“What does that mean, exactly?”
Luka clears his throat. “There are some men in the world that we, and our allies, will need to be taken out discreetly and quietly. Our goal is to train a team of omega assassins posing as escorts, dancers, or call girls. Though, even if you are not interested in any of those options—dancing, sex work, or the actual killing—we can always use more waitresses. The pay would be impressive, and we are opening an omega-only apartment complex across the street. Part of your pay would include room and board, and we would provide full benefits. Heat leave, psychological services, dental…”
Illya jumps in. “No matter what position you’re in, we always have top of the line security guards, and we have a stringent screening process for who is allowed into the clubs. You would never be forced to do anything you do not wish to do, your comfort comes first.”
“The decision is yours,” I state, looking around the room and meeting everyone’s eyes. “If you choose to go with them, you’ll have my number. If someone makes you uncomfortable or you have a single suspicion, you call me.”
“Our offer will always remain open,” Illya gives a gentle smile, “even if you decide to not join us right now, if you find yourself in need of a job later down the line—”
Luka cuts in, “Days, weeks, months, or even years.”
Illya continues, “We will still hire you.”
The expressions on the girls’ faces become a little more open at that.
Nina frowns. “But…we’re not really omegas anymore. No scent…or anything. The only way they’d be able to verify our omega status is a…pelvic exam or something.” Her nose scrunches with distaste—and I don’t blame her.
Illya shrugs. “All of our workers are on scent-blockers. If we sign off that you’re omegas to the complex, they will let you live there.”
Their heads turn to me as I speak. “They will be headin’ home after we take down Thornfield once and for all. If you want to go with them, you’ll stay on their compound until the apartment complex is ready.”
The omega nestled into Helaena’s side sniffles. “Do…do you want us to leave?”
Illya grimaces. “Sorry. No children allowed.”
She frowns. “I’m eighteen.”
Luka shrugs. “Sorry, sweetheart. If you’re still a teenager, it’s a no-go.”
“Where will I go then?” Her voice is shaky.
“Nobody is kickin’ you out,” I shake my head quickly, “you’re welcome to stay here as long as you want. I doubt you want to spend forever here, it gets borin’ as hell if you don’t have anythin’ to occupy yourself with, but if you find you want to stay, I’m sure we can find somethin’ for you to do.”
“I’m in.” Nina stands, looking around the room. “For all of it. As long as the men we’re killing are scumbags, I don’t have any problem with it.”
“They are,” Illya says darkly. “We never kill innocent men.”
“Then I’ll do it.” Nina crosses her arms, tilting her chin. “I’ll join your little omega-assassin project.”
“Me too.” Another omega stands.
“And me.” Another.
“I can be a waitress,” Gemma stands, twiddling her thumbs. “I worked at a diner before…before I was taken.”
My brows raise when I realize that everyone besides Mabel and the omega under Helaena’s arm have said that they’ll go with them. “That was…” a small laugh of disbelief leaves me. “Y’all really want to go?”
“Should we not?” Nina asks, propping her hand on her hip. “You’re the one who said you trust them.”
“I do,” I shake my head, “I’m just surprised at the amount of interest, that’s all.”
One of the omegas raises her hand. “Um, Mr. Vasiliev? If we don’t want to kill people, can you still teach us how to defend ourselves?”
The twins exchange a look. “Definitely,” Illya states confidently. “We were debating putting a gym in the bottom of the complex, so it looks like that decision has been made for us.”
“I’m goin’ too.” My eyes go wide when I see Mabel standing from her seat.
My blood runs cold.
