Chapter 12
Twelve
ANYA
Early the next morning, I wake with a delicious ache between my legs, reminding me of last night.
As I stretch under the silky sheets, my muscles protest with every movement, especially my inner thighs.
I’ve never felt this way before. I’ve been so thoroughly used and somehow cherished at the same time since taking my first ‘knot’.
Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, it’s ten in the morning.
I actually had sex with a werewolf. The memory sends heat rushing through me, my nipples perking up as if Ryker’s mouth is still on them. Holy shit, that really happened.
I’m no longer a virgin.
With a happy sigh, I push myself up and pad to the bathroom, wincing slightly as my thighs rub together.
The mirror reflects a different woman than the one who arrived two days ago.
This time, my skin is glowing and not dull, my eyes are brighter, and I have a small smile that I can’t wipe off my face.
I step into the shower, soaking in the hot water, which feels so fucking good on my sore pussy.
After toweling off, I head back to my room and nearly trip over the pile of shopping bags stacked neatly by the dresser. Oh yeah, the shopping trip with Alaric and Lorenzo.
I completely forgot about it with everything that happened yesterday. My face burns hot when I remember escaping from them and falling into the water. And being sandwiched between Ryker and Marcus, as all five alphas observed me losing my virginity.
But then my excitement returns as I dig through the bags, pulling out designer clothes I’d never be able to afford on my own. There are at least twenty bags, all filled with clothes, shoes, and accessories. More than I’ve ever owned in my entire life.
I spot a small, elegant box tucked among the bags.
Oh shit, the diamond necklace Alaric had bought me.
I sit on the edge of the bed and carefully lift the lid, gasping at the sparkle of the diamonds.
Even in the soft morning light filtering through my window, they seem to catch and reflect every beam, sending tiny rainbows dancing across the walls.
I lift it gently from its velvet bed, letting it dangle from my fingers.
The weight of it is substantial, the platinum chain cool against my skin.
He bought this without a second thought, I think, running my fingertip over the largest diamond. He barely even knows me. And all because he thinks I’m an omega.
The concept still seems ridiculous—werewolves, omegas, heats, and knots. But after last night, I can’t deny there’s something different about my chemistry with them. It’s totally different than dating ordinary human guys.
I set the necklace carefully back in its box and return to the bags, digging for something casual to wear. After a few minutes of excited rummaging, I find a pair of red shorts and a yellow tank top.
I slide into the shorts, which hug my curves perfectly, making my ass look huge.
My ass is already big, but the tight nylon shorts accentuate it.
The tank top is soft against my skin, the fabric thin enough that my nipples are visible beneath it, especially now that they’re pointy from remembering last night and losing my virginity.
I pause, considering changing, but ultimately decide to be comfortable and ditch the bra. I never thought I’d be comfortable showing off like this, but after having five men adore my body, my confidence is at an all-time high right now.
My hair is still damp from my shower, curling wildly around my face.
I run my fingers through it, trying to tame it into some semblance of order, but giving up when it springs back into rebellious curls.
I head to the vanity where I’ve arranged my new makeup, pulling out eyeliner, mascara, and a tube of clear lip gloss.
As I apply the makeup, I’m amazed by how clear my skin looks. My eyes seem brighter, my cheeks naturally flushed without blush. There’s a glow to me that wasn’t there before, a radiance that makes me look like I’ve just had the best sex of my life.
Because I have, I think with a giggle, applying a coat of mascara to my already long lashes.
I finish my simple look with the lip gloss, making my lips shine invitingly. I comb my blond curls, letting them fall around my shoulders in a messy, just-fucked style that actually looks intentional. A few spritzes of the perfume Alaric picked out for me, and now I’m ready to face the day.
My stomach growls loudly, reminding me I haven’t eaten since my dinner at the mall last night. God, that feels like years ago. I slip my feet into a pair of white sandals and head for the door, pausing when I hear voices from the living room.
Ryker’s deep baritone carries easily through the mansion, along with another voice I don’t recognize. Something about their tone makes me hesitate. There’s an undercurrent of tension, of barely suppressed anger, that sends a prickle of unease down my spine.
I take a deep breath, straighten my spine, and step into the hallway.
I’m not going to hide in my room like a frightened child.
I’m pretty much part of this household now, and I have a right to know what’s going on.
Besides, maybe I can talk to Ryker about working at the hotel.
It would give me something to do, a way to earn my own money, and time to figure out exactly what being an ‘omega’ means for my future.
The voices grow louder as I approach the living room, but fall silent as soon as I appear in the doorway.
Ryker stands by the fireplace, his massive frame tense, jaw clenched.
Across from him sits a man I’ve never seen before.
He’s tall, with jet black hair slicked back from an angular face.
His eyes are calculating and cold. They fix on me the moment I enter, and a smile spreads across his face that doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Well, well,” he says, his voice smooth as oil. “That’s where the beautiful scent is coming from.”
My heart stutters in my chest. His gaze feels heavy and doesn’t seem right. I look to Ryker, confused by the sudden tension in the room, but he won’t meet my eyes. His focus remains on the stranger, his body language screaming danger.
“This is Keith,” Ryker says finally, his voice tight. “I bought this resort from him. The original owner.”
Alarm bells ring in my head at the sight of Keith. I can’t figure out why.
“Nice to meet you,” I say.
Keith’s smile widens, revealing perfect white teeth. “The pleasure is all mine, I assure you. An omega on Wolf Isle and such a pretty one at that.” He stands, moving toward me with predatory grace. “I’m ready to collect her now.”
Collect her? What the fuck? I look between Keith and Ryker, my eyebrows raised in question. Ryker still refuses to look at me, his focus entirely on Keith, his jaw working as if he’s holding back words he desperately wants to say.
“What do you mean?” I ask, taking an involuntary step back as Keith approaches.
Keith turns to Ryker, his expression amused. “You didn’t tell her?” He laughs, the sound sharp and unpleasant. “How interesting.”
“She’s mine,” Ryker growls, the words vibrating with barely contained fury.
“She’s an omega,” Keith corrects, his tone making it sound like Ryker has said something incredibly foolish. “And you made a promise, if I recall correctly. Any omegas found at Wolf Isle are to be handed over to me immediately. Did you forget that little detail?”
Ryker’s hands clench into fists at his sides. “I remember.”
“So, you’re willing to lose everything then?” Keith asks, his voice deceptively casual. “Your position here? Your pack’s home? All for one useless omega?”
I watch in horror as the color drains from Ryker’s face. Whatever Keith is threatening is serious enough to make a seven-foot werewolf look furious.
“Let me think about it,” Ryker says after a long pause. “I’ll get back to you.”
Keith considers this, his head tilting slightly as he studies Ryker’s face.
Then he laughs again, the sound sending ice through my veins.
“Fine. I have a pack waiting and ready for an omega—wealthy, powerful men who would pay a fortune for a chance at her. But I’ll give you until tomorrow afternoon to make a deal. ”
With that, he strides past me and out the door, leaving a wake of stunned silence behind him. The front door closes with a definitive click that seems to echo through the mansion.
I turn to Ryker, my heart hammering against my ribs. “What the hell was that? What does he mean by collecting me?”