And I was so silly to think it wouldn’t be.
While it’s true that I was educated by some of the best instructors in the country—groomed for events like this—nothing could have prepared me for thesharpness in these smiles, or the way their eyes cut over me. It feels like they’re measuring something. My worth, maybe. My breeding?
It makes me want to run all the way back home and hide in our bed. I want to wrap myself in Rhett’s comforter and soak up his rich, masculine scent—hazelnut and chocolate. Raw and sweet at the same time.
I want to burrow into the hollow I’ve carved in the center of his mattress, where the sheets are always tangled just right and where the light comes through the window soft and golden in the late afternoon.
I want to feel the worn cotton against my skin, nuzzle into my favorite pillow until all the sharp edges inside me go quiet.
But I can’t. I’m stuck here, in this packed ballroom, surrounded by strangers. Big, scary, looming strangers.
As my nerves begin to spiral, Rhett’s hand circles gently around my wrist. His touch is steady and warm, pulling me instantly back to the present. His thumb strokes once, slow and deliberate, and my jaw naturally unclenches.
“You’re doing great,” Rhett whispers, before releasing me to shake hands with the next random alpha.
Looking up at the sexy, silver-haired alpha, I admire him, wondering how I got so lucky.
I still can’t believe that Oli thinks Rhett could be violent with one of us. So silly.
Oli clearly doesn’t know him very well, despite them being old family friends. That is what Myrick said, right?
But Oli is wrong. Rhett is calm and measured. Sure, he’s protective, but he’s never even raised his voice at me, let alone a hand.
Yeah. Oli has no idea what he’s talking about.
“Hey, Rick?” Charlie leans toward the beta the second there’s a lull in the conversation. “When are they going toserve dinner?” His tone is laced with nerves. “My stomach is doing cartwheels.” He pats his belly.
“Yeah.” Oli frowns. “I’m afraid I’ll forget which fork goes with what.”
Myrick chuckles softly, the sound warm and unbothered. He pats Oli’s arm in reassurance, fingers briefly squeezing the muscle of his bicep. “Soon,” he says, scanning the crowded room. “They won’t let this mob of half-drunk heathens go hungry for long.”
Oli nods, but his posture doesn’t fully relax, especially when he looks at Charlie. The dark-haired beta looks tense, rubbing his stomach in slow, soft circles.
“Are you okay?” I reach for Charlie’s hand. He nods, despite his clammy hands. “You look pale,” I say.
“I’m good,” Charlie whispers, cutting a quick glance at Rhett and then Myrick. It’s clear he doesn’t want either one of them to overhear.
“Do you need me to get you anything?” Oli asks. “Bread? Or water? Or…” he shrugs like he’s not sure what else might help.
Charlie smiles as he releases my hand. “I promise. I’m fine. I’m just hot.” He pulls at his collar. “This jacket is heavy.”
“Can he take it off?” Oli asks Myrick for permission, but I already know the answer.
“It wouldn't look great,” Myrick grimaces. “How about we step outside?” He slips his hand up Charlie’s arm. “Get you some fresh air?”
“Oh no,” Charlie quickly holds up his hand. “I’m good. I promise.”
“It looks like there’s a door over there,” Oli points. Charlie and I both turn to look, but we’re too short to see anything other than the backs of everyone around us.
“Have you met my pack?” Rhett’s overly professional voice makes us snap to, and we quickly abandon our exit plan as he turns to us.
I smile, ready to greet yet another alpha. But this one looks somewhat familiar. His trim gray beard and piercing green eyes remind me of someone…but I can't place who.
“You, of course, know Myrick,” Rhett goes through all of us, introducing Oli and Charlie, then at last me. “And this is our omega, Autry.”
The older alpha puffs out his chest as he looks me over. His gaze lingers on my chest before nodding like he likes what he sees. “Congratulations, Rhett.” His voice is big and booming. “She’s stunning.” He pats Rhett on the back, talking about me like I’m not standing right here. “Where did you get her?”
“She’s a graduate of Waverly Hall,” Rhett says, beaming with pride.
