I don’t need to ask Eileen for clarification because I instantly know who she’s talking about. The group of women radiates power and poise, obvious even without their stature, pointed ears, and distinct scents. They’re female alphas.
The colors of their hair and eyes span the rainbow. Each wears an outfit that perfectly matches their figure and demeanor, ranging from an artfully rumpled suit on a green-eyed butch with a brown wolf-cut to a stunning crystal-encrusted bodycon dress on a pink-eyed hyper-femme whose perfectly curled and cascading rose gold hair gives some serious Jessica Rabbit vibes.
Amongst the rest of the group of six are some familiar faces, though my short-circuiting brain blanks on their names. I recognize the one with striking blue eyes from a movie poster, the one with fiery orange hair from a news specialon professional rugby players, and the red-eyed one from the home page of my music streaming app. They’re like…majorcelebrities.
Even as they laugh and chat, wine glasses light in their clawed hands, they emit an aura of primal danger. I keep my eyes moving, wary of catching their attention, and scan the rest of the party-goers who seem dim by comparison.
“Who’s everyone else?” I ask.
“Business associates. Investors. Contacts.Boring.”
“I don’t think you should let them hear you say that,” I laugh.
“Exactly. That’s why you’re here. So I have someone to complain to.”
“Do you get along with Mor’s friends?”
“Yeees…” Eileen says tentatively. “But one Morgan is enough.Sixis… whew.”
“Morgan really lives here?” This massive penthouse seems larger than life. Then again, so does Morgan.
“Yeah. When she doesn’t want to commute. She also has a house outside the city. Well, a mansion, really.”
“That must be nice,” I mutter.
“Itis.” Eileen sighs dreamily. “I think we’re doing the company Christmas party there again this year, but I keep telling Morgan we should do a summer party too. The pool isinsane. There’s aslide. And Burberry had the cutest swimwear this year—” Eileen stops short, her eyes flicking briefly behind me. “You know what, hold that thought. Ireallyhave to pee.”
Then she’s gone, deep into the sea of guests before I can say anything.
I turn to where she’d glanced, and my gut turns inside out.
It’s Morgan.
She wears a wide-leg color-block suit that’s all black onone side, all white on the other, hanging open to reveal a diamond-studded silver corset underneath. Her hair sweeps up in a sleek high ponytail, showing off the point of her ears and the diamond ear cuffs that match her corset.
Her hands are in her pockets, but she’s tense.
“Jamie,” she says flatly. “What are you doing here?”
My cheeks are on fire. I think I’m about to have a panic attack. “IswearI got an invitation.”
Oh god, how pathetic do I look right now? Crashing her birthday party? Wait, how did she not know?
Morgan lets out a sigh, and some of the tension dissolves. “Eileen.”
“S-she must have just forgot to mention. I can go, though—I’ll go.” I turn and try not to run.
“Wait.” Her voice is still flat, controlled.
I turn, unsure whether it’s omega-me or human-me that can’t disobey.
“Stay.” The word is quiet. The mask wavers, and I see something in Morgan’s eyes.
I manage a slight nod. “O-okay.”
We stand there awkwardly.
“Great party,” I force out.
