“Everything’s in order,” the nurse says, then she turns to me. I tear my eyes away from Charlie in time to catch her bowing politely to Rhett before she disappears back into the tent.
That’s it. I’m claimed.
I look up at my new pack alpha, loving the way he smiles down at me. But then a sudden rush of fear overtakes me, and my palms begin to sweat. I’ve never been with an alpha before. In fact, almost all my past lovers were omegas at the academy. The only male I’ve ever laid with was an omega, and even then, we only saw each other a few times during our heats.
Will it hurt?
Will I bleed?
“Autry? Are you okay?” Rhett’s voice is low and gentle as he reaches for my hand. My instinct is to jerk back, but I force myself to stay put.
This is your new pack alpha. Act like it.
“I’m just nervous,” I admit.
Soft worry lines his brow. “That’s understandable.” He slips his big hand around my waist, pulling me a little closer.His other hand spreads flat against the small of my back. I’m not sure what to do with my hands, so I end up resting them on his firm chest. “You’re safe,” he whispers in a soft, rumbling purr. “No one will ever hurt you again.”
The tension in my chest melts a little at his words. I nod, even as my heart keeps racing. Then his gaze drops to the front of my dress and his expression shifts—his brows pull together, his jaw tightening in quiet anger.
“They didn’t give you anything proper to wear?” he growls, voice low and sharp.
Before I can answer, Rhett swiftly pops the buttons of his dark blue dress shirt, then pulls it off in one swift motion. His thin undershirt clings to his body, showing off the impressive curve of his pecs.
“Put this on.”
I hold out my arms immediately, letting him put the shirt on me. It’s still warm from his body and is soaked in his delicious chocolate hazelnut scent.
“Thank you.” I pull the sleeves over my hands, then sniff them.So good.
“Shall we?” Rhett says, glancing at Charlie.
Charlie steps up beside me, and my heart squeezes. I want to reach for his hand and show him how grateful I am that he’s here too, but I reach for Rhett’s arm instead. I don’t know how hard it was for Charlie to convince Rhett to let him join his pack. I don’t want to rock the boat if he took some convincing.
“We’ve got a long drive,” Rhett tells me. “Then a flight. Have you ever been on a plane?”
I shake my head, and my nerves shift into something more exciting. “No. Never.” I curl my fingers around Rhett’s forearm. His dark eyes flicker to the motion, and he stands a little taller.
A mixture of alphas pass us as we walk away from the market. Some look happy, escorting their new omegas out of the market, a few look disappointed, but most look angry. I press a little closer to Rhett, grateful to have the strength of the alpha at my side.
My alpha.
“After you,” Rhett says, opening the passenger side door of a sleek black SUV.
I slip in, caressing the smooth black leather seat with my fingertips. It’s so soft. Almost buttery.
“Lean back, beautiful,” Rhett says, and my cheeks flush at the nickname. He reaches across me, buckling me in. He lingers at my side, his face so close to mine. “Let me know if you need anything.” Then his gaze drops to my mouth, and my body thrums. “So pretty,” he whispers as he reaches up, caressing the edge of my jaw. It’s the gentlest touch—just enough to make my thighs clench with anticipation. Everything in me is buzzing.
I should probably say something. Maybe thank him for claiming me, or taking a chance on Charlie, but I’m too stunned by his wonderful, intoxicating aroma. So instead, I stare at his tempting mouth.
The door behind him slams shut, and Rhett pulls away. I fight the urge to frown, and I wait until he closes my door, then I turn and smile widely at Charlie.
Only it’s not Charlie.
A dark-haired alpha is sitting in the backseat, legs spread, arms relaxed like he owns the air around him.
“Who…” I gasp at the strange, dark-haired alpha sitting in the backseat. “Where’s Charlie?” I spin, looking all around the car. I finally spot him standing at the back of the SUV. Rhett is speaking softly with the beta, both of them oblivious to this strange man sitting in the car with me. “Charlie?” I try to yell, but my voice is stuck in my throat.
“It’s okay, omega.” The dark-haired alpha slumps down in his seat, then glances out his window as if bored. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
