Chapter 2
declan
I tug off my sweatshirt and toss it onto the bench, revealing the dress shirt I swiped from my dorm just a few moments ago.
Unlike most of the other sports teams at Knotlocke, our uniform is a branded sweatsuit that’s comfortable as fuck.
Strangling the sports department into giving us a few color options means I rarely have to think about what I’m wearing day to day.
I let out a heavy sigh before reaching into my assigned locker for the night and extracting the suit jacket I’ve had since my freshman year.
Mom had it tailored a few months ago and even though she’s not here—thank fuck, I don’t need her squealing about Omegas and grandchildren—I can still hear her in my ear.
“Look professional, Declan,” she said, like I’m not already the best StarPulse player in school. I could look like a haggard mess but as long as I’m considered an athlete, Omegas fawn over me regardless.
Hell, so do the Alphas and Betas.
Ten minutes later, I slide over to the mirror and run a hand through my hair as I stare at my reflection.
You clean up well, Dec, I think to myself.
The black pinstripe suit brings out the golden tone of my dark skin, the stripes matching the faded highlights through my messy hair.
It’s just enough to charm the crowd, the grin sitting on my face sure to bring in a high enough bid to get my entire team what we need.
I’m not even sure how a tradition like this got started or even approved. Knotlocke is the talk of the academic community and yet we still boast some of the highest honors and well-rounded graduates. These auctions might be scandalous but there’s no shortage of jobs when we leave this campus.
I tug on my tie, flattening it against my shirt and tucking it in my jacket.
In an hour, I’ll be spending some insane amount of money on dinner with a cute little Omega, hopefully, and then make the trek back home to the cozy mansion Mom married us into.
Some Alphas are cool with offering, uh, extra for the night, but that’s not my deal.
I’m here to secure the bag for the team, not to complicate my life. I don’t care who bids, as long as their money’s green and our squad gets closer to that Phoenix Hawk.
The locker room door swings open, and Jaxon “Jax” Creed struts in, cackling like he’s heard the joke of the century. Even at Knotlocke, it’s the lesser sports that become the targets because there’s no way someone playing ‘video games’ could be cool, right?
“Oh great, the nerds are here,” he jokes, tossing his gym bag onto the bench.
His blond hair’s still damp from a shower and he’s already half in his own suit, tie dangling loose.
At least, I clean up well. But he’s one of the hockey players so he doesn’t have to try as hard.
Not to mention that he does these auctions with the stipulation that one night with him also comes with his twin.
Every student in this academy seems to want that.
I just laugh, rolling my eyes as I step away from the mirror.
“Just worry about yourself, Jax. Not everyone’s cut out for StarPulse glory.
” I run both hands down my stomach and double check my belt one last time.
I’m hoping for a bid that’s at least $3000, which is a bit high considering that the hockey team found their way into January’s auction.
They’re usually in November or December but since Knotlocke gets a percentage of the bid, they gladly let the hockey team have an additional month this year.
Kade pops up around the corner, another one of the esports players, fumbling his cufflinks. “Yo, I overheard Sienna in the hall. She’s got a few thousand to drop on someone tonight. Hope she picks me. God, she’s gorgeous.”
I snort at that, hoping and praying Sienna is going to keep her strange obsession with me locked up tonight.
She’s one of the most popular and beautiful Omegas on campus but she also has a bit of a reputation of taking what she wants regardless of the rules.
She bids every month, passing Alphas around like candy.
Each and every Alpha always holds out hope that she’ll choose them but she never does.
And that kind of drama is not what I need in my life.
She’s also not exactly my type.
“Good luck, man,” I nod toward him. “She’s more drama than you can handle and she’s not looking to settle.”
As chaotic as Kade can be, he’s a sweet Alpha that most overlook. Sienna would rip him apart but hey, maybe he’d like that. “Worth a shot. A night with her? I’d risk it.”
Deciding to focus on the auction, I move toward the entrance and peek through the curtain that leads into the gym.
It looks more like a gala at this point, with expensive drapery, gold and white trim across tables and chairs, and the general clink of glasses filled with non-alcoholic champagne.
If I didn’t know that this was an academy, I’d think this was some business function for the upper class.
My gaze scans the crowd, several students sitting up closer to the front, holding their bidding paddles as if preparing their nerves.
It’s kind of adorable but also strange to know that so much of the student body wants the athletes that pass by in the halls every day.
For one night, everyone gets to let out that side of them, the one that desires and lusts after other people with no shame.
Just as I’m about to step back into the locker room, my gaze falls on a familiar mop of dark brown curls near the front. Avery. My stepbrother. He’s clutching his paddle like it’s a lifeline, hazel eyes darting around nervously.
My stomach twists as a hot spike of anger hits me square in the chest. Who the fuck is he bidding for? The idea of him throwing cash at some random Alpha makes my blood boil. He’s too… I don’t know, Avery for that.
All witty and precious, with those curls I can’t stop thinking about tugging on.
I’ve been living with him for months, ever since Mom married his dad in that whirlwind summer wedding, and yeah, I’ve noticed him.
More than I should. The way he blushes when I tease him, the way his scent, like warm vanilla and cupcakes, lingers in the kitchen. But he’s my stepbrother. Off-limits.
A growl starts up in my chest, white-hot flashes of anger pulsing inside of me. My Alpha is trying to break free and drag Avery out of the gym, berate him for wanting someone else but I have absolutely no claim to him. And we’re not actually related.
Jax places a firm hand on my shoulder just as one of the administration steps up onto the stage, announcing the beginning of the night.
“Welcome to the Winter Alpha Auction!”
“Yo, Dec, don’t hate me if your brother picks me, alright? He’s so fucking adorable.”
Jealousy flares right alongside the anger because that’s not fucking happening. Avery bidding on Jax? No way. Jax is all charm and muscle, but Avery’s got better taste. At least, I hope he does. I force a laugh, swallowing down the urge to snap. “Yeah, whatever. You’re not really his type.”
Jax raises an eyebrow, leaning closer as he adjusts his tie. “Oh? Then do share. I can mold for a night.” He wiggles his brows, trying to force my reaction but I have to keep it civil if I’m going to help my team.
So, I throw him the middle finger, keeping it playful. “Keep dreaming, man. Focus on the bids.”
I move toward the back of the locker room where there’s a door leading to the stage. There’s already a line of other Alphas, some in their branded Knotlocke uniforms, others in more formal wear. You got this, Dec.
This will be the first and last year I’m doing this auction. It’s too nerve wracking and I really don’t like the idea of giving myself over to someone—even if it’s for the team.
The announcer calls the first Alpha and the crowd roars. I adjust my jacket, smoothing it down as my mind drifts back to my stepbrother. I knew he was coming and even joked about him bidding but I didn’t think he’d do it. He’s never done it across any of the other months.
But I can’t shake the image of Avery’s wide eyes. If he’s bidding, I want it to be for me. And that thought? It’s trouble and I’m already neck-deep.