Chapter Thirty
Remington
“W hat do you mean, I’m in pre-heat?” I ask, not understanding. “I’ve never gone into pre-heat—even the few times I’ve gone through my heat instead of using suppressants.”
Victoria purrs, her chest pressed against my back. Her arms around my neck and her legs around my hips. It’s kind of weird, but I love how she’s surrounding me as much as she can. Eric and Aubrey sit on each of my sides while Milo and Camila sit at my feet.
Bree offers me a tight smile. “You’ve been on suppressants for a long time, Remy. They’ve affected your biology. You knew that by bonding with your pack, you could be sent into heat. It seems your body isn’t quite there yet, but it’s close. I think we should cancel the rest of the week and head back to the compound. You have a nest there that you’re familiar with. You can have dates with the suitors at the house, and Saturday should probably be your last rose ceremony.”
“But we don’t even know when my heat’s going to come. Isn’t that what you said?” I ask Dr. Hillard, the older female omega doctor who came to the hotel to check me out.
Dr. Hillard nods. “It could be tomorrow or it could be in two weeks when you were expecting it to hit. Heats are something that are still hard for us to predict. I do think you should err on the side of caution, though. Any additional stress could cause you to go into heat immediately. Or any of your other symptoms could appear again.”
Right. My symptoms.
The exhaustion. The hypersexuality. The euphoria. The impatience. The unprovoked rage. The mood swings.
Fuck. How hadn’t I realized any of this was happening to me?
“I want to go to Quinn’s premiere with him. I’m his date. He’s one of my suitors, and he’d have to stay here without us. I’m not okay with that. As long as he stays, we all stay.” I understand what they’re saying, but I also don’t think it’s fair to Quinn for us to just up and leave him. Not to mention the amount of money Bree and Tessa have spent on this trip. It’s insane to head back to Rancho Mirage.
Tessa shakes her head. “Quinn will understand.”
I snort. “Of course he’ll understand, but you’re not listening to me. I want to go to the premiere as his date. That’s all there is to it. Tell me how to make that work.”
“Remy,” Aubrey begins, and I shake my head.
“I already know you agree with Bree and Tessa. I want to do this, and I need you to support me.” I look around at my pack, letting them see how much I want this.
I’ve never been to a movie premiere, and who knows if I’ll ever have the chance again. Plus, I keep my commitments to others—always.
“Dr. Hillard, is there any way we can make this work for him?” Bree asks.
Tessa sighs. “Bree, you can’t seriously be considering this. He could go into heat at the premiere, then everything is fucked.”
Dr. Hillard clears her throat. “There are some medications I can give you. They’re like a suppressant but a lower dosage. We use them when we need to delay an omega’s heat. These results aren’t guaranteed, and it’s not likely to make your symptoms go away.”
“Tessa, I’m sorry, but I know what it’s like for my heat to get in the way of me doing what I need to. Just to verify, Dr. Hillard, they should be able to at least get him through the rest of the week?” Bree presses, and I bite my lip.
Please let her say yes.
“Yes, I believe they should.” The doctor reaches into her bag, shuffling things around before pulling out a box. “You’ll need to take one three times a day with a meal and again just before bed. If you start experiencing any of the symptoms we discussed—even the ones that you haven’t yet experienced—you need to take another one. The premiere is on Friday, correct?”
Bree nods. “It is.”
“Okay, then I recommend you stay at the hotel until then, Remington. No more going out. You need to relax as much as possible. If you can do that, along with the medication, I strongly believe you’ll be able to make it through the premiere.” Dr. Hillard hands the box to Bree.
“Are there any limits to how many he can take a day?” Tessa asks, taking the box from Bree and reading over it.
“He can have up to ten a day. There are thirty-two in the package. That should be more than enough to get him through the next three to four days. I’ve never had a patient have to take the max dosage for more than one day. As long as you relax for the next two days, you should be fine. And when I say relax, I mean no sex. That’s usually the hardest part for omegas since we already have a higher than average sex drive, but it’s especially important considering how fast and strong your pre-heat symptoms came on.”
I nod. I don’t fucking like the idea of no sex, but I want to go to the premiere, so I’ll do whatever I have to do—even give up sex. “I can do that. We’ll just have to change our date plans. We can have dinner in the suite and watch movies or something. I’ll figure it out.”
“I don’t like this,” Eric grumbles. “But if the doctor says you should be fine, I’m okay with it. Vic?”
She leans her chin on my shoulder. “I also don’t like it, but I won’t make decisions for you, omega. You’re an adult who is perfectly capable of making his own decisions. If this is what you want, then you’ll have to follow the doctor’s instructions exactly. Aubrey?”
“If this is what you need, I understand.”
“Milo? Camila?” Eric asks, looking at our betas.
Camila’s eyebrows shoot up. “You want my opinion?”
Milo snorts, nudging her with his shoulder. “Our alphas believe in pack decisions—not alpha decisions. I’m fine with it. I’ll make sure he does as instructed.”
Camila spins to look up at me. “This is what you really want?” At my nod, she sighs. “Okay, then yeah, let’s do this.”
“I really don’t like this,” Tessa says once more. “But clearly, I’m outvoted. When should Remy take the first dose?”
“Immediately.” Dr. Hillard holds up a singular pill in its packaging. “Since it’s the last pill of the night, he doesn’t need to eat with it but can if he wants.”
“Thank you, Dr. Hillard. You don’t know how much this means to me.”
Her smile is gentle as she stands. “Oh, I understand better than you think. After all, I’m still an omega even if I no longer go through heats. Follow my instructions and you should be fine. If anything comes up, call me. My practice and home are very close, so it won’t take me long to get here. Enjoy the premiere.”
Eric gets up to grab a bottle of water, taking the pill from the doctor and bringing it to me. I swallow it down as Bree and Tessa escort the doctor out.
I’m so glad I’ll still be able to attend the premiere, but now I have to figure out what the hell I’m going to do for my dates with Riley and Alexei. It looks like this really is going to be the last week I have to make my decision.
No pressure or anything.
Come Wednesday night, I’m exhausted. I have no idea why, considering I passed out at three in the morning and have been sleeping on and off all day. I’ve only gotten up long enough to eat breakfast and lunch so I can take my pills and go to the bathroom.
I’m still determined to go on my dates, though. I just hope that Riley doesn’t mind me being in my sweatpants and a tee.
“Riley’s here, Rem.”
I look up to see Aubrey standing in the doorway of my room. Until about an hour ago, at least one of my pack has been in bed with me. Or at least, I assume they’ve been in bed the whole time. I know every time I woke up or was woken up, someone was in bed with me.
“Okay. Thank you. Will you tell him I’ll be right out?” I sit up, stretching my arms over my head.
Aubrey hums, glancing over his shoulder. “Did you want us to join the two of you? Or should we make ourselves scarce?”
I wrinkle my nose, not liking the idea of forcing them to leave our suite. But this is supposed to be a one-on-one date with Riley.
“We don’t mind leaving, Rem. Don’t feel bad. We can go down to the restaurant and have dinner. If we finish before your date is over, we can hang out with the other suitors.” He shuts the door behind him, coming over to the bed and sitting beside me. “We just want to do whatever makes you most comfortable.”
“As long as no one will get mad, I think it would be better if you left. I really want to give Riley all of my attention since I have some decisions to make quickly.” I consider that for a second before shaking my head. “No, we have decisions to make, but I have to figure out what the fuck I want first. I love the pack I’m building, but it just doesn’t feel complete yet.”
Aubrey nods. “And that’s okay. I know you might feel rushed right now, but take all the time you need, okay?”
I lean over to kiss him. “Thank you. I appreciate you all so much.” I hesitate before deciding fuck it . “I love you, Aubrey.”
“I love you, too, Rem. Now come on, you don’t want to leave Riley waiting forever. I’ll let the pack know what you decided.”
I smile as he heads back into the sitting area. I’m not feeling up to doing much. Hopefully, Riley won’t mind eating and then cuddling while we watch a movie. Maybe there can even be some making out. The doctor didn’t say that was off-limits.
Already feeling a little better, I climb out of bed, ready for my date.
“Breathe, Remington,” Quinn says quietly, and I suck in a breath.
“Shit, sorry. I’m just nervous,” I tell him, biting my lip. Our limo is inching closer and closer to the red carpet.
While I was really excited about going to Quinn’s premiere, I hadn’t really thought about what all it involved. I have to walk the red carpet with him. There will be people taking pictures and filming us. What if I trip and embarrass not just myself but Quinn?
This was a terrible idea.
“I think maybe you should stay in the limo and have the driver take you back to the hotel.” Quinn squeezes my thigh. “The doctor said stress was bad for you, and I feel like you having a panic attack would be a little stressful. It’s not worth sending you into an early heat to have someone to walk the red carpet with. There will be other premieres you can attend with me.”
“But Brooke’s going to be here and she doesn’t know anyone but us. I want to check in with her. Plus, I really want to do this. I can do this.” Steeling myself, I straight my shoulders and recall the exercises Finn gave me. “Finn prepared me for this. I’ve got it.”
Lucas makes a face. “Remy, I’m not—”
“It’s my decision, and I’m doing this,” I snap, feeling bad almost immediately. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap. I think I’ll take one of the pills now and go through Finn’s exercises.”
Lucas doesn’t look happy, but he passes me the pill, which I promptly take.
This pre-heat bullshit has already ruined most of my dates this week. I’m not letting it fuck this one up to.
Sure, both Riley and Alexei seemed like they didn’t care that we were just hanging out in my suite for our dates, but I know we would’ve had a better time if we’d gone on our dates. I was supposed to go with Riley to the opera and a Broadway show with Alexei. I’m so bummed we weren’t able to do either of them.
Instead, it was room service for dinner and cuddling in my bed while we watched movies. I tried to make out with both of them, but neither of them would give me more than a quick kiss. Something about it leading to more.
I’m so fucking horny.
But it’s fine. This is worth it.
Forcing myself to focus on the exercises, I feel much calmer by the time the limo comes to a stop and our door is opened.
“Last chance, Remy,” Quinn offers as Lucas steps out first.
“Oh, we’re doing this. I’m good.”
He doesn’t look nearly as confident as I feel, but he steps out before reaching back inside for my hand. I allow him to pull me out of the limo as flashes explode around us. For a second, all I can do is blink.
“You’ll get used to it,” he murmurs in my ear as he links our hands together. “They’ll lessen as we move up the red carpet.”
I nod, wanting to reach up to make sure my suit is perfect, but I don’t want to be caught on camera doing that. Instead, I smile and allow Quinn to lead me up the red carpet.
Most of the time, he leaves me standing with Lucas and Mike as he steps over to do interviews. Occasionally, he’ll pull me in to pose for a photo with him.
At least I know my suit looks amazing. Instead of standard black, Evangeline sent over a silver suit with a charcoal gray shirt and a black tie—not a bow tie, thank the fates. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but once I tried it on, I realized just how good it looked.
Especially when paired with Quinn’s navy blue suit and stark white shirt. Unlike me, he doesn’t have to wear a tie. I’m more than a little jealous.
Finally, we make it past all the cameras and start up the mile-long steps. Except, apparently, we’re not past the cameras. Halfway up, we pause, turning back toward the red carpet, and there’s another explosion of flashes. We repeat the same process at the top of the stairs, and I’ve never been so happy to be inside a building before.
“Remy! Quinn!”
I spin at the sound of Brooke’s familiar voice. She hurries over to us as quickly as she can, and she looks amazing. Her strapless dress is cobalt blue, with a thigh-high slit on one side and a billion layers of ruffles on the other side. The upper layers are shorter, but they get longer as they go down until they’re trailing on the floor behind her.
“Damn, Brooke. You’re definitely going to catch someone’s eye tonight. You look edible.” I pull her in for a hug and press a kiss to her cheek.
She bats at my arm before hugging Quinn. “That’s sweet, but I really need men who aren’t interested in me as more than a friend to stop telling me how hot I am. It sends mixed signals to my ego.”
I snort. “Gods, I’ve missed you.”
“It hasn’t even been a week. Plus, you’re the one who sent me packing.” She grins as she turns back to Quinn. “I’m so glad I’m not a celebrity. I got to just walk up the red carpet with no one bothering me. They still took pictures of me, but I think it was just in case I turned out to be someone famous. What do we do now?”
Quinn shrugs. “Talk and mingle. Have a drink or two. The premiere starts in about an hour. Eventually, my agent will find me and force me to talk to people I don’t want to.”
She wrinkles her nose. “That sounds terrible. I’ll hang out with Remy when you have to do that. I know I’m not sitting near the two of you, but I’m so excited about the movie.”
We catch up for a few minutes before Brooke has to dart off to the bathroom. Almost as soon as she walks away, a delicious god-like alpha with nearly white-blond hair approaches us.
“Quinn, there you are!” He pulls Quinn in for a hug before turning to me with a smile. “And this must be the omega?”
“Yes, Easton, this is Remington Montgomery. Remy, this is Easton Bellerose, my agent.”
I take Easton’s offered hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Easton.”
“It’s nice to meet you too, Remington. I hope you’re seriously considering Quinn for your pack. We’ve been friends for years, and I don’t think I know a better man than him.” Easton winks one of his ice-blue eyes at me.
Quinn shakes his head. “Stop it, Easton. Let me guess, you have people you want me to talk to?”
“You guessed right,” he practically sings. “I can see if my brother is free to keep Remington company while I steal you away.”
“Oh, hell no. You keep your brother far away from my omega.” Quinn shakes his head. “The woman you got a ticket for? She ran to the bathroom. She’s going to keep him company.”
Easton nods. “Yeah, okay. I guess I wouldn’t want my brother near an omega I was courting, either. We can wait until she gets back?”
I shake my head. “No. No. Go do your thing. She won’t be gone long. I’ll be fine on my own until she gets back. The sooner you get going, the sooner you’ll be back.”
“Are you sure?” Quinn looks like he doesn’t want to leave me at all.
“I’m sure. Go.”
Easton has to practically drag Quinn away. It’s kind of adorable.
I snag two glasses of champagne from a passing server and sip on one. Another five or ten minutes pass before Brooke rejoins me.
“I’m so sorry that took so long. The line was outrageous. Oh, is one of those for me?”
I hand her the full glass with a nod. “I probably shouldn’t be drinking at all, but I’m not passing it up. This is the good shit.”
Brooke frowns. “Why shouldn’t you be drinking?”
“Oh, shit. Right. You’re not on the show anymore. Apparently, I’m in pre-heat. I saw a doctor, and she gave me a pill to take to hopefully keep my heat from hitting. I’m on a sex ban, and I haven’t been allowed to leave the hotel for two and a half days. But I made it to Quinn’s premiere, and that’s all that matters.”
“Holy shit, Remy.” Brooke’s eyes are wide as she takes a long sip of her champagne. “Damn, this really is the good shit. I can’t believe you’re going through all of that, and you’re still here. I’m surprised your pack let you come.”
I snort. “Oh, they’re not happy about it, but they said they wouldn’t stop me if that’s what I wanted. So here I am.”
“Okay, I’m back.” Quinn wraps his arm around my waist, tugging me against him. “We should probably head to our seats so we can beat the rush. We’re all the way in the front. Brooke, it would probably be best if you headed to your seat, too.”
She nods, pulling out her phone. “Yeah, I can do that. Do you have any idea where this seat is?”
“Yeah, it’s upstairs. Once you get up there, just follow the signs.”
“Perfect.” She hugs both of us. “Thank you again, Quinn. I’m sure the movie is going to be amazing.”
We make our way toward the double doors at the other end of the room, making it over there just as the lights begin flickering. Quinn chuckles as he nods to the man who opens the door for us. “What did I tell you? Now we won’t have to fight the crowds to get up front.”
There are already a few people seated as he leads me to the front row. We’re the first ones there, and he leads us to our seats.
Over the next few minutes, I meet his co-stars and their dates, plus the director and producers. Besides his co-stars, I’m never going to remember anyone’s name.
“I hope there’s not a test at the end,” I mumble to Quinn, and he laughs.
“A test on what?”
“Everyone’s names. I’m never going to remember them all.”
He pats my leg. “Don’t worry. No tests, I promise.”
The lights flicker again, and everyone takes their seats. A few minutes later, the lights come down completely, and the movie begins.
It keeps me on the edge of my seat the whole time, wondering if the pack will be able to find their missing omega. Quinn is amazing in his role, and seeing him that big without his shirt on makes me want to strip him naked right here and now, but that wouldn’t be appropriate.
Unfortunately, now that I’m thinking about it, I can’t seem to stop.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
My cock is hard and throbbing, slick and pre-cum spilling from me and into my boxer briefs and suit pants.
Thank the gods for Evangeline’s omega line or Quinn would’ve had to remove me from the theater immediately.
As the credits roll, everyone stands and claps. I do the same, bouncing from foot to foot, trying to think about anything besides getting Quinn naked.
“Remy?”
I turn to him with wide eyes as I perfume—hard enough to overcome every scent blocker I used tonight.
“Shit,” Quinn curses, eyes roving the theater wildly. “We need to get you out of here.”
Enid Franklin, Quinn’s co-star and omega herself, tugs on Quinn’s jacket. “Quinn, there’s an exit hidden just behind the door. It’s what I was told to use if I had any issues. He’s going into heat. You have to get him out of here before the unbonded alphas scent him.”
“Thank you, Enid,” he responds brusquely, wrapping his arm around me and tugging me toward where she indicated as he drags the walkie-talkie from his pocket. “Mike. Lucas. We have a problem.”
“Where are you?” Lucas demands.
“There’s a door hidden behind the screen that’s apparently for omega use only. We’re heading there.”
I whine as my stomach cramps, pain shooting through me as slick spills from me once more. I need a knot in my ass or a lock on my cock. Both would be better, but I’m not picky.
I just need to be fucked right now.
Glancing behind us, I see heads jerking in our direction. I don’t know if it was my needy whine or my scent, but they’ve noticed us. A few men take a few stops toward us before stopping when Enid and her pack step in front of them.
“Go,” she yells. “Get out of here.”
“Good. They showed us that when we came by earlier for a security debrief. It’ll take a few minutes to get back there. As soon as you go through the door, there’s a button beside it. You’re going to press it. It’ll seal the door for five minutes. There are doors lining the hallway. Pick one—it doesn’t matter which one. The doors are impenetrable once locked. They’re rooms for just this situation. You’ll be safe there until we reach you. I have to grab one of the security guys because only their badges can unlock them. Keep him safe, and we’ll be there as soon as we can.”
“I’m so sorry,” I sob. I keep stumbling, my legs not wanting to hold me up, but Quinn tows me to the door and throws it open.
“Shit.” He slams the door shut and hits the button just before the door rattles.
I jump. “What was that?”
“That is the alphas that got around Enid and her pack. We need to get into one of the rooms Lucas was talking about. I know he said the door wouldn’t unlock for five minutes, but I’m not sure it’s going to keep them out.” Quinn practically drags me to the first door we find and throws it open.
On the other side is a nest-like room, complete with a mattress on the floor, blankets, and pillows. We duck inside just as I hear the other door hit the wall. Quinn swings the door shut and engages the lock. It reminds me of a bank safe as large teeth slide into the wall. No sound permeates the room, and I realize it’s soundproofed.
I double over as more cramps and pain shoot through me.
“Shit, Remy, are you okay?” Quinn drops to his knees beside me. “What can I do?”
I laugh, tears slipping down my cheeks. “You can fuck and knot me. That’s the only thing that’s going to help.”
“But you’re not supposed to have sex. That’s what Dr. Hillard said.”
“I feel like that went out the window when my heat hit, don’t you?” I rip off my clothes, hating the way they feel against my skin. I crawl into the nest, frowning. “This is all fucking wrong. I need my nest. I need my things. I need my mates’ scents. I need my mates.”
More tears slip down my cheeks as I curl up in a ball, wishing the pain would go away.
This is why I was on suppressants for so long. Heats fucking suck.
“It’s okay, omega. I have what you need. I’ll take care of you.” Quinn starts shucking his clothes, and I pant as more of his skin is revealed.
He’s so fucking beautiful.
“Please, alpha. Please. I need you. I need your knot.”
He drops to the mattress, crawling up until he’s hovering over me. I reach for his cock as he lays a hand on my forehead. “That’s weird. You’re barely warmer than usual. We were always taught that your skin would be hot to the touch. It should feel like you’re running a fever.”
“Fuck. Me. Now. Knot. Me.” I bare my teeth at him, not caring how hot I feel. I need his cock inside of me.
“Okay. Okay. This isn’t how I wanted to do this,” he murmurs, mouth inches from mine. “I hope your pack forgives me.”
“There’s nothing to forgive,” I whine. “Please.”
Then he’s kissing me, his cock pressing against me before I’m gloriously full. I break away from the kiss to cry out as he pulls back and slams back in.
“Yes. Thank you, alpha. Harder. Faster. More.” I’m practically blubbering as Quinn works himself in and out of me.
Grabbing my cock, I stroke myself and jerk my hips to meet his thrusts. He fills me up perfectly, and my eyes roll backward as my first orgasm rushes through me.
I release myself, taking my cum-covered hand and rubbing it into Quinn’s chest.
“What a good omega,” he growls, eyes flashing. “Rub your cum into me. I want everyone to know I’m yours. I’m your alpha.”
“My alpha,” I agree, crying out again, spilling cum onto my abdomen.
Having sex during a heat means coming with very little stimulation for me. With Quinn pounding into me like he’s an animal? Oh, yeah. That’s definitely going to send me over the edge again.
As soon as my fingers close around my cock, I come again.
“Fuck, omega. Your ass is squeezing my cock so good. Let’s see how many more times I can make you come before I knot you.”
The answer is three more times.
“Fuck,” Quinn growls as he buries his face in my neck. “You feel too fucking good. I’m going to knot you now.”
“Yes. Give me your knot. I need it.” I scream as he pushes his knot inside and it expands. I come again and again as he rocks into me. “Mark me, alpha. Make me yours.”
Then, without a second thought, I bite the inside of his bicep.
“Fuck,” he hisses. “I can’t. I shouldn’t. No. Remy, you shouldn’t have done that.”
That’s when the door opens, and Lucas and Mike appear.
“No, Remy. Tell me you didn’t.” Lucas wipes a hand down his face. “They’re going to kill me.”
Quinn pulls away from me, and I’m forced to release my teeth. I blink at the three of them, trying to figure out what’s wrong.
“I didn’t bite him,” Quinn growls. “But I didn’t notice what he was doing until his teeth were already in me. Damn it. We’re knotted. It’s going to be at least twenty minutes before it deflates enough for us to separate.”
Lucas curses. “Yeah, okay. Mike and I will stand guard outside the door. The limo has already pulled around back, so we can leave as soon as you’re ready. I’m going to call Bree and let her know what’s happening. Do not lock this door.”
Quinn chuckles. “How could I?”
“Right. Yeah. We’ll leave you to it.” Lucas curses again, and I realize I’ve fucked up, but I’m not sure how.
My brain hasn’t fully engaged. I know I’m not in heat—this must have been a spike—but I don’t think this is why Quinn and Lucas are upset.
“What did I do wrong, alpha?” I ask, whimpering. I don’t like that I’ve upset all of them. Maybe I can make it better?
He buries his face in his hands. “You’re still in hazy omega land. You bit me, Remy.”
“Uh huh, because you’re mine.” I nod, wanting to understand.
“Did you discuss this with your pack? Did you already decide you were choosing me for your pack?”
I frown, closing my eyes. I hear his words, but they’re not quite making sense to me. It’s like I know what’s saying, but it’s just outside of my reach.
“Oh, fuck.” I groan when it hits me. “I’m so fucking sorry, Quinn. I marked you without your permission.”
Noticing my distress, Quinn shakes his head, lying back down and rolling me until he’s on his back and I’m laid across his chest. I lay my head on him as he starts purring.
“It’s okay, Remy. Just relax. We’ll figure it all out when we get back to the hotel.”
Squeezing my eyes shut, I try to bite back my tears, but I just can’t. They spill onto his chest as he purrs for me. He doesn’t try to tell me everything’s okay. He just holds me, and I really fucking hope I didn’t just ruin everything I’ve been building.
“You shouldn’t have fucked him!” Eric roars, jabbing a finger into Quinn’s chest.
“I thought he was in heat,” Quinn says softly, clenching his jaw. “He was acting like he was in heat. He smelled like he was in heat. I’d like to see you deny him what he was asking for when he was in that state.”
Victoria grabs Eric’s arm, hauling him away from Quinn as I pull the blanket over my head. I bite back a sob, not wanting anyone to know just how upset I am. I tried to explain to my pack that it was my fault, but they lost it on Quinn—even Bree and Tessa.
I wrap my arms around my legs, trying to make myself as small as I can as my tears fall.
I know I fucked up, but it wasn’t Quinn’s fault. He did everything right. He just wasn’t expecting me to bite him. I can’t blame him for that.
They shouldn’t either, but they’re not listening to me.
Lucas and Mike brought me straight to my suite once we made it to the hotel. Bree, Tessa, my pack, and the other suitors were gathered there, waiting to find out what happened. So I told them, with Quinn adding a few things here and there.
Then everyone started yelling and stopped listening to me.
It’s like they don’t hear me.
It’s like I don’t matter.
Is it because I messed up and they don’t want me anymore?
I can understand that, but it fucking hurts.
I sense movement near me and freeze, biting the inside of my cheek so I won’t make a sound.
“Remy?” someone asks quietly. “Are you okay?”
No. I’m not okay, and I shouldn’t be. This is what I get for being irresponsible.
None of them should want me.
I’m a bad omega.
There’s a sigh when I don’t answer. “Will you come out from under the blanket, Remy?”
I can barely hear them over the screaming.
I shake my head even though they can’t see me. I don’t ever want to come out from under here. I don’t want to face what I’ve caused.
“That’s enough. Stop,” an alpha bark sounds throughout the room, and I freeze, unable to do anything else. “Remington is buried under a blanket, shaking because he’s so upset. Everyone is ignoring his burnt scent and clear distress. If this is how you’re going to treat him when something goes wrong, then none of you deserve him.”
The blanket is pulled off my head, and I whimper. I blink against the light as Carter’s face slowly comes into focus. Riley is hovering over his shoulder, and I realize he’s the one who barked. Carter must’ve been the one who asked me if I was okay.
“Please,” I beg.
“Please what, omega?” Carter asks quietly.
“Cover me back up.” I sob, still unable to move.
Riley sighs. “You can move, Remy. Why don’t we bring you to your room?”
“I don’t want to be here,” I murmur.
Carter sighs, slowly covering me back up with the blanket. I hear movements around me, but I’m afraid to do anything but lie here.
“Fuck, Remy. We’re so fucking sorry,” Victoria says, running her hand over my blanket-covered body, causing me to flinch. “Remington, will you please come out from under there? No one else will yell. We’re all going to sit here quietly and listen to you.”
I’m not sure if I believe her, but I peek out from under the blanket to find everyone has gathered around me—my pack, my suitors, Bree, Tessa, Lucas, and even Mike. Every single one of them looks abashed as they stare back at me. Everyone except Carter and Riley because they didn’t do anything wrong.
“I want you to stop blaming Quinn. He didn’t do anything wrong. I’m the one who bit him. I know I was wrong, but it is what it is. It’s only a one-sided bond. If he doesn’t want it, I’ll understand. It’ll be painful for both of us, but it can be removed.”
Quinn winces. “Is that what you want, Remy? Do you not want me to not be a part of your pack?”
“That’s not what I said.” I frown, sitting up straighter. “I told you that you were my alpha, then I bit you. I meant every word. I was just supposed to wait until tomorrow—after I talked to my pack.”
“Thank fuck.” Quinn’s shoulders droop. “I don’t want to remove it.”
“Oh.” I duck my head, smiling.
Tessa runs a hand through her hair. “I need the two of you to tough it out until after tomorrow’s rose ceremony before you complete the bond. There’s no footage from the premiere except from the red carpet. You’ll just give Quinn, and whoever else, a red rose tomorrow. We need to be out of here by noon to make it to the airport on time for our flight.”
“Don’t worry, Remy. No one is in trouble, but you and Quinn should probably have a conversation with your pack.” Bree waves before leading Tessa, Lucas, and Mike to the door. The twins, Carter, and Riley quickly follow them.
“You’re all mad. I understand. If any of you don’t want me any—”
“Nope. Stop right there.” Milo swoops in, cupping my cheeks. “None of us are going to leave you. We were just worried because we didn’t know what happened. I love you. We all love you.”
“Yeah?” I glance around at the rest of my pack mates, who nod. “And what about Quinn?”
Victoria takes my hand, twining our fingers together. “We told you from the beginning—you’re the one in charge. We don’t have any complaints about Quinn joining the pack. Just about how it happened, but that’s fine. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Can we go to bed and cuddle? Maybe watch a movie?” I ask quietly.
“Of course we can, Rem.” Aubrey offers me a smile before turning to Quinn. “You’re welcome to join us.”
Quinn glances around the room, looking unsure. “Uhh…I’m not sure that’s a great idea.”
“I’m sorry, Quinn,” Eric rumbles. “We shouldn’t have taken it out on you. You’re part of the pack now. Join us. Your omega is going to need you close, especially with an incomplete bond.”
“You’re sure?”
Camila nods. “We’re sure. We want whatever Remy wants and needs.”
My heart feels like it’s going to burst from my chest as Milo helps me to my feet. Once in my room, he helps me strip down and change into sweats and a tee while Aubrey tosses Quinn something to change into. Then we’re all crawling into the bed, and it’s everything I needed.