Chapter Eight
Lyon
Her scent hit me, pushed toward us by the cool night air. She turned on the balcony to face us, and I inhaled deeply, taking in as much as I could while we had the chance. It might be our last if we blew this.
I pushed my hands into my pockets to stop myself from reaching out to her. Cash was right. We had to be patient and take our time.
Not something I was good at when I was determined.
And Goddess help me, I was determined to make this woman ours, despite all the signals to leave her alone.
“Hello. I’m Cash.”
Our omega instantly blushed almost as red as the satin gown covering her from throat to toe. High neck, long sleeves, only her face and hands revealed. “My name is Isabella.”
She looked at me and I choked on my own name. “I’m Lyon.”
“And I’m York. It’s very nice to meet you, Isabella.”
“You as well. Enjoying the party?” The line sounded rehearsed. Something she asked every guest. Strangers.
“Not really. We actually just came for you,” Cash said, surprising me with his bluntness. But I appreciated it. We needed to find things out quickly.
“For me?” Her vanilla-and-honey scent kicked up. It was pinned down by so many other things, vying for first place. Her emotions. Her pain. But mostly, fear. My bear knew she wasn’t afraid of us.
“Are you safe here, Isabella? We saw you earlier and got a sense that you might be in danger.”
Our omega scoffed. “Danger? In my own home? No. I am not.”
Her lies tasted like sour apples on my tongue.
“Your husband seemed unkind. I didn’t like the way he spoke to you. You can tell us the truth. Are you safe here? Do you want to leave him?” York spoke to her softly.
This time, she backed up but only one step.
Her spine straightened but if I wasn’t mistaken, the movement brought her pain.
Under all that red, shiny fabric, was she hurt?
Bruised? Worse? “I’m a perfectly happy omega.
My husband…” She shook her head and smiled.
Another practiced move like the question about us having a good time.
I wondered if most of her life was practiced, like she was wearing a mask all the time.
How exhausting for anyone but especially for an omega.
“I appreciate the concern but I’m not falling for this. I’ve been at it too long.”
She turned toward the yard a bit and gripped the railing with more force than necessary for balance. We’d struck a nerve.
Did her husband test her like this before? Sending people to ask if she was okay?
What a rat bastard.
Cash stepped forward, making her whirl around. So easily spooked. “That’s a beautiful hair comb. A friend of ours, Millie, has one just like it. She wears it all the time.”
“Millie?” Our first genuine reaction. “It was my friend Millie who gave this to me for my birthday. She was my best friend.”
York smiled at her. His smile comforted people.
Unlike mine. “Millie is our friend. She’s mated to a pack we know.
She’s got a great life. I don’t think we have a lot of time, but we wanted to tell you that you are our scent match.
We are sure of it. Our bears are sure of it.
If you don’t want this life, and we have a feeling you don’t, then say the word and we’ll take you away, omega. We can help you.”
Isabella opened her mouth to speak. My heart flitted inside my chest, wondering how her words would shift our future, when someone behind us cleared his throat. Mark. The husband. Fuck.
“Thank you three for coming. I didn’t realize we invited you, but it’s perfect.
You can see more of the house now.” His dark, beady eyes turned on Isabella.
Goddess, I hoped this encounter didn’t cause her more harm.
“Thank you for looking after my wife. She does love the fresh air. Isabella, it’s time to go back to the party, darling. ”
I made a note to never call her darling. He made the endearment sound like a curse.
He reached for her, and she took his hand.
“Thank the nice men for looking after what’s mine.” Each syllable came out like venom.
Isabella turned to us after walking toward him. “I give you my word of thanks, gentlemen.”
She moved back to the party, and we shared a look. “Did she say what I think she said?” I’d never been more frantic in my life.
“She did. I don’t think that’s how she really talks. We asked her to say the word, and she said word.”
“Did you feel the rage coming off him? He wasn’t happy she was with us.” I looked at where she’d once stood, replaying the short conversation in my head.
“He was pissed. He is a weak man.” Cash walked over and touched the railing at the same place she did. His nostrils flared as he took in all the residual scent that he could. “We’re getting her out of here. One way or another. And as fast as possible.”