“Waverly Hall?” The alpha’s eyes go wide. “I’ve heard they’re a little rough on their omegas.” He leans in, and I fight the urge to back up. “Is that true?”
‘Oh, no, Sir.” I force a polite smile, trying to figure out what else I can say about a place I’ve never been. “They’re just strict. But rules and boundaries help omegas learn and grow so that we’ll fit in much faster within the confines of a pack.” They used to say that at Beechworth, and I’m sure Waverly Hall would agree.
“That’s so true.” The alpha looks at me like I’ve dropped some true wisdom. “You picked a good one, Rhett.” He smacks Rhett’s arm again.
“I couldn’t agree more.” My stiff alpha beams, but I can see the tension in his shoulders. He doesn’t like this guy any more than I do.
“Donall!”
I jerk at the familiar voice.
“Donall!” Mr. Jannis pushes up into our little circle, a glass of wine in one hand and his cell phone in the other. “Have you been to the bar yet?” His cheeks are very rosy, and his upper body sways as he leans in. He’s definitely had too much to drink. “We have Veils on tap,” he says to the bearded alpha.
“I haven’t been there yet,” Donall says. “I was planning on making my way over after I chatted up Sesto’s pack.”
“Sesto?” Mr. Jannis squints at Rhett’s face like he’s struggling to place him. Myrick and I share a worried look, but thankfully the older alpha lets out a hum of realization. “Rhett!” Jannis slaps Rhett on the upper arm, and Rhett’s fists curl tight. “I’m so glad you came. And you brought the whole pack.” His eyes narrow, looking at each one of us, before finally landing on Oli. “What’s your name again, boy?”
“This is Oliver,” Rhett jumps in, answering for the young alpha. He holds his hand out, moving like he’s not sure if he should touch Oli or not. In the end, he decides to pat Oli’s upper arm. The motion is stiff but I doubt anyone else notices.
“Oliver?” Mr. Jannis stares at Oli so intensely I check to make sure there’s not something written on his face. But he looks the same as always—Handsome, sexy, and stoic. “What is it you do, again?”
“I stay at home with our mates,” Oli says, giving the answers he and Charlie prepared in the car. “Rhett is so committed to the company,” he smiles at Rhett right on cue, “we wanted to make sure our omega was well taken care of in his absence.”
Charlie beams up at Oli as he slips his hand around the young alpha’s arm. This was also planned. Little touchesand glances make the pack look more real. I’m thankful Charlie doesn’t mind playing the part.
I’d volunteer to touch the sexy alpha, too—if I didn’t think it would send Rhett into a complete nuclear meltdown.
“That’s smart to have the young one stay at home,” Mr. Jannis says to Rhett. “Omegas are emotional and unpredictable before being mated. Those bites really settle them.” He cuts a firm look at the collar wrapped around my neck. “She’ll look lovely with a deep scar, right here.” Mr. Jannis extends a single finger, reaching for my covered throat.
Fear grips me as he comes in closer, but right before he can touch me, Rhett pulls me behind him, shielding me from the alpha.
“We’re all looking forward to having our pack finalized.” Rhett gives Jannis and Donall an overly polite smile, but his big body is rigid. Protective and safe. “How about we head over to the bar and get you that drink?” he says to Donall.
Jannis lets out a pleased chuckle, then opens his mouth, but before he can speak, the gentle chime of a bell rings out through the ballroom, telling everyone that dinner is ready to be served.
“Come on,” Myrick says softly, already reaching for Charlie’s hand. “Let's get something in you to settle those nerves.”
Charlie gives a jittery laugh and nods, letting himself be led toward the dining room.
“Wait one second, omega,” Rhett’s tone is low but firm—making it clear that everyone else can leave.
But Oli lingers.
His eyes flicker to Rhett, then to me, hesitation written all over his face. The alpha’s jaw clenches slightly, and he shifts his weight like he’s not sure what to do.
“You can go,” Rhett says to Oli.
But the young alpha doesn't move right away. He looks at me again, longer this time—his brows drawn together with something that looks a lot like worry. Not for himself. Forme.
Something tight curls in my chest, and I have to fight the urge to reach for Oli and ask if he’s okay.
“Oliver,” Rhett barks, and Oli’s dark eyes snap to the pack alpha’s face. “Go,” he mouths the single word.
Oli nods and walks away slowly, but his head turns back twice before he vanishes into the sea of evening wear and murmured conversations.
Rhett still hasn’t moved.
He waits until everyone else disappears behind a velvet-draped doorway before he finally turns to me. His expression instantly shifts, his stern mask falling away, replaced with deep worry. “Jannis didn’t touch you, did he?” His hand cups my cheek, tilting my face gently so he can see me better, like he’s checking for damage.
