11. Welcome To Our Grand Parade
Welcome To Our Grand Parade
~ELIZABETH~
" F or God's sake, how big is this place?"
I can't help but stare out the window of Carter's Ferrari SF90 Stradale, my eyes wide as we pass yet another security checkpoint. The pristine gold exterior of the car gleams in the night with every passing lamp post, making me feel even more out of place in my dance attire and Carter's oversized blazer.
When I’d heard a knock on my door, I was drifting off after an hour of feeling completely buzzed out. Who would have thought not being with an Alpha that seems to set off your hormones like a firecracker would feel so daunting?
Suddenly realizing how quiet and lonely it is at my dorm.
I didn’t know how to feel when showing Carter my dorm. I didn’t feel embarrassed because it wasn’t like it was my choice to live in the crummy place. I could afford to pay for a nicer spot, but with such little possessions here matched with how staggering the prices get during the school months, it seemed more like a waste of money for a place I’m barely residing in.
Only to have a roof over your head during sleep…and even that isn’t fully functioning when you acknowledge the few holes and sunken panel part.
That was one of the reasons why I didn’t keep many valuables here. Just a trunk with my clothes and underwear, while I hang my uniform in the closet with one flimsy coat. I have to try and thrift a new one because the current one is barely puffed to be considered a coat fit for our winters.
I did worry when he didn’t want to leave.
His scent lingered in the hallway for so long, I wondered if he’d sleep there. Carter’s concern about my living space was uncalled for, especially when we’re still strangers, but I didn’t expect he’d come back an hour and a bit later telling me to dress up.
That I’m staying at their place tonight.
Their place…as in him and his pack.
If that doesn’t spell “stranger danger” I don’t know what does, but the same comforting sensation of safety still thrums through me when I’m around Carter.
As though my instincts are telling me that I’m completely safe in his company.
I can only assume that includes whomever is in his pack.
"Fifteen minutes just to get from one gate to another?" I shake my head in disbelief. "Then another checkpoint, and we're still not at the house? This is ridiculous."
Carter's rich laughter fills the luxurious interior. His eyes briefly meet mine, amusement dancing in those hazel depths as he navigates the winding private road with practiced ease.
"How else do you think three mafia drug lords are supposed to live comfortably under one roof?" he asks, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips. "We need proper security and space for all our luxurious toys."
"Toys?" I echo, my gaze sweeping over the car's immaculate interior. The leather seats probably cost more than my entire year's dance budget, and I’m trying not to acknowledge the starry-led light display above our heads. "You mean like this?"
"Yeah," he admits, patting the steering wheel affectionately. "I'm the car enthusiast of the group. Each of us has our...particular interests."
"Oh?" I raise an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "And what are the others into?"
"Felix is all about electronics. Drones, virtual gaming systems…though his games usually involve real people."
I blink, processing his words.
Wait a damn minute…
"I'm sorry, what do you mean by 'real' people?"
Carter's expression shifts slightly, becoming more guarded.
"There are certain games in the underground," he explains carefully. "Think Call of Duty, but with actual stakes."
I stare at him blankly for a long moment before the implications sink in.
"Hold up," I say, turning in my seat to face him fully. "They do realize if they get shot, they're DEAD, right? Like, D.E.A.D dead? Not respawn-in-three-seconds dead?"
His chuckle fills the car again, the sound rich and warm.
"Are you always this funny?"
"You're not listening to me!" I groan in frustration. "You've got that look in your eyes again."
"What look?" He glances at me, his smirk widening. "We just met. How do you know what looks I make?"
Heat rushes to my cheeks as I realize what I've said.
"You know...that look you had after we..." I trail off, remembering his expression post-shower activities. "When you look all dreamy and handsome and shit."
The Ferrari slows to a stop on the private road, and Carter turns in his seat, reaching out to cup my chin. His touch is gentle but firm as he guides my gaze to meet his.
"Maybe," he says, his voice dropping to that dangerous register that makes my stomach flip, "that means I want you riding my cock right here."
My face flames even hotter.
"But—but the car will get dirty!" I sputter. Maybe I should be concerned with him wanting to fuck here…though which sane Omega would say no? "This is expensive!"
"I eat McDonald's in here," he shrugs. "It'll be fine."
"Carter!" I practically screech. "This is a Ferrari SF90 Stradale! You can't just—wait." I catch his expression changing which only makes my already tingling body go all hot and electric with his clear obsession with me. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
His smirk grows impossibly wider.
"How exactly do you know the specific model?"
I freeze, realizing I've given myself away.
The truth is, I'd recognized it immediately—the distinctive front end, the aerodynamic silhouette, the unique exhaust configuration. But I wasn't ready to admit that I spent countless hours studying car magazines, dreaming of vehicles I could never afford.
I mean, I have enough savings to probably purchase one, but who wants to spend half a million on a car and let it sit collecting dust because you’re stuck at an academy that doesn’t give a damn.
Fancy cars are meant to be shown to the world. To speed down the roads, roaring their engines so the world around you can acknowledge and gleam at its crispy glory. Not hidden in garages, or in my case, in my Dad’s hidden garage with his favorite vehicles, he collects for shits and giggles.
Either way, didn’t think my vision board obsession with vehicles would pay off.
"I... um..." I fidget with the hem of his blazer. "Maybe I know a thing or two about cars."
"A thing or two?" He raises an eyebrow. "You just identified a limited production hybrid supercar by its full model name. That's more than a thing or two."
Caught red-handed.
"Fine," I huff, crossing my arms. "My dad used to work as a mechanic. Sometimes. He’s a janitor now, but back then, he loved the best cars. The ones that go fast and don’t need advertisements to be sold out for two years. When he wasn't doing...other things, that was his little hobby." I wave my hand vaguely. "I picked up some stuff."
"Some stuff," Carter repeats, clearly not buying my attempt at downplaying it. "Like the fact that this particular model has a twin-turbocharged V8 engine combined with three electric motors, producing a total output of 986 horsepower?"
I bite my lip, trying to hide my smile.
Don’t fall into his trap…don’t do it…
"And a top speed of 211 miles per hour, with a 0-60 time of 2.5 seconds."
I’m a smart ass, ugh.
"Marry me," he says with mock seriousness, making me laugh. I don’t know why I never thought I’d be able to meet an Alpha who knew a thing or two about cars. I guess I’ve been in such a mindset that believes I’m not worthy of a pack after waiting so long that I forgot about envisioning a potential set of Alphas who’d fit my tastes.
Somehow the Universe decided to give me a little helping hand.
I have to remind myself that this is temporary, but God. It’s fucking hard to do when I’m temptingly falling for Carter, whose charm matches his intelligence. This brief conversation makes me want to learn even more about him, but then again, I have to reel my expectations back in.
For the sake of my own heart…
"Sorry, I don't date Alphas just for their cars."
"No?" His hand slides from my chin to cup the back of my neck, his touch sending shivers down my spine. "What about guys who let you drive their cars?"
My heart skips a beat.
He wouldn’t dare.
"You'd...let me drive it?"
"Maybe," he teases. "If you're good."
"I'm never good," I remind him, though my voice comes out breathier than intended. I have my license to drive, and let’s just say I’ve been caught a few times sneaking back from driving my Dad’s finest collections down the freeway because I like hacking into his security systems to prove anyone with common knowledge can do it, but that was a few years ago.
Goodness, I haven’t sped down a road in a nice car in years.
His eyes darken at my words.
"No," he agrees in a way that makes it seem as though he disagrees, leaning closer. "You're much better than good. You’re untouchable to so many, that it seems we’re the lucky fuckers that got to discover such a hidden gem.” My heart skips a few beats. “You're fucking perfect, Abbie."
The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard.
I'm used to compliments being weapons, honeyed words designed to lower my defenses. But there's something different about the way Carter says it—like he's stating an obvious fact rather than trying to manipulate me.
He kisses me gently, the touch so soft and perfect, before I deepen the kiss, needing a moment where I’m in control of how easily things flow between us. Nothing feels forced, which seems crazy to me because I expected a set of Alphas would drop into my life and I’d be fighting every step of the way.
I’m not expecting smooth sailing with green pastures and flowers blooming in our relationship, but Carter is like the calm I needed before the storm.
Especially with me hitting my five-year mark at Knot Academy.
“Think you can manage a quickie?” he whispers after he kisses me long and hard. It takes everything not to kiss him back even harder, though the idea of doing anything with this man in this car is driving my body mad.
Making me wet and dripping with slick. Not helpful when these scent-blocking panties are my last pair until I can make it to the laundry mart on the other side of campus.
The soft whirr of the seat’s motor hums as Carter presses the button, the chair sliding back to give me more room. His scent—a maddening mix of cedar, spice, and something darker—fills the confined space of the Ferrari, making it nearly impossible to think straight.
But thinking isn’t what I’m doing right now.
“Define quickie,” I ask, my voice breathy yet teasing, as my gaze locks on his.
He doesn’t answer with words.
Instead, he leans in, capturing my mouth with his in a series of short, intoxicating kisses. His lips are soft, addictive, and each kiss pulls me further under his spell. His hand tangles in my hair, cradling my head as the kiss deepens.
A moan escapes me, unbidden, reverberating through the small space, and I feel the answering tension in his body.
His other hand moves with intent, fumbling slightly as he works the buckle of his belt. The metallic clink barely registers over the rush of my own breathing and the pounding of my pulse.
“Can I really ride you in here?” I ask, my words muffled against his lips, though the teasing note remains.
He pulls back just enough to speak, brushing his lips against mine.
“You can do whatever you want, Abbie. Especially since you know this car better than I do.”
Fuck…
There’s something about a man acknowledging you in a way you’ve never expected that makes you want to be a submissive cunt. As long as it reaps some good-ass rewards.
I’ve always thought I’m too stubborn and wild to submit to anyone, but here I am, acting like a horny fool in this man’s car, ready to actually ride him like my life depends on it.
I flush at the nickname, heat rushing to my cheeks, but I don’t pull away.
His grin widens, all confidence and fire, and it only stokes the flames licking through me. He’s smug, infuriating, and so damned magnetic that I can’t resist.
Giving in to his tempting opportunity, he kisses me once more, his hand trails down my back, finding the curve of my hip. He grips me there, pulling me closer until I’m climbing and straddling him. The black skirt I’m wearing rides up as I settle onto his lap, the heat of him pressing against me making me ache with need.
The way he doesn’t hesitate to grip my bare ass, massaging it with possessiveness while he plays with the fabric of the panties that I’m rather thankful for being a thong-type design.
Just because I’m an Omega doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy flirty panties.
He breaks the kiss we’ve been prolonging for what feels like forever, pressing his forehead to mine as his breath mingles with mine.
“You’re so fucking addictive,” he murmurs, his voice rough and filled with raw desire. I tilt my head, my curiosity and arousal mingling dangerously.
“What do I smell like to you?”
I can’t deny that I’m actually curious about that.
He doesn’t hesitate.
“Vanilla. Honey. Something darker...like blackberries. And a little bit of spice, similar to cinnamon. It heightens and mingles well with your shampoo and body wash, too.” His voice drops lower, sending shivers down my spine. “Or maybe I’m just a bit too smitten for you, Abbie.”
His words take my breath away, and I capture his lips again, kissing him with a fervor I can’t control. My hands slide under his shirt, my nails lightly scraping against his skin. The way he always responds to me almost effortlessly — the rumble of a growl that plays against his chest only empowers me further. He shivers under my touch, and the power that gives me is intoxicating to grasp because it makes me want to do more.
To be dominant and experiment with things I doubt I’d ever have the privilege to do with any other Alpha.
Most are too revolved around being manly and in complete control of their pleasure to be submissive at the idea of a woman leading the way to their climax.
Wonder what Carter would let me do to him?
“If you don’t mind riding me real quick so I can think straight before meeting Holmes, that would be great,” he half-growls against my mouth.
I pull back just enough to raise an eyebrow at him.
“You weren’t thinking straight?”
He smirks, his hands gripping my hips tighter.
“I’ve been dying just being in the same space as you for longer than fifteen minutes.” The honesty in his voice makes my pulse quicken. I can’t let him know how hot it is for him to admit that.
Leaning closer, I let my lips brush against his ear.
“Do you have a hair tie?” I murmur.
“The only tie I have is this cheap uniform one,” he admits, and I laugh, the sound breathless.
“That’ll do.”
I slide the tie from his collar, looping my hair into a messy knot. The act feels intimate, almost too intimate, but the look in his eyes as he watches every single movement I make, licking his lip like he’s ready to eat me up when I finish is enough to make me forget everything else.
He’s watching me like I’m the only thing in the world that matters, and it’s equal parts thrilling and terrifying.
“You’re killing me,” he murmurs, his voice raw with need.
“Good,” I reply, my tone teasing as I work on lifting up enough so I can slide the thin lining of my panties to the side, revealing my slick-coated pussy that feels far too hot in comparison to the atmosphere. It makes me shiver while I catch how his eyes further darken and those nostrils flare. I know he’s catching every hint of the scent of my arousal, and that’s nagging at his Alpha instincts.
Just like how he’s driving my Omega instincts wild.
There’s no need to draw this torture out any longer, which is why I sink onto him.
The sensation is immediate, overwhelming. My breath catches as he stretches me, and a groan tears from his throat, his head falling back against the seat out of blissful relief.
“Fuck, Elizabeth.”
He doesn’t know how fulfilling this feels, especially after feeling so deprived of his absence.
I start to move, slow and deliberate, savoring the friction and the way his hands grip my hips, guiding me. Each movement sends a jolt of pleasure through me, and I can’t hold back the breathy moans that escape my lips.
The sound bounces off the car’s interior, mingling with the creak of the leather beneath us and the wet, rhythmic sound of our bodies moving together.
“You’re perfect,” he murmurs, his voice strained. “So fucking perfect, Abbie. Keep moving like that. Up and down at that sinful pace.”
A gasp escapes me as I dig my nails into his shoulders, needing something to anchor me.
“Carter...” The way I say his name seems to undo him. He grips me tighter, pulling me down harder, deeper, until I’m trembling with the effort to keep up.
My walls tighten around him, and I feel his rhythm falter, his control slipping as he chases the same high I am.
“You’re driving me insane,” he growls, his hands sliding under my thighs to lift me slightly before slamming me back down. The roughness sends me spiraling, a cry ripping from my throat as pleasure overtakes me. “Fuck, baby. Your pussy is going to choke me out.”
With how tightly I’m strangling him with my pulsing pussy, maybe, but I can’t think about any consequences right now when I’m moving on autopilot — chasing the high that’s getting closer and closer.
“Don’t stop,” I plead, my voice high and desperate. “I’m so close.”
“I want you to be nice and loud for me, Abbie,” he murmurs darkly, leaning close to nip at my earlobe. “Gotta work those vocal chords now so next time I’m fucking you in the changeroom, we make sure those bitches can hear us a mile away.”
His words push me closer to the edge, my body reacting instinctively.
My walls clench around him, and he chuckles darkly.
“You like that idea, don’t you? Being caught?”
I shake my head, but the way I move against him betrays me. The idea of someone finding us fucking like this. Or even on school property, knowing the off chance that we won’t even get in trouble for it is driving me insane at the tempting possibilities.
“God…yes,” I confess, and secretly hope he does put me in a situation like that because what a nice payback that would be.
Being railed by this hot new Alpha that all those bitches would be begging was theirs.
I’m too far gone, my rhythm faltering as the pressure builds to a breaking point. His hands steady me, guiding my movements with unrelenting precision, and it’s enough to push me over the edge.
“I’ll make it happen for you, Omega,” he affirms as if he’s already planning it all out in his mind. “But I gotta hear you scream my name now as you come undone. You can do that for me, yes?”
“Y-Yes!” I’m tipping over the edge, so fucking close, my whole body is locking up. It doesn’t slow Carter in the slightest as he takes the lead in giving me those last deep thrusts with the lift of his hips.
“Cum for me, Abbie.”
“CARTER!”
My orgasm crashes through me, leaving me trembling and crying out his name. The sensation of me tightening around him drags him down with me, his groan echoing in my ears as he spills into me.
“Fuck, Abbie!” He takes a deep breath, stilling as I sink as deeply as I can on his length. I feel the growth of his knot tempting me, and it takes a deep growl of restraint to lift me swiftly enough to pull his cock out so he doesn’t lock in.
It’s hard to ignore the hint of disappointment brewing within the depths of my heart, but I can think straight enough to affirm that we can’t do that yet. Not when everything is still so new and fresh.
We’re both left breathless, our bodies trembling as we come down from the high. His arm wraps around my waist, holding me steady as I slump against him, my forehead resting on his shoulder.
He’s stroking my back, as if to give me some form of comfort, while I end up unconsciously seeking his knot, massaging it like it’s an exchange needed to keep us both sane with our designated instincts.
“You okay?” he murmurs, his voice softer now, laced with concern.
I nod, my breath still uneven but my body feeling somewhat content.
“That...was definitely not a quickie.”
He laughs, the sound rumbling through his chest.
“Guess I’ll have to redefine quickie next time.”
We’re sharing a look now, and I begin to wonder once I meet his other pack members, are we going to have a “next time”?
Are we going to keep this going? Whatever this is.
“I’m not going anywhere,” he quietly confesses, as though he’s reading my mind. He moves his thumb along my bottom lip, while his eyes bore into mine.
“You realize you can’t guarantee that,” I mutter.
“Yeah I can.” He smiles with that cocky confidence of his, that it makes me want to laugh this off, despite my heart clenching at the mere idea of him suddenly being gone in a snap of my fingers.
As if this is all a dream.
"Elizabeth.”
The way he speaks my name so softly with passion forces me to pull away from my spiraling thoughts so I can only focus on him.
“Giovannis always get what they want,” he vows like some sort of promise. “I want you, and if that means fighting Holmes so he doesn’t get his way, so be it.”
Something tells me this Holmes Alpha is going to be our biggest obstacle.
Bring it on. I can deal with stubborn Alphas.
Just as his lips are about to meet mine, a sharp tap on the window makes us both jump.
A man stands outside, an amused expression on his face as he gestures for us to roll down the window. I’m already blushing while realizing this man could have been standing there the entire time, watching me bounce on Carter like no end.
Fuck! Embarrassing!
"As much as I hate to interrupt what I'm sure was about to be a fascinating discussion about automotive engineering," he says dryly, "Holmes is waiting. And you know how he gets when we keep him waiting for practically anything."
Carter groans, letting his head fall back against the headrest.
"Always the worst timing, Felix,” he whines. “Like jeez. Do you have no damn mercy?”
“I’m gifted that way,” Felix announces like it’s some sort of flex. “And I feel no remorse when I’m obviously not getting any of the action.” He dares to wink, which is only accentuated by the pair of thick black-rimmed glasses sitting low on his nose. “Now move your ass. Both of you.”
Carter’s lips twitch into a smirk as he gestures toward Felix.
“Remember your manners, Felix. Introduce yourself to our soon-to-be Omega.”
Felix gives Carter a sidelong glance, adjusting his glasses with deliberate precision before turning his attention to me. His smirk is sharp as he reaches to open the door and offers his hand to help me off Carter’s lap.
“Felix Reichmann,” he says smoothly. “Pleasure to meet you, Elizabeth.”
I take his hand, letting him help me out of the car, but registering his introduction and greeting, I realize he already knows my name.
“Elizabeth Abercrombie, though I have a strong feeling you already know that ” I reply, trying to steady my breath.
He simply smirks at my commentary, leaving me standing there, awkwardly. My eyes flicker to the blinking light at the edge of his glasses.
“Uh, your glasses are blinking.”
Felix’s smirk deepens as he adjusts them.
“Smart glasses. Augmented reality display, thermal imaging, voice commands…the works. Want me to explain the specs?”
“No one gives a shit, Felix,” Carter groans from the driver’s seat. “Shut up already.”
Felix doesn’t miss a beat, turning back toward Carter with a sly grin.
“If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have had the pleasure of fucking Abercrombie not once, but twice now, it seems.”
I flush bright red, my hands flying to my face.
Wait, what?! No…does he have something to do with us not being interrupted in the changeroom earlier?
Carter, on the other hand, looks smug as hell, gesturing toward his lap.
“And it still wasn’t enough. See?”
My gaze follows his hand, and my eyes widen.
“Are you...are you actually hard again?” I stammer.
Carter chuckles, unbothered by my shock.
“Surprised by my stamina? Wait till you get to know Mr. Nerd over here.”
Felix scowls, his easy confidence momentarily cracking.
“I hate you,” he mutters before turning on his heel and stalking down the road that leads toward the mansion ahead that’s brightly lit up.
Carter’s laughter follows him, and I can’t help but shake my head, torn between exasperation and amusement. He tucks his cock back into his pants, fixing them up.
"Ready to meet the most terrifying member of our trinity?" Carter asks as he fixes his belt and doesn’t hesitate to offer his hand.
"After everything else today?" I look at him, managing a small smile despite my nerves. "What's one more questionable life choice?"
His answering laugh is both reassuring and slightly worrying.
"That's my girl,” he encourages and squeezes my hand. “Let’s go meet Holmes.”
Hopefully, this goes relatively well.