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The Darkness Appeal

A.J. MORAN

Copyright©2024byA.J.Moran

EditedbyJenniGauntt

ThisversionismadeforAmazon

Allrightsreserved

Nopartofthisbookmaybereproducedinanyformorbyanyelectronicormechanicalmeans,includinginformationstorageandretrievalsystems,withoutwritten permissionfromtheauthor,exceptfortheuseofbriefquotationsinabookreview

CreatedwithVellum

60 Gabriella

61 Sin

62 Gabriella

63 Sin Epilogue-Gabriella

AlsobyAJ Moran

Afterword

Acknowledgments

Note toReaders

TheDarknessAppealisanOmegaversereverseharemromancethesecondinaduet,butthestoryisastandalone Eachbook willhavetheirownHappilyeverafter,andcanbereadalone.Recommendedforreaders18+foradultcontentandlanguage.

This is a Contemporary Omegaverse has non-shifting alphas, betas, omegas, and sigmas. Alphas have knots and ruts, omegasgothroughheats,butdonotshiftintoanykindofanimal

Thisstoryincludesborderlinenon-con,dub-con,somnophillia,verydarkelements(ieonpage:torture,crime,un-livingof people,attemptofstrongsexualabusebynonharemmember) Ifanyofthisisnotyourthing,putthebookdown Metalhealth matters.

Italsocontainsthefollowingtropes: Mafiaromance,ex-steprelationship,heats,traumahealing,a/b/o,mentionofmpeg, andREALphysicalrelationshipsbetweenthemen…everyoneloveseveryone.

THE CROWD

ofthefightringisloudandgrowinglouderastheywaitforthemantheyprobablyallcametoseefight, Saint,oneofmysister'salphas.ThechainlinkfenceatmybackiscoolasIwatchthem.Ihatehavingalphasatmyback,and therearealotofthemhere

TheonlythingI’mgratefulforisthatdespitebeinganomega,Iblendinwiththemen.Withmyauburnhair,trimmedbeard, andnormalbuild,nooneevenlooksatmetwice.Tothem,I’mjustanotherguywatchingthefight.

Besideme,mysistersinksdeeperintoFelix'sarmsasheandAustintalktosomeguyaboutanomegasanctuary Atleast mysisterfoundgoodguys.ThatisallIcouldhopefor.

Icastmygaze around the crowd again, landingonLevi Carmichael Italways hits me whenIsee people thatknew my familybeforeitallwenttoshit.Hehadcomewithhisstepfatheronce,buthemadeitclearhewasn'ttheretomakefriends.

Inodinhisdirection.“Doyourememberhim?Fromwhenwewereteens?”

AudreyturnsherattentiontowhereIindicatedandshrugs.Butsomethingflashesbehindhermask,inhereyesthattellsme thatthereissomethingsheisholdingback.Maybesheknewhimfromthepartiesshe’sbeentolately.

“Hewasajerk,”Iaddunapologetically

SheglancesatmeandshiftsslightlyinFelix'sarms.IcantellsheisgoingtosaysomethingIdon'twanttohear.“Well,that jerk is the one that stole Austin’s painting He’s having a party next weekend; you need to go and see if you can find it CarmichaelwouldknowwhoIamfromamileaway.”

Keepingmyfaceneutral,Iglanceoverathimagain.“Ihateparties.”

“Youpartyeverynight,cominghome smellinglike booze,"she scoffs,her nose scrunchinglike she couldsmell itonme now.

If she even knew the half of it, she'd keep me home every night Fighting off alphas after what we experienced isn't somethingshewouldfullybeokaywith.

“That’sdifferent”

“Isit?”Sheeyesmeasifshecanreadmysecrets.

Irollmyeyes,redirectingtheconversationtosomethingIknowwilldistracther."Who'stheomega?"

The omega standingwithhimhas longblonde hair thatcatches the lightandis leftloose,tumblingacross her shoulders She'swearingadressthatisslinkyenoughtomakeyourimaginationrun,butnotrevealinginawaythatsomeomegasdofor attention Amaskcoversherroundface,butitcan'thidehercurves Andshehasplentyofthem

Herhipsflarewideontopofherlonglegs,andherwaistlookslikeshewouldn’tbemorethanskinandbones,leadingtoa chestmostwomenwoulddiefor ButI'vebeenaroundenoughstripperstoknow thattheladieswiththelargerchestsalways wantsmallerandthosewithsmalleronesalwayswantbigger.Eitherway,theyareperfectbeneathherdress.

WhatIcanseeofherfaceshowsherlipsarefullandsomethingLevisaysmakeshercheeksflushjustbeneaththefeathers onhermask

"That'shisstep-sister,hekeepsherclose."

Mysisterpullsmeoutofmyadmirationwithherwords,makingmehuminthought Soundslikeshemightbeaprisoner MaybeIcanhelpherwhileI'mattheparty.HelpingomegasinbadsituationsiswhatIdo.Everydayhero;notallheroeswear capes,andhelpingomegaswhoarebeingcontrolledbyalphasisafavoritepastime "So,willyoudoit?"Audreyasks.

Igiveanoncommittalsoundinreply.Ithrowinashrug,butmymindiswhirlingamillionmilesaminuteasIthinkofall thewaysIcouldsavethegirlifIdidgo

“Youaren’tgoingto do it, are you?” she presses, thenshe waves her hand, nota trace ofirritationonher face. “That’s okay,forgetaboutit Itreallydoesn’tmatteranymore”

IopenmymouthtotellherI’lldoit,butsheturnsherfullattentionbacktotheringasheralpha,Saint,enters.ButI'mstill stuckonthegroupacrossthespaceastheywatchthefight.

Aplatinumblondapproachesthegroupwitharinginhisseptumandearringsdanglingfrombothears Helookslikehe's fightingtonight,anditpeaksmyinterest.Thestrangerisattractiveforanalpha.AtleastIassumeheisanalpha;helookslike onewiththestunninglooksthathetriestohidewithhisbleachedhair Itonlymakeshimmoreappealing ThewayLevi'ssister watcheshim,Iknowsheseesittoo.

"I'llmakethisquick,"Saintsays,asheapproachesus,hiseyesonlyformysister Itwouldbecuteifitdidn'tmakemewant togag.Thesexualtensionbetweenthemisthickintheair,andItrynottoinhalemysister'sperfumetoodeeply.

"Nottooquick.Ihavemoneyonthreerounds,"Austingrumbles.Becauseofcourse,hedoes.HebetsonSainteverytime wecomehere

"Kissforluck?"Saintasks,leaningtowardher.

IrollmyeyesasAudreyswaysforwardintothechainstogivehimakiss

"Youknow hedoesn'tneedluckoutthere,right?"Iaskmysister asItwistaroundtofaceSaintinthering."Heisreally good"

"Thenyouhaveagoodteacher,andyoucanwinnextweek."Shelinksherfingersintothecageasheheadstothecenterof thering.

Theannouncer recites therules hedoes for everymatchandthensteps outofthewayas thebell sounds Saintdodges a righthook,before landinga firmfistintothe alpha's ribcage.The firsttworounds endquickly.AndIcan'tentirelykeepmy attentiononthefightasmyattentionkeepsdriftingtoCarmichaelandthetwothatarewithhim

After the second round is done, Saintleans againstthe fence and looks over atme. "Yousee how he drops his elbow? Whenhedoesthatheisopeninguphisoppositeside.Overcompensating.Whoeveryoufightnextweekwillhavethesamekind oftells.Ifyoupayattention,youcancatchthem."

Inod,andheheadsbacktothecenter.Hereallyisthebestteacher.Iputmyfullfocusonthenextround,watchingasSaint workshismagic Theguyfallsslacktothemat,andthecrowdcheerslikeitisthebestthingintheworld

“Sin,I’llbeback,in,uhalittle,stickwithFelix,”Audreysays,withawink,likeIneedprotectionfromtheroomfullof alphas

Isnort,butsheislonggone,dancingthroughthecrowdtohopefullygetridofsomeofthatsexual tension.Still,Iturnto Felixandquirkmyeyebrow.Heshrugswithagrinandmesseswithhislipring;heobviouslyknowswhatisgoingontoo.The nextmatchstartsprettyquicklysoIthankfullydon'thavetotalkaboutmysister'ssexlife.Ishiveratthethought.ThankGodfor smallmiracles.

"Doyouknowanythingaboutthem?"IaskFelix,noddinginCarmichael’sdirectionaswegetabreakfromthefights The lastonewasbloody,andtheyaremoppingupthefloorbeforethenextonestarts. Hefingershiseyebrowringashelooksacrossthespace "Carmichael?"

"Yeahandtheothertwo."

"Youheardyoursister,thatisGabby,Carmichael'sstep-sister.Heisprettyprotectiveofherifyou'reanalpha.AndElijah GrayisLevi'ssecondasfarasIcantell Hedoesn'tdomanypartiesandprefersthefightringoverpolitesociety He'spretty goodtoo.I'dbetonhimifhewasn'tfightingSaint."

"Issheaprisoner?"

Helaughs,throwinghisheadbackinamusement."Ifsheis,Ithinksheenjoyshercage."

"Whydoyousaythat?"

"I'vehadconversationswithher.ShelovestomakeCarmichaeljealousandpresshisbuttons." Inarrowmyeyesonthethreeofthem,tryingtoseewhatFelixsees.It’sthere,butbarely."Shelooksstiff." "Yeah,butwatchher,you'llseehowshelooksatherstep-brotherwhenheisn'tlooking Theyhavesomethinggoingon;it mightstillallbeinthecloset,butifanoutsidercanseeit...thenitisreadytoexplode."

"IsElijahfightingtonight?"

Felixgrinsknowingly."Heis.Youshouldwatchhim.He'saworkofartwithhow hemoves.Don'tletSaintknow Isaid that"

Isnort,tossinghimanamusedlook."I'llkeepyoursecret."

AsIcontinuetowatchthegroup,IfindImustagree.Elijahisaworkofart.Fromhisplatinumblondhairtothosestriking eyesthatcouldprobablypierceyoursoul Andthosemusclesthatscreamrestrainedstrength He’satemptationI’mnotsureI canresist.

"Whatsecret?"Austinsays,leaningoverFelix’sshoulder,finallyjoiningourconversation Felixbumpshimsoftly."Nosecretshere,"hesays.

Austinflips himaround and cups the backof his neck, dragginghimagainst his chest. "Keep it that way,” he murmurs againsthislips.

Ilookawayastheykiss.Theyarelikebrotherstomenow,andIdon'twanttowatchthemmakeoutanymorethanIwantto

watchmysisterdoit.Again,myattentionshiftstothetrio.Iwanttolearnmore,andithasnothingtodowiththepainting. CanIdoboth?Maybe.IwatchlikeastalkerasElijahleansclosetoLeviandwhisperssomethingtohimbeforeheheads towardthedressingrooms Gabbywatcheshimleave,longingpaintedonher faceinawaythattellsmethatitisaone-way streetforher.Shewantshim,butIdidn'tseethesameinreturnfromhim.

Levisayssomething,andherfacebecomesthemaskagainassheturnstoherstep-brother Shepressesherlipsintoathin lineandshakesherhead.Herhandgoingtoherhip.

"I'll be rightback," Isayto Felixand Austin ThenIthread throughthe crowd, creepingcloser to the pair thathold my attention.

"Youcan'ttellmewhattodo,Levi,"shesays,proppingahandtoherhipindefiance.

"Ican,andIwill,"hegrowlsouttheresponse

Evennot directed at me, his growl sends a shiver of awareness downmyspine. Fuck, I don’t react to alphas. But the tighteningofmyjeansbehindmyzippersaysdifferently

"Canyoujustdropit?I'mhere,aren'tI?Yougotyourway,again."Shecrossesherarmsassheglaresathim.Ican'tseehis facefromthisangle,butIcanonlyimagineheisglaringrightback

Theenergycracklesintheairbetweenthem,eveniftheydon'trealizetheyaredrawingtheattentionofeveryearnearthem. Anditistensewithsexualtensionthatisreadytoexplode.

LevilowershisvoiceasifhesenseswhatIdo "Nothere,Gabriella" Wisemove.

Forakingpintorevealhisweaknessesanyplacehecanbeoverheardisdangerous Myfathertaughtmesmallthings,and eventually,IwilltakemyplaceastheheadoftheDeLucamafia.RightnowI'mjustlayingthegroundwork,butthatisthefirst rule.Don'tairfamilybusinessoutsideofthehouse.

Afterwatchingthemforafewmoresilentminutes,Idon'tthinkI'lllearnanythingelsehere.I'lljustdomyresearchlater. Headingbacktomysister'spack,IseeSaintandAudreyhavejoinedthem,bothlookingsatisfied.

Suddenly,Ican'tdoanymoreofthewholelovingpacktonight Icareaboutthemall,andIlovethatmysisterishappy,butI needair.Itfeelsasiftheirloveissuffocatingme.

"Sin,wearegoingtoheadtothedinerbyhome,youwanttocome?"Saintsays,gesturingtowardtheexit "Nah,Iamgonnastayandwatchthenextfewfights,seeifIcanpickuponanyweaknesses.I'llcatchupwithyouinalittle bit."

Henods,andall ofus sayour goodbyes.Iinhaledeeplyas theydisappear.Asortofsadness for whatIwill never have filtersthrough,butIshoveitaway.Mysisterbeinghappyisallthatreallymatters.

CHAPTER 1

Gabriella

ANOTHER PARTY.

Morepretend

Not for the first time I curse presenting as an omega. I was poised to take the whole Carmichael empire as my own. GabriellaFreyCarmichael,mafiaprincessturnedqueen.Instead,mystep-brotherLevi,mypersonalpainintheassandjailer, tookmyspot

Now,Iamtheperfectmafiaprincess,trappedinagildedcage.

TheonlygoodthingaboutanyofitisthatLevikeepsotheralphasatbay Ifanotherlooksmyway,includinghisfriends,he getspossessivelikeheownsme.NotevenElijahiseverleftalonewithme,andhe’shisbestfriendandpackmate.

ThelastalphathatslippedpastisprobablywearingapairofcementshoesatthebottomoftheEastRiver

As soonas Levi is caught ina conversationwiththe slimychief of police, I edge toward the side of the room. Sweet escapeonlyafewfeetaway.Ithrowalookovermyshoulderatmystep-brother.Heglowersoveratme,andwithagrin,Iflip himoffbeforedisappearingintotheblissfuldarknessofthestudy oneoftheonlyoff-limitsroomstoguestsatthisparty

ItsmellslikeamixtureofgunpowderandoldbooksasIsinkintoaleatherarmchairwithasoftexhale.Ikickofftheheels thatarekillingmyfeetandeyetheliquor cabinet I’malightweight,butgettingdrunkmightmakethepartymoreinteresting Decisionmade, I pad across the darkwoodenfloor and pop the topper out of the rum. Liftingthe crystal decanter, I sniff, inhalingdeeply,drawingthescentintomylungs ItisoneIwishIcoulddrownin Levi.

HeisallIsmellasIpourasplashoftherumintoatumbler.AllIneedisalimeanditwouldfeelasifhewasintheroom withme Mystomachrolls I hate the waymybodyfeels whenI thinkof him, but I let myimaginationconjure himto the forefrontofmymindanyway.

Itishardnottothinkofhim,ifI’mhonest Hisdark,unrulyhaircreatessinfulimagesoftuggingmyfingersthroughit His almostgoldenbrowneyes,moretimesthannot,arefullofannoyanceforme.Andthewayhisfingersrunoverthebackofhis neckwhenIpresshisbuttonsorthelittletendonthatjumpsalonghisfinelydustedjawasheclencheshisteethsetsmyblood onfire.

Themeresightofhimisenoughtomakeslicknessgatherbetweenmylegs,addhismuskintotheequation,andI’mluckyhe doesn’tsmell whathedoestome Or whatheistome Becausethatbastardwoulduseitagainstme Healreadyknowstoo wellhowattractiveomegasfindhim,notthathebringsanyofthemhome.Hesmellslikethemsometimes,though,andittakes everythinginmenottoreact AsifIhavesomesortofclaim Idon't,notoneIcanshoveinhisfaceanyway

Ifitweren’tformyconstantsupplyofscentblockinglotion,andsometimespills,hewouldhaveknownyearsagowhenI firstpresented.Betweenhimandhisbestfriend,Elijah,Iwouldhavebeenscrewed.

Elijahisawalking,living,breathingbadboy.TheviolenceflowingoffofhimisadarknessI’dlovetogetlostin.He’d probablyfucklikehefights,withsingle-mindeddeterminationandbarelycontainedviolence.AndIwantitwitheveryfiberof mybeing,butIcan’teverlethimknow

Hisbleachedhairandicyblueeyeshavebeenthestarofmanyofmyomegafantasiesofhimslippingawayfrommystepbrothertohavehiswaywithme IfIsaidIdidn’ttouchmyselfwhilethinkingabouthim,atleastacoupletimesaweek,I’dbe lying.Buthehasneverlookedtwiceinmydirection,loyaltoafaulttoLevi.

Witha sigh, Ishake outofthoughts ofLevi and Elijah. IfIwanta real future, Ican’tentertaina single one for either of them Levi’smomsatmedownwhenIrealizedandtoldmethehardtruth,scentmatchingtothemwasabadthing,notgood Andhidingitismyonlywayout.

Takingmydrinkbacktothearmchair,IcurlmyfeetbeneathmeandpickupthebookIhadleftoutearlier ThenIswitchon the lamp onthe table nextto me. Sippingonthe liquor, Ifall into the romance aboutanomega who breaks free ofthe hold

societyhasonherandfindshermatchesintheprocess.

Somethingsonlyhappeninfairytales;inreallife,sometimesyourmatchesaren’tmeantforyou,butthatisokaybecause mybooksaremyescape

I DON’T KNOW how longit’s been, butIfeel cozyand warmfrommydrink. And completelylostinthe storywhenthe door opensquickly,andafigurestepsinside.AlmostimmediatelyI’mhitwiththebitterscentofoldspice.

“Thisroomisofflimits,”Isay,droppingmyfeettothefloorandstanding “You’reinhere,”thepolicechiefreplies,shuttingthedoorbehindhim.

Revulsionfortheslimymancrawlsovermyskinlikeamilliontinyspiders,andIshiver

“This is myhome,Chief.”Simple,direct.Nothingthatwouldpiss Levi offsincehewants togetonthegoodsideofthe policeforcesohecangethisarmsdealspastthem.

Hestepsfurtherintotheroom,ignoringmywordswithhisactions.“Peter,youcancallmePeter.Iwantedtospeakwith you.Yourbrotherdoesn’tletsuitorsclose.”

Ialmostgag Suitor?Neverhim Heislargeandbeefylikehespendshisfreetimeingyms AndI’veneverbeenafanof themuscledalphas,asiftheydidn’thaveenoughpowerjustbeinganalpha.

“Heisprotectiveofme Itwasmyfather’sdyingwishthathewatchoutforme”

Although, Levi takes it waytoo far. I’manomega, not porcelain. I’mnot goingto breakwhenthe first alpha gives me attention.AndIwillprobablyrejectanywhotry,notthatheknowsthat.

Peterstepscloser,andIcirclearoundthearmchair,puttingitbetweenus Restingmyhandslightlyonthebackofthechair, Istraightenmyshoulders.

“Youshouldgobeforehefindsyouinhere”

“Wehaveanunderstanding.He’smadesomepromisesIintendtocollecton.”

Mystomachdips Hewouldn’thavedonewhatthechiefisinsinuating Thereisnowayhewouldsellmeouttothisman Sure,Leviisruthlessandwilldowhateverittakestogetwhathewants,butheenjoystormentingme,andthisistheopposite ofwhathepromisedmyfather.

“I’msureyouaremistaken,”Isayasmyfingersdigintotheleatherbeneaththem “Nomistake,prettyomega.I’mgoingtoenjoysinkingintoyourlushcurves.”

I gagthen So muchfor beingnice and not makingwaves If Levi actuallydid sell me out, there is no wayI amgoing willingly.Releasingtheoldleather,Islipmyhandintothepocketofmydressandcurl myfingersaroundmyswitchblade.I nevergoanywherewithoutit Mydadhadtoldmeitwasmymom's

“You’ll enjoyit,too,”hesays.Hismuskisoverwhelming,andIsneeze.Theoldspicecoatsthebackofmythroat,andI wanttoclawitoutasbileattemptstoescapetheconfinesofmystomach.

Hegetscloser,andIfall back Whenhefollows,Istepbackwarduntil Ihitthebookshelves Hegrinslikehe’swon,but I’mjustmovinghimintoposition.

He boxes me in and runs his meaty palmalong the side of my face Caressing me in a way that makes me feel like a thousandfireantsarescurryingover myfleshandburningmealive.Islowlypull mybladeoutandclickthebutton,thesoft snicktellingmeitisopen.

Histhumbpressesintomychin,andheforcesmyeyesuptohis.“I’llmakeyouhappy.”

“Isthisthekindofbehaviortheforceexpectsoftheirpolicechief?Accostingomegasaloneindarkrooms?”

“Iamcollectingwhatisduetome,”hesaysashiseyesnarrow “Your brother thinkshecanaskfor mycooperationand offersomethingasworthlessasmoneywhenhehasyoutogiveaway?”

Mystomachsomersaultsathiswords Levihadn’tsoldmetothehighestbidder Butit’sclearthechiefoffered “Step-brother,”Icorrecthimoninstinct.

Levihadcomeintomylifewaypastthepointofbeingonlyabrothertome.AndIhadfallenhead-over-heels,love-at-firstsightwithhimthesecondmypre-teenselfhadbeenintroduced.Thatwasbeforeheopenedhismouthandruinedit.

“Andhedoesn’townme.Isuggestyoustepbackandreleaseme.”

“I’mnotgoingtodothat,yousmell amazing”Hesniffsmyneck,andIamsurprisedhecansmell anythingpastmyscent blocker.

“Yournoseisbroken,andIthinkyou’veforgottenwhoyouaretalkingto,”IsayasIpressmybladebetweenhislegsand againsthisballs.“StepbackorIwillcutoffyourdickandfeedittoyoubeforeIcutyouopenandletyoubleedoutallover my study. I’msure the cleaners can get the stain out. And my step-brother would be more than happy to work with your replacement”

Inreality,thechief’sreplacementmightnotbeasslimyashim,andifthatisthecase,Leviwouldbepissed.Buthe’dget overit

“Noneedforviolence,myprettyomega.”

Apparently, he needs encouragement. Iflickmyhand up and slice throughhis slacks, nickinga ball inthe process ifhis reactionmeansanything Hecursesandshovesawayfromme,knockingafewbooksfreeofthebookcaseintheprocess “Youreallyshouldhavelistenedtome,”IsayasIwatchhimdoubleoverandholdhisnutsack. “Omegabitch,you’llpayforthat”

“Idon’tthinkshewill,”avoicerepliesfromtheshadowrightnexttothedoor.Itishuskyandgravely,fullofmenacethat makesmybloodsing “Frommyview,itlooksasifthechiefofpoliceisforcinghimselfontoanomega,andthatisagainstthe law.Right?”

“Whothefuckareyou?”thechiefsnarls,twistingaroundtofacethestranger.

“SinclairDeLuca,yourworstnightmareifyoutouchheronemoretime”

Iinhale.Sinclair‘Sin’DeLuca,oneoftheDeLucatwinsthathadbeenrumoreddead.Ahithadtakenouthisentirefamily, andeveryonethoughttheyhadbeenmurderedtoo Butthismanisverymuchaliveandbrimmingwithanger Hesteps intothelightfrommylamp,his mismatchedeyes glimmeringwithhatredas hestares downthechiefofpolice. Hisburntauburnbeardistrimandneat,contrastingtohishairthatlookswindblownandneverfixed Tallandlean,hisstylish blacksuitandcombatbootsfithisdemeanorperfectly.

Butas attractiveas heis,whathits mesquareinthechestis his scent.Ithas theacidichitofanger,butbeneathitis the sweetsmellofapplepieandvanillaicecream Pureomega Yet,Ican’tpullmygazeaway Heismesmerizinginadangerous way.

Idefinitelyhaveatype

I HAVEonepurposeatthisparty Recon Audreyandherpackarelookingforapainting Really,Ithinkitisjustmysister, butwhatdoesitmatter?Iwilldoanythingforher.AndIhad.

Ipushthatthoughtaway Itistheroadtodarkness,andIneedaclearheadtonight Later,whenIcandrownitoutwitha joint,I’llindulgeinwhatI’velost.Butfornow,I’llfocusonhelpingAudreyfindthiselusivepainting.

TheroomisfullofmenIrecognizefromwhenmyfatherwasalive.MenthatcametoourhomeandmadedealswiththeDe Lucamafia Somealphas,somebetas,butIamnothereforthem IscanthewallslookingforthepictureAudreydescribedsoI cangetoutofhere.

It isn’t inthe first three rooms I enter The fourthroomis a large-lookingballroomthat reminds me of those historical romancesmysisterlovestowatch.Andthemenandwomeninitaredressedasiftheysteppedrightoutofthattimewithsuits andfancydresses.

Theomega,LeviCarmichael’ssister,isstandingaloneontheedgeofthespace,andshecatchesmyattention.Sheglows. Her blonde hair lays incurls alongher back, catchingthe lightjustrightto make her appear like she wears a halo atop her head Herfaceisroundwithpinkcheeks,longeyelashesthatframelighteyesthatIcan’tseethecoloroffromthisdistance, andperfectlybow-shapedlips.Inthe darkness ofthefightclub,Ididn’tpickuponall ofher features,buthereinthe bright lightandtheabsenceofthemask,sheisbeautiful OrmorebeautifulthanIfirstthought

Hercurvesarehuggedbyashimmeringbaby-pinkdressthatmakesherlookinnocentinawaynoneoftheotherpartygoers appear.Iwanttogetclosertocatchherscent,completelydistractedbyherbeauty.

Before I can close the distance, she is slipping away. She pauses at a large oak door and looks over her shoulder at someonebeforegrinningwickedlyandflippingthemoff.AnansweringgrinpullsatmylipsasIfollowherlineofsighttosee LeviCarmichaelgloweringather Theirdynamiciscurious,andIwanttolearnmoreaboutit

Backwhenhecametomyhome,he’dactedlikehewastoogoodtoassociatewithus,soAudreyandIignoredhim,even thoughwewerearoundthesameage

Thefacthis step-sister definitelyhasties totheCarmichael mafiashouldbereasonenoughtoshelveanyinterestImight haveinher.ButI’veneverfollowedrulesordonewhatIshould.SoIwatchthedoorforherreturn.Agespass,andshestill doesn’treappear Ialmostgiveupwhenthechiefofpoliceapproachesthedoorandglancesaroundtoseeifanyoneispaying attentionbeforeslippinginside.

Isshe Ishe Disappointmentspearsme Ofcourse Asecretmeetingbetweenlovers Ifshefelttrappedinherlifethenit wouldbeallshecouldhave,wouldn’tit?

Evenso,becauseitisstillasortoftortureformeandIknowIlovethat,Imoveacrosstheroom Ipausenexttothedoor and wait. The sound ofa woman’s voice, justthe ever so slightesthitchraisingitlifts myhackles. Everyinstinctto protect omegasscreamsatme.Idon’tevenattempttotalkmyselfoutofit.Slippingsilentlyintotheroom,Itakeinthesceneunfolding infrontofme

Theomegaisbackedagainstthebookshelf,barelyvisiblepastthepolicechief.

“Your noseisbroken,andIthinkyou’veforgottenwhoyouaretalkingto,”shesays,andthereisathreatinher tonethat makesmepauseagain.“StepbackorIwillcutoffyourdickandfeedittoyoubeforeIcutyouopenandletyoubleedoutall overmystudy I’msurethecleanerscangetthestainout Andmy step-brother wouldbemorethanhappytoworkwithyour replacement.”

“Noneedforviolence,myprettyomega,”hereplies,hisvoicecondescendingasifhedidn’ttakeherseriously.ButIknow thattone I’veusedit

Hedoublesoverwithashriekofpainthatmakesmesmile,andshesays,“Youshouldhavelistenedtome."

Aswitchbladeinhergripcatchesthelamp'slight,shiningsilverandtheredbloodofthechief'sprideandjoy

"Omegabitch,you’llpayforthat,"thepolicechiefgrowlsashestraightens.

Helookslikehedoublesinsizeasheloomsoverher,andeveryprotectivebitinmeprotests.Iknowit'sremnantsofthe tortureIenduredwithmysisterwhiledoingeverythingIcouldtoprotecther

“Idon’tthinkshewill,”Isay.Myvoicecomesouttight,fullofthecontainedangerinsideme.“Frommyview,itlooksasif thechiefofpoliceisforcinghimselfontoanomega,andthatisagainstthelaw Right?”

“Whothefuckareyou?”Thechiefwhipsinmydirection,andIsneerathim.Assholealphaslikehimdon'tscareme.No alphadoes Theyalreadytookeverythingtheycould,whatmoreisthere?

“SinclairDeLuca,yourworstnightmareifyoutouchheronemoretime,"Ipromise. Theomega’seyeswiden,butIignorehershockatmynameandstepforwardreadytodefendher.

"Thisisnobusinessofyours,"hebarks,hisvoicefullofpurealphacommand "Leave" Ihuffoutalaugh."Haveyouevertriedtocommandabrokenomegabefore?"Iexaminemyfingertipsbeforecurlingthem inandmakingafist Aquickglanceupathimtellsmeheisn'ttakingmeseriouslyandthatpissesmeoffmore "LearnsomerespectbeforeIteachittoyou."Hestepstowardme,angervibratinghiswholebody. Ismirk "Ithinkyou'retheoneabouttolearnalesson"

"He is,"Gabriella agrees, her blade pressingagainstthe side ofhis throat. "Imaybe anomega, butmyfather taughtme howtotakeoutthegarbage."

BeforeIcanmoveamuscle,shesliceshisneckopeninamovemysisterwouldadmireandmakesmewanttolearnmore abouther.

Bloodarchesfromhisthroat,andheclutchesitattemptingtostoptheflow Itbubblesbetweenhisfingers,andhegurglesa helplesssoundashecollapses.

Hegaspsforairaroundtheflowofbloodaswewatchhimdie.

"Impressive,"Imurmur,becausefuck,itishot.Anotheromegaunafraidtoprotectthemselves.IwasstartingtothinkIwas theonlyone.

"Necessary AndIwasfine,Ididn'tneedyourhelp" Iholdupmyhandsinsurrender."Clearly."Chuckling,Inudgehisbodywithmyfoot.

Shesighsandwipesherbladeonherdress,smearinghisbloodonthepalepinkfabric,thenclicksitshutandslipsitintoa pocket."Areyougoingtohelpmegetridofhimorstandthereandwatchsomemore?"

Iswipemytongueovermylowerliptastingahintofbutterscotchintheair.Inhalingdeeply,Icatchitagainmixedwiththe ironofhisbloodandthegunpowderscentthatclingstotheroom.

It's her, and mybodyreacts ina way, before tonight, Iwas sure it never would again. The tighteningofmyslacks as I hardenagainstmyleghasmeshiftingonmyheelssoshedoesn'tcatchit ButIcan'thidethebloomingscentoffreshlybaked applepiethatsurroundsme.

Shebendsatthewaistnotpayingmeormyuntimelyperfumeanymindasshetugsattherugtorollthedeadpolicechief up.Shakingoutofthehazeoflustthatcaughtmeoffguard,Ikneeldownandliftthearmchairoffofthecornershe'sattempting tomove.Thentogetherwerollhimup.

Aslightwetnessstainsthewoodenfloorbeneaththerug,andshecurses "Leviisgoingtokillme" "Idon'tthinkyouneedtofearhim,"Isaywithalaugh.

Sheliftsherjade-greeneyestome,andmybreathcatches "Youobviouslyhavenevermethim" Ihad.ButIpressmylipstogetherandholdbackthatinformation.Itisn'tasifwewerechildhoodfriends.

"AndIdon'tfearhim,"sheaddsasanafterthought “Comeon,helpmegetthispieceofshitovertothatdoor Itleadstoa hallwaythatwecanreachthegaragefrom.”

Idoasshesaysandhuffalaughaswepickhimup,eachofusgruntingunderhisheftyweight.Wehalfcarry,halfdragthe rugtothedoor,knockingthelamptothefloorandcuttingoffouronlyreallight Shetwiststheknobandpushesopenthedoor, andwecontinuedownthemuchbrighterhallway.

Adrenalineseepsintomybonesthefurtherwegointothehouse

“What’stheplanoncewehavehiminthegarage?”Ihuffout.Thedeadweightofthechiefisheavierthanexpected.

“Obviouslyweputhiminthetrunkofmycar,andthenwegetridofhim,”shehuffsoutanexhalationofairanddropsher end,straighteningasshecatchesherbreath.

IchuckleasIdrophimtoo.“Getridofhim?”IaddquotationmarkswithmyfingersasIrepeatherwordsbackather.“Is thisarecurrentsituationforyou?”

“Doalphasaccostmeindarkstudiesandtrytorapeme?No.Leviusuallykeepsthemallaway.”

“Hedidashitjobtonight”

“Yeah,andheisgoingtobepissed.IhavetogetridofthisbodybeforeheknowswhatIdid.”

Ishakemyheadwithamusementassheliftsherendbackupandstartsmovingdownthehallagain.

Wepushintothegarage,bothgrabbingthesameendtopullthedeadweightintothespace.Surveyingthefourcars,Inodat them.“Whichoneisyours?”

“Noneofthemarehers,”avoicerepliesbeforeshecan,andItwisttowardtheunexpectedalpha.

Heleansagainstamotorbike,ablackhelmetinhisgrip,andlegscrossedattheanklesgivingtheimpressionhehadbeen watchingussinceweenteredthegarage Hisplatinumhairisspikingineverydirection,andheisdressedfromheadtotoein leather.Flexinghisfreehand,herunsitoverhisleg.Thefighterfromthefightring,Elijah.Somehow,helooksmoreattractive underthebrightlightofthegarage

“Fuck! Elijah, youscared me.” She drops the rugand steps next to me. The butterscotchperfume flares, and she shifts uncomfortablyasshecrossesherarms

“Whatchagotthere,Gabriella?”Hearchesawell-definedeyebrow whenshepressesherlipstogether,andthecornerof hismouthkicksup,buthedoesn’tcomecloser.“Youdidn’tanswermyquestion.”

Sheblockshisview,andImovetohelpher “Nothingthatconcernsyou”

Hechuckles,slowlyuncrossinghisanklesashesetshishelmetonthebikeandstrollsovertousasifheisstalkingprey. AndIguessbeinganalphaandbothofusbeingomegas,hemightlookatuslikethat

“Oh,Gabby,Gabby,Gabby.”Heshakeshisheadashisgringrows.“Everythingyoudoconcernsme.”

Shesucksinabreath,andIunconsciouslyinhaletoo Hesmellslikeacampfirewithhintsofspicedhotcocoa Reminding meofchildhoodfamilytripsintothewilderness.Theonlytimemyfatherwasjustmydadinsteadofthekingpin.Betweenthe sweetbutterscotchofGabriellaandElijah’smusk,itfeelsasifI’vegonetoheaven.

ItlaststwosecondsbeforeIhaveittampeddown Thereisnoheaven,onlyhell Elijah’sgazeswingstome,andhetiltshisheadtothesideashestudiesme.“Who’syourfriend?”

“SinDe Luca,” Gabbysays, raisingher chinindefiance Elijah’s eyes widenthe same wayhers did earlier, and Ishift, uncomfortablewiththealphaknowingmyname.

“Sin?Huh?”Helickshislips.“IhaveafeelingyouhelpedmyGabriellagetintothismess.”

“Youshould askthe lastalpha who said somethingsimilar whathappened to him,” Isayas Idrop mygaze to the now leakingrug.BloodrunsinathinlinetowardadrainholebeneathabrightredPorsche.

Hebrushesbetweenusandkneelsdown,tossingonecornerawayfromthepolicechief Idon’thavetobewatchinghimto hearthesharpinhalewhenheseeswhoitis.

“Ohshit Fuck,Gabby Leviisgoingtomurderyou”

GABBY DISAPPEARED AN HOUR AGO.

Glancingatmywatchagain,Itakeinthetime,no,makethat anhourandahalf.AnnoyancespikesasIglanceatthestudydoor.Still,I’mcaughtinapointlessconversationwhenallIwant todoisgoanddragherbackouttotheparty

Shehatesthem.

ButitisthebesttimeforsomeonetocomeafterthefamilyifI’mdistractedandhavingherwithinviewcalmsme,which explainswhyagitationiscoursingthroughmeandurgingmetodosomethingI’llregretlater

Isighanddragmyattentionbacktotheconversation."Alittlebirdytoldmeyouobtainedapaintingrecently,"MelodyLynn says,herhuskyvoicelowassheglancesaround "Youneedtokeepitsomeplacesafe"

How does she know about the painting? It isn’t like I can deny it, she clearly has information. Maybe fromthe same informantwehadthatsenttheletterinthefirstplace.

"It'ssafe,"Isay,confirmingwhatshealreadyknows.

She always knows things. No one really knows much about Melody Lynn, only that she has a shit ton of money and influencethatseemstocomefromnowhereandeverywhereallatonce

I'mnotsure,IstoppeddiggingintoherpastonceIfoundoutherfamilywasghostsandherpackhaddied.Shehasnoone, ofcourseshewouldamuseherselfplayinginthelivesofothers,itiswhatIwoulddo Thegossipprobablysustainsher "Whereisyourlovelysistertonight?"SheglancesaroundasifshewillbeabletospotGabriella.

Igrindmybackteethtogetherbeforeunclenchingthemtosay,"Aroundheresomewhere."

WhydoesitbothermewhenpeoplecallGabbymysisterandnotmystep-sister?Becausehavingacontinuoushardonfor your sister is full oflines I'd never cross. Ineed bothofus to know there is no blood relationbetweenus, because Iwill fantasizeabouther,evenifI'dneveractonit,everyfuckingnight

MelodyLynntinkles out a laugh, coveringher brightlypainted lips. "Youshould take care of that one, keep her close, beforesomeoneswoopsinandclaimsherfirst"

"I'mnotclaimingGabriella,I'mprotectingher."

Shelaughsagain,asifIamuseher.Beforeshecanreply,myphonepingswithatext,andIpullitout,ignoringherasIread it

Elijah:Garage.Now.

Levi:Busywiththeparty

Heprobablywantstogoforajoyride.Winteriscoming,andsoonourbikeswillbeinthegarageuntilSpring.

Elijah:You’regoingtowanttocometothegarage Theprincesshascreatedamess Fuck.Theprincessiswhatwecall Gabbyintext.Withoutexcusingmyself,IleaveMelodyLynnmidsentenceandstride acrosstheroom,almosttearingthedooroffitshingesasIstalkintothestudyandtakeinthemess.Therugismissing,adark spotinitsplace,andthelampshatteredalloverthefloor

My blood runs cold, and I break into a run. Dark streaks paint the hall in various spots, and I swear. What the fuck happened?Panicspreadsintomychest,stallingmybreath Icometoahaltinthedoorwaytothegarage

GabbystandsdefiantlynexttothePorsche.Herarmscrossedandbloodonherfuckingdress.AmanIdon’trecognizeis nexttoher

Tooclose.

Agrowl rumbles throughme,fillingthe space.All he does is straightenhis shoulders andstepslightlyinfrontofher.A sweetscentofbakedapplepiemixedwithanevensweeterundertoneofbutterscotchthatisslightlyfamiliargrowsbetween us.

Itdoesn’tmatter.

“Stepawayfrommysister.”

“Step-sister,”Gabbycorrectsme Ofcourse,she’sright,shedoesn’tfeel likeasister tome.Notwiththewayshemakesmefeel.LikeI’monthevergeof losingcontrolandfuckingheruntilshelistens Itisonlygrowingworseasthetimegoesby Thisneedisinsatiable,oneIcan’t quenchinthearmsofthegirlsIseekout.

“Canweworryabouttheelephantintheroomforonefuckingsecond?”Elijahasks,tugginghisfingersthroughhishair

Ishiftmygazetomybestfriend,andhenodsattherugIhaven’tnoticed.Ariverofbloodtrailsfromit,andIknowI’mnot goingtolikewhatIfind.Kneelingdown,Iflipupthecorneroftherugtoseethefuckingpolicechief'slifelessface.

“Christ,”Iswear,rubbingmyhandovermyface

Tossingitbackoverhim,Istandandlookatthetwoomegasstaringatme.MygazetracesoverGabby’scurves,lookingfor aninjury Besidesthebloodsmearedonherpinkdressandherfeet,shelooksfine

“Doyouknow how muchthisfucksup?”Iask,myvoicenotbetrayinganyofmyemotions.Idragmyfingersthroughmy hair,thenundothebuttonsonmyblazer Withasigh,Ipullindustrialplasticwrapdownfromashelf “Elijah,helpmewrap him.”

The guy standing next to Gabby shifts on his feet drawing my attention. “Do you even care that he was going to force himselfonyoursister?”

“Step,”bothGabbyandIcorrecthim,andhesnorts.

“Bigdifference”Herollshiseyeswithalaugh

Ignoring his sarcastic quip, I say to Gabby, “It looks like he learned his lesson.” Then I turn my attention back to the strangeranddemand,“Whatthefuckdoyouhavetodowithit?”

“Hehelpedme,”Gabbysays.Hesnorts again.“Youdid.”Sheturnstohimandtoucheshisarm,andwebothfreeze.His attentionsnapstowheresheistouchinghim,andIcan’tpullmyfuckingeyesaway.

Asubtle sense of possessiveness washes over me, not solely toward her, but toward both of them And I know it has somethingtodowithhissweetapplepieperfume.

Ignoringit,Ikneel downtohelpasilentElijahwrapthechief Igruntunder theweightas heshiftshim,andwepull the plastictight.

“Right, well, it looks like youalphas have this handled. I’mgoingto head out.” He steps awayfromher, breakingthe connection and whatever spell they held over me. I’m pretty sure imagining my step-sister and him naked together doing everythingItellthemtodoisanewleveloffuckedup,butIcan’tdenyhowharditmakesme.

Ashebacksaway,ItossalookatElijahwholooksthesameasIfeel,likeatrainhasrunhimover,buthewantsmore

“Seeyouaround,DeLuca,”Elijahsayswithanod.

Theguydisappearsbackintothehouseasthenamehitsmesquareinthechest “DeLuca?”IsayslowlyasIpushthechief over,workingtheplasticwraparoundhimasithitsme.SinclairDeLuca.Ithoughthewasdead.

“Yeah.”Thewholewordisweighted.

“Sinclair?”

IlookupwhenElijahdoesn’tanswer,andhenods,hislipsgoingflatwithasuppressedsmile.

“Ithoughttheytookhimoutwithhisfamily”

“Well,hefeltrealenough,soI’mprettysurehewasn’taghost,”Gabbyreplieswithallthesassshecontainsinhercurvy drive-a-man-to-madnessbody

“Keepyourhandstoyourself,”Iorder.

“He’snotanalpha,”shesayswithasaucygrin.

“No,butIhaveacontractbetweenhisfatherandoursthatsayshebelongstome,andIintendtocollectmyomega”

CHAPTER 4

Gabriella

MY EMOTIONS ARE raw after tonight Ofcourse Levi would have a pre-arranged omega, anythingto make the CarmichaelMafiastronger.Iclosemyselfintomynest,thedarknesswelcomingme,theonlylightintheroomfromathree-foot lavalampinthecorner

He’ddismissedmeshortlyafterdeclaringSinashis.Ifthatwastrue,whydoIfeeldrawntoSinclairDeLuca?Anomega. It’scrazy,butthereissomethingabouthimthatmakesmewanttopullhimintomynestandshareitwithhim.

Share Mynest.

Thatis unheardof Butnow,inmypile ofpillows andblankets,Ican’tstopthinkingabouthim He’s joinedthe rotating naughtythoughtsofElijahandLevi,ifI’mhonest.Mycuriosityforhimburnsthroughmyveins.

IpulloutmyphoneandsearchforSinclairDeLuca.Nothing.Notevenasingleresultforhim,butthereareaslewofhits forDeLuca.IfalldownarabbitholeasIreadanewsarticlethatdetailsthestateofhisparentsandthefamilydog.They’d beenkilledexecutionstyle,handsbehindtheirbacks,andshotinthebackofthehead.Thedogwasshotmultipletimes.Fuck, eventhepoordog Thatisthelowestofthelows Mystomachturns.Didthekillersforcehimtowatch?Ishissisterstillalive?Nowonderhethoughthewasbroken. Levi claiminghimisn’tgoingto go over well withSin Icanfeel it Aselfishpartofme whispers, but then he will be here, with you.Ipushthethoughtsaway.Noonewantstobeinthiscage.Sure,thereareprettytrappingsandthingstodistract butnorealhappiness.

ImagesofSinDeLucateasemeasIdriftasleep,mydreamsfulloferoticfantasiesofthebrokenmanwithmulti-colored eyesthatleavesmeslickwithneedwhenIwake.

Withagroan,Ikickoffmycoversandbreatheintheheavyscentofmyperfume Myscentblockinglotionhadstartedto wearofflastnightwiththestressofeverythingthathadhappened.Butnow,it’scompletelygone.Mywholenestsmellslike desperateneedandunfulfilledlust

AtleastIhaveanensuitebathroomanddon’tneedtoshareitwithLevi.Thislargehousehasitsbenefits.One,itisaway fromthestinkofNew YorkCitystreets.Two,thelandthatsurroundsusfeelslikeourownpersonaloasis.Lastbutnotleast, theflowermazewiththefountaininthemiddleisperfectforlazymorningreading Atleastwhenitiswarm

Aquickshower and another heavyslather of the scent-blockinglotion, and I’mreadyto face the world. And if not the worldthenatleastmystep-brotherandhisbestfriend

The cookLevi letme pickout,Mary, is alreadygone whenIenter the kitchen,butshe’s leftouta fruitplatter and some pastries Ifillaplatewithstrawberries,blueberries,andwatermelonbeforepickingupacinnamonrollandtakingabiteofthe gooeymess.

Imoanmypleasuretotheemptyroomandcrosstothesmalltableinthelittlenookattachedtothekitchen.Ilikeitbetter thanthebigdiningroom

Remembering some milk to wash it down, I head back over to the fridge and pull open the door while taking another blissfulbiteofthecinnamonrollstillinmyhand Humming,Ishutthedoorwithmyhip,thejaroffreshmilkinmyotherhand OnlytocomefacetofacewithElijah.

AshirtlessElijah

Igasp,suckinginalungfullofhisheadymusk.Suddenly,Iwanthotcocoa. HolymotherofGod.Helookslikeafuckingavengingangel,andthemilkalmostslipsfrommyfingers,buthisreflexesare fastashereachesoutforit Azipofawarenesshitsmeasourfingerstouchbriefly I’mlostinhispaleblueeyesasheruns themovermyfaceanddownmybody.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Iblurt Althoughitisn’tentirelyunusualforhimtostaythenight,he’sherealotreally,hejust

startledme.

Hechuckles,thesoundlikeacaressovermybody.“Wetookcareofthechief.Ineededtogetcleanedup.”

Inod Right Thatmakessense MygazeshiftsbehindhimlookingforLevi “Where’sLevi?”Iswallow.

“Why,princess?Areyouafraidofme?”Hisvoicedipslowandhiseyesdarken,makingmystomachfeelfunny Mylipspart.Yes.Completelyafraidofwhatyoumakemefeel.“No,don’tbesilly.”

Hetakesthemilkfullyfromme,breakingthecontactofourfingers,andsetsitonthecounternexttous Thenhecaptures mychinbetweenhisfingers,nothardenoughtohurtbutenoughtograbmyattentionandholdit,hiseyesflashingwithsome kindofemotiondeepwithin.“Maybeyoushouldbe.”

Isuckinanother lungfull ofhis essence as slickgathers betweenmythighs Blinking, Ipull away, and he lets me He glancesattheforgottencinnamonrollI’vecrushedbetweenmyfingers,andIsighasIfollowhisgaze.

Dang Itwastheonlyone

Iturnawayfromhimanddropitintothetrashbin.Myfingerscoatedwiththesugaryicing,Imovetothesink.Turningthe wateron,Itestitwithmyotherhandwaitingforittogetwarm

Elijahfollows,leaningwaytoocloseagainstthecounter,watchingmyeverymove.AndImentallythankthecreatorofthe de-scentinglotionforsavingmefromtheembarrassmenthisnearnesswouldhavecausedwithoutit.

BeforeIcanwashtheicingoff,hesnagsmyhandinhisanddrawsmyfingersuptohismouth Hehesitatesonlyamoment beforethetipofhistonguebrushesmyfinger.AnelectriccurrentripplesthroughmeasIstareathim,mylipspartingwitha shockedbreathashesucksmyindexfingerintohismouth,lickingthesugarfrommyskin Butterfliesbatteragainstmychestas herepeatsthemotion,onefingeratatime,encouragingmystomachtotumbleanddrop.

IswearI’mpantingbythetimehereachesmythumb,myotherhandcurlingaroundthebasinofthesink.Mynipplespebble beneathmythinshirt,andmystomachplummetsagain,sendingshockwaveaftershockwavetomypulsingclit.

Hismouthpopsaroundmythumbashereleasesit,hiseyesglitteringwickedly,andheguidesmyhandbeneaththesteaming water

“Wouldn’twanttowastetheicing,it’sthebestpart,”hemurmurs.Thenhestepsawayasifnothinghashappenedjustas Levistrollsintotheroom,dryinghishairwithatowel

“DidMaryleaveanythingtoeat?”Leviasks,hisvoicemuffledbeneaththetowel.

IshootalookatElijah,andheholdsafingertohislips.

“She leftsome tastypastries out. Theyare reallygood. The ones withthe icingare the best,” Elijahsays as he taps the plate,gesturingtoanotheronethathastheicingcoatingit.“Gabriellaparticularlyenjoysthecinnamonrolls,butsheatethelast one”

Levi’sperceptivegoldengazeflowsbetweenus,buthedoesn’tsayanything.Optingtopickuptheonewithicing.

Hetakesabiteandchews “Youweren’twrong,theicingisamazing Maryhasoutdoneherselfwiththeseones Maybewe shouldgiveheraraise.”

Iswallow,unabletofindmyvoice.

“Yeah,itisfinger-lickinggood”Elijahgrinsoveratme,andIretreattothetable Mycheeksareburning,andIallowmy hairtocurtainmyfacehidingfromthemboth.He'sknockedmeoffmygame,andI'msureheknowsit.

I’mlostinadazeofresiduallustforanalphaIcanneverhaveastheycarryonaconversationbetweenthem Imindlessly chew the sweet fruit that Ihad left onmyplate, and eachtime myfingers touchmylips, Iremember the feel ofhis tongue curvingaroundmyfingertip,orhissinfulmouthsuckingonthem

TheirconversationpullsmeoutofthehazeassoonasmybrothermentionsSin.

“Sinclair won’t have a choice. I have it in writing. It’s binding, by blood.” Levi leans back in his chair and pops a blueberryintohismouth

“Omegasaren’tproperty,”Isay,finallyfindingmyabsentvoice.

Levi laughs “Notnormally Butthis contractis a merger ofsorts, a wayto make us stronger I’mdoinghima favor, his familybusinesshasblownup,andwecanhelphimrebuild.I’mnotgoingtoforcemymarkonhim.Butwewillbepackwith orwithouttheclaimingmark”

“Whatifhesaysno?”Itiltmyheadtotheside,truecuriosityatwhattheywoulddomakingmeask.

“Mysweet,sweetGabriella,youensuredhewouldn’thaveachoicewhenyouropedhimintohelpingyougetridofadead body”

Ipressmylipstogether.Ofcourse.Blackmail.ThelovelanguageofLevi.

“Doyouevenknowwherehelives?”MaybeIcouldwarnhim Elijahhuffsoutalaugh.“No,butIknowwherehefights.”

“Thering.”IknowI’mright.BecauseElijahlikestogointherings,andLevigoestowatch,bringingmealongeachtime. Mypulseraces.Ihaven’tseenSinintheringbefore.

“Yeah.AlittlebirdytoldmeSinclairDeLucahassignedupfornextweekend,andI’llbeintheringwithhim.”

CHAPTER 5

Gabriella

MY FINGERS absentlydrumalongmyleg I insisted onwearingjeans and a creamcashmere sweater It's soft and comforting,boththingsIneedrightnow.Levi,foronce,didn’targueashetiedmymaskontomyface.Adressistypicalforthe fightring,atleastforomegafemales theslinkierthebetter Asifwewerenothingbutarmcandytoshowoff Butnottonight Tonight,I'monedgeforacompletelydifferentreason.

Thelightsbluroutsidethecarwindows,thecitystreetsalivewithpeoplethislateatnight.Thefeelofeyesonmehasme pullingmygazefromthepassingscenerytoElijahwhodecidedtoridewithusinsteadofhisbike Hewatchesmesilentlywith thesameheatthat'sbeeninthedepthsofhiseyessincethemorningaftertheparty.Itrynottosquirmunderneathhisattention, buteverypartofmewantsto

ItunnervesmethatElijahnolongerseemsunaffectedbyme,almostasifsomethingshiftedbetweenus.Itsendsabuzzing throughmyveinseverytimeoureyesmeetandlock.IfLevinotices,heignoresit,whichgivesmealittlethrillofitsown.

I'mnotonetobackdown,soIcasuallystretchmylegsout,assertingmyfakedominanceinthebackofourcarwithnotone buttwoalphas.Levi,feelingmyconfidentenergy,arches aneyebrow andlets his gazedriftdowntomylegs,settlingonmy feet OnthebootsIwasn'tsupposedtowear Smirking,Igivemyboot-cladfeetaplayfullittlewiggle Hescowlsandtapsmy footwithhisown.

“Begoodtonight,”hesays,givingmeapointedstare Elijahgrins.“Cheerforme,princess,nottheomega.”

Ileisurelyletmygazeroamfromthetipsofhisshoes,travelingall thewayuptotheunrulymopofplatinumhair onhis head. Witha mischievous grin, Itaunthim, "Youwin, and maybe, justmaybe, you'll hear mycheers. Butremember, Idon't wastemycheersonlosers."

“Youthinkheisgoingtoloseagainstanomega?”

Igiveanonchalantshrug.I’mnotcountingSinout.Hedidn'tsignupforthisfightbecausehe'sweak;there'safirewithin him, a reasonhe's gettinginthe ring, readyto prove himself And if he is brokenlike he says, he has nothingto lose and everythingtogainbywinningagainstoneofthebestfighters.

“Don’tworry,Iwon’thurthimtoobadly.”

Isnortalaughbutdon’tsayanythingelse

THE LARGE WAREHOUSE looks abandoned fromthe outside as we arrive. Ifitwasn’tfor all the expensive cars no one would blinkaneye.Levislidesoutofthecarbeforeofferinghishandtomelikeheactuallycares.Ieyehishandlikeit’sasnakeand climboutwithouttouchinghim

He glowers atme as Elijahcomes around the car to joinus. Bothofthemwaituntil Istartwalkingtoward the entrance before falling in behind me like two bodyguards I startle as Levi’s hand lands on my lower back, and he leans close to whisperintomyear.Hiswarmbreathsendsshiversdownmyspineasitbrushesagainstmyear.

Aplayful smirkonhislips,hetaunts,"Stayclose,Gabriella.Wewouldn'twantyoutoaccidentallyalerttheomega,now wouldwe?"

Mybloodrunscoldashiswordssinkin,remindingmethathe'salwaysonestepahead.Heknowsmyplan,myintentionto slipawayandtipoffSin Elijahstridesup,closinginonmyotherside.Hisfingersconfidentlycoilaroundmyupperarm,andtogether,theyleadme towardthebackroom It'sadizzyingsensation,beingsandwichedbetweenthem,theirtouchesignitingawhirlwindinmymind

It'snotjustthatLeviisn'tbehavinglikeapossessivealphainfrontofhisfriend,butheactuallyappearscomfortablewiththe attentionhe'sallowingmetoreceive.

Iwetmylipsasweenteradressingroom,andLevipressesmeintotheonlychair,aknee-highstool Elijahliftshisshirt upandoverhisleanandtonedbodywithonepracticedmove.Hisabsrippleashetossesthelightshirttotheside.Thenhis fingersgotothebuttononhisjeans,andIsqueak

Heliftshisicycleargazetomeanddeliberatelyflicksthebuttonopen,watchingmyreactionashelowersthezipper.I’m caught WhatrealitydidIwakeupin?OnewhereLevitouchesandteasesme,andElijahtauntsmewiththingsIcan’thave? I’mnotsureI’mbreathing.

Elijahhooks his thumbs intohis jeans,andjustas he is abouttotugthemdownover his hips,Levi steps infrontofhim breakingmeoutofthespellhe’dputmeunder

“Seesomethinginteresting,sister?”herumbles,andIcanfeelitinmychest.

MylipspartasIflickmygazeuptomystep-brother’sdarkstare “Step ”

Hechucklesashegripsmychinlooselyandholdsmyattention.“Iwillneverforgetthatfact,Gabriella.Keepyoureyeson mebeforeyouseesomethingyoushouldn’t”

“Protectingmefromyourfriend?”Iwhisper.Histouchissendingmespiraling.Itisgentle,andthewayheisrubbinghis thumbovermyjawlinehasmypulseracing.“Whoisgoingtoprotectmefromyou?”

Idon’tmeantosaythewords,buttheyareoutandbetweenus,andIcan’ttakethemback Hiseyesdarkenashelowershis chin,stillwatchingmeintently.Thenhisthumbswipesslowlyovermylowerlip,draggingmylipsapartasmytonguedartsout totastehim

His rumandlimescentspikes betweenus andexplodes over mytastebuds as hegroans.“MaybeI’mtheonethatneeds protectionfromyou.”

Icouldgetdrunkoffofhim.

Therearelines.Imaginaryoneswe’vebothtoedandnevercrossed.Still,Itastehimagainasheswipeshisthumbovermy lowerlip,pausingasmytonguedartsout Hisfingerstightenonmychin Andwhenhegroansagain,Ifeelpowerful

Asharpknockonthedoorhashimdroppinghishandandsteppingawayfromme.“Fightringisopen.”

I lift myeyes to Elijah, who definitelywitnessed all of what just happened And likes it His pupils blew wide as he watchedus.

Standingup,Ibrushoffmyjeans,pretendinglikeI’vegottendirtonthem,justsoIdon’thavetolookateitheroneofthem. Then,Elijahisinchesaway,tiltingmyfaceuptohis,ashisotherhandwrapsaroundthebackofmyneck,andhepullsmeto him.

“Ineedakissforluck,princess,”hemurmurs,hiseyesdartingtomylips

His mouthcrashes into mine. Fast. Hard. Onthe edge ofviolence. Inip his lower lip whichonlymakes himmoanand deepenthekiss,takingwhathewantswithdeterminedswipesofhistongueandnibblesofhisteeth Fireandhotcocoafillmy senses,andIwhimperashedrawsmeagainsthisbody,myhandslandingonhischest.

Whenhe pulls back, he grins downatme, and Ishake myhead to clear itwhenhe releases me. Holyshit. Myheartis beatingsofastthatI’mprettysureI’monthevergeofaheartattack Andslickissoakingthroughmypanties Ifitweren'tfor myblockersIwouldbefillingthespacewithmyperfume.

Levi’swarmhandlandsonmyback,pullingmeoutofthehazeElijahleftmein,again “Didyoulikethat?”Leviasks,hisbreathghostingovertheshellofmyear.

“Whatwasthat?”

Awarmchuckleflowsfromhim.“Iknowyou’reinnocent,Gabriella,butI’vealsowatchedthewayyoulookathim.You knowwhatakissis,andyouwantedonefromhim.”

Iwetmylips tastingElijahonthem,his scentclingingtomyshirtas ifhe’s markedme Infact,Levi’s muskis mixedin withhis.MystomachtumblesasathoughtcrushesanyhopeIhadthatthisisreal.Iknowwhatitisandnoneofitisforme.

“Allofthis?”Igestureattheroom “It’sagame,isn’tit?TomakesureIsmelllikebothofyou DoyouthinkSinwillbe morewillingifitsmellslikeyou’vemarkedanotheromega?”

“WhatI’mofferingtonightisapartnership He’llbemyomega,whichwillextendtoElijahaspartofmypack Butwhat justhappenedinthisroom…ithasnothingtodowithhim.”

Realitysettlesovermecompletely,erasingthemomentanddousinganyresiduallustIhad.Hemightsayithasnothingto dowithSin,butIknowthatpacksonlyhaveoneomega Sothatwouldleavemeasaplaything?He’sprotectedmethislongto usemehimself?Iswallowbackmydisappointment.EvenknowingI’lllethimifhedoes.Godhelpme,I’mnotstrongenough toresistLeviorElijah

ButI’mgoingtogiveitmybestshot.Itistimeformetofindmypack,andIcanonlydothatifI’mnotunderhisthumband watchfuleye.Iknowthereareclubsinthecityforthatsortofthing.Someofthemostinfluentialalphasfrequentthemlooking fortheirmate.

Levimaynotknowityet,butI’mnotanomegahecanplaywith.Atleastnotforever.

“FIGHT RING IS OPEN,”theringmanageryellsthroughthethickwood ButmyeyesarepinnedonGabby Asif I’deverlookanywhereelseanytimesheisinaroom.

Levi is barelyholdinghimselfbackafter thatdisplaybyher And I’mrightthere withhimsince he gave me the okayto pursueherlastnight.Idon’thavetherestrainthedoes.Ineverhave.

Makingasplitdecision,Istepclosetoher,threadingmyfingersthroughherhairandtiltingherchinupwithmythumb,I look into her green eyes Her cheeks are flush with desire that makes her more beautiful than normal and that is saying somethingbecausethisgirlhasbeenthemoonandstarsintheskyformeforyears.

“Ineedakissforluck,princess”

Beforeshecanresist,Ikissher,myrestraintsnappingcompletelyasourlipstouch.Butterscotch,sweetandalmostnutty, explodesonmytongue,andImoanasherteethsinkintomylipasapunishmentforkissingher.ButI’mnotdoneyet.Ineed more.Icoulddevourherrighthere.Fuck.Isthatherscent?Sheblocksit,butIcantasteitonher.

Iexplore her mouthandsuckonher tongue,attemptingtocementher sweettaste inmymemory.Levi needs togetridof thosescentblockersbecauseIcouldliveoffofher

Alowneedywhimpercomesfromher,andIpullhercloser,feelingthesoftcashmereofhersweateragainstmybarechest, asherfingerscurlintomyskin Idon’twanttoleavethisroom,notuntilshe’smine ButIreleaseher,asmilealreadyonmy faceasIlookdownatherdazedexpression.Asfarasfirstkissesgo,thisoneishotandleftmecravingmore.

ShelookslikeIfeel,andIstepback,watchingasherlipspart,andhercheeksdarkenwithablush.Aftersharingalook withLevi,IleavethembothtoheadfortheringbeforeIdosomethingstupidandruintheplanfortonight. Later.

Enteringthe ring, Ibounce onthe balls ofmyfeetas the crowd outside the metal fence cheers loudly Iplaywiththem, eggingthemonasIcirclethecage.Iliveforthis.Thecrazychaosthatfightingbrings.

Thereisanaddedenergytonight,andI’msureithastodowithfinallykissingthegirlI’vebeenobsessedwithforyears Notthatshe ever knew. Watchingher is anobsessionfor me, one I’ve tried to breakyears ago, butit’s onlybecome more intensetheoldershe’sgotten.WhenLevi firstfoundouthe’dbeenpissedandmademepromisenottoactonanyofit.He’d brokenthecamerasanddestroyedmylaptop

Thenslowly,hecamearound.Theonlyplaceofflimitsishernestandpersonalbathroom.Everyotherroomandhallwayin thathousehascameras Somesheisawareof,othersnotsomuch

Now,allbetsareoff,andIcan’twaittoexploreeverythingwithher.

Sinsteps into the ring, yankingme backto the present He eyes me, and Icrackmyknuckles I’mnotthe kind to hitan omega,itgoesagainsteveryprotectiveinstinctIhave,buthesignedupforthis.Thatmeanshecanfight.

The ringmaster has us face eachother inthe middle ofthe ringas he takes his mic and goes over the rules ofthe ring. I knowthembyheart;I’vebeeninthisplacesomanytimes

Knockoutequalsawin.Downfortenseconds,anotherwin.Twentyminuteswithneither,anditisadraw.

Fiveroundsoffourminuteseach,withaminutebreakinbetween

Immediate disqualificationif there is anygougingof the eyes, groinstrikes, strikes to the backof the head, biting, hair pulling,andstrikingthethroatorspine

Sin raises an eyebrow as the ringmaster finishes his speech. His dual color eyes glitter with excitement beneath the highlightsofthering.Andatthatmoment,IunderstandhimbetterthanIunderstandLevi.

“I’vegotasurpriseforyou,omega,”Itaunt,bouncingonmyfeetwithcontainedexcitementforwhatistocome Hegrins.“Youcan’tfight?”

Ireturnhisgrinwithasmirk “Notlikely Theonlyonetoeverbeatmeinthisringisn’tfightingtonight”

Hehuffsoutalaugh.“Whoisthat?Iwanttobeatthebest.”

“Dean‘Saint’St.Cloud.”

Heflashesstraightwhiteteethatme “Oh,thenyoumightbeintrouble,becausehetaughtmeallofhismoves”

Thebelldings,andSinisonmelikeahurricane.Myheadsnapsback,andagrowlrumblesfrommychestasIshakeout myheadandcirclehim He’sfast MyfistsconnectwithemptyaireachtimeIattempttohithim Itmakesmesloppy Exposing myside,helandsahardhitthatknockstheairfrommylungs.

Ihitthechainlinkfence,butdon'tgodown Assoonasmybackfeelsthemetal,GabriellacheersoutforSin,andIseered Idon’tcarethathe’sanomega,becausehe’scaughttheattentionofmine.

My fist finally connects with his stomach, and he comes up laughing. “Is that the worst you have? I expect more from someonethathasbeateveryonebutSaint”

Another omegacheers for him,andInarrow mygazeontheauburn-hairedbeautystandinginthecircleofAustinZade’s arms,Saintrightnexttoher Howdoesheknowthem?DoesLeviknowofhisconnectiontotheZadeempire?

Itdistractsme,andhegetsinanotherhit,splittingmylip.BeforeIcanreturnthefavor,thebellrings,markingtheendofthe firstround IwatchasSingoestothechainswhereSaintis,narrowingmygazeasSaintleansforwardandgesturesatdifferent areasofhisbody.ThefuckeristellingSinmyweaknesses.

Imove towhere GabbyandLevi are standing.Briefly,Gabriellalooks atme before her gaze slides tothe omega onthe othersideofthering

“HowthefuckdoesheknowZadeandSaint?”Isay.

Levi eyes them, glancingat Gabbyand backat Saint Jealousyshines inthe depths of his darkeyes, and I know he is rememberingthetimehisstep-sisterusedSainttopisshimoffataparty.

She flirted withthe alpha like she wanted himto claimher. Butitwas all show because as soonas Levi pulled her ass away,shelaughedinhis face.Itis theonlyreasonSaintis still alive,neither oneofthemmeantanythingbytheflirting.But now,anotheromegathatLeviconsidershisistalkingtotheman.

Itisalmostcomical Exceptfor thefactIknow Sinwill comebackwithtipsonmyopenings Andthereisnothingfunny aboutthat.

Toosoonthebellringsannouncingthenextroundisgettingclosetostarting Imeethiminthecenteroftheringandtouch myknucklestohis.Heswipeshistongueacrosshislowerlip,andIcanseehisappeal.Heobviouslytriestohidehisomega sidebeneathatrimmedbeardandafewpiercings,buthisscentisstillseepingintome,makingmeawareofhiminotherways. Huh.Strange.

Gabbyisitforme.Mysuninthedarkness.

Whilewemaintainacautiousdistance,circlingoneanotherinatensedance,Ican'thelpbutacknowledgetheundeniable truth:myattractiontotheviolentomegaisasrealasitgets.Nousedenyingit.Lyingtomyselfwouldn’thelpmewinthisfight. Hesnapshisfistout,connectingwithmysideagain Thefuckerbrokearibthattime,andIhissinpainasIleanintohisfist andtwisttosnagaholdofhisarm.Hiswristinmygrip,Iyankhimcloseandswipehisfeetoutfrombeneathhim,thenIfollow himdown.

OurbodiespresstogetherasIpinhimtothemat Ifeelhimthen,hishardlengthpressingagainstmyhip Asoftmoanfalls fromhislipsasIsettleallofmyweightonhim,andmybodyreactsinawayitonlydoesforGabby.

“Violencedoesitforyou,omega?”Iwhisperagainsttheshellofhisear

Hedoesn’tanswer,insteadhethrustshishipsupintomine,causingmyeyestorollintothebackofmyheadashepushes meoffofhim

Iroll to mybackand springto myfeetas he backs away. Myeyes travel downhis bodyto the obvious, to me atleast, shadowed outline ofhis hard cock. He mightbe turned on, butitdoesn’tslow his punishinghits, and bytime the bell rings again,IslumpagainstthechainsnearLevi,takingadrinkofwaterbeforepouringhalfthebottleovermyface

“He’shard,”Isay,glancingatmyfriend.

“He’skickingyourass,stopgoingeasyonhim Ifheisintheringhecantakeit” ExceptI’mnotgoingeasyonhim.He’sjustgood.

“Levi,”Isayslowly,becauseheobviouslymissedwhatIwas saying “Heis hard Heis gettingoffonfighting Andhis fuckingapplepieperfumeisdistractingashell.”

Gabbystills,andIonlynotice because Isee everythingshe does evenifI’mnotlookingdirectlyather.Mywords have somekindofimpactonher,andifIdidn’thavethirtysecondsbeforethethirdround,Iwouldexplorethat Shedoesn’tlookat me,halfofherfaceiscoveredwiththemask,butherlipsareinatightthinlineasshecrossesherarms.

“Wishmeluck,Gabriella?”Isay,steppinginfrontofher Hereyesflash,andsherollsherperfectlipsbetweenherteeth.

“Noonecouldreplaceyou,Gabriella.Nowwishmeluck.”Iduckmyheadandtrytocapturehergaze.Sheblinksslowly before she lifts her brows in a silent challenge I answer immediately. I snake my hand through the large chain link fence betweenusandcupthebackofherneck,pullinghercloser.“Wishmeluck,”Idemand,myvoicedarkandthreatening.

Sheshivers,hereyesdroppingtomylips,beforeIpullherallthewayandpressmymouthagainsthersthroughthebarrier. Ican’tkissherthewayIwant,butwhenIpullawayandmybloodisonherlowerlip,thealphainmeissatisfied.Irelease her,andshetoucheshermouthtentativelywithherfingers “Tellme.”

CHAPTER 7

Gabriella

“WHAT

THE FUCK IS HE DOING?”

Leviswears,notforthefirsttimesincethefightbegan I’vebecomefamiliarwiththefightclubovertheyears,andSinhasskill.Thefluidwayhemovesanduseshisbodytohis advantagetododgehitsislikedancing Icanbarelypullmyeyesfromhim,he’smesmerizing Thescarsonhisfleshstandout paleagainsthistannedskin,anditmakesmewonderwhatcausedthem.

BetweenElijahandSin,Idon’tknow whotowatch.IcringeasSinlandsaharshblow toElijah’sside,makinghisface contortwithpainasheleansintohimandsweepshisfeetfrombeneathhim Hot.

I’mhot

ItistheonlyexplanationfortheneedtofanmyselfasElijahpressesSinintothemat.Slickgathersbetweenmythighs.Shit, thisisnotareactionIhavewhilehere;well that’saliebecausewatchingElijahfightisalwaysarousing.Butthis…thisis erotic.Twoincrediblyhot,sweatymenpressingchesttochest,Ididn’tknowitwasafantasyuntilnow.

Sin, still determined not to be tapped out, arches into Elijah, and I swear I try not to imagine them without clothes, wrestlingonabed

“Areyouokay?”Leviasks,concerndarkeninghiseyes.

IblinkrapidlyandnodlikeabobbleheadasIswallow “I’mfine”

“Uh-huh,”hesays,whileeverythinginhistonesayshedoesn’tbelievemypoorexcuseofaresponse.

WhenthebellringsandSingoestothesamealphasandomegaasbefore,anunexplainedjealousypiercesme.Itisn’tlikeI expecthimtocomeovertous,no,butthatiswhatIwant.

IignoreLeviashechidesElijah,butmyattentioncatchesonElijah’snextwords.

“Levi,” he says slowly as if Levi isn’t listening “He is hard He is getting off on fighting And his fucking apple pie perfumeisdistractingashell.”

Mywholebodystills Sinisfeelingit,too Mynipplesgohard,andIcrossmyarmsoverthem,hidingtheevidenceasI pressmylipsintoatightline.Bloodisracingthroughmyveins,andIfeelslightlylightheaded.

WhydoIwanttoseethat?Sinisanomega,andElijahisanalphaIhavealwayswanted.Buttogether,eventhethoughtofit lightsmeup Iamcompletelyobjectifyingbothofthem,andIknowit Ijustdon’tcare “Wishme luck, Gabriella?” Elijah’s voice is low and demanding. Awhine wants to rise up and do exactlywhat he is commandingofme,butIrollmylipsbetweenmyteethtoholditin Fuck,thethingshedoestomewithouttrying “Noonecouldreplaceyou,Gabriella.Nowwishmeluck.”

Heduckshisheadattemptingtofindmyeyes Willhebeabletoreadthedesireinthem?Iblinkslowlybeforequirkingmy browinasilentchallenge.Asoftgaspburstsfrommylipsashesnakeshislargehandthroughthefencebetweenusandgrabs thebackofmyneck,draggingmeagainstthecoolmetal.

“Wishmeluck,”hesays,alldarkalphathatmakesmewanttomeltintoapuddleinfrontofhim

Ashivertakesovermybody,andIinstinctivelylookathismouth hislipissplit,andthereisbloodvisible,butIdon’t care Iwantthatviolenceheisonlyholdingbackbyathread Hedoesn’tmakemewait,hismouthfusingtomine,thetasteof hiscopperybloodonmytonguesomehowmakesthetasteofhimhotter.Truedanger.Fireandblood.Withabitofsweetand spicyhotcocoa

Toosoon,hepullsback,asatisfiedgrinonhisbloodymouthashisfingersleavemyhair,andhestepsaway.Myfingers press againstmylips,savoringthekiss.Thatis kiss number twothatLevi hasn’tlosthis mindover.Mystomachflips;what doesitmean?Elijah'spaleeyesglitterunderthelightsashewatchesme

“Tellme,”hedemands.Hisfingerslooselyholdthechainsbetweenus.

Iswipemytongueovermylipandalmostgroan Elijah TheytastelikepureElijah

“Goodluck,”Ibreatheoutinapuffofair,unabletodoanythingbutwhathewants. Hislipsliftintoacat-that-caught-the-canarygrin.AndIcan’thelpbuttoreturnit.Heturnsandstridesdeterminedlyback to the center, meeting Sin there I step forward, my fingers curling over the metal as I watch them Taunting words are exchangedthatIcan’thear,butSinisenjoyinghimself,thatmuchisclear.

Maybe he likes the darkness as muchas Ido Either way, Iwould find outas soonas Levi enacted the contract Omega contractsdidn’thappenmuchthesedays,buteversooften,familieswouldarrangematchesfortheiromegasandbindthemtoa packoftheirchoice Itislegallybinding,andIhaveafeelingSinisgoingtolosehismind IknowIwould Levi’spalmsettlesonmylowerbackashemovesnexttome.Evenheistouchingmemore.Butterflieshavealreadymade themselvesbraindeadinmystomachover thelastfew daysbecauseofit,buttherearestill afew intherethatstartflapping theirwingsassoonasthewarmthofhishandsinksthroughmysweater

“DoyoulikewatchingElijahfight?”heasksdirectlyintomyear.

“Ofcourse,heisagoodfighter,”Isay,slightlylookingathimfromthecornerofmyeye Becauselookingdirectlyathim feelsdangerous.

Hechuckles,andgoosebumpsracedownmyspineaswarmthsettlesinmybelly “Imean,doestheomegainyoulikeit?”

Iflushknowinghismeaning.Asbarbaricasthefightringcouldbe,thereissomethingaboutseeinganalphafightandwin thatspeakstotheomegainmethatwantstobeprotected.Havingproofthatmyalphaisthestrongestsendsathrillthroughme andhashadmegoinghometorelievetheachethatsettlesbetweenmylegsonmanynights

“It’sokay,youcanadmitit,”hesays,hisbreathflowingovertheshell ofmyear again.He’sclose.IfIturnmyheadour lipswouldtouch

“What game are you playing, Levi?” I say, throwing up the only barrier I have left between us. Because all of this is becomingtoomuchlikeoneofmyfantasies.

He brushes myhair behind myshoulder, baringthe side ofmyneckfor him. His fingers softlyglide over myskinas he does.Hedropsasoftkisstomyexposedpulsepoint,earningawhinefromme.

Icannotfocusonthefightplayingoutinfrontofmewithhishandonmybackandhistouchonmyneck Hedropshishand onmylowerback,anditflowsoverthecurveofmyassbeforewrappingaroundmywaistandpullingmeinfrontofhim.

“Game?Gabriella,youknowmewellenoughtoknowIdon’tplaygames,”hereplies,andIswearIcanfeelhimthrough hisslacks,pressingagainstme.

ItcouldbeatrickofmyimaginationsoIholdstill.Themindhasawayofconjuringthingsthataren’trealifyouwantthem badenough.AndIknowLevi,he’sright,andhedoesn'tplay games.Heexcelsatthem.I’vejustneverbeentheobjectofanyof thembefore,anditissendingmeoff-kilter.

Ifmystep-brotherwantsmequestioningeverything,he’saccomplishedthattonight Andforwhatifheisclaiminganother omega?SureI’mattractedtoSin,butitwon’tmatter,notifSinisn’tinterestedatleast.

Mythoughtsbecomefuzzy,andItrytopayattentiontothefight,butitisalosingbattlewiththecrowdcheeringaroundme andLevicagingmeinagainstthefence.Allofmyattentionisonmybodyandmyphysicalreactiontohavinghimcloseenough toabsorbhisheat.

As the nextround ends withouta winner, Itryto focus onthe fight I’ve never witnessed Elijahgoingthis longwithout takingouthisopponent.TheonlyoneheeverlosttoisSaint,andthatmanisabeastinthecage,ensuringthathefeelsallthe painbeforehefinallytakesthewin

ButtogofourroundswithanomegasaysalotaboutSin’sskill.Andeveryoneinthecrowdknowsit.Betsarebeingmade, andIwouldguessalotofmoneycouldbemadeinthisnextroundiftheomegawins IalmostwanttotellElijahtolosesoI canwatchthecrowdgowild.Thechaoticenergywouldbeavisiontosee.

“Youhaven’tbeencheeringforme,Gabriella,”Elijahsaysashestepsinfrontofme. Hisvoicetakesonthatdistincttone,andheuttersmyfullname,Gabriella,likeacaress Iabsolutelyadoreitwhenhedoes that.Thewayhesaysit,likeasensuousembrace,itsendsshiversdownmyspine.Hereservesthatspecialversionofmyname forwhenhe'sinfull-blownalphamode

Atothertimes,it'splayfulandsweet,withnameslikeGabby,princess,orlittleomega.Butwhenit'sGabriella,everyhair onmyarmstandsonend,readytosalutehiscommandingpresence

“Youhaven’tbeenwinning,Elijah,”Ichallengewithaliftofmybrow.

“IfyoucheerformeIwill,”hesays.

“Fuck,Gabby,cheerforhimsoIdon’tloseashittonofmoney,”Levisays,pressingintomeandmakingmefullyawareof whatIsuspectedearlier,heisrockhard.

AnybloodinmyheadfledthesecondhemadesureIknew,andIcan’tformwords,soInod

AslowsmilecurvesElijah’sbustedlipashiseyesdartbetweenus,asifonlynowrealizingLevihasmepressedagainst thechains,pinnedinplacewithhisbody.Heusesittohisadvantageashesnakeshishandthroughthefenceagainandtangles intomyhairashecupsthebackofmyneck.Histhumbpressesagainstmyneckasherubsitoverthesensitiveflesh.

“Tonight,Gabriella,”hesays,adarkpromiseinthewords.“OnlyifIwin.”

Mylipspartonabreath.IshepromisingwhatIthinkhe’spromising?HaveIwokenupinanalternatereality?

I DIDN'T FIND OUT.

The fight is a draw. And part ofme wanted to cheer for Sinmakingit that long, provinghe is as strongas Elijah. The omegasthatusuallyfoughtlostquickly;theyneverusedtheiruniqueabilitiestotheirbenefitthewaySindid.

Levi'smoodsours,clearlydispleasedafterlosinghisbetonElijah.Theplayfulbanter,orwhateveritiswehavegoingon, abruptlyfizzlesout,leavingmefeelingstrangelyexposedandvulnerable EvenElijahabandonsthefacadehewasputtingon Ifdisappointmentcouldtakehumanform,itwouldbeme theliving,breathingembodimentofitall.

Whenhesendsmehomewiththedriver,Idon’tresist Becausewhowantstobeusedasaplaything? Notme.

AnnoyancesurgesthroughmethecloserIgettoourhome.Ourhome.Whatajoke.Itismyprison.TheprettycageI’mkept in,untilmystep-brotherdecideshewantstoplaywithme.

IpushopenthedoorbeforeRileycancomearoundtoopenitandthenstalkinsidethroughthegarage.Mygazecatcheson LeviandElijah’sbikes,andImakethedecisionbeforethinkingitthrough Ipulloutmyswitchbladeandsliceeachtire They willlearnnottoplaywithmyemotions.Theyloveriding.

Itischildishandstupidtodoit,butIdon’tcare Iftheycanhurtme,Icandothesameback,evenifitisn’tonthesame level.ThenIstormthroughthehousetomynest,lockingthedeadboltbehindme.Thesweetdarknessisalwayswelcomed,and Ishedmyclothesthatsmelllikebothofthemandheadtomyshower.

Completelyclean,Iclimbintomymoundofpillowsandblankets,draggingmysweaterwithme Ishovemynoseintoitas IinhaletherumandlimeofLeviandthefireandspicycocoaofElijah,eachonemakingmymouthwaterandmytummyflip. Andmybutterscotchblooms,fillingtheroomandmixingwiththeirmusksinawayIabsolutelylove Itfeelslikehome,except thistimeIhaveanewcravingforwarmapplepie.

Heprobablywenthomewiththatpack,AustinZade’s,unlessLevicaughthim Andifthatisthecase,allhellbrokeloose, andI’mnottheretowatch.

SAINT CLAPS

meontheshoulderassoonasIexitthering Histouchdoesn’tpissmeofflikemostalphas,butthat probablyhassomethingtodowithhowhappyhemakesmysister.

“Youdidgood,”hesays

Rollingmyeyes,Iscoff,“Ididn’twin.”

Felix,anotheroneofmysister'smates,laughs.“ButyouwerefightingElijahGray.HehasonlylosttoSaint.Everyonein thisplacehadyoulosinginthefirstround Youprobablypissedabunchofpeopleoffwithhowmuchmoneytheylost” Agrinworks its wayacross mylips atthe idea ofalphas losingmoneybecause theyunderestimated me. No one should everunderestimatemeagain,becauseI’mnotthesameomegaIwasbeforebeingtorturedwithinaninchofmylifeandwaking upwithouttheabilitytocreatelife.Mysmileslipsforasecondbeforeit’sback;I’mnotgoingtothinkaboutthatrightnow.

Elijah.Ididn’texpectthewaymybodyrespondedtohisfireandchocolatescent.Heisanalpha.I’mnotattractedtothem. Butwithhim,assoonashismuskhitme,Iwashard Ishakemyheadtoclear itofthememoryofhimpressedagainstme. Still,theideathattwopeoplewithinaweekhavetemptedmeisinsane.

“Wasthisbetterthanwhateveryoudoatthatclub?”Audreyasksasweentermydressingroom

Shelookshopeful,andIknow shehatestheclubandwhatshethinkshappensthere.AsifI’musedforsexorsomething. Granted,Iprobablydidcomehomesmellingofit,theclubisforthatpurpose,andIhaveteasedherenoughtimeswithmyfake adventures.WhentrulyIhaveonlygonetoprotecttheomegasthatworkedtheclubfromalphasthatarealittletoohandson withoutpermission.Ismileoverather,reachingouttoruffleherhairinthewaythatshehates.

Sheducksawaywithalaugh.“Sin!”

“Itwas a milliontimes better. Fights atthe club usuallyinvolved beer bottles and more pain. Butthe waythe girls can movetheirbodies,”Isayandwigglemyeyebrowsather

Sherollshereyesandgrinsmischievously.“Youknow,justtheothernight,Felix,Saint,andIwereplayinganotherround ofourfavoritegame Stripscrabbleand ” Iclapmypalmsovermyears.“Nope.Thatisenough.”

Ihumoutloudwithmyearscovereduntilherlipsstopmoving,andshedevolvesintolaughter.Herguysarewatchingher adoringly I’mgladshe’shappy Evenknowingthatwillneverbemylife,thefactmytwingetsitismorethanenoughformeto becontentwith.

Asharp knocksounds onthe door garneringour attention Saintquirks aneyebrow atme, and Ishrug I'mnotexpecting anyone.

Notrightnow

Although,apartofmeiscuriousifElijahhascometoconfrontmehereinmyhalf-assdressingroom.Punishmefor not lettinghimtakethewin.Orforbeingattractedtohim.BecauseIcan'tignorethefactthathismuskismorethanIcouldhandle. Alphasaren'tsupposedtohavethatpullformeanymore,buthereweare

Withoutanyofusopeningthedoor,LeviCarmichaelbargesin,ElijahGrayrightbehindhim.Myheartratespikes,andmy sister'spackblockstheirpath Austinstandingtaller,Saintcrackinghisknuckles,andFelixcockinghisheadtothesideasifhe iswitnessinganoddity.

"Outofmyway,"Levibarksashiseyeslandonme "Excuseme?"Austin'stoneisdangerous,fillingthespacewithaquietthreat. Leviseemstorealizewhoheisattemptingtobossaround,andhestraightens,buthedoesn'tbackdown. Instead,hepullsanenvelopeoutofaninteriorpocketandsnatchesaletterfromtheinside,beforeflippingitopenlikea fuckingscroll."Theomegabelongstome."

"Mybrotherdoesn'tbelongtoanyone,"Audreysnaps,steppinginfrontofherguys

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