn’t just threatened Lincoln.
I’m not worried that Richard can win, if he attacks Lincoln. The difference is that Lincoln has joined a pack, where Richard has the authority.
It isn’t a fair fight.
Lincoln won’t be able to fight back.
Lincoln simply ignores Richard, turning to face Thomas instead. “I was just on my way to work, sir. I wanted to stop and collect my order.” He lifts the box of donuts, before winking at the Betas behind Thomas. “First day at work donuts for the team. It’s customary, right?”
A couple of the Betas cheer, before hurriedly falling silent at Richard’s glare.
Thomas’ lips twitch. “That’s thoughtful. But later. We’re working now.”
My brow furrows.
I can’t read Thomas.
I called him complex. He is.
One moment, he’s the hard businessman to Vito who has no problem following his dad’s orders to tear down our bakery. Then the next, he’s talking to Lincoln like the friendly employer.
I always thought that there was something behind Thomas’ cold mask.
Disappointed, the Betas gaze longingly at the donuts. A couple dare to grin or wave at Lincoln.
I allow myself a small smile.
Lincoln’s making friends on his first day.
See, that’s the power of pastries.
Thomas’ too smart gaze darts between Vito and Lincoln, assessing. “You’re still friends with his sister.”
Lincoln doesn’t react.
Vito snorts, however, crossing his arms. “Fuck that. He’s no longer my friend. We don’t see or hear from Link for three years. Then it gives us the shock of our life, when he turns up here, demanding donuts for you .”
“Me,” Thomas’ voice is flat, “of course. You would cut him from your lives for that.”
My heart hurts.
Thomas turns to Lincoln, pulling out his car keys from his pocket and throwing them to Lincoln, who catches them one-handed. “My Bentley is outside. Go put those donuts in the trunk, then get into the back of the car and wait for me.”
“Sir…” Lincoln can’t help glancing back at the kitchens.
He doesn’t want to leave me unprotected.
“Now, Mr. West.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And welcome to the Saints. I promise, after work, we’ll eat donuts and celebrate your joining the pack properly. You may have lost old friendships, but I hope that you will make new ones.”
“Thank you, sir.” Lincoln’s expression flickers with surprise.
When Lincoln begins to swagger toward the door, however, Richard stalks after him, grabbing him by the arm.
Lincoln flinches.
“Hold on, Beta, put those donuts down and stay here. You’re paid to protect your boss and that’s what you’re going to fucking do.” Richard attempts to shake Lincoln but can’t even make him move.
My gargoyle is too large and muscled.
Lincoln turns and lifts his eyebrow at Thomas.
Thomas looks coldly furious. “Don’t order my Betas around.”
“This morning is both our job,” Richard snarls. “If we fuck it up, then your father will blame us both. You’re not the one who… You can hide away in your own house at the bottom of the garden if Raylan’s pissed off, but I live in Saint Hall. I’m the one who has to find ways to coax him into a good mood again. So, get your bodyguard to do his fucking job.”
Thomas gives Lincoln a curt nod.
Richard lets go of Lincoln’s arm.
Lincoln carefully lowers the donuts to the ground by the door, before marching back to stand one step behind Thomas’ shoulder.
Thomas scans Lincoln. “The suits reached you fine then. Good. Your suitcase has already arrived at Saint Estate. I’ve had a room set up for you. Once you’re settled in, you can decorate it however you like. If you need anything else, have concerns or questions, I’m the person to come to.”
“Don’t indulge him.” Richard pushes on the freestanding display of sourdough bread, which I baked this morning. The display wobbles dangerously. I ball my hands into fists. What a knothead. “You’re always coddling Betas like they’re elite Omegas. Betas in the pack are nothing more than servants. Why the fuck are you resisting your own father’s traditions? The Betas know to keep their place and their mouths shut or face the consequences. Right?”
He waves his hand arrogantly at the other Betas, who duck their heads or look away, cowed.
Asshole.
I tense even further.
“Don’t,” Thomas grits out.
“Is that an order?” Richard steps closer.
There’s a warning there.
The tension in the air is thick, suffocating.
Lincoln is gazing between the men, but I can see the way that he’s angling his body to shield Thomas.
Warmth curls through me.
Despite what he may say, until he gathers more evidence about the male Omega, Lincoln will protect Thomas.
“Your father’s right about you. You do need more retraining,” Richard sneers. “You’re a bad Alpha, Tommy.”
Every single man in the room, apart from Richard, flinches on the bad Alpha.
Did Richard really just say such a humiliating and stigmatizing thing publicly?
The tips of Thomas’ ears tinge red, but he becomes impossibly paler. He clasps his hands behind his back. I think that he’s hiding that they’re shaking.
The rest of his pack gather closer around him.
So, they’re loyal to him.
Protective .
It’s useful intel to know that Thomas has close allegiances within his pack. He has an enemy in the young Second Alpha. He’s clearly not respected by his dad. But he’s liked by the Betas.
“I’m devastated that you feel that way, Dicky,” Thomas says, sounding deliberately bored.
Richard’s jaw clenches. “Don’t call me that.”
“Dick is more suitable.”
I bite my lip to stop myself from laughing.
Crack — Richard slaps Thomas across the cheek.
Lincoln startles and reaches for his gun.
“No,” Thomas bites out.
His cheek is vivid crimson.
My breathing is ragged. I grip the doorframe.
Even Vito has stilled, watching with a pained understanding. He knows what it feels like to be in Thomas’ position.
As the Head Alpha’s son, Vito should have been powerful within our pack, but dad invited him to meetings with important visitors and business associates only to humiliate him.
“Are you done?” Thomas asks, coldly.
“For now.” Richard runs his hand through his golden hair. “I’ll be telling your father about your incompetence and insolence though.”
“Still running to your daddy , Dicky?” Thomas mocks.
Wow, burn.
In the tense silence, Richard traces over the red handprint, with which he’s marked Thomas’ cheek. He radiates a smug ownership that makes my skin crawl. Then he draws his hand down further, simply to make the point that he can.
Richard glances at Lincoln for a long moment to make sure that he has his attention, then he drops his hand to Thomas’ tie, pointedly loosening it. He undoes the top button of Thomas’ shirt with painstaking slowness.
Fuck, no.
This is a powerplay, deliberately done in public.
Slowly, Richard unbuttoned Thomas’ shirt, a button at a time, stroking the milk pale skin that was revealed.
One button.
Two.
Three…
Richard is teaching both Lincoln and Thomas the same lesson: This is no longer high school.
Although Thomas may now have a bodyguard, however, he can’t protect himself from Richard.
Or perhaps, he can.
In one efficient, trained move, Lincoln steps forward and knocks Richard’s hand away, before standing protectively in front of Thomas. His eyes flash like a blade.
Richard yelps and holds his hand to his chest.
“Keep your hands to yourself and off my boss,” Lincoln says, calmly.
Thomas looks delighted, before schooling his expression.
He adjusts his peacock cuff links. “See, I’m excellent at choosing employees. Mr. West had the highest grades in his tests.”
Richard glares at Lincoln in shock. “Call your wolf off. Now, Tommy.”
Thomas shrugs. “Wolves aren’t tame. It’s why they’re useful to have at your side and so dangerous. Lincoln is my bodyguard. I own his contract. If I were you, I’d stay out of his way.”
I smirk.
I never expected Thomas to have this side to him.
I like it.
I should have expected his loyalty to Lincoln, however, because he was fiercely loyal to his own sister.
He was protective of me.
It twists something inside to think that he’s accepted Lincoln as his pack already.
“That’s not how this works.” Richard narrows his eyes at Thomas, who only looks impassively back over Lincoln’s shoulder. “Aren’t you going to discipline him for striking the Second Alpha?”
My breath stutters.
Please, no.
Richard looks smug like he’s won the argument.
Lincoln is holding himself still, as if he’s mentally preparing himself to be disciplined.
“I don’t think so,” Thomas’ voice is cutting. “Manipulate Dad to punish me as much as you like, Dicky. I don’t care. But don’t harass and discipline my staff, ever . If you try to, then I will find a way to ruin you. Am I quite clear?”
I shiver, as Thomas’ pheromones flood the bakery. They’re not oppressive, however, like Dad’s.
They’re protective and warm.
I feel that he could mean what he says.
It makes me wonder what it’d be like to be clasped in his strong arms.
Only, there’s a male Omega locked in a basement who may have thought that once.
Richard pales. “Whatever.”
Vito grabs up a cake knife, before pointing at the door. “The exit is just there. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.”
Richard twirls on him. “Your friend , Tommy here, may not have the stomach for this job, but I do. My Head Alpha has ordered me to shut down this fucking dump and run your trash asses out of town, and I will.” He glances over his shoulder at the Betas. “Tear this place apart.”
“No,” I can’t help exclaiming.
Thomas’ gaze shoots toward the doorway, and I hurriedly pull back.
“Stop,” Thomas orders. “Nobody do anything.”
But then, I hear a crash and cussing.
Trembling, I peer around the door again.
Only the need not to break my cover as the Omega baker or Lincoln’s in his new pack keeps me hidden and not running to join my brother.
Tears burn my eyes.
How could they…?
The bullies.
Vito is kneeling on the floor next to the cake that he and I have spent the weekend designing and creating for Leo’s birthday.
Richard has flipped it over from the counter, overturning it onto the floor.
The cage is cracked and smeared.
Broken.
“It’s ruined.” Vito’s voice wavers. “I don’t have time to make another one. Leo is one of the best Omegas I know. He deserves to have a cake on his birthday, and you just stole that from him. At least be an Alpha and face me in a fight. We needed the money from this special order.”
And we did.
Vito sold his beloved Grace, but now, the loss of this order is going to dent both the money from that sale and also, our reputation with an important pack who place a lot of orders with us.
Will the Knight pack continue to support us, when we ruin their treasured Omega’s big day?
Thomas pushes around Lincoln to crouch down in front of Vito. He holds out his hand like somehow he can shove the cracked cake together again.
“I didn’t want it to be like this,” Thomas murmurs. “It’s my dad’s orders. Can I…? Would you like me to call and explain to the Senator for you?”
Vito wraps his arms around himself, turning his head away. “Just go, Thomas. You’ve done enough.”
Thomas’ expression tightens, before it blanks. “I have, haven’t I?”
Then he stands up with a twirl of his copper coat. “Follow me, Mr. West. I have an entire room of filing to return to, and you have a new pack to meet.”
I take deep breaths of Lincoln’s raspberry scent through his handkerchief, as silent tears weep down my cheeks.
I watch my fated Beta march out of the shop, surrounded by my enemies.